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February 16, 2026

Bernstine Announces State Grants for Fire, EMS Services in Butler, Lawrence Counties

BUTLER/LAWRENCE COUNTIES – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) today announced fire and emergency response organizations throughout the 8th Legislative District have been awarded nearly $244,000 in grants from the state. “Our volunteer fire departments and EMS providers are essential to keeping our communities safe,” said Bernstine. “These grants will help ensure first responders in Butler and Lawrence counties have the equipment, training and resources they need to continue protecting our families and neighborhoods. This will deliver real results at the local level by strengthening emergency response capabilities without raising taxes on hardworking families.” The funding comes from an ongoing grant program…

February 9, 2026

Bernstine to Host Ellwood City Town Hall Meeting

ELLWOOD CITY – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) will host a town hall meeting for Lawrence County residents on Wednesday, February 11th from 6-7:30 p.m., at the Wurtemburg-Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department, located at 425 Portersville Road in Ellwood City. The town hall will give residents the opportunity to participate in an open forum on local and statewide issues. Bernstine will share an update on legislative activity in Harrisburg and discuss how current proposals and policies may impact individuals, families and communities throughout the 8th Legislative District. “Town halls are one of the most important ways I stay connected to the…

February 4, 2026

Republicans React To Governor Shapiro’s Budget Proposal

Bernstine Slams Shapiro’s Out-of-Control Spending, Warns Families Will Pay the Price HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) issued the following statement regarding Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed $53.26 billion budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, a 5.4% increase over last year: “The governor’s budget is out of touch and out of control. He wants to spend billions more than we take in, and he’s relying on new taxes and one-time revenue to cover the difference. On top of that, he plans to raid the Rainy Day Fund, the savings set aside to protect Pennsylvania during tough times, to pay for ongoing…

January 26, 2026

Borough Of Ellwood City Advertising For New Borough Manager

The Borough of Ellwood City is set to advertise for the employment of a new borough manager. Borough Council voted on January 5th to not renew the contract for Kevin Swogger. The full job description as made available by the borough is as follows: Position Overview: The Borough of Ellwood City located northwest of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and spans in both Lawrence and Beaver Counties, is seeking a professional, forward thinking, and organized Borough Manager to serve as our Chief Administrative Officer. This is a full-time exempt role, responsible for the day-to-day operations of the borough, ensuring that municipal services are…

January 20, 2026

Ellwood City Borough Council to Advertise for New Borough Manager

Ellwood City Borough Council voted during Tuesday evening’s regular meeting to advertise for employment of a new borough manager. The move comes after Council voted 4-3 on January 5, during a reorganizational meeting, to not renew the contract for Kevin Swogger. Councilwoman Jan Williams was joined by Councilmen Caleb Cragle, Brad Ovial, and Joseph Mancini in voting to not renew. Swogger joined the borough as manager in 2023. (Council voted to hire him in November of 2022). Ovial, president of council, said. “The majority of council decided to go in a different direction.” He said they are working to put…

January 9, 2026

Bernstine to Run for Re-Election to PA House of Representatives in 2026

NEW GALILEE — Citing the growing threat posed by the radical left agenda being pushed by Democrats in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Governor Josh Shapiro, State Representative Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) today announced he is running for re-election in 2026, seeking another term representing the 8th Legislative District. “With Democrats and Governor Shapiro doubling down on policies that undermine our freedoms, weaken public safety, and make life more expensive for working families, now is not the time to send timid lawmakers to Harrisburg,” Bernstine said. “We need proven conservative fighters who are willing to stand in the line of…

December 19, 2025

Local State Lawmakers Announce $4.6 Million in State Funding for 22 Beaver County Projects

Darlington Township, Franklin Township and North Sewickley Township were among those awarded over $4.6 million in state grant funding focused on improving municipal infrastructure and public safety according to Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) and Reps. Roman Kozak (R-14), Josh Kail (R-15) and Robert Matzie (D-16). The funding was administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority. Darlington Township will look to receive two new police vehicles, Franklin Township will acquire 392 acres of the Hereford Manor Lakes property ensuring the cherished property remains a protected green space for future generations to enjoy, and North Sewickley Township will replace the flat roof…

December 12, 2025

Bernstine, Brown Announce Grant for Lawrence County Historical Society

LAWRENCE COUNTY – Reps. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) and Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) today announced the Lawrence County Historical Society has been awarded a $9,000 grant to support the preservation, care and maintenance of the county’s historically significant records and artifacts. “The Lawrence County Historical Society is a vital guardian of our community’s past, and this grant helps ensure its irreplaceable records and artifacts remain protected,” said Bernstine. “I’m proud to support funding that preserves our shared history and keeps it accessible for future generations.” “Our historical societies play an essential role in educating the public and strengthening our sense of place,” said…

December 9, 2025

Borough Manager Completes The Certified Borough Officials Program

Ellwood City’s Borough Manager, Kevin Swogger, recently completed The Certified Borough Officials Program. I feel the training and courses I have completed help me to be a better leader/manager for the community and the Borough,” Swogger said. “The classes range from on-line to in classroom and cover a wide range of areas such as administrative, management, planning, zoning, and code enforcement to name a few. It also includes Annual Conferences and Newly Elected Municipal Officials (NEMO) Boot Camp.” The Certified Borough Officials (CBO) designation is a voluntary, educational achievement program for borough officials. It is designed to promote continuing education for…

December 5, 2025

ECASD Board of Directors Reorganizes, Welcomes Newcomer, Announces Meeting 2026 Dates

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors held its election of officers for 2026 during Thursday’s combined meeting. The meeting began with swearing in re-elected and newly elected board members including: Norman Boots, Claire Fauzey, Kathy Galbreath, Nick Mancini, and Kathy Tillia. Galbreath will serve as board president for 2026. She was nominated by Boots and received votes from Boots, Director Kevin Boariu, Tillia, and Mancini. Board President for 2025, Jennifer Tomon, was also nominated by Director Jean Biehls and received votes from Biehls, Director Erica Gray, and Fauzey. Boots will serve as board vice president for 2026….