Politics

Bernstine Co-Sponsors Bill to Save Pennsylvania’s Event Industry

HARRISBURG – With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting countless individuals and industries across the Commonwealth, Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced that he is co-sponsoring legislation introduced by Rep. Matt Dowling (R-Fayette/Somerset) to help companies in the event industry from being forced to close and allow them to operate safely at 50% capacity. “Companies that plan and organize a wide range of events are vital for Pennsylvania’s economy and employ thousands of Pennsylvanians, so our support is essential,” said Bernstine, noting that most are small businesses that patronize other local small businesses. “Under Gov. Tom Wolf’s new restrictions, event venues that…


Borough Council Accepts Coronavirus Funding

Ellwood City Borough Council voted to accept $80,052.28 in Coronavirus Relief Monies during its Regular meeting on Monday. The funding comes with numerous restrictions for use of which the county and borough officials are researching. “There are tons of restrictions,” said Borough Manager David Allen. Some needs, according to Allen, the funds could be used for include Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and assistance for local first responders who were unable to work because of the virus. Mayor Anthony Court’s Report The mayor thanked Council for hiring police officers. He said there was a great need due to understaffing. “It’s a…


Local Water/Sewer Projects Receive $3 Million in State Funding

Several major infrastructure improvement projects in the 47th Senatorial District were awarded a total of $3,040,918 in state funding by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) today (August 17), according to Senator Elder Vogel. “These grants represent a significant investment by the state in the development and rehabilitation of water and sewer systems serving communities across my Senate district,” Senator Vogel said. “These are essential projects that will upgrade these systems, expand service and improve the quality of life in those communities. These grants will help defray the costs of the projects and reduce the burden that otherwise would have fallen…


EC Borough Council to Meet Tonight

The Ellwood City Borough Council will hold its meeting tonight at 6 p.m. in the auditorium of the Borough Building. The meeting has accommodations to be awarded as well as resolutions and other business. The borough will look to adopt a resolution to approve the Coronavirus Relief Fund Recipient Agreement from Lawrence County. Council will also discuss a proposal for an annual clean-up program and field requests. A public hearing and special council meeting are also scheduled for August 24th to discuss zoning on Mt. Vernon Drive. To view the agenda, Click Here.


Bernstine Announces $1.1 Million in Funding for Beaver, Lawrence, Butler Counties

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced the awarding of nearly $1.1 million to Beaver, Lawrence and Butler counties, which was made available through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Program (PHARE) to help with homelessness and household modifications and safety challenges. “This funding will help especially with those individuals and families who have limited financial means,” said Bernstine. “Rehabilitating existing properties to meet current market demands is an excellent way to invest our resources for homeless prevention and household projects. I am grateful to see projects in our area have been chosen to receive funding and look…


American Legion Post 157 Passes Resolution

The American Legion Post passed a resolution focused on protests by kneeling during the playing of the National Anthem and other protests of social conditions in the United States.  The resolution reads as follows: Whereas certain groups have chosen to protest social conditions in the United States of America by taking a knee during the playing of our National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, prior to the beginning of sporting events: Whereas we recognize the right to peacefully protest under the Constitution of the United States: Whereas, we, nonetheless, view this particular form of protest as disrespectful, divisive, and counterproductive to…


Mayor Urges Community to Slow Down; Council Hires Part-Time Officer

During Monday’s Borough Council Meeting, Mayor Anthony Court had one message for the community: Slow down and obey traffic signs. Court warned that if he continues to receive complaints about speeding and other traffic violations, police will setup points of surveillance and tickets will be issued. “Gotta slow down,” Court said. “It’s that simple.” He said numerous complaints have been made about violations on Sunset Boulevard and Perry Street as well as other areas in the borough. In other news, council decided to reject bids for the 2020 Paving Program. Borough Manager David Allen said bids came in 30 percent…


Ellwood City Borough Council to Meet Monday

Ellwood City Borough Council will hold its regular monthly meeting on Monday at 6 p.m. in the auditorium of the building. The following is the meeting agenda: 4:30pm – EXECUTIVE SESSION (Police Contract Negotiations) 5:45pm – 2019 Audit presentation (Mark Turnley, CPA) AGENDA/MOTION SHEET I. OPENING EXERCISES: A) Call to Order B) Roll Call C) Invocation – Norina Owens, Women of Faith International D) Pledge of Allegiance E) Visitors F) Communications II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting 6/17/20 A motion would be in order to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held 6/17/20, as submitted. III. APPROVAL OF VOUCHERS:…


Grant Announced To Turn Stonecrest Golf Course Into Business Park

State Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) announced this week the Commonwealth Financing Authority awarded a $2 million Business in Our Sites grant and a $3 million Business in Our Sites loan for the development of what will become the former Stonecrest Golf Course into the Stonecrest Business Park located in New Beaver Borough. The Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation (LCEDC), in cooperation with Stonecrest Business Park (SBP), plans to develop the former golf course into the Stonecrest Business Park. The site consisting of 213 acres, 110 acres of which is developable, is accessible to Interstate 79 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike and…


Applications Now Accepted for Beginning Farmer Tax Credits

Applications are now being accepted for a tax credit program intended to support Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry by helping new farmers get established, according to Senator Elder Vogel, who authored the legislation that created the initiative. The Beginning Farmer Tax Credit Program created by Senator Vogel’s measure, Senate Bill 478 (Act 65 of 2019), provides an incentive to landowners who lease or sell their land, buildings and equipment to beginning farmers. Landowners will receive a one-time personal income tax credit for the sale or a multi-year lease of property. The legislation requires all leases be enforced through written agreements and that…