Recent Stories

Politics

April 24, 2020

Bernstine Announces State Funding for Learning Enhancements

ELLWOOD CITY – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced that three school districts in the 10th District have been selected to receive a Continuity of Education and Equity Grant (CEEG) for the 2019-20 academic year. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative we don’t lose sight of how important it is for us to deliver the best possible education to every child,” said Bernstine. “This funding will help schools purchase equipment, so teachers can better connect with students ready to learn.” Those receiving grants locally are: • New Brighton Area School District – $76,000. • New Castle Area School District –…

April 21, 2020

Council’s Closing ‘Visitor Comment’ Portion to be President’s Prerogative

Ellwood City Council votes to leave closing “visitor comment” portion up to the Council President. All members of council except for Councilman James Barry, voted to adopt an ordinance to amend the council ordinance already in place as it relates to organization, order of business, conducting a meeting, and committees. The focus was centered on the “visitor comment” portion, which comes right before the adjournment of a council meeting. Visitors currently are able to speak before council’s formal motions and votes as well as immediately before adjournment after council completes business. The “visitor comment” portion of monthly council meetings was…

April 21, 2020

Ellwood City Borough Council Votes to ‘Disapprove’ Councilwoman’s Facebook Comment

Ellwood City Borough Council voted on Monday to officially “disapprove” of a Facebook comment that was posted by Councilwoman Lisa Guerrera more than a month ago. Council including Guerrera herself voted unanimously to disapprove of the comment. There was no discussion regarding the topic during Monday’s meeting. Some residents have called for Guerrera to step down from her council seat, a move Guerrera isn’t willing to make. Council does not have the authority to unseat her, nor were they asking her to step down. The vote was just a declaration of disapproval, according to Council President, George Celli. During the…

April 20, 2020

Borough of Ellwood City Announces April Remote Meeting Info/Agenda

The Ellwood City Borough Council has announced their agenda for their April council meeting. The meeting is scheduled for 6:00pm tonight, Monday, April 20, with remote access. The council meeting calls for approval of minutes and vouchers, as well as several motions in parks & recreation, and a motion in Administration/Personnel. The council meeting will be done remotely by way of conference call in similar fashion to the meeting held in March. Borough council and visitors can call a conference number to be a part of the meeting, held as if they were sitting in the Council Chambers. The phone…

April 14, 2020

Ellwood City Borough Council Addresses Councilwoman’s Facebook Comment

Ellwood City Borough Council could vote on Monday to officially “disapprove” of a Facebook comment that was posted by Councilwoman Lisa Guerrera more than a month ago. During Monday’s Council Agenda meeting Guerrera said it was a completely inappropriate comment that she regrets making. The post appeared mid-April on a personal Facebook page of a former Ellwood City resident and was shared hundreds of times throughout the county. The comment said, “Best thing that could happen would be both of them getting it and dying, along with the rest of the elected officials of the Democratic party.” The comment was…

March 25, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE: Special Borough Council Meeting Date Announced

According to information made available this afternoon, the Borough of Ellwood City has announced a date for a special council meeting for this Friday, March 27, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. The council meeting will be done remotely, with Council conducting the special meeting by conference call. The purpose of this special meeting is to extend the Mayor’s Proclamation of the State of Emergency for Ellwood City. Borough council and visitors can call a conference number to be a part of the meeting, held as if they were sitting in the Council Chambers. The phone number for this special remote meeting…

March 20, 2020

Bernstine Temporarily Halts In-Person Visits to EC Office, Cancels March Event

ELLWOOD CITY – To protect the health and safety of the community and office staff, Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced his Ellwood City office will be temporarily closed to walk-in visitors. In addition, his “Coffee with Aaron” event scheduled for Friday, March 27, has been canceled in observance of social distancing practices. “Since day one of taking office, my staff and I have made it a top priority to be extremely responsive and helpful to 10th District residents,” said Bernstine. “The health and safety of our community is just as important. We are absolutely committed to continuing high-quality and…

March 18, 2020

Borough Officials Address Coronavirus

With 96 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in the state of Pennsylvania as of March17, 2020—one announced in Beaver County—Ellwood City residents were taking to Facebook to suggest use of the Ellwood City Medical Center (ECMC) as an option for treatment and testing. During Monday night’s Borough Council Meeting, Ellwood City Mayor Anthony Court said he has received numerous calls this week asking if the ECMC will be a post for virus testing and treatment. Court said that scenario is not a possibility. “We don’t own the hospital,” he said. Court said that in order for that to happen, a trustee…

March 4, 2020

Bernstine, Longo and Toomey to Host Vietnam Veterans Event

HARRISBURG – Local veterans of the Vietnam War-era will be honored by the offices of state Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence), U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Slippery Rock Mayor Jondavid Longo during a recognition ceremony at Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Hall, located at 162 Elm St. on Thursday, March 26, at 10 a.m. “The bravery shown in Southeast Asia is unsurpassed in American history,” said Bernstine. “This ceremony provides me and the community the opportunity to thank them for their efforts and commitment in defending America.” The event will include a ceremonial pinning and citation presentation. Living United States veterans…

February 27, 2020

Bernstine Announces State Funding for School Safety Enhancements at Area School Districts

ELLWOOD CITY – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced the School Safety and Security Committee has awarded $53.7 million in School Safety and Security Grants to school districts, vocational schools, intermediate units and charter schools across the state. The 17-member committee within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency was created as part of Act 44 of 2018, a comprehensive school safety law passed in 2018. One of its duties is to help distribute both meritorious and competitive grants. “As parents and as a community, our first priority is the safety of our children,” said Bernstine. “I’m pleased we are…