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September 25, 2024

Bernstine to Host Concealed Carry Seminar in Butler County

BUTLER – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) is continuing his commitment to educating law-abiding gun owners about Pennsylvania’s firearms laws by hosting a Concealed Carry Seminar on Wednesday, Oct. 9, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Penn Township Municipal Building. “As a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, I know the right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental freedom guaranteed by both the Pennsylvania and United States constitutions,” said Bernstine. “It’s important for responsible gun owners to be informed about our state’s laws so they can exercise their rights safely and legally.” The seminar will feature Butler County District Attorney Richard…

September 16, 2024

Columbia Gas Official Announces Meter Move Out Program at Borough Council Meeting

The Ellwood City Borough Council welcomed visitors from Columbia Gas who were in attendance to announce the Meter Move Out Program. Columbia Gas implemented the Meter Move Out Program to comply with a requirement from The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to locate all gas meters and regulators outside and above ground. Learn more about the program here. Carla Parkes, senior public affairs specialist with Columbia Gas, said the program will impact commercial and residential properties within Ellwood City. Parkes said residents in the borough will start to receive letters from Columbia Gas alerting them to the program. Council President Brad…

September 2, 2024

Vogel Announces September Food Drive During Hunger Action Month

HARRISBURG – Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) will be holding a food drive throughout September in honor of Hunger Action Month in Pennsylvania and across the nation. Vogel’s Rochester and Cranberry Township district offices will be accepting unexpired, non-perishable food items Sept. 3 – 30. At end of the month, food items will be donated to a local food bank. The district offices are located at 488 Adams Street in Rochester and 8001 Rowan Road, Suite 205 in Cranberry Township. Vogel serves as the co-chair of the legislative Hunger Caucus, which seeks to raise awareness for hunger across the state,…

August 30, 2024

Bernstine Introduces Legislation to Secure PA’s Election Process

HARRISBURG – With the presidential election approaching in November and Pennsylvania again in the national spotlight as a critical swing state, Rep. Aaron Bernstine (Butler/Lawrence) is introducing a legislative package aimed at enhancing the transparency and security of Pennsylvania’s election process. “Even four years after the administrative failures of the 2020 General Election, Pennsylvania has not taken the necessary steps to reform or improve our election laws comprehensively,” said Bernstine. “The world is watching us, and it is imperative that Pennsylvanians – and voters across the nation – have confidence in the accuracy and integrity of our election process. This package…

August 20, 2024

Borough Manager: Ellwood City to Host Innovative Readiness Training (IRT)

Ellwood City Borough Manager Kevin Swogger announced during Monday night’s regular meeting of the Ellwood City Borough Council that Ellwood City will be the home of Innovative Readiness Training (IRT). IRT is a Department of Defense (DoD) military training opportunity, exclusive to the United States and its territories, that delivers joint training opportunities to increase deployment readiness. Simultaneously, IRT provides key services (health care, construction, transportation, and cybersecurity) with lasting benefits for communities. Ellwood City has been earmarked to receive FREE medical services for the community. Swogger said the service is 100% free to the community with no strings attached…

August 20, 2024

Bernstine, Mustello to Host Telephone Town Hall Meeting Sept. 5

BUTLER – Reps. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) and Marci Mustello (R-Butler) are teaming up to host a telephone town hall meeting on Thursday, Sept. 5, at 7 p.m. to engage with constituents and discuss the latest developments from Harrisburg and the local community. “I want to know what’s on your mind,” said Bernstine. “That’s why I’m hosting this telephone town hall meeting, and I hope you will participate. Whether you have questions or simply want to listen in, this is a great opportunity to stay informed and share your thoughts.” “Utilizing technology in this manner to connect with constituents makes this a…

August 8, 2024

ECASD’s Board of Directors Approve Traffic Study at Site of Proposed Softball Field

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors approved a traffic study of the Ewing Park Property where a softball field is proposed to be built during Thursday’s regular meeting. The study will be conducted by Gateway Engineers, at a cost not to exceed $4,000. All directors except for Norman Boots, Kathy Galbreath, and Kevin Boariu voted in favor of the study, and Director Claire Fauzey was absent from the meeting. Galbreath asked if the study is necessary at this time, and Superintendent Dr. Wesley Shipley said that the zoning board will require the study so doing it now…

July 15, 2024

Council Approves Change Order for Wampum Avenue Pump Station Project; Recognizes Councilman Jim Barry for Years of Service

Ellwood City Borough Council voted to approve a $35,820 change order for the Wampum Avenue Pump Station Project during the July 15 meeting. The change stems from unforeseen field conditions. Tyler Watts, project manager, from Greenman-Pedersen, Inc., the engineer firm overseeing the project, said the cost could not be detected prior to a field inspection which is required for any contractor. “There are five laterals that need to be tied into the system,” she said. The amount will be paid from the PennVest contingency. Borough Manager Kevin Swogger said the project is 67% completed with an on-target completion date of…

July 12, 2024

Senator Vogel and Rep. Bernstine Each Address The 2024-25 Pennsylvania $47.6B Budget

Reaction poured in from many Thursday evening after the passing of Pennsylvania state budget. The $47.6 million plan is a 6% percent increase over last year’s approved spending and was approved nearly two weeks into the fiscal year. Vogel: 2024-25 State Budget is Pro-Growth, Pro-Jobs and Pro-Families HARRISBURG – The state Senate today approved a 2024-25 state budget that respects taxpayers, expands opportunities for Pennsylvania families, and increases educational opportunities in a responsible way, according to Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47). “As a caucus, we have stood firm throughout the budget process that this budget would need to reflect a…

July 12, 2024

ECASD Board of Directors Vote to Hire Building Clerk and Director of Pupil Services and to Create a Dean of Student Affairs Position; Debate Elimination of Nepotism Policy

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted to hire Elizabeth Tomon for a building clerk position at Perry Lower Intermediate during the July 11 combined regular meeting. Board President Jennifer Tomon abstained from voting as Elizabeth Tomon is a relative. Elizabeth received “Yes” votes from Board Vice President Jean Biehls and Directors Erica Gray, Kathy Tillia, Kevin Boariu, Robyn Nicklas and Dr. Claire Fauzey. “No” votes were cast by Directors Kathy Galbreath and Norman Boots. Elizabeth’s hiring followed nepotism policy votes during both the May and June regular ECASD Board of Directors Meetings. A motion was made…