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June 28, 2024

Vogel’s Telemedicine Bill Set to Become Law

HARRISBURG – Following the approval from the Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives, Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr.’s (R-47) telemedicine legislation (Senate Bill 739) is now set to become law. “This legislation has been a work in progress for the past several legislative sessions, and I am glad to see the vast amount of bipartisan support for telemedicine expansion in our state,” said Vogel. “This legislation is key to expanding access to telemedicine services to Pennsylvanians and allowing our residents to take care of their health in a way that suits their needs and schedules.” Senate Bill 739 sets a base…

June 21, 2024

Brown, Bernstine Announce Counties Receiving Funds From Natural Gas Drilling Impact Fees

HARRISBURG – Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) and Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) today announced that communities in the 8th Legislative District in Butler and Lawrence counties and residents of the 9th Legislative District will receive nearly $3.1 million in Marcellus Shale impact fees. “During these difficult economic times, this funding will assist with important services and projects throughout Lawrence County,” said Brown. “The natural gas industry has created new jobs and opportunities in our communities, and this funding is another reminder of the importance of this industry in Pennsylvania.” “These impact fees have helped municipalities complete a variety of projects,” added Bernstine….

June 19, 2024

Ellwood City Borough Council Announces 2024 Road Paving Project

Ellwood City Borough Manager Kevin Swogger said that residents can expect to see a lot of road construction this summer as part of the 2024 Road Paving Project during the June 17 Ellwood City Borough Council Meeting. He said that many of the projects are already underway. “The crews are working,” he said. “But completion of all projects will take a while.” He expects the projects to carry well into August. Some of those projects include work on 4th to 2nd Street; 5th Street to the area of the Sheetz convenience store; and Lawrence Avenue from Dollar General to the…

June 17, 2024

ECASD Board of Directors Approve Budget, Eliminate Nepotism Policy

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted to approve the General Fund Budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year in the amount of $36,470,849 as well as the tax resolution setting the tax rates for the 2023-2024 fiscal year to include the ACT 679 $5 per capita tax, the ACT 511 $10 per capita tax (a shared tax by municipalities), property tax millage at 19.94 mills, Earned Income Tax at .5%, Realty Transfer Tax at .5% and the Occupational Privilege/Local Service Tax at $5.00 during the June 17 Regular Meeting. The move did not come without comment from…

June 6, 2024

Senate Approves Bill To Allow East Palestine Train Derailment Victims Keep More Money

HARRISBURG – The state Senate today approved legislation introduced by Sens. Doug Mastriano (R-33), Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47), and Michele Brooks (R-50) that would enable Pennsylvania victims of the Norfolk Southern train wreck near East Palestine, Ohio, last year to keep more of their own money. “This bill would enable the families and businesses harmed by the Norfolk Southern train wreck to keep more of the money from their relief payments and settlements,” said Mastriano, who serves as chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, hosted a hearing immediately following the train wreck, and subpoenaed Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw to appear before the committee. “Rather…

May 9, 2024

ECASD’s Board of Directors Votes Down Motion to Suspend Nepotism Policy

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted down a motion to suspend Board Policy 304.2 Nepotism for the hiring of a Building Clerk at Perry Lower Intermediate during its May 9 Regular Meeting. “Yes” votes came from Directors Jean Biehls, Dr. Claire Fauzey, and Director Robyn Nicklas. Directors Kathy Tillia, Kathy Galbreath, Norman Boots, and Kevin Boariu voted “No.” Director Erica Gray was not in attendance. Board President Jennifer Tomon abstained from voting as the proposed suspension of the policy was for the hiring of her relative Elizabeth Tomon. A majority of the “No” votes came as…

April 25, 2024

Over $6.3 Million in State Infrastructure Grants Announced For Beaver & Lawrence Counties

Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) and State Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) each announced on Wednesday that over $6.3 million in state infrastructure grants have been awarded to the Beaver & Lawrence Counties, including $5 million to a waterline and sewer project in Wampum Borough. “It is great to see the continued investments into the 47th District, especially when it comes to investing in water line and stormwater improvement projects that are a priority in our area,” said Vogel. “Maintaining all aspects of our local infrastructure is a crucial part of providing a safe community for our residents to thrive in.”…

April 17, 2024

Ellwood City Borough Council Approves Two Year Agreement with Valley Waste Service

During Monday night’s Ellwood City Borough Council meeting, Council approved a two-year option agreement with Valley Waste Service to provide for refuse, recycling & yard waste collection. The new contract expiration date will be June 30, 2026. Borough Manager Kevin Swogger said the first year there will be no increase, and the second option year will come with a four percent increase. Monthly costs are as follows July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025: 95 gallon, $17.96; 35 gallon: $14.95; and Yellow Bags, $25 per roll and for July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026: 95 gallon, $18.39; 35 gallon, $15.53; and Yellow Bags,…

April 9, 2024

Bernstine to Host Concealed Carry Seminar April 13

HARRISBURG – In his continuing efforts to better inform area gun owners regarding Pennsylvania’s firearms laws, Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) is hosting a concealed carry seminar on Saturday, April 13, in Butler. The free event will take place at the Penn Township Municipal Building, 157 East Airport Road, starting at 10 a.m. “The goal of concealed carry training is not only to teach about guns and safety, but also about state laws regarding concealed carry regulations, how they differ among states and how those laws apply in different situations,” said Bernstine. An official from Firearms Owners Against Crime will be…

April 9, 2024

Ellwood City Borough Council: Per Capita Letter, Application Sent in Error

When residents opened their electric bills this week, they also received a letter and a Per Capita Tax Exemption Application, but borough officials said both the letter and application should be discarded. Borough Council President Brad Ovial said the letter and form were sent in error. “Disregard the letter and application. It was a mistake that will be corrected and sent out next month,” he said. According to Ovial, residents should throw away the additional items received this week, but do need to fill out the form that will be received next month. In addition, there is no per capita…