Recent Stories

Politics

August 13, 2025

Vogel: Senate-Led Spending Plan Focuses on Immediate Critical Service Funding

HARRISBURG – The Senate advanced a responsible spending plan aimed at providing immediate funding support to counties, school districts, social service providers and other services in need of critical resources, according to Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47). While the 2025-26 state budget negotiations continue, Senate Bill 160 would provide funding at the levels included in the final 2024-25 state budget. If the House of Representatives also approves the bill, the state can immediately begin disbursing nearly $47.6 billion without the need for any new taxes. “Our schools, hospitals, counties and other depended-on services should not be caught in the middle while awaiting a…

July 16, 2025

Bernstine Votes ‘No’ on Irresponsible State Budget Proposal

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) released the following statement after voting “no” on the 2025–26 Pennsylvania state budget, as House Democrats pushed through House Bill 1330, the General Appropriations bill. “This proposal spends too much, lacks transparency and sets up Pennsylvania for long-term fiscal trouble. “We are being asked to vote on a $50.6 billion spending plan without a full financial sheet, without a tax code and without a fiscal code. That’s not how responsible government works. “A budget isn’t just about how much money we spend; it’s about how that money is spent and how it impacts our future….

June 18, 2025

Court of Common Pleas of Lawrence County Judge Denies Ellwood City Area School District’s Appeal Regarding Softball Field

The Ellwood City Area School District’s appeal of the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Adjudication of the Zoning Hearing Board of the Borough of Ellwood City relating to a proposed softball field in Ewing Park was denied in the Court of Common Pleas of Lawrence County. Judge John Hodge decided that the district is precluded from constructing the proposed project at that location “as it failed to comply with the Ellwood City Borough Zoning Ordinance” affirming the January 17, 2025, decision of the Ellwood City governing body. Read the findings here. The Zoning Hearing Board of the Borough of…

June 18, 2025

Ellwood City Borough Council Takes Action on Budget, Announces Community Programs

In addition to handing down discipline for an officer in the Ellwood City Police Department, Ellwood City Borough Council took action on budget items and borough leaders gave updates on projects, community initiatives during Monday’s regular meeting. Mayor Anthony Court congratulated the Riverside Baseball team on its recent championship win. Court said that he along with a couple school board members were planning a parade for the team, but because of a time issue Franklin Township Fire Department wanted the parade to be put on hold. “It wasn’t from the Mayor’s Office. Want to make sure that’s understood because there…

May 21, 2025

2025 Primary Election Unofficial Results: Ellwood City Borough Council; Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors

Unofficial results from yesterday’s May 20, 2025 primary have been posted. Lawrence County According to Lawrence County’s website, there were 15,258 ballots cast in Lawrence County. Of those, 6,938 were Democratic and 8,320 were Republican. The total voter turnout was 26.69% with 34.77% being Democratic and 27.81% being Republican. Click here for full unofficial results. Five candidates were on the ballot for Ellwood City Council (vote total next to candidate): Republican (Pick 4): Brad Ovial 317 Democrat (Pick 4): Joseph Mancini 478 Michelle Lamenza 411 James Barry 321 Jan Williams 316 Mayor Anthony Court received 512 votes. He ran unopposed. Eight…

May 9, 2025

Brown Vehemently Opposes Legalizing Recreational Marijuana in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG – Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) this week voted “no” on legalizing recreational marijuana in Pennsylvania. Brown issued the following statement after the House approved House Bill 1200: “The 173-page bill was just introduced Sunday, May 4, and was fast tracked through the House Health Committee, of which I am a member, Monday. It was quickly brought up for a final vote in the House on Wednesday. It’s a misguided mess that does nothing to help Pennsylvanians who could benefit from the work we should be doing on boosting homegrown energy and matching our educational systems to the jobs of the…

May 9, 2025

Primary Election Series Part 5: Ellwood City Borough Council Candidate Q&A & Mayor’s Office

Note: This is part 5 in a 5-part series about the Primary Election. Part 1 provided general information about the election and where to vote. Parts 2 and 3 featured candidate Q&As for Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors. PART 4  featured candidate Q&As for Ellwood City Council.   The Primary Election will take place on May 20. The candidates running for Borough Council include: Jan Williams, Michelle Lamenza, Jim Barry, Brad Ovial, and Joe Mancini. We caught up with the candidates for Ellwood City Borough Council before the primary election to learn more about the candidates and get…

May 8, 2025

Primary Election Series Part 4: Ellwood City Borough Council Candidate Q&A

Note: This is part 4 in a 5-part series about the Primary Election. Part 1 provided general information about the election and where to vote. PART 2 and PART 3 featured candidate Q&As for Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors. Part 5 will feature more candidate Q&As for Ellwood City Council and the Mayor’s Office.   The Primary Election will take place on May 20. The candidates running for Borough Council include: Jan Williams, Michelle Lamenza, Jim Barry, Brad Ovial, and Joe Mancini. We caught up with the candidates for Ellwood City Borough Council before the primary election to…

May 8, 2025

Vogel, Kinkead Kick Off the 15th Capitol Hunger Garden Season

HARRISBURG – Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) and Rep. Emily Kinkead (D-20), co-chairs of the Hunger Caucus, gathered at the Capitol Hunger Garden to highlight how the Harrisburg community benefits from the produce grown in the Hunger Garden. In addition to Vogel and Kinkead, remarks were also offered by Peter Flynn, President of the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association; Mieshia Jackson, Director of Operations for Downtown Daily Bread; Rep. Dan Moul, minority chair of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee; and Joe Arthur, CEO of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. “Food insecurity affects all walks of life here in Pennsylvania,”…

May 7, 2025

Primary Election Series Part 3: Ellwood City Area School District Board of Directors Candidate Q&A

Note: This is part 3 in a 5-part series about the Primary Election. Part 1 provided general information about the election and where to vote. Parts 2 and 3 feature candidate Q&As for Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors. Parts 4 & 5  will feature candidate Q&As for Ellwood City Council and Office of the Mayor.  [VIEW PART 2] The Primary Election will take place on May 20. The candidates running for Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors include: Victoria Kincaid, Claire Fauzey, Robyn Nicklas, Kathy Galbreath, Nick Mancini, Kathy Tillia, and Norm Boots. We caught…