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October 30, 2025

Capitol Hunger Garden Closes Out Its 15th Season

HARRISBURG – Legislative Hunger Caucus Senate Chair Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) and House Chair Rep. Emily Kinkead (D-Allegheny) gathered at the Capitol Hunger Garden today with local and state leaders as they reflected on another impactful harvesting season and the need for communities to have access to fresh food options. “Our Hunger Garden is a shining example of how we can support and strengthen our communities across the commonwealth, assisting some of our most vulnerable neighbors,” Vogel said. “Whether you donate your own produce or contribute to your local food banks or volunteer your time at an area soup…

October 29, 2025

October 2025 Designated Italian American History and Culture Month in PA

NEW CASTLE – The House of Representatives today overwhelmingly approved House Resolution 353, sponsored by Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence). The measure designates October 2025 as Italian and Italian American History and Culture Month in Pennsylvania. Brown, who is an Italian American and longtime resident of New Castle, said the resolution is deeply personal and celebrates the history, culture and contributions of Italian Americans across the Commonwealth. “New Castle is home to one of the most vibrant Italian American communities in the country,” said Brown. “More than one in four residents here trace their roots to Italy, and their cultural legacy…

October 22, 2025

School Crossing Guard to Borough Council: Speeding Out of Control, Dangerous

A school crossing guard urged the Ellwood City Borough Council to do something about the speeding cars at the intersection of 4th and Crescent Avenues Monday evening at the regular meeting of council prompting immediate action by Mayor Anthony Court. Peri Malcolm, school crossing guard, said the amount of cars speeding in the mornings and afternoons while school children are walking to school is alarming. “They are just flying up and down the streets. Somebody is going to get hurt there.” Malcolm said she takes her post from 7:10 to 8 a.m. and again from 2:10 to 3 p.m. and…

October 22, 2025

Be Sure to Cast Your Vote in the Municipal Election on November 4th

The Municipal Election is Tuesday, November 4, 2025. You can find your assigned polling place by checking the location listed at the bottom of your registration status page. Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. If you are a first-time voter or are voting at a new polling place, here are helpful tips to learn how to get ready. And be sure to arrange for transportation to your polling place in advance. View the Lawrence County polling locations HERE. View the Beaver County polling locations HERE. Voting by mail If you plan to vote by mail ballot (either mail-in or absentee), you…

September 16, 2025

Ellwood City Borough Council Approves Standing Schedule for Annual Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food, & Entertainment Festival

Ellwood City Borough Council voted Monday night to always hold the Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, Food, & Entertainment Festival on the weekend on or surrounding Fourth of July. Council determined that should the Fourth of July fall on a Monday/Tuesday, the festival should be held the weekend before, and if it falls Wednesday/Thursday, it should be held the weekend after. Councilwoman Michelle Lamenza made the motion with support from all council members except Jan Williams. Council President Brad Ovial said this would give the festival a set time each year to allow the festival committee to plan. Not everyone was…

September 11, 2025

ECASD Board of Directors Vote to Retain Architectural Firm in Consideration of North Side and Hartman Construction Projects

Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted Thursday night to retain HHSDR to design projects relating to the North Side and Hartman Facility Studies (View a copy of the study here), create bid documents, and seek bids for the projects including alternative bids with options for the project’s scope. The projects, according to the study, come with a probable cost of approximately $9.9 million. Board members Norman Boots and Kevin Boariu voted “No” citing concerns of cost as well as current construction projects already underway. Boariu said the board needs to have extensive discussion before moving forward with…

September 4, 2025

Brooks, Brown to Host Senior Expo on Friday, Sept. 12

NEW CASTLE – Sen. Michele Brooks (R-Lawrence/Crawford/Mercer) and Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) are pleased to invite senior citizens, their families and caregivers to a Senior Expo on Friday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Cascade Park Dance Hall, located at 1928 E. Washington St., New Castle. The expo will feature a wide variety of exhibitors from local, state and federal agencies, health care providers, and senior-focused organizations. Attendees can gather information and ask questions about programs related to health care, financial planning, veterans’ services, fraud protection and more. “I always enjoy these opportunities to engage with…

August 26, 2025

Vogel Announces $10.3 Million to Expand High-Speed Broadband Access in 47th Senate District

HARRISBURG – Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) today announced that $10.3 million has been provisionally awarded to expand broadband access in the 47th Senate District. Internet providers who will be receiving the awards from the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority are Amazon Kuiper, Armstrong Telecommunications, Inc, Comcast, CoreConnect, SpaceX and Verizon. “Whether through fiber or satellite, expanding broadband access to communities currently beyond reach is a critical mission,” Vogel said. “It impacts homes and schools, connects families and businesses, and is a key component of job creation. I’m very pleased to announce this multimillion effort in our region.” The funding comes from the federal…

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….