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August 2, 2017

PennDOT to Start Suspending Vehicle Registrations for Unpaid Tolls

The new state law, Act 165, which was approved last fall, takes effect this Friday. Any drivers with unpaid tolls greater than $500 or who have at least six toll violations are at risk for vehicle registration suspension. As part of a limited time amnesty offer, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will waive fees for anyone who settles their debts before the deadline of 7p.m. Friday, and for anyone who has had the debts sent to a collection agency the turnpike will waive half of the associated fees. Pennsylvania’s top 10,000 worst toll offenders, who in collection owe more than $17…

July 24, 2017

Bernstine Announces $460,000 to Improve Drinking Water in Wampum

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) announced today that $460,000 in state funding from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PennVEST) will allow Wampum Borough in Lawrence County to move forward with its plans to improve municipal drinking water. “The quality of water in Wampum has been an issue for many years,” Bernstine said. “I was happy to work with the local elected officials, as well as the state, to expedite the process of this grant. Nobody should go without quality water. This issue is finally on its way to being resolved.” The loan, which includes a 1 percent interest rate…

July 18, 2017

Council Approves Lawrence Avenue Demolition

Four Lawrence Avenue storefronts are set for demolition after yesterdays council meeting. In a unanimous vote of 6-0 with Council Vice President David DeCaria absent, the Ellwood City Borough Council approved the contract with Continental Demolition of Bethel Park for the demolition of 509 to 515 Lawrence Avenue. DeCaria has opposed the destruction of one of the buildings, “it is true that as the lone businessperson on council I have been opposed to the demolition of the buildings on Lawrence Ave. The cost of demolition is halfway to the cost of restoring one of the buildings,” he said. “But, as…

July 14, 2017

Senator Vogel to Host Veterans’ Specialist at New Castle District Office

Senator Vogel announced today that he will host a veterans’ specialist in his New Castle District Office to assist constituents with various issues related to their military service. A representative of the American Legion Veterans Assistance Program will be available on Wednesday, July 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Senator Vogel’s New Castle Office (1905 W State St. New Castle). No appointment is necessary. They can assist veterans and their families understand the benefits they have earned, enroll in the V.A. health care system, assist with the appeals process, and much more. Please bring any documentation and paperwork…

July 11, 2017

VIDEO: Bernstine Presents Next Steps in Hereford Manor Project

Yesterday, State Rep. Aaron Bernstine discussed the Hereford Manor project with representatives of the PA Fish and Boat Commission. Before Bernstine took office, the project was introduced to reopen the two lakes at Hereford Manor – previously Pennsylvania’s largest fishing property – after they were closed due to the dams questionable stability. He presented financial and public interest information to the representatives, including a petition with over three thousand signatures in favor of reopening the fishing hot-spot. The project is expected to cost upwards of 20 million dollars to complete, but with nearly $65,000 already saved up in private funds…

June 30, 2017

Hira Founder Gives Insight to Plans for Former YDC

While the state attorney general has approved the sale of the property to Hira Educational Services of North America, Asif Kunwar, the founder of the Islamic-based company, has finally shed some light on the plans for the former Youth Development Center in New Castle. Following a press release issued by Kunwar, who apologized for the delay and stated that the business has taken the past month off for Ramadan, many unanswered questions have finally been answered. The release states that the plans for the property is to host a youth intervention center for troubled youth as a detention center alternative….

June 30, 2017

PHOTO: Mayor Presents Fourth Beautification Award

On Thursday, 6-29-17 Mayor Court presented the 4th 2017 Beautification Award yard sign and Gift Certificate to Ginny Brest of Fountain Avenue. Almost every year since the program began, someone from her neighborhood has nominated Ginny for this award. Her landscape is always pristine perfect and it’s always an honor to present the award to people who truly care about how their hard work has paid off.

June 29, 2017

Gov. Wolf, Boston Terrier Sign Bill for Stricter Animal Cruelty Laws

HARRISBURG – Yesterday Gov. Tom Wolf and a Boston Terrier named Libre, signed the Libre’s Law Bill – strengthening Pennsylvania’s laws and punishments against animal abuse and neglect. Next to Wolf’s signature lies a tiny paw print belonging to a once neglected Boston Terrier, Libre, named by his rescuer meaning “freedom” in Spanish. In July 2016, Libre was found as a three-month-old puppy clinging to life in the summer heat, dehydrated, emaciated and suffering from severe mange with maggots eating his rotting flesh, he was disposed of and neglected by an Amish puppy mill farmer in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His rescuer,…

June 28, 2017

Electric Billings Comparison for April 2017-July 2017 and Corresponding Previous Year

The attached information is being provided by the Borough in order to inform Ellwood City Electric customers of the effect the reduction in the Transmission and Capacity charges set by PlM has had upon the Rate Adjustment (pP A Factor) and customer billings during the months of April 2017 through the upcoming billing in July 2017. Comparisons ofPPA components (Energy Purchased, American Municipal Power-Power Charges, as well as Transmission and Capacity Charges) were used. The Rate Adjustment is added to the electric bill of each user, Residential, Commercial and Industrial. The April 2017 Rate Adjustment was 2.86 cents per kWh…

June 28, 2017

House Passes Bernstine Bill to Protect Mental Health Patients from Abuse

HARRISBURG – The House of Representatives today unanimously approved legislation, authored by Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence), which would ensure Pennsylvanians receiving mental health care have legal protection from those seeking to do them harm. “Mental health issues can impact anyone, at any time, and without this safeguard on our books, we would be failing to protect a lot of our citizens from potential abuse and neglect. That’s unacceptable.” House Bill 835 would update the Mental Health Procedures Act to state that persons in treatment for mental health issues have a right to be free from abuse, neglect and exploitation. Currently,…