Politics

ELLWOOD CITY – Promising to provide high-quality constituent services to the residents of the 10th Legislative District, Rep.-elect Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced that his new district office is open at 438 Line Ave., Ellwood City. Bernstine’s district office will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. On Thursdays, the office will be open until 7 p.m. Residents can contact the office by phone at (724) 752-2120. The office will be staffed by Nick Kerin, district office manager, and Mandy Hyde, constituent outreach specialist. “I invite residents to stop by and let us know their thoughts…

The hot topic of the council meeting last night was the proposed 2017 budget, including the tax mill increase from 7.75 to 8.75. Both the 2017 budget and the tax mill increase were approved by council, but not without discussion. The budget was passed in a 5-2 vote by council, with council members Judy Dici and Marilyn Mancini voting against it. The new tax mill is expected to increase property taxes just over a dollar per every thousand the property is worth; so for the average property owned in Ellwood (about $60,000) taxes will increase roughly $60 for the 2017…

Monaca, PA – Demonstrating strong support for CCBC’s industry-approved Process Technology associate degree program, Royal Dutch Shell has donated $150,000 to CCBC for student scholarship assistance and state-of-the-art educational simulation equipment. The gift will address high priority workforce needs and meet industry-specific training requirements as CCBC expands its Process Technology program. CCBC will launch a new daytime cohort of the program during the spring semester beginning on January 9, 2017. Registration is currently ongoing. Shell’s gift will further strengthen the College’s initiatives to recruit and train a diverse, skilled workforce for career opportunities available at the new ethane cracker plant…

In the ongoing efforts to provide more information to the public regarding the electric utility, Bob Villella, the Borough Manager, has provided the following press release: The attached information is being provided in order to inform Ellwood City Electric customers of the effect the reduction in the Transmission and Capacity charges set by PJM has had upon the Rate Adjustment (PPA Factor) and customer billings during the months of October 2016 through the upcoming billing in January 2017. Comparisons of PPA components (Energy Purchased, American Municipal Power-Power Charges, as well as Transmission and Capacity Charges) were used. The Rate Adjustment…

Updated- 12/15/16– Few visitors were in attendance at Ellwood City’s December Council Meeting, and those who attended did not publicly speak. The main discussion matter was adopting a 2017 budget that, for a fourth consecutive year, includes a property tax increase. Finance Resolution- adopt 2017 Budget Ordinance- adopt 2017 tax rate, 8.75 mill Under finance, the ordinance to adopt the 2017 tax rate of 8.75 mill was discussed by council. On the average property owned in Ellwood City (averaging about $60,000), taxes will be expected to increase roughly $60 a year to accommodate the increase, Bob Villella, the Borough Manager…

Seven recreation projects were recently awarded Community Conservation Partnership Program (C2P2) grants totaling over $1 million according to Senator Elder Vogel Jr. (R-47). The C2P2 program is administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and includes the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund (Key 93), which includes Key – Community and Key – Land Trust; the Environmental Stewardship Fund (ESF); the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF); Pennsylvania Recreational Trails fund (PRT – federal source); Pennsylvania Heritage Area Program (HA) and; the Snowmobile /ATV (SATV). Grants announced today in Senator Vogel’s District include: Beaver County Potter…

Ellwood’s newly elected State Representative, Aaron Bernstine, has undoubtedly been working hard towards his promised improvements in the community. Despite his short time being elected, Bernstine is already known for his social media presence, posting updates often about his progress addressing issues affecting our community. A few weeks ago he posted a lengthy update to the Facebook group, Standing Up to Ellwood Electric, which can be viewed in full via our previous article. The main idea of his posted update was to inform residents that he has a game plan set up for his first attempt to tackle the Ellwood…

Dec. 8, Ellwood City– The Borough of Ellwood City announced today it is among a select group of high performing municipalities to become certified through the Sustainable Pennsylvania Community Certification program. The Borough is recognized at the Silver level of certification for meeting the program’s rigorous performance criteria which tracks 131 policies and practices that define a sustainable community. The sustainable Pennsylvania Community Certification, administered by the Pennsylvania Municipal League in partnership with Sustainable Pittsburgh, is designed for municipalities that are working to save money, conserve resources, and serve vibrant communities. Originally deployed in Southwestern Pennsylvania by Sustainable Pittsburgh, the…

Senator Elder Vogel Jr. encourages all veterans who served on active duty in the United States Armed Forces at any time during the period of November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975 to visit his district offices to receive a special 50th Anniversary commemorative Vietnam Veterans’ lapel pin. Due to limited supply, only one commemorative pin will be available per veteran. Senator Vogel’s Beaver County District Office is located at 488 Adams Street, Rochester and his Lawrence County District Office is located at 1905 West State Street, New Castle. These lasting mementos of our nation’s thanks to all Vietnam Veterans…

The Mayor has called for the cancellation of the following meetings: Mayor’s Advisory meeting that was schedule for Dec. 1 at 3:00 p.m. and the Crime Watch meeting that was also scheduled for Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m. BOTH meetings will be rescheduled for Thursday January 5, 2017. Mayor’s Advisory @ 3:00 pm Crime Watch @ 6:30 pm