Politics

Local Recreation Projects Receive over $1 Million in State Grants

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…


Bernstine Updates Community on Progress

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…


The Borough of Ellwood City Recognized as Certified Sustainable Municipality

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…


Vietnam Veterans Honorary Pins Available at Senator Vogel’s Offices

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…


Rescheduled Mayor and Crime Watch Meeting

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


November Regular Meeting Brief

There was plenty of discussion at Ellwood’s regular meeting last night: The Post family, owners of T&M Hardware, were invited to formally receive a commendation for 25 years of service, presented by council president Connie MacDonald. Dr. Nanjunda was also recognized for his performance as a local physician for 34 years. Aaron Bernstine publicly announced that his office is secured to be in the same location as the previous State Representatives’ office. He also thanked council for their continued support and cooperation in his endeavors to find an appropriate office location. Judy Dici asked if Bernstine will be employing Gibbon’s…


Bernstine Actively Working Toward Keeping Promises

In just over a month, elected State Representative Aaron Bernstine, will be offically sworn into office; however, the time gap is not stopping him from actively working towards keeping the promises he made during his campaign. One of the most notable promises he made was that he would do everything in his power to cease the Borough’s usage of the electric utility as a taxation tool. Though many people were skeptical of his claims, it appears that the elected 10th State House Representative is successfully making progress toward the ideal end goal. He took to the Facebook group Standing Up…


DEP Implements Vogel Legislation Suspending Costly Fuel Pump Regulation

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced today that effective November 12, 2016, it will no longer enforce the Stage II vapor recovery requirement for new or modified gasoline dispensing equipment. Senate Bill 1386, a measure introduced by Senator Elder Vogel Jr. and signed into law as Act 135 of 2012, eliminated the requirement that gas stations in the Pittsburgh region install Stage II vapor recovery systems on fuel pumps. Since 2000, all passenger cars and light trucks have been required to include onboard refueling emissions controls, rendering the costly Stage II vapor recovery systems on fuel pumps redundant….


$300 Fine For Failure to Comply With This Animal Ordinance

Although we have yet to witness a snowfall here in Ellwood for the season, it’s no doubt that we’ve already encountered some pretty chilly days. For most people, the cold weather is easily avoidable thanks to heaters and furnaces. However, for pets that live outside, escaping the cold may be a difficult task without access to proper shelter. With winter almost upon us, failure to take appropriate precautions for pets exposed to the cold climates may result in an expensive penalty; the anti-tethering ordinance adopted in Ellwood and New Castle only allows dogs (of all breeds) to be outside for…


Animal Rights Supporters Urge Action on Bizzarro Bill

HARRISBURG, Nov. 14  – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, said he was delighted that animal rights supporters from across Pennsylvania held a rally at the state Capitol today urging passage of his legislation that would include stricter penalties and requirements so animals are not returned to their abusers. Also included in Bizzarro’s bill is anti-tethering provisions and language to protect horses. The bill remains in the Rules Committee awaiting a House vote. Bizzarro said he continues to work with the House and Senate leadership to advance the legislation. “I will continue to push for this bill and, if need be,…