Politics

$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,…


November Council Meeting Brief

Yesterday evening held the first of two monthly reoccurring council meetings; the first one is for the council committee to discuss what will be voted on at the next meeting. According to Lisa Guerrera, a member of the community and activist for the Standing Up to Ellwood Electric group on Facebook, there were several visitors at the meeting who brought comments, concerns, and questions to the meeting for discussion: Her post states, “…Dan Franus, Architectural Engineer, spoke first and showed drawings of the proposed new Borough Building and Electric Building. It has been decided not to change locations, and to…


Bernstine Ready to Serve 10th District

HARRISBURG – State Rep.-elect Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) is anxiously preparing to begin his first term in office representing the 10th Legislative District. Bernstine will establish a full-time local office when his term officially begins next month. Until that time, to ensure residents of the 10th Legislative District can access assistance with state government concerns or questions, Bernstine has established a toll-free number to call for help: 1-855-282-0615. “It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to represent our communities at the state Capitol,” Bernstine said. “I look forward to getting to work to advance policies that will support job…


Ellwood City Honors Veterans Day

Veterans Day falls annually on November 11, as a day to appreciate our veterans who have fought and continue to fight for our freedom. Veterans Day was initially started in 1938 to honor World War I veterans because on November 11, 1918, Germany signed an armistice agreement with the Allies- effectively ending World War I. Formally known as Armistice Day, the name changed to Veterans Day in 1954, after World War II and the Korean War, due to veteran organizations urging Congress to change the name in order to give honor to all American veterans in all wars.  Today, scattered…


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. Stephanie Bengoa of the American Legion Veterans Assistance Program will be available on Wednesday, November 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Senator Vogel’s New Castle Office (1905 W. State St. New Castle, PA 16101). No appointment is necessary. Ms. Bengoa 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…


Gibbons’ Offices to Close

ELLWOOD CITY, Nov. 10 –The offices of state Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, will be closing permanently on Friday, Nov. 11. Gibbons said that all documents and state Transportation Department paperwork currently being processed by his offices will be mailed directly to the individual’s home. Constituents who need assistance with a state-related matter should contact their local state senator: Beaver County – Sen. Elder Vogel, 724-774-0444 Butler County – Sen. Scott Hutchinson, 724-282-1234. Lawrence County – Sen. Elder Vogel, 724-654-1444.


Election Day at a Glance

Yesterday was quite an intense day for politicians and voters alike; not only was the new president of the United States announced, so were those running for the U.S. Senate, 12th Congressional, and 10th State House. President: Many viewers were on the edge of their seats last night waiting for the result of the 45th presidential election, which was finally announced in the early morning hours. Unexpectedly, Trump prevailed by far over his Democratic opponent -winning 276 electoral votes to Clinton’s final count of 218. As with every election, there are some pretty mixed feelings about the new president. Supposedly,…


Presidential Election: Local Polling Places

This presidential election has undoubtedly been an emotional roller coaster, but now the time has come for the citizens of America to decide who they believe will be most fit to take the place of President Barack Obama, who in January 2017, will have served a full two terms. There are a total of five candidates running presidency, Donald Trump for the Republican Party, Hillary Clinton for the Democratic Party, Gary Johnson for the Libertarian Party, Jill Stein for the Green Party, and Evan McMullin. Regardless of who you may be voting for, it is important to vote. The new…


Local Districts Receive Safe School Grants

Several Beaver and Lawrence county school districts in the 47th Senatorial District were selected to receive state Safe School Initiative grants for the training and compensation of school resource officers and to prevent and reduce violent incidents through programs and security equipment, according to Senator Elder Vogel. The local funds were part of $6.5 million in competitive grants announced by the Pennsylvania Department of Education on Friday, November 4. Beaver County recipients include: Ambridge Area School District, $15,950 for visitor identification system; Big Beaver Falls Area School District, $60,000 Safe School Initiative Grant; Midland Borough school District, $24,889 for cameras…