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January 8, 2025

Vogel, Sworn in for Fifth Term, Prioritizes Jobs, Fiscal Responsibility, and Agricultural Advancements in PA

HARRISBURG – Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47), who today was sworn in to serve his fifth term with the Pennsylvania State Senate, plans to focus on prioritizing jobs, fiscal responsibility, and agricultural advancements in Pennsylvania. As the new session begins, Vogel will be shifting his focus to addressing several agricultural advancements, specifically modernizing Pennsylvania’s Over Order Premium to improve its effectiveness and fairness within the dairy industry, as well as helping develop policies that use taxpayer dollars wisely and increase family-sustaining jobs. “With the start of any new legislative session comes the time for fresh ideas and developing new paths forward to…

December 17, 2024

Borough Council Votes to Amend Rates and Charges on Utility Bills

Ellwood City Borough Council voted to amend the Electric Ordinance, specifically the schedule of rates and charges to be effective with the January 1, 2025 usage and reflected on the February 2025 utility bill and to establish a stabilized Purchase Power Adjustment (PPA) for the 2025 electric usage as $0.008/kwh sold. The move came following a significant rise in PJM (Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland interconnection) capacity prices. PJM is a regional transmission organization (RTO) that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia. Consumers, including Ellwood Electric customers will see a surge in rates…

December 5, 2024

ECASD Board of Directors Elect Officers, Learn about Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors held its election of officers for 2025 during Thursday’s combined meeting. Jennifer Tomon will again serve as board president for 2025. She was nominated by Director Jean Biehls and had unanimous support from the board. She was the only candidate nominated. Jean Biehls will again serve as board vice president for 2025. She was nominated by Director Kevin Boariu and like Tomon received unanimous support. The board also announced and approved meeting dates for 2025. Air Force Col. Nicole S. Hurley and U.S. Air Force Capt. Heather Edsall spoke about the…

November 21, 2024

Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) Program To Add Free Veterinary Care During July Training in Ellwood City

During Ellwood City’s Borough Council meeting, Borough Manager Kevin Swogger announced that the Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program set to setup training in Ellwood City in July will add veterinary care to its lineup of free medical services. IRT is a Department of Defense (DoD) military training opportunity, exclusive to the United States and its territories, that delivers joint training opportunities to increase deployment readiness. Simultaneously, IRT provides key services (health care, construction, transportation, and cybersecurity) with lasting benefits for communities. Swogger said the group visited the city—one of many visits they will make before July—and the group plans to…

November 5, 2024

Stonecrest Business Park Among Projects To Benefit From $9.65M In State Grant Funding

Stonecrest Business Park, L.P. is among eleven projects Beaver, Butler, and Lawrence Counties that will benefit from over $9 Million in state grants. $500,000 will go toward the construction of a new industrial building at Stonecrest Business Park, aimed at attracting industrial investment and fostering job creation in the region. Its funding is provided through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), which aims to bolster economic growth and enhance community resources.  RACP is a Commonwealth grant initiative overseen by the Office of the Budget, designed to support projects that contribute to regional economic, cultural, civic and recreational development. “I am…

November 4, 2024

Be Sure to Cast Your Vote in the General Election on November 5th

The General Election is tomorrow, Tuesday, November 5, 2024. 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. About the General Election According to the official website of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,…

October 23, 2024

Bernstine Announces Funding for Improvement Project in Wampum Borough

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) today announced the award of a $400,000 state grant to Wampum Borough, Lawrence County, aimed at addressing critical infrastructure needs within the community. This funding will enable the borough to undertake a comprehensive water system upgrade, focusing on the removal of outdated and hazardous lead water lines and replacing them with modern, safe materials. “This grant is a game-changer for Wampum Borough. It will directly improve the health and safety of residents by replacing outdated lead water lines, which have long been a public concern,” said Bernstine. “These improvements will not only safeguard the…

October 15, 2024

Rep. Kelly Honors Ellwood City Resident For Earning Congressional Award

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) recently recognized Eric Perkins, of Ellwood City, as a Congressional Award Silver Medal Recipient, during an October 1st meeting in Rep. Kelly’s Butler office. The Congressional Award is a non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive award program for young Americans. The Congressional Award is open to ages between 14-24. The program encourages young Americans to set goals in important areas: expedition and exploration, physical fitness, personal development, and voluntary public service. Participants are awarded with a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Certificate, as well as Medals. Perkins, 23, began working on the Congressional Award when…

October 14, 2024

Bernstine, Brown Announce Farm-to-School Grant Awards in Lawrence County

HARRISBURG – Reps. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) and Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) are pleased to announce two recipients in Lawrence County have been awarded Farm-to-School Grants. These grants, part of a statewide initiative by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, will support projects aimed at improving access to healthy, local food and providing hands-on agricultural learning experiences for children from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. “I’m thrilled to see such vital funding come to our community,” said Brown. “These grants not only help connect children to local, healthy food but also enhance their agricultural education through hands-on experiences. This is a wonderful opportunity to…

September 25, 2024

Bernstine to Host Concealed Carry Seminar in Butler County

BUTLER – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) is continuing his commitment to educating law-abiding gun owners about Pennsylvania’s firearms laws by hosting a Concealed Carry Seminar on Wednesday, Oct. 9, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Penn Township Municipal Building. “As a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, I know the right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental freedom guaranteed by both the Pennsylvania and United States constitutions,” said Bernstine. “It’s important for responsible gun owners to be informed about our state’s laws so they can exercise their rights safely and legally.” The seminar will feature Butler County District Attorney Richard…