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January 22, 2025

Zoning Hearing Board Denies ECASD Application for Special Exception to Build Softball Field at Ewing Park Property

The Zoning Hearing Board of the Borough of Ellwood City has denied the Ellwood City Area School District’s application for special exception to build a softball field on the Ewing Park School property. The board held a hearing on December 4, 2024, to take the District’s application into consideration and has determined that the proposed use of the property is not a permitted use as a public park/playground in a Low-Density R-1(A) District. The findings offered by Zoning Hearing Board members Joseph Lamenza, Timothy O’Brien, and David Parker on January 17, 2025, stated that the proposed softball field, its related…

January 17, 2025

$1.2 Million in Funding for Lawrence County Social Services to Combat Housing Crisis, Says Brown

LAWRENCE COUNTY – Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) today announced Lawrence County Social Services Inc., a local nonprofit organization, has been awarded $1.2 million in funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). This grant will support a regional project aimed at alleviating the housing crisis in western Pennsylvania, providing vital assistance to more than 600 households through emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing and street outreach services. “This funding represents a critical step forward in addressing the urgent housing needs of families and individuals in Lawrence County and surrounding areas,” said Brown. “By investing in the tools…

January 12, 2025

Brown Takes Oath of Office for Second Term in PA House

HARRISBURG – Surrounded by family, friends and supporters, Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) was sworn in on Tuesday at the state Capitol to begin her second term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. First elected in 2020, Brown made history as the first Republican to represent the 9th Legislative District since 1952. She is also the first female elected to hold the position in the district. “It is an incredible honor to continue representing the residents of Lawrence County and to serve as their voice in Harrisburg,” said Brown. “Over the past two years, we have made great strides in improving…

January 9, 2025

Bernstine Takes Oath of Office, Committed to Protecting Second Amendment Rights, Fighting Wasteful Spending

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) was sworn into office today at the state Capitol, proudly assuming his role as the representative for the 8th Legislative District. “I am honored by the trust the people of the 8th District have placed in me and remain committed to protecting Second Amendment rights, fighting wasteful government spending, educating our children, and advancing policies that strengthen Pennsylvania’s economy and support small businesses,” said Bernstine. Bernstine has been appointed to serve on the House Insurance, Intergovernmental Affairs and Operations, Labor and Industry and Transportation committees for the 2025-26 legislation session. Bernstine brings to Harrisburg a…

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,…