Politics

Gibbons Announces Over $200,000 Awarded to Area First Responders

Harrisburg, April 28 – State Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, has announced that 16 local fire companies and one EMS squad are receiving more than $211,000 in state grants. Gibbons said the state grants can be used toward repairing, building or renovating facilities and can also be applied toward the purchase of new equipment, training or facility maintenance. “Our first responders save lives in time of need,” Gibbons said. “The vehicle and equipment upkeep can be very expensive and this grant award can be used to repay a possible debt-related loan.” The grants are made possible by the Fire Company and…


Next Mayor’s Crime Watch and Advisory Meetings

The next Mayor’s Advisory Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 26 at 3 p.m. in council chambers at the Ellwood City Borough Municipal Building. The Crime Watch meeting will be held the same day at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers. The speakers will be Mayor Anthony J. Court himself and Frank Sniezek. All residents are invited to attend.  


Lawrence County Primary Election Results

Aaron Bernstine won the Republican nomination for State Representative in the 10th Legislative District in a three-way race. In state and national elections, Lawrence County largely followed the trend throughout Pennsylvania, with Donald Trump winning a majority for the Republican presidential primary and Hillary Clinton a majority in the Democratic primary. 10,979 Republican ballots and 11,785 Democratic ballots were cast in Lawrence County representing 47.60 percent of registered Republicans and 51.09 percent of registered Democrats. For the president of the United States, Trump, Republican front runner and overall winner of Pennsylvania, received 6,964 votes, more than Ted Cruz and John…


Pennsylvania Primary Election Candidates

The following candidates are running for the following positions in the Pennsylvania primary today. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. President of the United States Democrat Hillary Clinton, Roque Rocky De La Fuente, Bernie Sanders Republican Ted Cruz, Jeb Bush, Ben Carson, John R. Kasich, Marco Rubio, Donald Trump U.S. Senator Democrat John Fetterman, Katie McGinty, Joe Sestak Republican Pat Toomey Pennsylvania Attorney General Democrat John Morganelli, Josh Shapiro, Stepehn A. Zappala, Jr. Republican Joe Peters, John Rafferty Pennsylvania Auditor General Democrat Eugene A. DePasquale Republican John Brown Pennsylvania Treasurer Democrat Joe Torsella Republican Otto Volt 3rd…


Local Emergency Responders Receive State Grants

Lawrence County Emergency Responders Receive State Grants Thirteen Lawrence County fire companies, 44 fire and ambulance companies in Beaver County and five fire and EMS companies in Butler County were recently awarded state grants, according to Senator Elder Vogel. The grants, from a program administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner, may be used for construction or renovation of a unit’s station, the purchase or repair of equipment, training or debt reduction. “We owe a debt of gratitude to our firefighters and EMS crews,” Senator Vogel said. “They provide a tremendous and…


GOP Youth Organizations / Leaders Endorse Bernstine

Republican state House candidate Aaron Bernstine received a quartet of endorsement from party youth organizations and leaders, including the Pennsylvania Young Republicans, the Butler County Young Republicans, the president of Slippery Rock University College Republicans and the president of Geneva College Republicans. “His policy views embody our common Republican beliefs,” Sarah Curtin, Pennsylvania Young Republicans Chairwoman, said. “He’s fiscally conservative, pro‐growth and has a strong sense of traditional values. He is also pro‐Second Amendment, pro‐life and is committed to promoting individual liberty and opportunity for every resident of the 10th District.” Bernstine, a Lawrence County businessman and farmer, is seeking…


In Split Decision, Council Votes to Hire a Full-Time Police Officer

In a 5-2 decision, Ellwood City borough council voted to hire a full-time probationary patrol officer at its meeting on Monday. A candidate has not yet been selected and hiring is contingent upon successful completion of all background checks and certifications. The motion was initially proposed in March by council member Marilyn Mancini, supported by Judi Dici. The two convinced council to suspend a motion to advertise for part-time officers in favor of researching hiring a full-time officer. The motion was added to the agenda at the agenda meeting on April 11. Dici and Mancini both believe a full-time officer…


Ellwood City Borough Council April Meeting Brief

The following is a brief summary of the Ellwood City Borough Council meeting on April 18: Visitors [added at 11 p.m.] Paul Dici read a letter from Senator Elder Vogel’s office that a search of Pennsylvania Unified Judaical System turns up no records concerning Dici. This was in response to comments from former council member Ralph Chiappetta, who said he had once filed charges against Dici. Chiappetta addressed council concerning overtime rates and the police schedule. Holding a copy of the police schedule, Chiappetta said part-time officers were not properly utilized. He also recommended council take legal action against Mayor…


Commissioner Dan Vogler Endorses Bernstine for PA House Race

Lawrence County Commissioner Chairman Dan Vogler today endorsed conservative Republican Aaron Bernstine for the GOP nomination for state House in the 10th District, citing his business experience and commitment to reform. “Aaron Bernstine’s success as a businessman shows two things: an understanding of how organizations work and the ability to solve complex problems,” Vogler said. “This means Aaron is the best candidate in terms of understanding the needs of counties that rely on the state for so many programs.” Bernstine, a businessman and farmer, has also pledged to turn down lavish perks enjoyed by other House members, including incumbent Democrat Jarret…


Ellwood City School Board Meeting Brief for April

The following is a brief summary of the Ellwood City Area School Board meeting held on April 14: Recognition: The board recognized junior Taylor Petrak for finishing second in the 50-yard freestyle and third in the 100-yard freestyle at the swimming PIAA Championship at Bucknell University. Petrak has now earned five PIAA state medals, more than any athlete in Ellwood City history. Congratulations! Personnel Timothy Robinson was approved as a bus driver for the remainder of the 2015-16 school year and the 2016-17 school year. The board approved six student teachers for the 2016-17 school year. The board approved the…