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June 16, 2016

Council to Rescind Police Body Armor Policy

Council will rescind the Body Armor Policy at its regular meeting on Monday. This decision comes seven months after the previous council unanimously re-affirmed the body armor policy. When Donald Clyde was mayor (2006-2009), he initiated a policy allowing officers to sign a release form allowing them to not wear armor and contradicting council’s body armor policy. According to Borough Solicitor Ed Leymarie, the police union filed a grievance against the body armor policy, and the court upheld Clyde’s policy. Thus, council will be rescinding the motion. In response to a question from visitor Dave McQuade, Leymarie said the court…

June 16, 2016

Gibbons: House Passes Daniel’s Law Bill

HARRISBURG, June 15  –  The House of Representatives today unanimously passed a bill introduced by state Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, that is designed to increase penalties for distracted driving accidents. Gibbons legislation, commonly referred to as Daniel’s Law (H.B. 853), was introduced in honor of Daniel Gallatin of Lawrence County who was killed May 7, 2013 while riding his motorcycle when a driver who was texting while driving struck him from behind. “I thank my colleagues for unanimously passing this legislation and who agreed that changes need to be made to increase the penalty for laws governing cell phone use…

June 16, 2016

Vogel’s Cost-saving Legislation for Schools Sent to Governor

Legislation introduced by Senator Elder Vogel that will allow school districts to save thousands of dollars in annual mailing costs received final legislative approval Tuesday (June 14) and is headed to the Governor for his signature. Senate Bill 1077, which was approved by a 193-2 vote in the House of Representatives, eliminates the mandate that school districts annually inform parents by physical mailing when the district uses audio and video recording to identify and address discipline issues on school buses. The mailer mandate was included as part of Act 9 of 2014, which gave school districts the ability to use…

June 14, 2016

Ellwood City School Board June Meeting Brief

The following is a brief summary of the Ellwood City Area School Board meeting held on June 13: Moment of Silence At the request of Board Member Anthony Buzzelli, the school board held an additional moment of silence in honor of the victims of the Orlando shooting on June 13. Announcements Remedial summer school will be held from June 20 to July 29. There will be no school on July 4. There will be a board meeting on June 27 to approve the budget. Awards/Recognition The board and administration congratulated the softball team and coach Gary Rozanski for winning the…

June 14, 2016

Gibbons Invites Public to Town Hall Meeting 6 p.m. Thursday

NEW BRIGHTON, June 13 – State Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, will host a sixth town hall meeting to update residents on local community events and important state government-related issues. The town hall will be held 6 p.m. Thursday, June 16 in  Pulaski Township Building, 3401 Sunflower Road, New Brighton. “I am holding town hall meetings in various locations of my district in order to give everyone a chance to participate in the discussion,” Gibbons said. Gibbons will discuss state and local-related issues affecting residents in his legislative district. The topics include Property Tax/Rent Rebate extension, the proposed increase in PACENET…

June 10, 2016

Bernstine Opens Headquarters, Plans Open House

State House candidate Aaron Bernstine will hold an open-house at his new campaign headquarters in Ellwood City Wednesday, June 15, inviting the general public. The building, at the corner of Lawrence and Fifth in Ellwood City, is the location of a former sports-related business. “My primary focus is to get the economy moving again in this area. So far, we now have one less empty storefront,” Bernstine stated. “For far too long, we have not capitalized on the opportunity to bring businesses to our region and create jobs. My job in Harrisburg will be to make sure it becomes harder to…

June 9, 2016

Gibbons: Daniel’s Bill Advances in House

HARRISBURG, June 8 – A bill introduced by state Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, was approved by the House Judiciary committee this week. Gibbons legislation commonly referred to as Daniel’s law (H.B. 853) is designed to toughen penalties for distracted driving accidents. Gibbons said he introduced the bill in honor of Daniel Gallatin of Lawrence County who was killed May 7, 2013 while riding his motorcycle when a driver who was texting while driving struck him from behind. “Changes need to be made to increase the severity of the laws governing cell phone use while driving to prevent people from being…

June 8, 2016

Beaver County Board of Commissioners Respond to Shell’s Announcement

BEAVER- The Beaver County Board of Commissioners were notified this morning by phone that Shell has made a final investment decision to build a multi-billion dollar ethane cracker plant in Potter Township.  The Board released the following statements: “It’s another great day for Beaver County,” Chairman Sandie Egley said. “This announcement by Shell has the potential to be a game-changer not just for Beaver County, but for the entire region.  The Board of Commissioners would like to officially welcome Shell as our newest residents and we look forward to continued cooperation for many years to come.” “This investment will mean…

June 8, 2016

Veterans’ Specialists to Visit Gibbons’ Office this Week

State Rep. Jaret Gibbons today announced he will host two veterans’ specialists in his Ellwood City office this week. “I am happy to provide this service so veterans can understand their rights and benefits,” said Gibbons, D-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence. Stephanie Bengoa and Ryan Paglia will be available at his Ellwood City office, located at 438 Line Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 8 to lend help to veterans and their families. Bengoa of the American Legion Veterans Assistance Program will be in Gibbons’ office to assist veterans with understanding what benefits they have earned, filing appeals to existing claims,…

June 8, 2016

Gibbons Invites Public to Town Hall Meeting 6 p.m. Thursday

WEST PITTSBURG, June 6 – State Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, will host a fifth town hall meeting to update residents on local community events and important state government-related issues. The town hall will be held 6 p.m. Thursday, June 9 at the Taylor Municipal Building, Industrial Street, West Pittsburg. “I am holding town hall meetings in various locations of my district in order to give everyone a chance to participate in the discussion,” Gibbons said. Gibbons will lead the talks about some of the critical issues coming up in Harrisburg, including the state budget and education plans. Gibbons said he…