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February 8, 2016

Committee to Hold Hearing on Fireworks Bill

The Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 10, to gather testimony on a bill that would permit the sale of fireworks to Pennsylvania residents, according to Committee Chairman Senator Elder Vogel (R-47). The hearing, set for 9 a.m. in Room 8E-B in the State Capitol East Wing, will focus on Senate Bill 1055, legislation introduced by Senator Vogel and his colleagues Senators Don White and Gene Yaw that would legalize the sale and use of consumer fireworks for Pennsylvanians. The hearing will be streamed live at: www.pasenategop.com. Click here for Senator Vogel’s…

February 2, 2016

Iowa Caucus Results: Clinton Wins Democratic, Cruz Wins Republican, Both by One Delegate

Iowa- The results for the first primary of the 2016 presidential election season are in. In the Democratic race, Hillary Clinton won, if by the smallest margin, grabbing 22 delegates while Bernie Sanders claimed 21. Sanders only tailed Clinton by 0.2 of a percent. Thus, only two candidates remain viable contenders for the Democratic ticket. The third Democratic candidate, Martin O’Malley, dropped out of the race this morning. Iowa has 27 delegates for the Republican Party, which were more evenly distributed. Ted Cruz won, claiming eight. Donald Trump and Marco Rubio each had seven. Three of the other nine candidates…

February 1, 2016

Former U.S. Rep. Melissa Hart Endorses Bernstine in 10th District Campaign Releases Strong Fourth Quarter Fundraising Results

Former Congresswoman Melissa Hart today endorsed conservative Lawrence County businessman and farmer Aaron Bernstine for the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives, 10th district. This marks the first major endorsement in the Republican primary. Hart, who served the 4th Congressional District, which encompasses the 10th State House district, was the first Republican woman to serve in the state’s congressional delegation. She also served in the Pennsylvania State Senate, winning the seat in an upset race in 1990. “The ongoing scandal and budget gridlock in Harrisburg demands a fresh voice to speak to the conservative values and traditions of western Pennsylvania. In…

January 29, 2016

Local Businessman Aaron Bernstine Announces Run for State House

New Beaver Borough – Businessman and farmer Aaron Bernstine announced that he will seek the Republican nomination for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in the 10th District. The district comprises parts of Beaver, Butler and Lawrence Counties, and embraces what Bernstine termed “core Western Pennsylvania values that have been ignored for too long by Harrisburg.” “The unprecedented budget gridlock and continuing ethics scandals in Harrisburg are an insult to the hard-work and high-principles found in places like the 10th District,” Bernstine said. “I am running because the special interests and bureaucrats in state government need to hear our voices, not…

January 28, 2016

Mayor’s Advisory Meeting Brief

Mayor Anthony J. Court’s Advisory Committee recently met in Council Chambers with the discussion surrounding the recent incidents within the Borough at the Line Avenue/Patricia Drive area. Mayor Court expressed the quick thinking and professionalism of the Police Department and the extended help from emergency response personnel within the community to resolve this issues before circumstances turned for the worse. Another topic of discussion was the new local radio station and newly appointed council members that the Advisory Committee believes will be helpful in addressing Borough problems. The committee also spoke about the newly hired full-time and part-time officers that…

January 28, 2016

Local Projects Receive More Than $1 Million in State Grants

Four major projects to improve recreational facilities in Beaver and Butler counties will receive state grants totaling $1,090,000, according to Senator Elder Vogel (R-47). Brighton and Darlington townships in Beaver County and Lancaster Township and Zelienople Borough in Butler County will receive Community Conservation Partnerships Program (CCPP) grants from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, according to Senator Vogel. CCPP provides financial and technical assistance to local governments, land trusts, river and trail organizations, and other non-profit organizations for the planning, acquisition and development of park, recreation, conservation, and greenway areas. CCPP is supported by Key 93 (Keystone…

January 27, 2016

Dawnlyn Valli Kicks Off Campaign for PA 10th District House Seat

North Sewickley Township – At the Valli Victory Kickoff Rally, Dawnlyn Valli together with friends, family and supporters announced her intention to run for PA State Representative in the 10th District, which includes parts of Beaver, Butler and Lawrence Counties. This district has been held by a Democrat for several decades and continued promises of local community revitalization, economic prosperity and a better life for its citizens have fallen short year in, year out. “As an educator for 23 years, I’ve been in the classroom working with students and fellow teachers,” Valli said. “I have a unique perspective, and it’s…

January 25, 2016

State Representative Jaret Gibbons Announces the Start of His Re-Election Campaign for the 10th District

Ellwood City, Pa. – Representative Jaret Gibbons announced today that he will seek re-election to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in the 10th district, which covers portions of Beaver, Butler, and Lawrence Counties. “I look forward to continuing to serve the people of my hometown area and making sure the voices of the residents of the 10th district continue to be heard in Harrisburg,” Gibbons said. “We have seen real progress in the 10th district, but I recognize state government needs to focus more on growing the middle class by creating jobs and adequately funding our schools, and that is…

January 22, 2016

Senators to Offer Supplemental Funding Measure for Agriculture Programs

HARRISBURG – Citing agriculture’s key role in Pennsylvania’s economy and the need to adequately prepare for a potential outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and other threats, Senator Elder Vogel (R-47) and his colleagues Ryan Aument (R-36), Gene Yaw (R-23) Dave Argall (R-29) and Lloyd Smucker (R-13) are preparing legislation to restore vital funding for agriculture-related items vetoed from the state budget by Governor Tom Wolf. Senator Vogel, a dairy farmer from Beaver County who also serves as Chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, said the supplemental appropriations measure they plan to introduce would provide approximately…

January 22, 2016

New Chamber Director Settles In, Set Goals

“First week on the job and we already lost Trader Horn,” Ray Santillo joked as he worked on arranging his new desk. Santillo is the new executive director the Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce, a role he began on Monday, Jan. 11. Although there are many challenges ahead, he has a matching enthusiasm for the work and the Ellwood area. Santillo is a lifelong resident of Ellwood City, who raised four children here and says he is blessed that they all live nearby. He made his career with Riverside school district as a teacher, coach and ultimately principal of…