Recent Stories

Politics

April 26, 2016

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…

April 25, 2016

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…

April 22, 2016

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…

April 20, 2016

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…

April 19, 2016

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…

April 19, 2016

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…

April 15, 2016

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…

April 14, 2016

Ellwood City School Board to Interview Candidates for Basketball Coaches

Boys and Girls Basketball Coaches The Ellwood City school board will interview two candidates each for the positions of boys and girls basketball head coaches. The positions were open since Jolene Krupa and James Kosior resigned in following the 2015-16 season. The positions may be filled at today’s meeting. Video Highlight Board for Helling Stadium At the board’s agenda meeting on Monday, Athletic Director Darin Morella presented a proposal to install a video highlight board at Helling Stadium. Although Morella estimated the board would cost between $7,000 and $35,000, he emphasized he was looking for ways of negating the price,…

April 14, 2016

Ellwood City School Board to Consider Athletic Apparel Deal

At its voting meeting tonight, the Ellwood City school board will consider allowing Walmart and Kmart to sell Ellwood City school district-themed clothing. The agreement would be negotiated through Pel Industries, an athletic apparel company. During the board’s agenda meeting on Monday, Business Manager Richard Zarone said the district had attempted a similar arrangement before with a different company, but it hadn’t worked out. The school would receive eight percent royalties from sales. Vice President Matt Morella was concerned that such an arrangement would hurt local businesses. Board member Kathy Pansera noted that Beaver County Walmarts already sell t-shirts for…

April 13, 2016

Council to Vote on Full-Time Police Officer on Monday

Ellwood City Borough Council will vote on a motion to advertise for a full-time patrol officer at its regular meeting next Monday. The motion was added to the agenda at Monday’s agenda meeting after a discussion. [Correction 12 a.m.: The motion will advertise the position, not hire an officer.] The police department currently has one lieutenant, one sergeant, eight full-time patrol officers and one part-time patrol officer. Council member Judi Dici started the discussion with statistics concerning overtime rates for the police department. According to numbers read by Dici, overtime costs for January through March are $42,606.84. According to borough…