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March 29, 2023

Sen. Vogel Addresses Livestock Health Concerns Following East Palestine Train Derailment

HARRISBURG – Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47), chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, touched upon the struggles farmers are seeing with livestock sales following the East Palestine train derailment and potential testing of livestock tissues and crops while questioning Department of Agriculture Acting Secretary Russell Redding during today’s hearing by the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Our communities in Beaver County continue to deal with various uncertainties stemming from the East Palestine train derailment, specifically with the safety of our food, water, and soil,” said Vogel. “Acting Secretary Redding shared the progress being made with ongoing area testing and…

March 21, 2023

Applications Available for Ellwood City Facade Improvement Project

During Monday’s Borough Council Meeting, Borough Manager Kevin Swogger announced projects around town that will work to spruce up the business fronts and well as the streets. He said the Ellwood City Façade Improvement Program is underway and two businesses have already submitted applications including Posies by Patti and Grand Paws Pet Salon. Applications are available on the Borough’s website at the top of the page. In addition to the façade improvements planned for the borough, the streets department has begin working to fill potholes on borough roads. Swogger also thanked the Kitchen Cabinet for their $5,000 donation toward the…

March 10, 2023

ECASD Board of Directors Hire New Business Manager

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors met on Thursday March 9 and took the following actions: Motion to approve minutes from February 6, 2023 Committee meeting and February 9, 2023 Regular meeting. Motion to Approve General Fund Treasurer’s Report: WesBanco Checking $2,045,205.56 PLGIT GF Prime/Term $4,541,659.75 Tax Accounts $ 518,773.47 PSDLAF $ 1,478.03 PA Invest $ 410.82 Total Cash & Investments $7,107,527.63 Motion to approve the General Fund Accounts Payable Report, Cafeteria Report and Construction Report. Motion to approve Midwestern IU IV Adoption of Approved LEA Policies, Procedures, and Use of Funds from Midwestern IU IV implemented…

March 3, 2023

Brown Co-Sponsors Tax Relief Bills to Pennsylvania Families

HARRISBURG – Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) announced during a Capitol press conference today in Harrisburg that she is the prime co-sponsor of legislation that would reduce the Personal Income Tax (PIT) rate and increase funding for property tax relief. The legislation is part of a series of bills to ease the economic struggles of hardworking Pennsylvania Families. The 10 bills that make up the “Pennsylvania Families Tax Relief” initiative would provide reductions in various state taxes placed on families. Working with the Appropriations Committee, the estimated savings totals more than $2.2 billion. Brown teamed up with the prime sponsor of…

February 21, 2023

Ellwood City Borough Facade Improvement Program Accepting Applications

Applications are now being accepted for the Ellwood City Borough Facade Improvement Program. During the February 20 meeting of Borough Council, Borough Manager Kevin Swogger said, “The façade improvement project is up and running.” Packets have been mailed to businesses with details, and owners are encouraged to visit the Borough’s website, https://www.ellwoodcityborough.com, which provides an external link at the top of the page to fill out an application. In January, the Lawrence County Board of Commissioners approved $1,124,305.00 in American Rescue Plan Act funding for seven impactful projects across Lawrence County include Ellwood City’s program. Ellwood City received $25,000 for…

February 16, 2023

State Senator Elder Vogel, Jr.’s Statement on Ohio Train Derailment

HARRISBURG – State Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) issued the following statement on the recent train derailment near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border: “The accident that took place just over the border in Ohio has been the topic of much discussion in our area and now across the country. The immediate response and coordination from PEMA, Beaver County Emergency Services, Lawrence County Public Safety, and the brave first responders has been excellent. We want to thank all first responders for all they do and continue to do to keep us as safe as possible. “With the safety of our residents the priority,…

February 15, 2023

Bernstine Announces Safe Schools Grant for Area School Districts

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) has announced that school districts in the 8th Legislative Districts have been awarded funding totaling $266,616 from the Safe Schools Targeted Grant programs. “Each school’s needs are different, and these grant programs allow schools flexibility to address their own unique security requirements,” said Bernstine. “Protecting our students is a point of emphasis for me, and I am grateful that our local schools will soon see the benefits of this grant program.” The following school districts were awarded an Equipment and/or Program Grant award: Lawrence County Career and Technical Center – $49,791. Mohawk Area School District –…

February 10, 2023

Bernstine Announces Grants to First Responders in 8th District

HARRISBURG – Grant funding will be coming to several first responder companies in the 8th District under a program administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC) within the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), according to Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence). Every emergency service organization that completes the application process receives funding. Projects eligible for funding include: construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, or reduction of existing debt. “First responders are heroes because they put their own lives on the line to protect people and property,” said Bernstine. “Our…

February 2, 2023

Bernstine’s New Butler Office Location Open for Business

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) announced today that his district office in Butler is open to ensure continuity of constituent services. The office is located at 790 Pittsburgh Road, Butler. Office hours will be Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the telephone number is 724-847-5291. The new Butler office is part of Bernstine’s ongoing effort to improve efficiencies, while maintaining the highest level of constituent service for residents of the 8th Legislative District. “My door is always open,” said Bernstine. “My staff and I are ready to assist constituents with a number of state-related matters,…

January 19, 2023

Ellwood City Native Debra Todd To Be Formally Installed As Chief Justice on Friday

Ellwood City native and Pennsylvania state Supreme Court Justice Debra Todd will be formally installed as chief justice in a ceremony set for Friday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. at the Omni William Penn hotel in downtown Pittsburgh. Todd will become the first female chief justice in the 300-year history of Pennsylvania high court. The 1975 Lincoln High School graduate became the chief justice on October 1st, following the September 30th death of former Chief Justice David Max Baer at 74. Todd, a Democrat, has been serving for months as the court’s top-ranking jurist and most recently administered the oath of…