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July 15, 2024

Council Approves Change Order for Wampum Avenue Pump Station Project; Recognizes Councilman Jim Barry for Years of Service

Ellwood City Borough Council voted to approve a $35,820 change order for the Wampum Avenue Pump Station Project during the July 15 meeting. The change stems from unforeseen field conditions. Tyler Watts, project manager, from Greenman-Pedersen, Inc., the engineer firm overseeing the project, said the cost could not be detected prior to a field inspection which is required for any contractor. “There are five laterals that need to be tied into the system,” she said. The amount will be paid from the PennVest contingency. Borough Manager Kevin Swogger said the project is 67% completed with an on-target completion date of…

July 12, 2024

Senator Vogel and Rep. Bernstine Each Address The 2024-25 Pennsylvania $47.6B Budget

Reaction poured in from many Thursday evening after the passing of Pennsylvania state budget. The $47.6 million plan is a 6% percent increase over last year’s approved spending and was approved nearly two weeks into the fiscal year. Vogel: 2024-25 State Budget is Pro-Growth, Pro-Jobs and Pro-Families HARRISBURG – The state Senate today approved a 2024-25 state budget that respects taxpayers, expands opportunities for Pennsylvania families, and increases educational opportunities in a responsible way, according to Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47). “As a caucus, we have stood firm throughout the budget process that this budget would need to reflect a…

July 12, 2024

ECASD Board of Directors Vote to Hire Building Clerk and Director of Pupil Services and to Create a Dean of Student Affairs Position; Debate Elimination of Nepotism Policy

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted to hire Elizabeth Tomon for a building clerk position at Perry Lower Intermediate during the July 11 combined regular meeting. Board President Jennifer Tomon abstained from voting as Elizabeth Tomon is a relative. Elizabeth received “Yes” votes from Board Vice President Jean Biehls and Directors Erica Gray, Kathy Tillia, Kevin Boariu, Robyn Nicklas and Dr. Claire Fauzey. “No” votes were cast by Directors Kathy Galbreath and Norman Boots. Elizabeth’s hiring followed nepotism policy votes during both the May and June regular ECASD Board of Directors Meetings. A motion was made…

June 28, 2024

Vogel’s Telemedicine Bill Set to Become Law

HARRISBURG – Following the approval from the Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives, Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr.’s (R-47) telemedicine legislation (Senate Bill 739) is now set to become law. “This legislation has been a work in progress for the past several legislative sessions, and I am glad to see the vast amount of bipartisan support for telemedicine expansion in our state,” said Vogel. “This legislation is key to expanding access to telemedicine services to Pennsylvanians and allowing our residents to take care of their health in a way that suits their needs and schedules.” Senate Bill 739 sets a base…

June 21, 2024

Brown, Bernstine Announce Counties Receiving Funds From Natural Gas Drilling Impact Fees

HARRISBURG – Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) and Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) today announced that communities in the 8th Legislative District in Butler and Lawrence counties and residents of the 9th Legislative District will receive nearly $3.1 million in Marcellus Shale impact fees. “During these difficult economic times, this funding will assist with important services and projects throughout Lawrence County,” said Brown. “The natural gas industry has created new jobs and opportunities in our communities, and this funding is another reminder of the importance of this industry in Pennsylvania.” “These impact fees have helped municipalities complete a variety of projects,” added Bernstine….

June 19, 2024

Ellwood City Borough Council Announces 2024 Road Paving Project

Ellwood City Borough Manager Kevin Swogger said that residents can expect to see a lot of road construction this summer as part of the 2024 Road Paving Project during the June 17 Ellwood City Borough Council Meeting. He said that many of the projects are already underway. “The crews are working,” he said. “But completion of all projects will take a while.” He expects the projects to carry well into August. Some of those projects include work on 4th to 2nd Street; 5th Street to the area of the Sheetz convenience store; and Lawrence Avenue from Dollar General to the…

June 17, 2024

ECASD Board of Directors Approve Budget, Eliminate Nepotism Policy

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted to approve the General Fund Budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year in the amount of $36,470,849 as well as the tax resolution setting the tax rates for the 2023-2024 fiscal year to include the ACT 679 $5 per capita tax, the ACT 511 $10 per capita tax (a shared tax by municipalities), property tax millage at 19.94 mills, Earned Income Tax at .5%, Realty Transfer Tax at .5% and the Occupational Privilege/Local Service Tax at $5.00 during the June 17 Regular Meeting. The move did not come without comment from…

June 6, 2024

Senate Approves Bill To Allow East Palestine Train Derailment Victims Keep More Money

HARRISBURG – The state Senate today approved legislation introduced by Sens. Doug Mastriano (R-33), Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47), and Michele Brooks (R-50) that would enable Pennsylvania victims of the Norfolk Southern train wreck near East Palestine, Ohio, last year to keep more of their own money. “This bill would enable the families and businesses harmed by the Norfolk Southern train wreck to keep more of the money from their relief payments and settlements,” said Mastriano, who serves as chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, hosted a hearing immediately following the train wreck, and subpoenaed Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw to appear before the committee. “Rather…

May 9, 2024

ECASD’s Board of Directors Votes Down Motion to Suspend Nepotism Policy

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted down a motion to suspend Board Policy 304.2 Nepotism for the hiring of a Building Clerk at Perry Lower Intermediate during its May 9 Regular Meeting. “Yes” votes came from Directors Jean Biehls, Dr. Claire Fauzey, and Director Robyn Nicklas. Directors Kathy Tillia, Kathy Galbreath, Norman Boots, and Kevin Boariu voted “No.” Director Erica Gray was not in attendance. Board President Jennifer Tomon abstained from voting as the proposed suspension of the policy was for the hiring of her relative Elizabeth Tomon. A majority of the “No” votes came as…

April 25, 2024

Over $6.3 Million in State Infrastructure Grants Announced For Beaver & Lawrence Counties

Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) and State Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) each announced on Wednesday that over $6.3 million in state infrastructure grants have been awarded to the Beaver & Lawrence Counties, including $5 million to a waterline and sewer project in Wampum Borough. “It is great to see the continued investments into the 47th District, especially when it comes to investing in water line and stormwater improvement projects that are a priority in our area,” said Vogel. “Maintaining all aspects of our local infrastructure is a crucial part of providing a safe community for our residents to thrive in.”…