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August 30, 2024

Bernstine Introduces Legislation to Secure PA’s Election Process

HARRISBURG – With the presidential election approaching in November and Pennsylvania again in the national spotlight as a critical swing state, Rep. Aaron Bernstine (Butler/Lawrence) is introducing a legislative package aimed at enhancing the transparency and security of Pennsylvania’s election process. “Even four years after the administrative failures of the 2020 General Election, Pennsylvania has not taken the necessary steps to reform or improve our election laws comprehensively,” said Bernstine. “The world is watching us, and it is imperative that Pennsylvanians – and voters across the nation – have confidence in the accuracy and integrity of our election process. This package…

August 20, 2024

Borough Manager: Ellwood City to Host Innovative Readiness Training (IRT)

Ellwood City Borough Manager Kevin Swogger announced during Monday night’s regular meeting of the Ellwood City Borough Council that Ellwood City will be the home of Innovative Readiness Training (IRT). IRT is a Department of Defense (DoD) military training opportunity, exclusive to the United States and its territories, that delivers joint training opportunities to increase deployment readiness. Simultaneously, IRT provides key services (health care, construction, transportation, and cybersecurity) with lasting benefits for communities. Ellwood City has been earmarked to receive FREE medical services for the community. Swogger said the service is 100% free to the community with no strings attached…

August 20, 2024

Bernstine, Mustello to Host Telephone Town Hall Meeting Sept. 5

BUTLER – Reps. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) and Marci Mustello (R-Butler) are teaming up to host a telephone town hall meeting on Thursday, Sept. 5, at 7 p.m. to engage with constituents and discuss the latest developments from Harrisburg and the local community. “I want to know what’s on your mind,” said Bernstine. “That’s why I’m hosting this telephone town hall meeting, and I hope you will participate. Whether you have questions or simply want to listen in, this is a great opportunity to stay informed and share your thoughts.” “Utilizing technology in this manner to connect with constituents makes this a…

August 8, 2024

ECASD’s Board of Directors Approve Traffic Study at Site of Proposed Softball Field

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors approved a traffic study of the Ewing Park Property where a softball field is proposed to be built during Thursday’s regular meeting. The study will be conducted by Gateway Engineers, at a cost not to exceed $4,000. All directors except for Norman Boots, Kathy Galbreath, and Kevin Boariu voted in favor of the study, and Director Claire Fauzey was absent from the meeting. Galbreath asked if the study is necessary at this time, and Superintendent Dr. Wesley Shipley said that the zoning board will require the study so doing it now…

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…