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December 30, 2022

Brown Announces District Office Opening in New Castle

HARRISBURG – Rep.-elect Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) announced that she will be opening a district office in New Castle to ensure continuity of constituent services. The office, which will open for business beginning on Monday, Jan. 9, is located in the Washington Centre Plaza at 28 N. Mill St., New Castle. Office hours will be Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the telephone numbers are 724-498-4397 and 833-431-0502. “One of the most important aspects of my job as your state representative is helping you deal with state government,” said Brown. “Stopping by my office is one way…

December 20, 2022

David Allen Attends Last Meeting As Ellwood City Borough Manager; Council Welcomes Kevin Swogger

David Allen attended his last Ellwood City Borough Council Meeting as Borough Manager Monday night. During his four years serving the community, he fought for the sale of the Ellwood City Medical Center following years of controversy following its closing. He also had to manage the city during the pandemic. Council members expressed thanks to Allen and wished him well in his next chapter. Allen hinted that he will still be “around” in a consulting capacity and still involved in community projects. The borough welcomed Kevin Swogger who will replace Allen in the New Year. Swogger, a Lincoln High School…

December 9, 2022

Ellwood City School District’s Board of Directors Names New President, Vice President

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors held it’s combined voting and reorganization meeting Thursday night. During the reorganization meeting, Kathy McCommons was named board president, with support from Directors Norman Boots, Renee Pitrelli, Jennifer Tomon, and Kathy Tillia. Jean Biehls was also nominated with support of Directors Erica Gray, Claire Fauzey, and Gary Rozanski. Biehls had served as board president previously. McCommons said she is excited to take on the role as board president and thanked Biehls for her service. She said a main goal of hers will be transparent, clear communication. “I will make sure everyone…

November 22, 2022

Ellwood City Borough Council Enacts Advanced Life Support (ALS) Program, hires Borough Manager

Ellwood City Borough Council voted to adopt an ordinance, creating an Advanced Life Support (ALS) Program and to advertise an ordinance creating a 1 mill tax for those services. The move comes following a voter referendum on November 8 during the election in which a majority of voters were in favor of the program. During the October Council meeting, The Ellwood City Community Health Foundation presented the Ellwood City Fire Department a check for $175,000. Council voted at that October meeting to advertise an ordinance creating the ALS program, as well as an agreement that the program will be partially funded…

October 27, 2022

Brooks, Vogel Announce $3.5 Million Grant to Create Local Jobs at Steelite

LAWRENCE – Sens. Michele Brooks (R-50) and Elder Vogel (R-47) announced a $3.5 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant to facilitate the expansion of the Steelite International facility, which will contribute to the economic strengths of Neshannock Township, the City of New Castle and surrounding areas. The project entails the formation of a 55,000-square-foot, pre-engineered steel building in Neshannock Township. Funds will be used to develop the site; purchase and construct the pre-engineered steel building; and for related building operation systems, such as electrical, HVAC and plumbing. “I appreciate the opportunity to work with Sen. Vogel and Steelite on…

October 26, 2022

Bernstine Says House Fails to Override Governor’s Markie’s Law Veto

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives failed today to override Gov. Tom Wolf’s September veto of House Bill 146, authored by Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence), which focuses on the parole process for violent offenders in the wake of the 2019 murder of a child in Lawrence County. The measure needed a two-thirds majority (134 votes) to override the veto; 132 “yes” votes were cast. Every Republican House member voted “yes” to override the veto; however, some Democrats who originally voted in the affirmative, flipped their vote to support releasing violent criminals back onto our streets. Markie’s Law was named…

October 5, 2022

NOTICE: Political Signs NOT Allowed Without Registration

According to a press release made available by the Borough of Ellwood City, no candidate for political office, whether local, county, state or federal, shall post any political signs on Borough property without registering at the Ellwood City Municipal Building, 525 Lawrence Avenue, Ellwood City, PA 16117. This registration procedure involves a $50 deposit, which will be returned if the following regulations are complied with: no sign shall be placed prior to four (4) weeks before the date of election and must be removed within five (5) days after the election. If the signs are left on Borough property after…

October 4, 2022

Bernstine’s Markie’s Law Legislation Vetoed by Governor

HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) that would focus on the parole process for violent offenders was vetoed today by Gov. Tom Wolf. “I am upset, disappointed and disgusted with the governor’s decision to veto this important, commonsense legislation,” said Bernstine. “This bill would have kept the most dangerous inmates from a premature release in order to protect our Commonwealth residents and would have saved Markie’s life.” House Bill 146, or Markie’s Law, was named after Markie Mason, an 8-year-old boy who was brutally stabbed to death by a man who was paroled at the end of…

September 21, 2022

Bernstine’s Markie’s Law Legislation Awaiting Governor’s Signature

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) announced today that his legislation, which focuses on the parole process for violent offenders, is on its way to Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk. House Bill 146, or Markie’s Law, was named after Markie Mason, an 8-year-old boy who was brutally stabbed to death by a man who was paroled at the end of his minimum sentence for homicide, even after committing two separate assaults of other inmates while in prison. “Markie’s Law must get over the finish line and signed into law by the governor,” said Bernstine. “This bill would keep the most dangerous…

September 20, 2022

Borough Council Welcomes Jr. Councilperson; to hire Borough Manager

Ellwood City Borough Council welcomed Jr. Councilperson Kaden Schlichtkrull during the regular meeting Monday night. Schlichtkrull, a senior at Lincoln High School, was administered the oathe of office by Mayor Anthony Court before joining council at the table. He’s also involved in cross country, track, tennis, student council, and plays the trumpet in the band. Schlichtkrull said he thought becoming a Jr. Councilperson would be a great addition to his advanced government studies. “I thought it would be a great way to learn,” he said. Council also voted to advertise for the position of Borough Manager as David Allen will…