letter to the editor

Letter To The Editor: Memorial Day 2024

Remembering the lives of Americas’ heroes this Memorial Day This weekend of remembrance is important to all of us as it is a time to honor the heroes who sacrificed so much for our freedoms. It is also a time to honor the sacrifices of their families who stood stoically, bravely, by their side. It is a time to share their stories, those special moments that linger in our hearts. Since the American Revolution, brave men and women have fought to secure and maintain our independence. Wars have taken our fathers, brothers, sons, sisters, mothers, and daughters to far-off continents…


Bernstine: PA House Democrats Destruct Democracy in the Dark

While many Pennsylvanians were tuned into the dysfunction in Washington D.C. last week, Democrats in the state House were one-upping Congress and leading one of the most destructive assaults on democracy I’ve seen in my time in Harrisburg. The week was full of shady last-minute legislation, the silencing of debate when anyone objected to their ideas, and passage of a bill that spends $800 million more of your tax dollars. But by far the worst and most concerning action happened while most Pennsylvanians were sleeping. House Democrats bypassed a chamber rule that prevents voting after 11 p.m. and rammed through…


Bernstine: Harrisburg Politicians Continue to Attack Small Businesses

When I first started out in politics, I naively believed that anyone getting into public service must want to help others. As lawmakers, we are tasked with putting forth policies that support the average Pennsylvanian and building a Commonwealth where anyone can thrive. I have since learned that this is just not the case. Too many of my peers in Harrisburg have made it their mission to jeopardize small businesses – the backbone of our economy – and threaten the livelihoods of their own constituents. Even worse, some of those same politicians have put the wishes of big, internationally owned…


Letter To The Editor: Artificial Turf

Does it make good financial sense to spend approximately a million dollars to install artificial turf on a football field that is used only a few months a year? At first, when considering upkeep and maintenance, it may seem worthwhile. However, there are many concerns about artificial turf besides the exorbitant upfront costs. Since artificial turf lasts only 8-10 years, there is a high replacement cost. It is not biodegradable making disposal expensive. Artificial turf gets far hotter than natural grass and can reach a temperature of 200° Artificial turf has a surface harder than grass which increases the risk…


Letter To The Editor: Ellwood City After Prom

On Friday, May 8th, ninety-seven Ellwood City Juniors & Seniors attended an After Prom in the Lincoln High School big gym. This effort was planned and implemented in less than a month by a dedicated group of parent & community volunteers. The goal of the 2021 After Prom Committee was to provide a safe and fun atmosphere for the students to enjoy at the end of a tough year. The event was held from 11pm-5am directly following the prom. The kids danced the night away to the tunes of DJ Ed DiBuono, had a blast in Clark’s Studio photo booth,…


Letter To The Editor: Register and Recorder

For twelve years the people of Lawrence County gave me the opportunity to serve as one of the County Commissioners. I am very grateful for that opportunity. During my terms I had the pleasure of meeting a lot of good people. A special group of people that I particularly enjoyed meeting and working with are staff of the departments and offices in the courthouse. Every one of them was committed to addressing the needs of the residents of Lawrence County. One of those offices is that of the Register and Recorder. That office, managed by Register and Recorder Jan Kalajainen…


Letter To The Editor: It Needs Fixed NOW

All one has to do is listen to some of the board meetings online to get an idea of just how toxic a few members have made the entire board. Is the public aware there are members who are voting on agenda items brought up simply because their own kids are in that particular sport/event? For months those members talked about the soccer program because that board members kids was in soccer. For months they wasted time on band lunch and band uniform cleaning services. Why?? Because the board presidents kid is in band. Gifted field trips and volleyball nets…


Letter To The Editor: Tip Of The Cap

July 13, 2020 To the editor: The following is a tip of the cap to a colleague who has been a leader in the field of education during the recent pandemic. The gentleman that we wish to recognize is Mr. Joe Mancini. Joe has been our representative to the state organization, PASA. More importantly, Joe has organized, set agendas, and led at least a dozen Google meetings between the superintendents of Lawrence County. Under his leadership we have been able to craft plans for continuity of education, discussed impacts to budgets, modes of instruction, options for feeding students and much…


Letter To The Editor: Chaos on EC School Board

I spent the last 12 years on the Ellwood City School Board before stepping down in December at the end of my third term. Through that experience, I have first-hand knowledge of how this Board operates. The way this Board has treated Superintendent Joe Mancini is a disgrace. Mr. Mancini did a great job during his years as Superintendent, but certain members of the Board have been out to get him for some time. Unfortunately, when I retired from the Board and Ms. Woodhead was not re-elected in the last election, there was a shift on the Board. Finally, when,…


No Picture

Letter To The Editor: Good Man Passes

David L Reese, 80, of Wayne Township. David’s life ended at his home, surrounded by the people he loved, after a lengthy illness on November 30, 2019. I first met Dave years ago. First-year on the Ellwood City School Board. We served together about 8 years off and on. As new to the board and public service I learned so much from Dave. Just observing. I learned how to separate the important from the trivial and how to gather and analyze information. Dave and I did not always agree. But he was always willing to listen to opposing views and…