James Mentzer, Author at LebTown

Virtual training puts law enforcement in real-life scenarios inside a digital world

James Mentzer — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 12:45:00 +0000

Lebanon County law enforcement officers have access to virtual reality training to experience real life scenarios in a digital world.

Lebanon County Commissioners discuss ballot drop box controversy

James Mentzer — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

LebTown discussed with county commissioners their decision to remove the mail ballot drop box at the county building.(James Mentzer)

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/secure-mail-in-ballot-dropbox.jpg?fit=300%2C158&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/secure-mail-in-ballot-dropbox.jpg?fit=780%2C410&ssl=1" />LebTown spoke with county commissioners Bob Phillips, Mike Kuhn, and Jo Ellen Litz about the decision to shutter the county's drop box for the 2024 election cycle.

Thome lawsuit in fatal shooting involving two state troopers is continued again

James Mentzer — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 11:30:00 +0000

The Sylvia H. Rambo U.S. Courthouse in Harrisburg.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2023/11/rambo.jpg?fit=300%2C158&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2023/11/rambo.jpg?fit=780%2C410&ssl=1" />The civil lawsuit trial involving the fatal shooting of Richland resident Charity Thome in March 2020 that was to begin Monday, Jan. 29, has been postponed again.

Mount Gretna residents raise water quality concerns with Gov. Dick board

James Mentzer — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 11:45:00 +0000

Governor Dick Park board president Raymond Bender makes a point during a heated discussion with Mt. Gretna residents about water quality issues. (Photo by James Mentzer)

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/IMG_3061-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C225&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/IMG_3061-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1" />Mount Gretna area residents aired their concerns about issues they believe could impact their water quality to the Governor Dick Park board of directors.

Eclectic collection contains a lifetime of memories for Ono businessman

James Mentzer — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Ed Anspach with a print featuring Mario Andretti racing in a dead heat with his son, Michael Andretti. (Photo by James Mentzer)

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/IMG_3007-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C225&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/IMG_3007-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1" />Classic car dealer Ed Anspach has collected a lifetime of memorabilia that he displays at his Ono-based business.

Kuhn & Phillips nix secure mail-in ballot drop box at county building entrance

James Mentzer — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

LebTown discussed with county commissioners their decision to remove the mail ballot drop box at the county building.(James Mentzer)

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/secure-mail-in-ballot-dropbox.jpg?fit=300%2C158&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/secure-mail-in-ballot-dropbox.jpg?fit=780%2C410&ssl=1" />Lebanon County residents will no longer be able to deliver their mail-in election ballots to a secure drop box outside the county municipal building in Lebanon, which had been available in the past seven elections since its introduction for the 2020 general election.

The town of Water Works and its connection to the Union Canal

James Mentzer — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Water Works became an important town in the operation of the Union Canal in the 1800s.

Water Works was once a popular destination in the Lebanon Valley

James Mentzer — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Guests came from as far away as New York state to visit the dam, participate in recreational activities at Water Works Lake or stay at the hotel. (Provided photo)

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/Peiffers-Hotel-west-End-1B-1.jpg?fit=300%2C211&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/Peiffers-Hotel-west-End-1B-1.jpg?fit=780%2C548&ssl=1" />Local residents and out-of-town guests from as far away as New York state came to this tiny hamlet to enjoy outdoor activities at Water Works Lake, which was created in the 1800s when a dam was built to provide water to the Union Canal.

Bomgardner enjoys incredible ‘ride’ as 2023 Pennsylvania State Fair Queen

James Mentzer — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 12:30:00 +0000

Jonestown's Chloe Bomgardner caps off prolific year promoting agriculture as the 2023 state fair queen.

Lebanon County FFAers rebuild antique tractors for Pennsylvania Farm Show

James Mentzer — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 12:15:00 +0000

A 1960 John Deere model 430 S, refurbished by students from ELCO, won Best of Show at the Pennsylvania Farm Show's antique tractor competition.

Lebanon County well ‘connected’ at Pennsylvania Farm Show this year

James Mentzer — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Nathan Graybeal of Hidden Hollow Herefords, Annville, grooms one of his two Herefords he entered for judging at the Pennsylvania Farm Show.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/DSC_1338-Enhanced-NR-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C200&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/DSC_1338-Enhanced-NR-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C520&ssl=1" />On the first day of the 2024 Pennsylvania Farm Show, LebTown toured the annual agricultural extravaganza to capture some of the imagery that showcases the county’s footprint in the largest industry in Pennsylvania and Lebanon County.

Zimmerman brothers keep family tradition alive at PA Farm Show

James Mentzer — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 11:45:00 +0000

The Zimmerman brothers are the fourth generation to show animals at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. The brothers, along with friend John Stauffer, are four local 4-H club members to show at the 108th edition of the statewide show. Left to right are Carter Zimmerman, John Stauffer, Ian Zimmerman and Noah Zimmerman. (James Mentzer)

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/IMG_3051-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C225&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/IMG_3051-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1" />Noah, Carter, and Ian Zimmerman are keeping a family tradition alive at the 108th edition of the Pennsylvania Farm Show.

$3.5M prison healthcare services explained at commissioner meeting

James Mentzer — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 11:45:00 +0000

Public provided a glimpse of healthcare services at the county's correctional facility during the Jan. 4 commissioner meeting.

Post office officials are in negotiations for a lease for a new post office in Ono

James Mentzer — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 11:30:00 +0000

Fourteen months after postal service delivery suddenly ended in Ono, there are signs it may return in the future.

Lebanon Transit to modify nine routes in 2024, following survey and transit study

James Mentzer — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 11:30:00 +0000

Lebanon Transit's 2024 route modifications will include the removal of the Hollywood Casino stop, increased service to popular destinations like Lebanon Walmart and Lebanon Plaza, and adjustments to avoid train delays.

Lebanon County Commissioners hold 2024 organizational meeting

James Mentzer — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 11:15:00 +0000

Lebanon County Commissioners, shown here in this file photo, voted to end the use of mail-in ballot drop box for future elections. (Will Trostel)

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2023/03/leb-co-commissioners.jpg?fit=300%2C215&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2023/03/leb-co-commissioners.jpg?fit=780%2C560&ssl=1" />Lebanon County Commissioners conducted their organizational meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 2, to make committee appointments and set their 2024 public meeting schedule.

County commissioners approve 2024 budget and a .50-mill tax increase

James Mentzer — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Lebanon County Commissioners on Thursday, Dec. 28, approved by a 2-1 vote a $94.4 million county fiscal budget for 2024, which includes a .50 mill tax hike to cover its $5 million deficit.

Sen. Gebhard highlights 2023 legislative accomplishments, other statewide issues

James Mentzer — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

State Sen. Chris Gebhard shares his position on issues pending in the state legislature and 2023 accomplishments during an impromptu interview with LebTown.

Lebanon County officials continue to address workforce challenges

James Mentzer — Sat, 23 Dec 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Lebanon County Municipal Building

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2020/07/municipal-building.jpg?fit=300%2C158&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2020/07/municipal-building.jpg?fit=780%2C410&ssl=1" />Lebanon County Commissioners have been proactively raising salaries during 2023 and making other changes to retain current employees while working to attract new ones.

Lebanon County commissioners vote to raise 2024 taxes by half a mill for 2024

James Mentzer — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 11:15:00 +0000

Lebanon County Municipal Building

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2020/07/municipal-building.jpg?fit=300%2C158&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2020/07/municipal-building.jpg?fit=780%2C410&ssl=1" />Lebanon County Commissioners on Thursday, Dec. 7, approved a tentative $94.4 million county fiscal budget for 2024 that includes a tax increase of .50 mills to cover its $5 million budget deficit.

Pumpkin season is over, but their use continues through the fall

James Mentzer — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 12:15:00 +0000

Pumpkins on display at Heagy’s Pumpkins and Produce, Lebanon. (Photo provided)

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2023/12/heagys-pumpkin-stand-e1701810739153.jpeg?fit=300%2C233&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2023/12/heagys-pumpkin-stand-e1701810739153.jpeg?fit=780%2C605&ssl=1" />Pumpkin season may be over, but their use continues long into the fall.

State bills seek to implement OSHA standards at municipal level

James Mentzer — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 11:30:00 +0000

Two state legislative bills aim to extend OSHA-like health and safety standards to public sector employees, facing opposition from municipal associations due to potential unfunded mandates, but receiving support from labor organizations and educators for potentially improving workplace safety.

Senate amends 911 surcharge bill, removes funding increase proposal

James Mentzer — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 11:15:00 +0000

911 Telecommuter Dan Kohr in the county’s emergency call center.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2021/10/LCDES-911-10-14-2021-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C225&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2021/10/LCDES-911-10-14-2021-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C585&ssl=1" />Bill to reauthorize and increase 911 surcharge funding is stripped of funding mechanism.

Commissioners sign agreement to provide helipad access at 911 Center

James Mentzer — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 11:45:00 +0000

Lebanon County Municipal Building

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2020/07/municipal-building.jpg?fit=300%2C158&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2020/07/municipal-building.jpg?fit=780%2C410&ssl=1" />New funding is flying into county coffers thanks to a leasing agreement signed by the Lebanon County Commissioners on Thursday, Nov. 16, at their biweekly meeting.

Civil lawsuit for Thome’s fatal shooting by two state troopers is continued until 2024

James Mentzer — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000

The Sylvia H. Rambo U.S. Courthouse in Harrisburg.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2023/11/rambo.jpg?fit=300%2C158&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2023/11/rambo.jpg?fit=780%2C410&ssl=1" />The civil lawsuit involving the fatal shooting of Richland resident Charity Thome in March 2020 by Pennsylvania State Police troopers Jay Splain and Matthew Haber has been continued until the end of January 2024.

Thome estate seeks $5-$6M in civil suit for fatal shooting by two state troopers

James Mentzer — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 11:40:00 +0000

The Sylvia H. Rambo U.S. Courthouse in Harrisburg.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2023/11/rambo.jpg?fit=300%2C158&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2023/11/rambo.jpg?fit=780%2C410&ssl=1" />Jury selection begins Wednesday following an Oct. 20 settlement conference where both sides failed to reach a settlement agreement, according to court documents.

Cedar Crest’s District 3 playoff run ends in Harrisburg with 54-28 loss to Cougars

James Mentzer — Sun, 12 Nov 2023 13:10:00 +0000

Cedar Crest's football season concluded with a 54-28 loss to Harrisburg in the District 3 6A quarterfinals, despite standout performances from senior running back Fernando Marquez and tight end Aiden Schomp.

Voters re-elect County Commissioners to 4 more years in general election Tuesday

James Mentzer — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 11:45:00 +0000

Lebanon County voters elected its three incumbent commissioners to four-year terms in Tuesday’s general election.

50 years of consecutive voting qualifies 3 locals as Super Voters

James Mentzer — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 11:30:00 +0000

Three local residents were elected and enshrined in the state's Voter Hall of Fame for voting in 50 consecutive general elections, held the first Tuesday every November.

Nine-county regional task force receives $1.27M federal grant to combat terrorism

James Mentzer — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 11:30:00 +0000

Lebanon County commissioners approve a $1.27 million federal grant to join a nine-county terrorism task force.

FTIG officials christen new security system at opening ceremony

James Mentzer — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 10:45:00 +0000

Fort Indiantown Gap's new Access Control Point, a $13 million security enhancement, officially opened, requiring visitors to undergo identification checks before entering the military installation.

Certain county precincts will use E-poll books in Tuesday’s election

James Mentzer — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000

About 19 percent of the county's voting precincts will run an experiment using E-poll books.

Fort Indiantown Gap base commander values his role and career of service

James Mentzer — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 10:15:00 +0000

Colonel Kevin D. Potts, Garrison Commander at Fort Indiantown Gap, discusses his military journey from private to Colonel, the installation's significant economic impact, and his commitment to improving the facility before his impending retirement.

3 Lebanon County residents sweep top honors in PA wool clothing competition

James Mentzer — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Lebanon County's Madison Copenhaver and Hope Wagner triumphed in the junior and senior categories respectively at the Pennsylvania Make It With Wool contest, while Rachel Seigel won in the adult category.

Tim McGowan’s on a quest to identify the unmarked graves at Lebanon fairgrounds

James Mentzer — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 10:15:00 +0000

Tim McGowan has embarked on a quest to identify the individuals interred in an unmarked cemetery on the grounds of the Lebanon Valley Exposition Center & Fairgrounds.

New access control point at Fort Indiantown Gap set to open Nov. 1

James Mentzer — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 10:30:00 +0000

The new Access Control Point on Fisher Avenue was activated on Nov. 1 to enhance security at Fort Indiantown Gap. (Provided photo)

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2023/10/231018-Z-CQ783-1002-1-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C128&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2023/10/231018-Z-CQ783-1002-1-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C333&ssl=1" />Fort Indiantown Gap will enhance on-base security when its Access Control Point gate on Fisher Avenue is activated on Nov. 1.

County commissioners approve state grants for DA & probation departments

James Mentzer — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 10:15:00 +0000

Lebanon County Commissioners, shown here in this file photo, voted to end the use of mail-in ballot drop box for future elections. (Will Trostel)

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2023/03/leb-co-commissioners.jpg?fit=300%2C215&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2023/03/leb-co-commissioners.jpg?fit=780%2C560&ssl=1" />County commissioners approved several state grants, including a Victim of Crime Act grant for the district attorney's office and a Continuing County Probation and Parole grant for the probation department.

Late-game heroics fall short for Annville-Cleona in battle for first place

James Mentzer — Sat, 21 Oct 2023 10:10:00 +0000

Despite a strong performance, Annville-Cleona fell to Schuylkill Valley 14-13 after a last-minute field goal attempt went wide.

Lebanon VA director discusses new position, urges vets to use services

James Mentzer — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 10:15:00 +0000

Jeffrey Beiler II, the new executive director of the Lebanon VA Medical Center, is focused on maintaining the center's top ranking and expanding services to reach more veterans.

Legacy of firefighting equipment comes alive at fire company’s museum

James Mentzer — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

The museum at Perseverance Fire Company, believed to be the only one of its kind in Lebanon County, displays a range of historic firefighting gear, including a wooden hand pumper from the early 1800s and a fire bell from a 1922 Model-T Ford fire engine.