News Archives - LebTown

Bill to rename 8th Street post office for fallen police officer passes in U.S. House

LebTown Staff — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 12:15:00 +0000

A bill designating Lebanon’s 8th Street post office in honor of city police Lt. William D. Lebo has passed the U.S. House of Representatives.

Central Pennsylvania Food Bank releases Lebanon County Hunger Mapping data

Emily Bixler — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

After over a year of data collection, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank released its 2023 Lebanon County Community Hunger Mapping report Jan. 18.

Gov. Shapiro is pitching more funding for Pa.’s struggling transit systems

Spotlight PA — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 10:45:00 +0000

Transit systems across Pennsylvania are struggling with inflation, even as ridership rebounds from the pandemic. State lawmakers are struggling to agree on funding to help.

Local court decision halts N. Annville solar farm; one party vows to appeal

Chris Coyle — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 13:40:00 +0000

North Annville solar farm yard sign. 2021-07-17

" data-image-caption="" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2021/07/Solar-Farm-Lawn-Sign-003.jpg?fit=300%2C169&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2021/07/Solar-Farm-Lawn-Sign-003.jpg?fit=780%2C439&ssl=1" />A developer’s plan for an 858-acre solar energy farm in North Annville Township suffered a setback on Jan. 26 when a local judge denied its request for a conditional use under the township’s zoning law.

N. Cornwall, N. Lebanon agree to 50/50 split for proposed regional police charter

Emily Bixler — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 12:30:00 +0000

Representatives from North Cornwall and North Lebanon townships informally agreed to a 50/50 apportionment split for the proposed regional police charter in a meeting Jan. 25.

Lebanon County Republican women’s club will host forum for GOP candidates

LebTown Staff — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 11:30:00 +0000

Pennsylvania State Capitol (Source: loc.gov)

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/PA-state-capitol.png?fit=300%2C154&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/PA-state-capitol.png?fit=780%2C400&ssl=1" />The Lebanon County Council of Republican Women will host its annual Republican Candidates Night on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at Heisey's Diner.

Drought watch lifted for Lebanon and other counties

LebTown Staff — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 13:08:17 +0000

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has lifted the drought watch for Lebanon County, along with seven other counties, indicating a return to normal water supply conditions.

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.

Isabel Drive/Route 72 intersection upgrade set to begin this spring

Margaret Hopkins — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 11:45:00 +0000

A $1.26-million project to ease congestion and improve safety at the Isabel Drive/Route 72 intersection, including a new traffic signal and dedicated turn lanes, is set to begin this spring, with completion expected by October 2024.

Recent Lebanon County obituaries for week of January 29

LebTown Staff — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Here are the latest obituaries from around Lebanon County.

3 Lebanon County competitors earned national Make It With Wool recognition

LebTown Staff — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 11:15:00 +0000

Madison Copenhaver, Rachel Siegel, Hope Wagner, photo by Andrea Wagner

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/Three_Pennsylvania_contestants_at_the_national_Make_It_With_Wool_contest_2024.jpg?fit=300%2C214&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/Three_Pennsylvania_contestants_at_the_national_Make_It_With_Wool_contest_2024.jpg?fit=780%2C555&ssl=1" />Lebanon County's wool enthusiasts shined at the National Make It With Wool contest, with Rachel Siegel, Madison Copenhaver, and Hope Wagner bringing home honors.

Light agenda, public comment, at Lebanon City Council’s first 2024 meeting

Chris Coyle — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

The 2024 edition of Lebanon City Council met for the first time Monday evening to tackle a brief mid-winter agenda and hear public comment.

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.

Proposed update to state gaming rules could offer relief to Pa.’s fire companies, nonprofits

Spotlight PA — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 10:30:00 +0000

Carly Wojtaszek uses a fire extinguisher during a fire fighting training class at the Centre County Public Safety Training Center on Jan. 17, 2019.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/01jt-xdmg-v1rw-zd5c-scaled.jpeg?fit=300%2C185&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/01jt-xdmg-v1rw-zd5c-scaled.jpeg?fit=780%2C482&ssl=1" />Pennsylvania lawmakers have proposed letting nonprofits accept credit and debit card payments for small games of chance, which is currently illegal.

Gov. Josh Shapiro’s admin blames ‘human error’ for deletion of Pa. State Police records

Spotlight PA — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 10:15:00 +0000

Colonel Christopher Paris, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, announces a pilot program designed to ensure department readiness for implementing body-worn cameras. Joining him is Pennsylvania State Troopers Association President David Kennedy. Pictured here is a moment from the event. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. August 7, 2023.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/01jd-qpm0-jnps-z6dd-1-scaled.jpeg?fit=300%2C200&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/01jd-qpm0-jnps-z6dd-1-scaled.jpeg?fit=780%2C520&ssl=1" />The Office of Administration under Gov. Josh Shapiro accidentally deleted thousands of records including State Police evidence logs. Some records haven’t been recovered.

Long-sought charter school changes on the table as Pa. lawmakers plot education funding overhaul

Spotlight PA — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Bennetts Valley Elementary School on April 5, 2023.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/01jv-055n-5p3p-2335-scaled.jpeg?fit=300%2C214&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/01jv-055n-5p3p-2335-scaled.jpeg?fit=780%2C558&ssl=1" />Pennsylvania lawmakers say a court mandate to overhaul public school funding has opened avenues for compromise on charter school reform.

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.

Recent Lebanon County obituaries for week of January 22

LebTown Staff — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 11:30:00 +0000

Here are the latest obituaries from around Lebanon County.

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.

Pa.’s broadband authority reverses position on key state law before new federal funding arrives

Spotlight PA — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 10:30:00 +0000

The Broadband Development Authority initially said it would waive a key section of the 2004 law that restricts publicly owned broadband networks. The agency reversed course after public comments.

As snow falls, PennDOT lowers speed limits on I-81, I-83, & SR 322

LebTown Staff — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 13:07:42 +0000

In response to a now-arriving winter storm, PennDOT has imposed temporary speed limit reductions across the region, including on I-81, I-83, and Route 322.

N. Lebanon Twp. supervisors advertise Emma Road bridge weight restrictions

Emily Bixler — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 11:45:00 +0000

The North Lebanon Township Board of Supervisors unanimously agreed to advertise Ordinance #1-2024 establishing weight restrictions on the Emma Road bridge at its meeting Monday.

Utility shut-off protections in Pa. would be expanded to summer months under bill

Spotlight PA — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 10:30:00 +0000

The legislature must reauthorize a law that shields people from winter utility shut-offs before the end of the year. That’s spurred a debate between consumer advocates and utilities about additional protections.

Rep. John Schlegel announces bid for re-election to state House in 101st district

LebTown Staff — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 11:45:00 +0000

John Schlegel

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2022/04/JohnSchlegel2.jpg?fit=300%2C233&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2022/04/JohnSchlegel2.jpg?fit=780%2C605&ssl=1" />Republican John Schlegel announced last week that he plans to seek re-election to the state House representing the 101st district in Lebanon County.

Coleman Memorial Park trustees announce officers, events for 2024

LebTown Staff — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 11:45:00 +0000

Coleman Memorial Park (Will Trostel)

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/ColemanMPsign.jpg?fit=300%2C207&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/ColemanMPsign.jpg?fit=780%2C538&ssl=1" />Coleman Memorial Park Board of Trustees has elected officers for 2024, with David Funk returning as chairman for the second year.

Relief for abuse survivors, other constitutional amendments halted in Pa.’s split legislature

Spotlight PA — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 10:45:00 +0000

Pennsylvania State Capitol building in Harrisburg on July 26, 2023.

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/01jd-ah7d-63x8-j2a3-1.jpeg?fit=300%2C200&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2024/01/01jd-ah7d-63x8-j2a3-1.jpeg?fit=780%2C520&ssl=1" />Deep partisan differences are keeping proposals with bipartisan support from voters, including one that would give survivors of childhood sexual abuse a chance to sue their abusers.

Recent Lebanon County obituaries for week of January 15

LebTown Staff — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Here are the latest obituaries from around Lebanon County.

Lebanon VA Medical Center holds ribbon cutting for new primary care building

William Trostel — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 11:45:00 +0000

The Lebanon VA Medical Center celebrated the opening of its brand new primary care space with a ribbon cutting and tour for local officials and media on Wednesday, Jan. 10.

Equestrian therapy services floated for historic Quentin Riding Club site

Margaret Hopkins — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 11:30:00 +0000

Quentin Associates, LLC is preparing an application for a special exception to reintroduce equestrian therapy services on a 15-acre portion of the former Quentin Riding Club in West Cornwall Township.

City of Lebanon Authority board plans $27.9M wastewater plant improvements

Margaret Hopkins — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 11:15:00 +0000

City of Lebanon Authority board is set to approve contracts for a $27.9 million wastewater plant upgrade, contingent on a second loan from PennVEST and contractor compliance.

Garman Legacy seeks conditional use approval for 150-unit Candler’s Pointe

Jess Benninger — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

The South Annville Township Board of Supervisors deliberated on a conditional use application for a 20.05-acre residential development by Garman Legacy LLC, which includes 60 apartments and 90 townhomes, with a decision expected in February.

Pa. county officials say lawmakers’ increase to the 911 phone fee isn’t enough to alleviate taxpayer burden

Spotlight PA — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 10:45:00 +0000

The increase to $1.95, which takes effect in March, helps Pennsylvania pay for 911 call center staffing and infrastructure upgrades.

Lebanon County DES extends Code Blue alert through rest of the week

LebTown Staff — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 15:57:19 +0000

Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services has extended an ongoing Code Blue alert to last until Monday, Jan. 22, at 10 a.m.

Lebanon County DES issues Code Blue alert through Monday afternoon

LebTown Staff — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 18:07:26 +0000

Lebanon County Department of Emergency Services has issued a Code Blue alert starting Sunday, Jan. 14, at 2 p.m. and lasting until Monday, Jan. 15, at 2 p.m.

Pet of the Week: Morph

Tom Knapp — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

This week, meet Morph!

" data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2023/12/Morph1-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C225&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/images.phillypublishing.com/lebtown/uploads/2023/12/Morph1-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C584&ssl=1" />This week, meet Morph!

Pennsylvania provides state money for public defense for the first time

Spotlight PA — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 10:45:00 +0000

The state legislature approved $7.5 million for indigent defense. Until now, Pennsylvania was one of the few states to not provide state funding for public defenders.

New law aims to make guardianship a last resort in Pa., but some experts say it doesn’t go far enough

Spotlight PA — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 10:30:00 +0000

A new Pennsylvania law makes changes to the process of assigning guardians to people who are considered incapacitated, but some experts fear it won’t solve the issues.

Cornwall Borough Council hears updates on water supply, community concerns

Emily Bixler — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

The Cornwall Borough Council updated attendees on the status of the open pit water supply discussion and heard concerns from several residents at Monday's meeting.

North Annville’s latest: BlueScope plan deferral, recycling access, solar appeal

Jess Benninger — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 11:45:00 +0000

North Annville Township's monthly meeting saw the BlueScope Buildings expansion deferred to Annville Township, resident recycling access expanded, and an update on the Lebanon Solar I appeal, with a decision expected by month's end.