The family of a 12-year-old student who died by suicide claims in court that the Lebanon School District didn’t do enough to stop him from being bullied by fellow students.
Chris Coyle
Chris Coyle writes primarily on government, the courts, and business. He retired as an attorney at the end of 2018, after concentrating for nearly four decades on civil and criminal litigation and trials. A career highlight was successfully defending a retired Pennsylvania state trooper who was accused, 40 years after the fact, of falsifying evidence in a 1970s murder case.
LebTown is his first foray into reporting, motivated by the decline of the once-great, locally-owned print newspaper he grew up with and read daily. Chris lives in the city of Lebanon. He holds degrees from Penn State and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law (and misses Pittsburgh every day). He and his wife have two grown sons and a few grandkids. He enjoys all kinds of music, tinkering with electronic stuff, and lifting weights to avoid becoming a shriveled old guy.
Posted inNews
Lebanon city considers signing ICE collaboration agreement
No decision has been made on whether Lebanon will sign a 287(g) immigration enforcement agreement with ICE, as city officials continue to evaluate options.
Posted inNews
VA Sec. Collins visits Lebanon VAMC, touts streamlined veteran services
Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins honored five Lebanon VA employees during a coining ceremony Tuesday and promoted efforts to streamline services.
Posted inCrime & Safety
Four years later, murder of 7th grader Jason Rivera remains unsolved
The possibly drug-related murder of 13-year-old Jason Rivera remains unsolved after four years.
Posted inNews
Landlord sues North Cornwall Commons restaurant for unpaid rent
Isaac’s Craft Kitchen & Brewery at North Cornwall Commons has been sued by its landlord for back rent, but remains open.
Posted inNews
Police contract, snow removal efforts, highlight first 2026 City Council meeting
The City of Lebanon and its police officers’ union have agreed to a contract through 2029, and over 5,700 tons of snow have been removed from city streets.
Posted inBusiness & Nonprofits
Rumors are wrong: Owner says Downtown Lounge likely to stay open
Rumors of the Downtown Lounge’s demise may have been greatly exaggerated.
Posted inNews
Marijuana dispensary asks city zoners for permission to move closer to daycare site
A downtown medical marijuana dispensary wants to move to a building that is closer to a child daycare center than normally allowed.
Posted inNews
Attorneys tell court that Cedar Haven sale is being explored
After being scolded by a judge for lack of progress, attorneys for financially troubled skilled nursing home Cedar Haven say a sale is being pursued.
Posted inNews
Council approves 2026 budget with no property tax bump for 11th straight year
No property tax hike, a new online application and payment system, and recognition of an outgoing member highlighted the Dec. 15 meeting of the Lebanon City Council.
Posted inCrime & Safety
Firefighters battle Saturday night downtown fire amid snowstorm
Firefighters from throughout the county braved falling snow and sub-freezing conditions to battle a multi-alarm blaze Saturday night on the 800 block of Cumberland Street in downtown Lebanon.
Posted inNews
Pennsylvania wants to be paid first in Cedar Haven receivership proceeding
Commonwealth says Cedar Haven owes it more than originally stated, faces possible loss of license.
Posted inNews
2026 Lebanon city budget sets up 11th straight year with no tax increase
Lebanon City Council Monday night approved a 2026 budget that will make it 11 straight years without a property tax increase.
Posted inBusiness & Nonprofits
Landlord says Cedar Haven owes millions, wants receiver appointed
Cedar Haven Healthcare Center faces a possible “orderly wind down” after its operator fell behind on $2.4 million in rent and state payments, prompting the landlord to seek emergency court intervention.
Posted inCrime & Safety
Executive for Pentagon defense contractor charged in Lebanon County with soliciting underage sex
An executive for a nationwide defense contractor is in the Lebanon County jail after his arrest on charges of having and attempting to have sexual contact with pre-teen children.
