Big plans are in the works for the former Merchandiser building in Lebanon.
James Mentzer
James Mentzer is a freelance writer and lifelong resident of Pennsylvania. He has spent his professional career writing about agriculture, economic development, manufacturing and the energy and real estate industries, and is the county reporter and a features writer for LebTown.
James is an outdoor enthusiast whose hobbies include hunting, Ultimate frisbee, disc golf, spikeball and pickleball, biking, traveling and attending live concerts for a number of bands, including moe., String Cheese Incident and Widespread Panic.
His published works include the books Pennsylvania Manufacturing: Alive and Well; Bucks County: A Snapshot in Time; United States Merchant Marine Academy: In Service to the Nation 1943-2018; A Century of Excellence: Spring Brook Country Club 1921-2021; Lancaster Development, Inc.: An American Story of Family and Infrastructure, and several other titles. He has also had business profiles published in Central Pennsylvania: Our Time Has Come, and an article in The Columbiad, a scholarly publication of Civil War Times Illustrated, concerning a little-known African American fort and battle along the James River in Virginia. Another book is currently in production for Morris Country Club in Morris, Illinois.
Posted inNews
N. Annville splits cost of new fire tanker, cracks down on Valley Glen trespassers
North Annville Township supervisors enacted a no-trespassing resolution for township-owned properties in Valley Glen and approved nearly $255,000 toward the early replacement of a fire company tanker truck with irreparable valve issues.
Posted inNews
Greble Road closure, sidewalk project drive Bethel Twp. supervisors meeting (Updated)
Road closure, sidewalk project fuel Bethel Township supervisors’ meeting on Thursday, July 9.
Posted inNews
Crisis intervention achievements honored, but future availability in doubt
Lebanon County’s crisis intervention services are making a difference in people’s lives, but future mandates are coming without additional predictable funding, according to county officials.
Posted inNews
Big crowd turns out to see historic Big Boy train’s whistle stop in Lebanon city
Big Boy rolls into Lebanon city Tuesday for a whistle stop, much to the delight of a large crowd.
Posted inPeople & Places
For the family: Klines preserve over 400 farm acres in eastern Lebanon County
John & Sharon Kline receive inaugural Farmland Preservation Excellence award for preserving over 400 acres of farmland near Myerstown and Schaefferstown.
Posted inNews
Commissioners address election integrity concerns, approve human service plan
Lebanon County Commissioners took numerous actions at their July 2 meeting.
Posted inNews
Volunteers, vendors, & military displays set stage for Lebanon County 250th bash
LebTown will provide live updates Saturday from the Lebanon Valley Expo Center during the “Celebrate 250 in the Valley!” program commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Posted inNews
Lebanon County officials urge caution during extreme heat over July 4th
Lebanon County officials are warning residents to exercise caution with fireworks, extreme heat, and alcohol use over the July 4th holiday weekend amid ongoing drought conditions.
Posted inNews
City officials unearth 1976 time capsule
A 1976 bicentennial time capsule was unearthed Wednesday at Coleman Memorial Park in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, as part of the city’s America250 celebration, with plans to add 2026 items before reburying it for opening in 2076.
Posted inHistory
A life of service: Remembering Revolutionary War veteran John Weidman
Lt. John Weidman, a Revolutionary War soldier who served under George Washington at Valley Forge and numerous battles, went on to become a surveyor, iron manufacturer and associate judge in what is now Lebanon County.
Posted inNews
Transitional housing for three residents coming to downtown Lebanon
A second transitional home owned by the county for people exiting the criminal justice system is headed to downtown Lebanon.
Posted inPeople & Places
Lebanon’s Dick Shiner reflects on NFL career, legacy, & field that bears his name
Dick Shiner, a Lebanon native who played quarterback for six NFL teams over 11 seasons, reflected on his career as a backup to legends like Sonny Jurgensen and Terry Bradshaw and his later work coaching high school football.
Posted inNews
Lebanon County has spent $112,000 defending CYS agency amid DA investigation
The investigation into Children & Youth Services has topped six figures over a six-month period, according to financial records obtained by LebTown through Right-to-Know requests.
Posted inUpcoming Events
Lebanon County gears up for July 4 semiquincentennial bash at fairgrounds
A look at various upcoming activities scheduled before, during and after in celebration of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary on July 4.
