Lebanon County’s farmland preservation program is set to preserve 11 farms in 2024, tripling the usual acreage to 1,200, thanks to a $765,000 donation from the estate of Esther Martin.
James Mentzer
James Mentzer is a freelance writer whose 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.
A lifelong resident of Pennsylvania, James 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.
Former Pittsburgh Steeler says human connections guide him through life
Former Pittsburgh Steeler running back Rocky Bleier, who will speak at an event in Lebanon County in May, believes support systems are a positive influence in our lives.
Commonwealth dismisses criminal charges against Lebanon County attorney
The state has dismissed criminal contempt of court charges filed in January against Lebanon County attorney Lebanon County attorney George Christianson.
WEPA is prepping to provide adult education classes this fall
Tec Centro, which is part of the WEPA initiative, will begin offering an array of adult education classes this fall. WEPA received an ARPA grant to purchase the former Elks building in downtown Lebanon.
11 projects funded, Lebanon County seeks to spend remaining ARPA dollars
The county has about $813,000 to disburse through the end of 2024 through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. LebTown recaps the 11 projects that have already received federal funds.
Greg Vaitl honored as Merritt Marks Memorial Business Person of the Year
Greg Vaitl, owner of Christman’s Funeral Home, was honored Wednesday as the Community of Lebanon Association’s Business Person of the Year.
Lebanon County commissioners consider courtroom dog for stress relief
Officials in Lebanon County’s Probation Department are going to explore the purchase of a facility canine to serve in the county court system.
Local voters return mail-in, absentee ballots on 1st day of new satellite office
The county’s new drive-by mail-in and absentee ballot satellite office was busy on its first day of operation.
Would-be student, graduate discuss end of local adult nursing education program
After a long career in other industries, 50-year-old Brian Raub of Lebanon was motivated to pursue nursing, only to face the abrupt cancellation of his LPN class due to a board decision, amidst a broader termination of adult education programs.
Cedar Crest High School’s broadcast program wins six national awards
Cedar Crest High School’s broadcast program is gaining the attention of its peers nationwide after students won six awards at the recent Student Television Network’s national convention in California.
County officials raise concerns of Gov. Dick park ranger’s enforcement authorityÂ
Dr. David Eichler, the park ranger at Clarence Schock Memorial Park, has been asked to return a county-issued weapon and cease enforcement activities following a review of county policies and potential liability concerns.
County commissioners approve state grant request for new rail trail project
Working with a packed agenda, the county commissioners voted on 15 different items during its March 21 meeting at the county municipal building.
State study shows tourism in Lebanon County rebounded in 2022
Tourists are traveling again following the pandemic, according to a new study.
Annville company outfits Lebanon County’s new 911 mobile comms ops unit
Lebanon County’s Department of Emergency Services is set to have a mobile command center, converted from a recreational vehicle by Annville-based 911 Rapid Response, operational later this year.
140 year-old sentry statue to be renovated during restoration project
A local cemetery association seeks financial support from the public for restoration of its Civil War Sentry monument. The project is expected to cost $120,000 with the work to be performed later this year.