While Lynn Struphar had no doubts about conserving his farm, the decision to enter the farmland preservation program requires consideration and planning.
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
Saving the land forever: Lebanon County farmland preservation program explained
Pennsylvania leads the nation in farmland preservation, with Lebanon County ranking 11th in the state for the most farms preserved and 8th in total acres conserved.
Posted inNews
911 Center construction stalled by failed factory testing of critical electrical part
Supply chain issues and failed factory testing have postponed the completion of Lebanon County’s $30 million 911 center, initially set to open later this year.
Posted inSports
Mistakes prove costly as Cedar Crest falls to Wilson in Division One play
Wilson capitalized on Cedar Crest’s errors to secure a 21-13 victory in a penalty-laden game on Friday, marking their second win in Lancaster Lebanon League Section One play.
Posted inNews
Report: Housing availability, affordability adversely impacts county’s economy
A report presented to Lebanon County commissioners reveals a significant shortage in available and affordable housing, negatively impacting the county’s economy and growth.
Posted inPeople & Places
Fifth-generation JDS Family Farm is an island in a sea of local development
The fifth-generation JDS Family Farm in North Londonderry Township, surrounded by residential development, is adapting to the changing landscape by focusing on local sales through a roadside market.
Posted inNews
County election board approves trial run of e-poll books at select local precincts
The county will conduct a trial run on e-poll book digital technology during the municipal election this fall.
Posted inNews
Gov. Dick Friends group again raises park management concerns to commissioners
Public comments concerning management of Governor Dick Park took center stage on Thursday for a second consecutive meeting of the Lebanon County Commissioners.
Posted inNews
New study highlights countywide housing problems, provides potential solutions
Lebanon County has too few affordable and accessible housing to meet growing need, study shows.
Posted inBusiness & Nonprofits
The Perse social club is expanding with outdoor deck, beer garden in Jonestown
Members of The Perse will have more than the Labor Day holiday to celebrate this weekend.
Posted inNews
‘World of possibilities’ for students at Northern Lebanon Elementary School
Collaboration, technology, and enhanced security highlight North Lebanon School District’s new $55 million elementary school.
Posted inPeople & Places
Bomgardner seizes her moment as Pennsylvania FFA state president
As Pennsylvania FFA president, Crystal Bomgardner will promote agricultural education and a need for more ag educators in the coming year.
Posted inNews
911 Center construction hits snag; supply chain issues delay delivery of critical part
While there is no interruption in delivery of emergency services to county residents, supply chain issues are delaying completion of the county’s new $30 million 911 Center.
Posted inNews
Refund ‘in the mail’ for Ono residents charged for Jonestown post office boxes
Although Ono residents will receive a refund for post office boxes at the Jonestown post office, there’s still no resolution to having mail delivery returned to the tiny town.
Posted inNews
Governor Dick board addresses criticism in report given to county commissioners
Three Governor Dick Park board members presented a report to the Lebanon County Commissioners on Wednesday, Aug. 16, that was based on questions posed by the Friends of Governor Dick organization at a public meeting before the commissioners in April.
