Lebanon County government working collaboratively with township and borough officials to create a new comprehensive plan was a key takeaway of the 108th annual convention of local municipal officials on Thursday, Oct. 12.
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.
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Rising costs in Children & Youth Services expected to strain county’s 2024 budget
Rising costs for mandatory programs and other factors creating a perfect storm in preparation of the 2024 budget for Lebanon County.
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Lebanon Valley Rail Trail set for completion in 2027
John Wengert, president of Lebanon Valley Rails-to-Trails, shares updates on the rail trail’s progress, with phases 6A and B under construction and phases 6C, 6D, 8, and 10 expected to finish by 2027.
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Local resident helps Hawaiian relief efforts, encourages others to chip in
Local national guardsman volunteers for Hawaiian relief following devastating wildfires, describes how Lebanon countians can help.
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Payment for 911 services through monthly user surcharge is in peril
State legislators are considering multiple proposals to renew and increase a surcharge on phone lines that funds 911 services, with the current funding mechanism set to expire in January.
Posted inSports
Conestoga Valley downs Lebanon 56-6 on the Cedars’ Homecoming Night
Despite a strong showing from QB-WR duo Paul Trace and Malachi Briddel, Lebanon suffered a heavy 56-6 defeat against Conestoga Valley on Friday.
Posted inPeople & Places
Conserving his farm and his way of life is a priority for Lebanon County farmer
While Lynn Struphar had no doubts about conserving his farm, the decision to enter the farmland preservation program requires consideration and planning.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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New study highlights countywide housing problems, provides potential solutions
Lebanon County has too few affordable and accessible housing to meet growing need, study shows.
