With the number of zoning ordinance complaints rising, North Annville Township supervisors unanimously agreed Monday to hire a company to conduct violation investigations.
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
Drug overdose deaths, suicides fall by nearly half in Lebanon County in 2025
Lebanon County saw drug overdose deaths and suicides drop by nearly 48% and 40%, respectively, in 2025, with officials crediting increased public outreach, expanded Medically Assisted Treatment services, and Narcan distribution.
Posted inNews
County Commissioners told local Red Cross volunteers are vital to success
American Red Cross officials provided an update on local activities at the March 5 meeting of the Lebanon County Commissioners.
Posted inNews
County commissioners table resolution on ICE cooperation amid public debate
Lebanon County commissioners took no action Thursday on a citizen resolution asking county agencies to stop cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Posted inHistory
Tragic N. Annville Twp. explosion & fire 50 years ago remembered by eyewitness
Tragic event that claimed two lives, injured four, recalled 50 years later.
Posted inNews
Protesters mark 50th ‘Mondays with Meuser’ amid concerns over Iran, ICE
A year after the first “Mondays with Meuser” protest, around 60 demonstrators gathered outside the Lebanon County municipal building to oppose Rep. Dan Meuser’s record, the U.S. bombing of Iran, and local law enforcement agreements with ICE.
Posted inBusiness & Nonprofits
Housing shortage, consumer spending among key topics at economic forecast
Economists speaking at a Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce breakfast Thursday said a post-2008 housing shortage has fueled inflation, dampened consumer spending and could slow Federal Reserve interest rate cuts in 2026.
Posted inNews
County, local law enforcement agencies sign ICE cooperative agreements
Local officials in Lebanon County say newly signed ICE cooperation agreements will not change officers’ day-to-day duties or cost taxpayers.
Posted inNews
Heidelberg Twp. supervisors approve changes for municipal building project
Heidelberg Township supervisors grant approval Tuesday for change orders concerning interior renovations at the municipal offices.
Posted inNews
Passports, firearms licenses available at county municipal building on March 7
Need a passport? How about a PA License to carry a firearm? Both services are being offered at the county municipal building the first Saturday in March as a convenience to Lebanon County residents.
Posted inNews
Lebanon County Commissioners act on rail trail, park funding requests
Lebanon County Commissioners move to provide funding for the Lebanon Valley Rail to Trails and Coleman Memorial park at their Feb. 19 meeting.
Posted inNews
N. Londonderry officials asked to close road for simulated shooter scenario
North Londonderry Township supervisors tabled a request Tuesday to temporarily close Park Drive for a May 4 active shooter training exercise at Palmyra High School, citing concerns about resident notification and all-day traffic disruption.
Posted inBusiness & Nonprofits
New animal livestock club formed in Lebanon County, splits from local 4-H
The Lebanon Area Fair will recognize a new youth agriculture club launched by former 4-H leaders who say Penn State Extension’s increased oversight and training requirements limited their ability to make local decisions for livestock programs.
Posted inNews
Cease & Desist letter sent to Lebanon County Republican Committee chairman
A member of the Lebanon County Republican Committee’s executive committee had a Cease and Desist letter sent to the organization’s chairman in early February over alleged actions to remove her from her elected positions with the committee.
Posted inNews
Summer activities, executive sessions & speed study top Bethel Twp. agenda
Bethel Township supervisors approved a Spring Fling Vendor Market for April 11 at Lions Park and a July 4 themed pool party celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.
