The county commissioners learned Thursday how severely the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted both the mental health and physical well being of local residents, with suicides and overdoses both up in 2020.
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.
Commissioners discuss Annville child abuse case, planned 911 center in North Cornwall Township
The Thursday meeting discussed the recent Annville child abuse case, the construction of the 911 Call Center in North Cornwall, and the retirement of county prison warden Robert Karnes.
Commissioners hire new prison warden, vote for salary study
The Thursday meeting of the Lebanon County Commissioners saw the hiring of Tina Litz to the position of county prison warden.
County commissioners discuss plans for $36 million 911 center in North Cornwall
County commissioners received their first look Thursday at the proposed designs for the county’s new $36.8 million 911 Emergency Services Center to be built in North Cornwall Township.
County commissioners pass 2021 budget, no new tax increases
The Lebanon County Commissioners approved the 2021 budget, which decreased by one-half of a percent over 2020’s budget.
Commissioners vote to spend remainder of CARES funding, discuss year’s disbursement of funds
In mentioning that all of the money must be allocated and spent by Dec. 30, County Administrator Jamie Wolgemuth reminded the commissioners that the county has disbursed $9.1 million in grants to Lebanon County businesses in just over 3.5 months.
County commissioners reveal proposed 2021 budget
Lebanon County Commissioners revealed Thursday the tentative 2021 fiscal year budget, which contains no tax increase and a decrease in spending of nearly $500,000.
Coronavirus puts $1 million dent in local EMS provider FASP’s finances
If First and Safety Patrol’s (FASP) finances were compared to a hospitalized patient’s health, its diagnosis would be in satisfactory but guarded condition.
Commissioners certify election results, laud “impeccable & above reproach” work by county elections bureau
Approving the election results was one of numerous actions taken Thursday on a loaded agenda during the Lebanon County Commissioners’ biweekly meeting.
Commissioners address timing issue regarding salaries for two row offices
Pennsylvania law requires county commissioners to set salaries for their own positions, as well as row offices, prior to the commencement of a position’s respective election year.
4th annual Saturday MarketPlace to be held Nov. 14 at Lebanon Valley Mall
The 4th annual Saturday MarketPlace vendor and craft show is the proverbial win-win – for all of Lebanon County.
Commissioners learn election went smoothly; address handling legal challenge
The Lebanon County Commissioners approved Thursday changes to three polling locations and several other election-related items pertaining to the upcoming general election on Nov. 3.
FASP signs agreement with Cornwall Borough & Community Fire Company to expand area ambulance coverage
Beginning Sunday, Cornwall Borough and residents who live in Lebanon County’s “Southern Tier” will begin to experience shorter response times thanks to an agreement between FASP, Cornwall Borough, and the Community Fire Company of Cornwall Borough.
Commissioners receive election update; approximately two dozen naked ballots received so far, senders to be notified
The Lebanon County Commissioners approved Thursday changes to three polling locations and several other election-related items pertaining to the upcoming general election on Nov. 3.
Blue algae warnings annual occurrence at Memorial Lake State Park
With the use of state parks at an all-time high, it’s important for pet owners to be aware of hidden dangers in freshwater that may be hazardous to their pets.