Local first responder agencies from Lebanon and western Dauphin counties conducted an active shooter drill at Palmyra Area High School on Saturday to enhance emergency preparedness.
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
Lebanon County commissioners, controller send letters to DA about fiscal affairs
Accounting compliance questions remain unanswered concerning a bank account opened by the Lebanon County District Attorney’s office to receive federal monies for immigration law enforcement.
Posted inPeople & Places
Palmyra area vet honored for dedicated career to farm animal health, welfare
A love of animals and the influence of her parents led to a career in the veterinarian industry for this Palmyra area resident.
Posted inNews
‘Magnificent beast’ flies several thousand feet above the Lebanon Valley
The Antonov AN-124 flew over the Lebanon Valley on a clear day Monday around rush hour on its way to Harrisburg International Airport from Germany to pick up supplies for the war in Ukraine.
Posted inHistory
How rifles made in Lancaster & Lebanon became known as Kentucky rifles
The well-known “Kentucky” rifles were actually born in Pennsylvania, including those that were crafted by renowned gunsmiths in today’s Lebanon County.
Posted inNews
Fire company says EMS turf war slows response time in northern Lebanon Co.
A motorcycle accident in Bethel Township has reignited debate over ambulance response times in northern Lebanon County, prompting township supervisors to schedule a public meeting for April 29 to address the issue.
Posted inPeople & Places
Annville auctioneer still loves his job after 60-plus years in the business
Annville auctioneer Harry Bachman chose his life-long career at a young age, and now has over 60 years in the business.
Posted inNews
Primary election: Early voting open, mail-in ballots light ahead of May 19 vote
The May primary election is right around the corner, and LebTown is co-sponsoring a candidates night forum tonight for the 48th District race on the Republican ticket for the Pennsylvania State Senate.
Posted inBusiness & Nonprofits
Lebanon-based Tec Centro/WEPA celebrates 5th anniversary in 2026
WEPA and Tec Centro Lebanon celebrate the 5th anniversary of providing workforce-based services to Lebanon County residents.
Posted inNews
North Londonderry approves $38M bond for Londonderry Village expansion
North Londonderry Township supervisors gave approvals Monday for a $38 million bond for Londonderry Village construction project and to pay its share of mortgage debt totaling $1.7 million for Citizen’s Fire Company #1’s building in Palmyra.
Posted inNews
Data centers, old comprehensive plan highlight Bethel Twp. planning session
Bethel Township Planning Commission took action at their April 21 meeting to begin the process of developing a draft policy concerning data centers within the municipality.
Posted inNews
New Ono Post Office contract executed, but construction hasn’t commenced
Just under 3.5 years after the Ono Post Office abruptly closed and promise of a new location was reported about a year ago by LebTown, renovations at the new property have not begun.
Posted inNews
Tentative reopening of Clear Spring Road in North Annville Township announced
Officials connected to the Clear Spring Road railroad bridge project have announced a tentative reopening date for the highway, LebTown has learned.
Posted inBusiness & Nonprofits
New proprietors say century-old Gin Mill traditions, hospitality will continue
A change in ownership at the Gin Mill in Lebanon is pending, parties associated with the transaction told LebTown.
Posted inNews
Rail Trail adds new phase with Lickdale Road trailhead, campground connection
Lebanon County Commissioners on Thursday approved a state grant application for a new rail trail phase, greenlit a facility dog for county courts, and authorized a roof replacement at the county mental health building.
