Two Bomgardner sisters set a new FFA state record by serving consecutive years as state president and they, along with another sister, will achieve what’s believed to be a rarity at the national FFA convention this fall.
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 inPeople & Places
Jonestown-area sisters highlight recent successes, discuss future ag advocacy
Crystal and Chloe Bomgardner recap a hectic 2023 and preview what 2024 has in store with their involvement in ag-based organizations.
Posted inNews
County commissioners to pursue state grant to fight opioid/alcohol abuse
Working with a light pre-holiday agenda, Lebanon County Commissioners took two primary actions at their July 3 meeting.
Posted inPeople & Places
Swatara Township resident’s patriotic monument honors military and freedom
A monument in Swatara Township not only honors the American military but also serves as a reminder of the many freedoms Americans still enjoy today.
Posted inNews
Lebanon County wants to know your water improvement project stories
A partnership launched in 2011 seeks stories from local groups working to improve water quality in Lebanon County.
Posted inNews
Mental health agency faces budget deficit in 2024, commissioners learn
Approval of three county agency budgets, recognition of the second-largest serving county employee and a rousing performance by the St. James Players highlighted a busy county commissioner agenda on Thursday, June 20.
Posted inEducation
Career & tech center changes course, keeps 3 of 4 adult education programs
Three of four adult education programs at the Lebanon County Career and Technology Center will continue following a reversal of an action taken last November to end all adult education programs by June 30.
Posted inBusiness & Nonprofits
Power failure leaves customers dining in the dark at Heisey’s in N. Lebanon Twp.
Heisey’s Diner and Inn 72 in North Lebanon Township navigated an unexpected power outage – caused by a turkey vulture carrying a squirrel – serving food in candlelit ambiance and noting customer details for payment settlement later.
Posted inNews
Lebanon County crime rates continue to drop, reflect state and nationwide trends
Despite a significant drop in overall crime in Lebanon County in 2023, mirroring state and national trends, District Attorney Pier Hess Graf reports that violent crime rates have either remained consistent or increased.
Posted inNews
Lebanon County CTC faces mandates from state in nursing program closure
Lebanon County Career and Technology Center must meet certain criteria before ending its LPN program for adult learners.
Posted inNews
Bellegrove, Union Water Works fire companies move toward merger
Two rural fire companies in North Annville Township move toward a merger agreement due to sagging membership rolls and the high cost of doing business.
Posted inNews
N. Annville Twp. supervisors reorganize following resignation
North Annville Township names Clyde Meyer as new chairman during a regular meeting where a proposed roundabout plan, intensified truck traffic, and an illegal dumping case were on the agenda.
Posted inEducation
Cedar Crest senior named Student of the Year by national broadcast organization
Cedar Crest High School senior Finn Royer wrapped up a great school year with numerous film awards and also being named the Student Television Network’s Student of the Year.
Posted inNews
County Commissioners approve bids for park project on Lebanon Valley Rail Trail
The county commissioners unanimously passed a motion to accept three sets of bids totaling over $900,000 for construction of a park along the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail in Lebanon.
Posted inBusiness & Nonprofits
Annville-based 911 Rapid Response adds second location in Georgia
An Annville company that outfits vehicles for first responders has expanded to Georgia.
