The Lebanon Valley Rail Trail, initially planned as a five- to seven-year project when founded in 1996, is now approaching its 30th anniversary with completion expected in 2028, according to LVRT President John Wengert.
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 DA’s office to investigate Children & Youth Services agency
Lebanon County DA Pier Hess Graf announced she is investigating county-employed child welfare caseworkers for allegedly returning children to abusers, while county commissioners defended them and cited complicated circumstances.
Posted inNews
Sims sworn-in as new police chief of Lebanon City Police Department
Eric Sims, a 19-year veteran of the Lebanon City Police Department, was sworn in as chief Monday during a ceremony that also saw Lt. Sean Buck promoted to captain.
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Lebanon County budget proposal for 2026 reveals a $5 million-plus deficit
Lebanon County officials held week-long budget hearings last week, and face a deficit in 2026 of over $5 million.
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Bethel Twp. officials accept feed mill operation land plan from Bell & Evans
Bethel Township Planning Commission approves land development plan for a Bell & Evans feed mill operation at the commission’s Oct. 21 meeting.
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N. Londonderry Twp. supervisors accept police chief’s retirement letter at meeting
North Londonderry Township supervisors accept retirement letter from township police chief Kevin L. Snyder after 24 years of service.
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Passports, concealed weapon permits for Lebanon Countians coming this weekend
Passport Acceptance Day, which is growing in popularity, is back this weekend. Lebanon County residents can also get or renew their concealed firearm permits on Saturday.
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Lebanon County officials provide final update before Nov. 4 municipal election
With Election Day approaching on Nov. 4, Lebanon County election officials provide an update to the county’s election board at an Oct. 16 meeting.
Posted inPeople & Places
Lebanon man creates farm scene on Liberty Bell for America250 celebration
Lebanon artist creates colorful farm scene to celebrate the county’s rich agricultural tradition and keep farmers in the forefront of our minds now and forever as part of the America250 celebration.
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Lebanon County inks hazmat services agreement with Lancaster County
Lebanon County solidifies relationship with Lancaster County for hazmat services with three year-plus agreement deal.
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Pa. & Lebanon Co. officials celebrate being top farmland preservation state
Pennsylvania, Lebanon County officials commemorate state being the national leader in farmland preservation during event at South Annville Township farm.
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Lebanon County launches initiative to help non-violent criminals get treatment
Lebanon County officials announced Wednesday a law enforcement treatment initiative that diverts non-violent offenders with mental health or substance abuse issues into treatment programs rather than jail, making it the 34th Pennsylvania county to adopt the program.
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N. Annville Twp. supervisors address multiple traffic concerns from residents
Dump truck accident leads to discussion concerning traffic safety at North Annville Township meeting, along with possible ordinance to address vehicular noises.
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Communities created at Clarence Schock Park with local veterans, park volunteers
Lebanon VA vets build bat, bluebird, and screech owl houses for critters living at Clarence Schock Memorial Park at Governor Dick.
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Bethel Twp. supervisors mum at meeting on hiring of international law firm
Bethel Township supervisors hire international law firm for personnel matter; revisit use of fire police and potential liability at their Oct. 9 meeting.
