James Mentzer

Harrisburg

Freelance Writer at LebTown

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Articles

Deadlines loom for mail-in ballots, early voting for primary election on May 20

6 days ago | lebtown.com | James Mentzer

This article was funded by LebTown donors as part of our Civic Impact Reporting Project. Lebanon County voters have through Tuesday, May 13, to request a mail-in ballot for the primary election on Tuesday, May 20, or to cast their vote before Election Day at the counter voting booth.
Clear Spring Road closed indefinitely by North Annville Twp. due to bridge defects

1 week ago | lebtown.com | James Mentzer

The railroad bridge on Clear Spring Road near U.S. Route 422 in North Annville Township officially closed at 9 a.m. Wednesday until further notice. North Annville Township Supervisor Adam Wolfe, who also serves as the township’s secretary, said the bridge was closed due to structural defects on the west side of the bridge that were discovered during a biennial inspection on April 28 by Lebanon County’s engineering firm, Wilson Consulting Group.
U.S. Marine veteran, longtime Lebanon Toys for Tots coordinator dies at age 82

1 week ago | lebtown.com | James Mentzer

John E. Gingrich Sr. of Lebanon was a man of commitment who believed deeply in community service. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps, which he told people instilled in him those values. After exiting the military, he became involved with the Lebanon County chapter of Toys for Tots 40 years ago, serving for more than 30 years as its coordinator. Gingrich’s lifelong ties to community service ended with his death on April 18 at age 82.
Address, details concerning new Ono Post Office revealed by federal officials

2 weeks ago | lebtown.com | James Mentzer

47 East Main St., Ono. That’s the location for the future home of the new Ono Post Office. Since Oct. 27, 2022, Ono residents have had to travel about 10 miles roundtrip to retrieve their mail at the Jonestown office. That’s because delivery at the old location ended when the federal government’s lease agreement wasn’t renewed by former landlord Jocelyn Shay.
Palmyra teen earns Eagle Scout honor for community service project in Harrisburg

2 weeks ago | lebtown.com | James Mentzer

When Nathan Drasher set out to do his Eagle Scout project, he had the perfect charity in mind. “I chose this one because Center for Champions is an amazing charity,” Drasher said. “They work with kids in South Allison Hill, so inner-city Harrisburg, and they have mentors who look after and give them a Christian environment that they don’t always get.” Location and networking also made the choice for his Eagle Scout project an easier decision.
County coroner's 2024 report shows rise in suicide, decline in overdose deaths

2 weeks ago | lebtown.com | James Mentzer

This article was funded by LebTown donors as part of our Civic Impact Reporting Project. Lebanon County reported contrasting death statistics for 2024, as suicides increased by one-third while overdose fatalities dropped by more than half. The number of suicides in 2024 increased by 33 percent over 2023 while drug overdose deaths declined by 57 percent that same year, according to statistics released by the Lebanon County Coroner’s Office.
John Schlegel selected to chair House vocational education subcommittee

2 weeks ago | lebtown.com | James Mentzer

Rep. John Schlegel (R-101) spent his life working in public education as an educator and an administrator. Now, the “retired” Schlegel is serving his second term on the House Education Committee as a state representative and was recently named chairman of that committee’s Subcommittee on Career and Technical Education.
Former Lebanon city mayoral candidate hosts spoken word event at Allen Theatre

3 weeks ago | lebtown.com | James Mentzer

Former Lebanon city mayoral candidate Scott Church held a spoken word event Tuesday, April 22, at the Allen Theatre to provide his political insights during a program titled “Become the Government.” Church, who was removed from the GOP primary ballot in March following a court challenge from incumbent candidate Sherry Capello for petition deficiencies, said during a 25-minute presentation to a sparse crowd at the Annville theatre that when he decided to run in January that people would think...
Heated conversation at North Annville Twp. meeting over fire vehicle tax

4 weeks ago | lebtown.com | James Mentzer

This article was funded by LebTown donors as part of our Civic Impact Reporting Project. The April 14 meeting of the North Annville Township supervisors was heated. At issue was a proposal to levy a 1-mill real estate tax for a fire apparatus replacement plan for the North Annville Fire Company. The two vocal sides were the firefighters, who consist of the recently merged Bellegrove and Union Water Works fire companies, and the residents they serve.
State agencies partner to restore native habitats at Swatara, Memorial Lake parks

4 weeks ago | lebtown.com | James Mentzer

An ongoing wildlife restoration and grasslands rehabilitation project is beginning to take root on nearly 225 acres in Swatara and Memorial Lake state parks in Lebanon County. The work is being conducted under the Pennsylvania Priority Grasslands Project in cooperation with several state agencies.