As a way to give back to a place that provided countless hours of entertainment and gave him so much joy, Syryth Mitchell decided to complete his Eagle Scout project at Annville Cleona Community Pool.
James Mentzer
James Mentzer is a freelance writer whose 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; and Lancaster Development, Inc.: An American Story of Family and Infrastructure. He has also had business profiles published in Central Pennsylvania: Our Time Has Come, and an article in the 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. Two other books are currently in production for Tavistock Country Club in Tavistock, N.J., and Leewood Golf Club in Eastchester, N.Y.
A lifelong resident of Pennsylvania, James 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 who enjoys turkey and whitetail deer hunting, playing Ultimate frisbee, disc golf, spikeball and pickleball, biking, traveling and attending live concerts for a number of bands, including Widespread Panic, String Cheese Incident, and more.
Posted inCrime & Safety
Move Over Law strengthened to protect first responders
Since 2019, 136 first responders have been struck and killed while at an emergency scene or assisting the driver of a disabled vehicle.
Posted inNews
CYS budget strains as service providers see spikes in insurance, labor costs
Filling a vital role for public safety, the department of Child & Youth Services has no choice but to pay the bill for a court-ordered placement. COVID-caused spikes in provider costs are now straining the department’s budget.
Posted inNews
Here’s how to register for this year’s municipal elections
Although eligible voters have until 4:30 p.m. on October 18 to register at the county’s voter registration office or until 11:59 p.m. to register online, elections officials encourage voters not to wait until the last minute.
Posted inPeople & Places
Hard work pays off: Lebanon native Ryan Neiswender wins gold at Paralympics
Winning a gold medal at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo was a childhood dream come true for Lebanon native Ryan Neiswender.
Posted inNews
Elections bureau loses top two officials
The county’s two top elections positions need to be filled, with Michael Anderson being promoted to director of domestic relations and deputy Jo-Ellen Reilly retiring.
Posted inPeople & Places
9/11 Trail commemorates history of fateful day, national plan includes LVRT
The trail is well on its “path” to becoming a national historic landmark given the recent unanimous vote in the House of Representatives.
Posted inNews
Commissioners approve $500,000 affordable housing funding request
At Thursday’s county commissioners meeting, a $500,000 funding request for the construction of 23 affordable housing units in North Lebanon Township was approved.
Posted inNews
Emergency Rental Assistance Program off to a slow start
While not many have taken advantage of Lebanon County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program thus far, Community Action Partnership administrator Samuel Ortiz expects the program to pick up steam.
Posted inPeople & Places
Annville Inn owners praise CHIRP program; 40 area businesses receive financial relief (Updated with full list)
Melissa Kulbitsky said 16 cafes, coffee shops, diners, restaurants and taverns, 14 motels, hotels and inns, seven bars and lounges, two ice cream shops and one catering service received CHIRP funding.
Posted inNews
Commissioners recertify handicap accessibility of polling places
Lebanon County commissioners approved Thursday the recertification of all 60 polling places as handicap accessible.
Posted inNews
Commissioners approve contracts for service providers for county agencies
With the state’s new fiscal year beginning on July 1, the county commissioners approved Thursday the 2021-22 county provider contracts for three county agencies whose funding is contingent on commonwealth funding formulas.
Posted inCommunity Shoutouts
County dairy princess promotes industry to consumers, looks forward to Lebanon Area Fair
Crystal Bomgardner’s passion for an industry she loves dearly extends beyond the health benefits it provides people.
Posted inNews
County commissioners sign Wengert Memorial Park easement agreement
County commissioners unanimously approved Thursday a grant application for a shared easement between Lebanon City and the county for the park.
Posted inNews
Coalition addresses affordable housing crisis in Lebanon County
The Lebanon County Coalition to End Homelessness is currently exploring options to expand affordable housing locally. They are studying an option known as Home Sharing Program.