Formed in November 2006 by ballot initiative with the purpose of studying and considering changes to the structure of County government, the Lancaster County Government Study Commission has finalized a draft of what is called a Home Rule Charter. The process of “Home Rule” allows Counties to make certain changes to their form of governance […]

Director of Sales and Marketing for the Convention Center Josh Nowak announced Thursday that two new bookings were achieved during the month of March. This brings the total number of bookings so far for 2009 to 12, reflecting $163,600 in revenue.The goal for 2009 is 58 bookings, reflecting $506,077 in revenue. Of the twelve booked […]

Being kinky is not a crime. That’s what the New Era and religious conservatives need to understand. My understanding was that the research on the influence of pornography in general has shown that viewing pornography alone really has no impact on one’s likelihood to rape or commit a sex crime, but that viewing pornography depicting […]

Stephen Spiese is guilty of having looked at revolting videos of child sex abuse. The judge put him in jail and under probation for eleven years because he believed Mr. Spiese might perform these same acts on children. I made inquiry of a sex therapist as to the accuracy of this belief. Since there is […]

“Expect the unexpected in this race,” prominent local pollster and political commentator Terry Madonna told the Rotary Club of Lancaster Wednesday afternoon. “About six months ago, it was the inevitability of Hillary Clinton’s nomination,” he said. “And then we had the inevitability of Rudy [Giuliani].” “There’s a saying that New Yorkers retire, go to Florida […]

In response to repeated questioning from NewsLanc and others as to why two former County administrators are receiving a quarter-year’s worth of salary and benefits as “severance pay,” Commissioner Chairman Dennis Stuckey responded, “We thought it was a fair severance package” but declined to comment further. “In our understanding in the public, he resigned,” said […]

The Library System of Lancaster County, in partnership with the 4 major local hospitals and the United Way, has launched a “Health Information Web Portal” on its website. Susan Hauer cited a 2005 Pew Research Center internet study, saying “95 million Americans are now searching the internet for health-related information and more than 70% did […]

According to the April 15 New Era, “The YWCA Sexual Prevention and Counseling Center said Monday that two of its employees who testified on behalf of [Stephen] Spiese were no longer employed at the center. Both of the employees knew Spiese through the theater community.” At an April 13 press conference, Maureen Powers, Executive Director […]

Sometimes prudence must override civil niceties. We believe that the announcement last week that Pedro Rivera was the choice of the majority of the school board was such a situation. As it was, more than 200 people showed up for the vote at the School District of Lancaster’s board meeting last evening held in the […]

Many were disappointed when local favorite Buddy Glover was passed over for the position of school board superintendent. The length and breadth of support for Glover from all those whom have had contact with him – regardless of their racial background – was made apparent. But there is no reason why Lancaster need be deprived […]

The School District of Lancaster Board hired Pedro Rivera II as Superintendent of Schools after nearly two hours of rancorous discussion. The vote on the motion to hire Rivera was 5-4: Board members Boben, Howell, Marten, Snyder, and Rowen in favor; members McCain, Faller-Miller, Owens, and Simms opposed. A crowd of some 300 members of […]

The County Commissioners announced at their worksession, Tuesday, that a public hearing has been scheduled for Monday, May 12, 2008 in Room 502 of the County Courthouse “for the purpose of discussing a Lancaster County Health Department.” The Commissioners refused to comment on whether they do or do not favor the creation of such a […]

Below are extracts from questions posed by NewsLanc reporter Matt Henderson to the County Commissioners at Tuesday’s work session and their responses. The exchange can be heard in its entirety at www.newslanc.com/Commissioners_Worksession_4-15_ReEsterbrook.mp3 NewsLanc: “It gives the appearance that you are giving a lot of money in exchange for keeping [County Administrator Mark Esterbrook’s] mouth shut. […]

Chelsea Clinton will be speaking at Franklin & Marshall College on Wednesday. The event is scheduled for noon at Hartman Green in the 600 block of College Avenue. The outdoor event is free and open to the public, though those planning to attend are kindly asked to RSVP with the Lancaster4Hillary campaign office by calling […]