Senate Approves Bill to Name I-81 Exit 119 in Honor of Fallen Trooper Michael E. Pahira Jr.

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Senate on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, approved legislation that would name Interstate 81’s Exit 119 in Schuylkill County in memory of fallen Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Michael E. Pahira Jr., according to an announcement from state Sen. Dave Argall.

Nearly $5 Million Awarded for 23 Schuylkill County Projects

Funding will support water and sewer systems, road improvements, emergency services, municipal equipment, recreation and redevelopment.

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY — Twenty-three projects across Schuylkill County will share $4,963,362 in statewide Local Share Account (LSA) funding for infrastructure, public safety, municipal services and community improvements.

Ashland Leaders Bring Road Safety, Water and Revitalization Concerns to State Lawmakers

Ashland Borough leaders brought some of the community’s most pressing concerns directly to state Sen. Dave Argall and state Rep. Tim Twardzik during a special public meeting on Monday, September 14, 2026, focused on state funding and assistance.

Pottsville Awarded $90,000 Grant for Five-Year Financial, Operational Plan

The City of Pottsville has been awarded a $90,000 state grant to develop a five-year financial and operational plan aimed at strengthening the city’s long-term fiscal stability.

Schuylkill County Lawmakers Renew Call for Changes to Small Games of Chance Law After Llewellyn Fire Company Suspends Online Raffles

Schuylkill County lawmakers are calling for changes to Pennsylvania's Small Games of Chance laws after Good Intent Hose Company No. 1 of Llewellyn announced it was directed by a Commonwealth agency to suspend its weekly online raffles.

$7.35 Million Awarded for Business Growth, Emergency Services in Schuylkill County

Four projects supporting business growth and emergency services in Schuylkill County have been awarded a combined $7.35 million in state funding.

Schuylkill County Lawmakers Propose Naming Interstate 81 Exit 119 in Honor of Fallen Trooper Michael Pahira Jr.

Two Schuylkill County lawmakers are moving forward with legislation that would honor the memory and service of Pennsylvania State Police Trooper First Class Michael E. Pahira Jr. by renaming an Interstate 81 interchange in Schuylkill County.

Schuylkill River Trail Expansion Project Awarded $1.38 Million in Federal Funding

State lawmakers announced more than $1 million in federal funding this week to support the continued expansion of the Schuylkill River Trail in northern Schuylkill County.

Schuylkill County Manufacturers Awarded Over $1.3 Million in State Funding for Energy Upgrade

Two Schuylkill County manufacturers are set to receive more than $1.3 million in state funding through Pennsylvania’s Reducing Industrial Sector Emissions in Pennsylvania (RISE PA) program, according to announcements from local lawmakers.

Sportsmen’s Expo in Shenandoah Highlights Outdoor Recreation

Several hundred outdoor enthusiasts gathered in Shenandoah on Saturday for a Sportsmen and Outdoor Expo that highlighted the region’s strong connection to hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation.

State Legislators from Schuylkill County to Host Sportsmen and Outdoor Expo

Outdoor enthusiasts from across Schuylkill County and the surrounding region are invited to attend a Sportsmen and Outdoor Expo next weekend in Shenandoah.

Twardzik Honors Pottsville Maroons with Centennial Resolution

State Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-Schuylkill) announced the passage of House Resolution 277, officially designating Aug. 16, 2025, as Pottsville Maroons Championship Day in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, marking the 100th anniversary of one of the most storied teams in football history.

Twardzik Honors Former 123rd District Representative Edward ‘EJ’ Lucyk

State Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-Schuylkill) joined fellow legislators this week in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to honor the late Edward “EJ” Lucyk, who represented Schuylkill County’s 123rd Legislative District for 11 consecutive terms from 1980 to 2002.

Argall, Twardzik Visit Branchdale Mine Reclamation Project

State Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) and Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-123) visited the site of an ongoing abandoned mine land reclamation project near Branchdale on Friday, highlighting ongoing efforts to repair damage left behind by historic coal mining.

Schuylkill Haven Awarded $40,000 State Grant to Improve Downtown Walkability

Schuylkill Haven Borough has been awarded a $40,000 state grant to advance its ongoing downtown revitalization efforts, state lawmakers announced this week.

Over $550,000 Awarded to Reclaim Abandoned Mine Lands in Schuylkill County

BRANCH TOWNSHIP – State Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-Schuylkill) and Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) announced that $550,361 has been awarded to support the reclamation of abandoned mine lands in Schuylkill County. 

$500,000 in Affordable Housing Funds Awarded to Schuylkill County Programs

Several local housing and community service programs in Schuylkill County are set to benefit from a total of $500,000 in state funding aimed at expanding affordable housing and support services for vulnerable residents.

Minersville Sewer Authority Secures $2M in PENNVEST Funding for UV System Upgrade

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) has awarded $2 million in grant support and a low-interest loan to Minersville Sewer Authority, according to Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-Schuylkill) and Sen. Dave Argall (R-29).

Legislators, School Officials, and First Responders Meet to Address Volunteer Firefighter Shortages

More than 75 volunteer firefighters and school administrators joined Pennsylvania State Representatives Tim Twardzik and Dane Watro, along with Senator David Argall, at a seminar last week aimed at tackling the pressing issue of declining volunteer firefighter numbers. 

Follow-Up: State and County Officials Rally to Save Penn State Schuylkill and Hazleton Campuses

As public concern grows over the possible closures of Penn State Schuylkill and Penn State Hazleton, state legislators and local officials are stepping up efforts to advocate for the campuses to remain open.