Clerk of Courts Albillar seeks Farry’s State Senate seat – Bucks Round-Up – January 22, 2026
Clerk of Courts Albillar seeks Farry’s State Senate seat
Bucks County Clerk of Courts Eileen Hartnett Albillar, a Democrat who formerly servied as a Warrington Township supervisor, kicked off her campaign yesterday against State Senator Frank Farry (R-Langhorne) who is seeking reelection. “I’m running for the State Senate because it’s time for new leadership that is willing to fight for everyday Bucks County residents,” Hartnett Albillar said in a statement. “Harrisburg isn’t listening to Bucks County, and we are paying the price: costs are going up, SEPTA’s funding is still broken, and families are struggling to make ends meet.” The Democrat touted preservation of open space and construction of a new police building as major accomplishments serving Warrington Township. Her opponent Farry, a moderate Republican, has represented the Lower Bucks District since 2023. The district comprises Bensalem, Lower Southampton, Middletown, Northampton, Upper Southampton, Warminster, Warwick, Warrington, and Wrightstown townships, as well as Hulmeville, Ivyland, Langhorne, Langhorne Manor, and Penndel boroughs.
Local police chief weighs in on ICE protests
Middletown Township Police Chief Joe Bartorilla addressed concerns surrounding protests tied to Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity around the nation. Bartorilla said Bucks County has not seen significant issues related to ICE operations but emphasized that local officers will assist any law enforcement agency if an officer is in danger. “We will assist every law enforcement agency if they are calling us for help and that pertains to an officer who is being assaulted or in trouble of serious harm,” he said. “Our oath of office mandates that we help that officer or officers.” He made clear, however, that Middletown Township Police will not conduct ICE enforcement duties themselves. Bartorilla also cautioned against officers placing themselves in harm’s way, noting that deadly force decisions are governed by immediate threats to life. Chief Barotorilla noted that it is citizens’ right to peacefully protest.
Program for visually and hearing impaired kids in Bucks due to financial gap
A long-running Bucks County program serving infants and toddlers with hearing and visual impairments is set to end January 31, raising concerns among parents and advocates about developmental setbacks during a critical learning window. The Bucks County Intermediate Unit’s early intervention program, which currently supports 49 children under age three, will lose county funding after officials declined to renew the contract. County administrators say the decision stems from a financial gap created by state reimbursement rules that prohibit specialists from billing for indirect work such as travel time and documentation. While IU specialists are union employees compensated for all work hours, the state does not cover those costs. The IU absorbed nearly $200,000 in losses last school year but says continuing is no longer sustainable. Parents credit the program with helping children meet key milestones. Several said even short service interruptions could lead to long-term delays, particularly for newly diagnosed infants. State Representative Joe Hogan (R-Penndel) said he is exploring whether the current contract can be extended through the summer to allow time for a legislative or administrative fix. Parents plan to raise concerns at the IU board meeting on January 20.
Warminster teen missing, Police ask for help in her whereabouts
Warminster Township Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing 17-year-old. Jayla Hess was last seen January 17 shortly after 1 p.m. Investigators say she may be traveling in Bucks County or neighboring areas, including Bristol, Norristown, or parts of New Jersey. Police have not determined why she left home or who she may be staying with. Anyone with information is urged to contact Warminster Township Police at 215-672-1000 or Bucks County Children & Youth. There is a photo of Jayla Hess on the Warminster Township Police Department’s Bucks County Crime Watch page.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490. Bradley Vasoli is the senior editor of The Independence.
