State Rep. Brian Ellis, R-11th, will again host his series of town hall meetings in March.

“Having one-on-one conversations with people is a great way for me to hear how people feel on state-related issues,” Ellis said.

This year's dates and locations are:

• March 8 from 8:30 to 10 a.m., Chicora Fire Hall, 202 W. Slippery Rock St., Chicora.

• March 14 from 9 to 10:30 a.m., Highfield Community Center, 229 Highfield Road, Butler.

• March 28 from 9 to 10:30 a.m., Butler Public Library, 218 N. McKean St.

A light breakfast will be served at each meetings.

There is no cost to attend, but due to limited seating at some locations, attendees should call Ellis' office at 724-283-5852 to make a reservation for the meeting they will attend.

CRANBERRY TWP — Another candidate for the Democratic nomination for the 3rd Congressional District has withdrawn from the race.Matt Ryan, 31, of Cranberry Township announced Friday that he no longer will run for the opportunity to unseat incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly of Butler.A small business owner and a National Guardsman, Ryan cited a “substantial” increase in military obligations as the reason.Dan LaVallee, 26, of Cranberry Township is the only remaining Democrat.Ryan is the second candidate to drop out of the race. Rob Joswiak of Concord Township dropped out last week, citing family issues.The primary is May 20.