Author: Jessica Swann

WAYNESBORO – Local police are thanking the public for being patient and cooperating during a tense standoff Sunday, Nov. 17, when a man wanted on multiple charges surrendered to authorities after more than five hours of negotiations. Police, however, have remained mum on exactly what led to the charges against 33-year-old Timothy Charles Bickham Jr. The standoff began at 9 a.m. when Waynesboro officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of Hamilton Avenue after receiving a tip that Bickham was there. He was wanted on charges including possession of firearms by a prohibited person, terroristic threats, simple assault…

GREENCASTLE – Jason Batistig is the new Greencastle police chief. Batistig, a retired patrol sergeant with 25 years of service with the Hagerstown Police Department, was appointed by the Greencastle Borough Council on Nov. 4. Batistig retired from Hagerstown in March 2023, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, community service and dedication, Greencastle officials said. Over the years, he received multiple awards, including two Governor’s Citations, a Bronze Medal of Valor and a Silver Medal of Valor, underscoring his bravery and commitment to public safety. He also served as a supervisor and a K-9 handler. Beyond his years of direct…

HAGERSTOWN – In a continued effort to support young students, the City of Hagerstown has announced its collaboration with the Hagerstown Housing Authority for an after-school program at the Park Side Community Building on Suman Avenue for the current school year. This initiative aims to create a safe and structured environment for students in kindergarten through third grade focusing on homework assistance, character development and enrichment activities, city officials said. The program operates Monday through Thursday from 4:30-6:30 p.m., providing additional support to young students during critical after-school hours. The program primarily targets kindergarten through third grade students but is…

SMITHSBURG, Md. – A $2.1 million upgrade in the city’s water and sewer system has been announced by Mayor Donald L. Souders. The upgrades will include replacing all residential and commercial metering, along with aging fire hydrants and water lines. The upgrades, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and city reserve funds, is part of a broader effort by town leadership to address aging infrastructure, with some pipes dating back as far as 70 years. Souders emphasized that while more visible community improvements like park upgrades have been made, the unseen infrastructure work, including water and sewer line replacements,…