Author: Robb Helfrick

WAYNESBORO- During a special Town Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 28, Waynesboro officials accepted the resignation of Police Chief James Sourbier IV. Sourbier has served in the position since September 15, 2012, and his effective retirement date is September 16, 2024, according to Mayor Richard Starliper. Sourbier has a long history in law enforcement, following in the footsteps of his father, James Sourbier III, who was a wildlife conservation officer. Prior to his promotion as Waynesboro’s Police Chief, James Sourbier was Chief of Police Services at Penn State’s Mont Alto campus and held other positions in area law enforcement. One…

When archeologists search for hidden truths embedded in ancient landscapes, they often begin their work near a vital natural feature: water. Aquatic sources are liquid gold for plant and animal species’ development and survival. Ebbert Spring is one of these special places. At Franklin County’s Ebbert Spring Archeological Preserve and Heritage Park, potential answers to fascinating mysteries are explored and shared through a unique collaboration. Every ceramic shard or purposely carved stone tool found near this watery location is a tantalizing piece in an intricate puzzle. These artifacts help explain how human civilizations originated and evolved. Ebbert Spring flows continuously…

Artist Seth Holmes unveils his new gallery in downtown Waynesboro on Saturday May 25th from 8 am to 2 pm. The vibrant space, called Holmes Watercolors, is located in the town square at 8 East Main Street between Wee Scot Bookshop and the Candy Kitchen. Seth Holmes works primarily with watercolors, seeking wonder and whimsy in his subjects. The Frederick native explores his enthusiastic interest in architecture, and since moving to Waynesboro has found the town’s buildings a source of inspiration. Holmes also enjoys the Boro’s small-town charm and support for the arts. Waynesboro has a thriving creative community, with…

Many American towns with historic pedigrees were once known by different names. Other communities earned long-standing monikers due to nearby geologic features, a formidable founding settler, unique cultural characteristics, or a memorable brush with history. Cities and villages in Washington County, Maryland and Franklin County, Pennsylvania illustrate many reasons how these town names originated and evolved. A few remain a mystery. After the United States gained independence, America’s rural landscape was soon populated with immigrant settlers. Many old-country references were incorporated into the root of town’s names. Many communities ended with ‘Burg’ or ‘Ville’ and some with ‘Ton’- each pointed…

Cameron Schroy has swiftly constructed a sturdy political profile, built on a foundation of education and civic advocacy. After winning the Democratic nomination, unchallenged in the recent primary election, Schroy now seeks to unseat incumbent Republican Doug Mastriano in the November 5, 2024 general election. The office is the State Senate seat from Pennsylvania’s 33rd district, which represents citizens of Franklin and Adams Counties. Schroy is a Greencastle native and rising star in Franklin County’s Democratic Party. A Waynesboro civics teacher by profession, he demonstrates a firm grasp of the political and social issues that impact local voters. Schroy hopes…

Maryland’s Primary Election was held Tuesday and set the stage for the November 5, 2024 general election. Voters made their party’s selections for local, state, and national offices. While public interest in all races was evident, the Maryland Senate primary contests provoked nationwide analysis. The first of those attention-getting races was a choice offered to the state’s Democrats between David Trone and Angela Alsobrooks for a U.S. Senate nomination. Other eyes were focused on former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, a surprise entry in the Republican primary field. Many pundits predicted the ultimate winner of these two races could potentially alter…

After a decisive victory in the recent Republican primary election, Chad Reichard begins his general election campaign, running unopposed for the 90th district legislative seat in the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives. But Reichard won’t take local voters for granted. “As a candidate, you never stop working,” Reichard said. He plans to participate in community events and knock on doors during the next six months, leading up to the November 5, 2024 election. Reichard was present for recent events at Buttonwood Nature Center and Monterey Pass. The 90th district includes the communities of Waynesboro, Greencastle, Mont Alto, Quincy, and Mercersburg.…

During the American Civil War, most northern locales escaped the horrors of warfare that bloodied fields and demolished towns throughout the Confederacy. But one exception to this Union territory respite was Pennsylvania. Two of the state’s southern counties witnessed a trio of the conflict’s disastrous episodes during 1863 and 1864. Adams and Franklin Counties experienced first-hand terror when their communities and civilians found themselves trapped in the tempest of a tumultuous war. General Robert E. Lee commanded the Army of Northern Virginia across the Mason-Dixon Line in late June 1863. His goal: to lead his men as far north as…

Every second Tuesday of each month, a unique group gathers with an appetite for intrigue. They arrive at 5:30 pm to Waynesboro’s Parlor House Restaurant, anticipating a taste of true crime. They’re known as the ‘Potomac Street Irregulars’, a name derived from a legendary detective. After dinner, local stories from humanity’s seedier side are presented and then discussed, a final course to a distinctive evening. The Potomac Street Irregulars (PSI) is a public study group created by Todd Dorsett in 2013. Dorsett is Executive Director of the Antietam Historical Association (AHA) and he serves as moderator for monthly PSI events.…

Every mortal yearns to be remembered when their life eventually expires. Cemeteries evolved in American culture as resting places for the dead, but also as tangible destinations for the departed’s descendants. After reflective visitation, reminiscent tales from the living were passed down to succeeding generations. Through these stories and future visits, loved one’s histories were respected and preserved. The permanence of gravesites was usually taken for granted. In many locations, burial grounds displayed manicured settings with fresh-cut grass, seasonal flowers, and stately monuments. Most cemeteries seemingly enjoyed entitlement to perpetual care. But in the unfair landscape of life, discrepancies between…