Author: Staff Reports

WAYNESBORO- “Plans to build a boardwalk in the Happel’s Meadow Wetland northwest of Blue Ridge Summit are moving more rapidly than we could have hoped” according to committee Chair Frank Shockey. The committee, appointed by the Washington Township supervisors, is tasked with preserving, protecting and enhancing the Happel’s Meadow wetland. It is also to provide for recreational and educational uses without degrading the integrity of the wetland. “A boardwalk will make it possible for more people, including those with special needs and / or limited mobility, to learn just how rich the wetland is in plants and animals.” said Melodie…

You all, I have to tell you about Apples. Not the fruit, but a super sweet, special needs dog at the animal shelter right now. Apples came in because his owners could no longer care for him. He’s a Chihuahua mix who’s just a little guy (only about 17 pounds) and he’s about 10 years old. Because of his age, he’s got the beginning of cataracts, but that doesn’t stop him. Recently, we found out that Apples is in the first stages of congestive heart failure, so we are looking for a place for this little guy to spend the…

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has launched a new anti-stigma campaign to support postsecondary students struggling to meet basic needs such as housing, transportation, financial needs, and physical and mental health.   “In order to do their best, learners must feel their best, and it is incumbent upon us to point them in the direction of resources that will keep them housed, fed, healthy, and emotionally well,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “This new anti-stigma campaign reminds students that it’s okay to ask for help, and that the help they need is only a phone call or…

CHAMBERSBURG- The Institute for Retired Persons (IRP) in Chambersburg is set to host a captivating series of lectures and activities tailored to its diverse membership base. This week’s agenda promises a rich array of sessions designed to educate, entertain, and foster social connections among attendees. Upcoming Bus Trip Vote This week attendees will have the opportunity to vote in-person on the destination for next semester’s bus trip. The three proposals under consideration are: If you are interested and might participate in any of these bus trips, please attend and vote. If you cannot attend on either April 9th or 16th,…

Cascade, MD – The Fort Ritchie Community Center is hosting a Health and Wellness Fair on April 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., providing residents with an opportunity to take the next step in their journey to improve their well-being. Free Screenings and Services The fair will feature more than 20 organizations offering a variety of free health services, including: In addition to the screenings, the event will also offer free group fitness classes, such as Rx Rip/L1FT (Strength Training) at 9 a.m. and Vinyasa Yoga at 10 a.m. Ongoing Screenings For those unable to attend the fair, the…

WAYNESBORO—Area residents are invited to a solar eclipse viewing party—an opportunity to safely view the upcoming near-total eclipse—on Monday, April 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Waynesboro Area Senior High School stadium. Organized by The Institute in collaboration with the Waynesboro Area School District and NASA, the event is free and open to the public. Todd Toth, a space scientist at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., will be on hand to guide the experience, along with Institute environmental staff. Toth is a former Waynesboro Area Senior High science teacher. “On April 8, the shadow of the Moon…

CHAMBERSBURG- The Franklin County Commissioners proudly presented the March 2024 Employee of the Month award to Devin Schaeffer during the board’s March 27 public meeting. Schaeffer has been employed by Franklin County since September 2014 and currently serves as a deputy sheriff sergeant in the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. March’s Employee of the Month recipient was determined by the Special Thanks and Recognition (STAR) Committee, which received 16 nominations for the March award, one of which was for Schaeffer. “On Feb. 16, Chambersburg Police were notified of a suicidal man with a firearm,” said the nomination form. “When Sgt. Schaeffer heard…

HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Nonprofit hospitals are exempt from paying most federal, state and local taxes in exchange for providing free or discounted care and programs that address community health needs — things like substance use treatment, food, transportation and mobile clinics. A new report from the Lown Institute, an independent healthcare think tank, finds that Meritus Medical Center spent more on financial assistance and community investment than the estimated value of its tax exemption in 2021, giving the hospital what the Institute calls a “fair share” surplus. Meritus Medical Center is among only 20 percent of nonprofit hospitals nationwide to…

WAYNESBORO–The Waynesboro Theatre (75 W. Main St.) is offering the following film this weekend: Friday, Apr. 5, 7 p.m. “Anna Key Premiere” (NR TBD) Sunday, Apr. 7, 6 p.m. “Cabrini” (PG-13 2:30) Arriving in New York City in 1889, Italian immigrant Francesca Cabrini is greeted by disease, crime and impoverished children. She soon sets off on a daring mission to convince the mayor to secure housing and health care for society’s most vulnerable. With broken English and poor health, Cabrini uses her entrepreneurial mind to build an empire of hope unlike anything the world has ever seen.

CHAMBERSBURG- In a heartwarming celebration, the Franklin County Career and Technology Center (FCCTC) has announced that Dave Perry, the esteemed Landscaping & Horticulture Program instructor and SkillsUSA Advisor, has been awarded the prestigious SkillsUSA State Advisor of the Year title. The award, presented Wednesday night in Hershey, Pennsylvania, recognizes Mr. Perry’s unwavering dedication and exceptional contributions to the SkillsUSA organization, as well as his profound impact on the lives of countless students throughout his illustrious career in career and technical education. Mentoring and Developing Future Leaders As the Landscaping & Horticulture Program instructor, Mr. Perry has tirelessly mentored, developed, and…