Author: Staff Reports

Looking for a new friend? The Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter is featuring these Pets of the Week. For more information, visit http://www.cvas-pets.org/ or call 717-263-5791. Sky is a 7-year-old terrier mix who came into the shelter as a stray, so we don’t have a lot of information about her, but we do know that she is one loving girl! Sky loves attention and enjoys getting all the pets and rubs she can! She is the sweetest girl you will ever meet! Sky did test positive for Lyme and Anaplasmosis which are both tick borne diseases and is currently on medication…

HAGERSTOWN, MD- The 12th Maryland International Film Festival-Hagerstown (MDIFF-Hagerstown) will be getting under way on Thursday March 21. Five venues will be utilized during the four-day event, concluding on Sunday March 24. Opening night this year will utilize the University System of Maryland-Hagerstown for the opening night VIP Party, and the opening night films will be screened at the University System of Maryland-Hagerstown’s Event Center across from the West Washington Street campus. According to MDIFF-Hagerstown Board President Nicole Houser, “We had nearly 200 films submitted from around the world. The judges have selected films from 12 countries and 30 states!…

HARRISBURG- Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced a fee reduction for PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) account owners – the fourth cut in the past three years. PA ABLE provides a tax-free way for people with qualifying disabilities to save and pay for disability-related expenses without the risk of losing important benefits like Supplemental Security Income and Medical Assistance. “We just finished a statewide tour celebrating the fact that PA ABLE reached $100 million in assets – and it keeps going up and up,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Today, we have more than 8,700 accounts with over $118 million saved.…

HARRISBURG- Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Secretary Dr. Khalid N. Mumin recently announced the allocation of over $39 million to 36 school entities across 21 counties in the state. This funding aims to establish safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments in public elementary and secondary schools, with a focus on preventing and addressing acts of bullying, violence, and hate within school communities. Secretary Mumin emphasized the importance of providing students with secure and inclusive spaces that foster learning and growth without fear for their well-being. The grants, awarded through the federal Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) Stronger Connections Grant (SCG),…

CHAMBERSBURG – Thanks to a federal Consolidated Appropriation Act signed into law earlier this month, the Franklin County Metropolitan Planning Organization (FCMPO) will receive $2 million for the construction of a new Interstate 81 interchange in Guilford Township. FCMPO and county officials coordinated efforts to submit requests to Sens. Bob Casey and John Fetterman as well as Rep. John Joyce. All three advanced the project through their respective congressional chambers, and President Joe Biden signed the act on March 9. “We are incredibly grateful for the support of our elected officials in Washington,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst.…

CHAMBERSBURG- Franklin County PA 4-H is organizing a special dinner event to mark Pennsylvania 4-H Week, inviting the community to join in for good food, fellowship, and a noble cause. The event will take place at 4856 Wayne Rd, Chambersburg, and is open to the public. Scheduled from 5:30 to 8 p.m., the dinner will feature a menu including Spaghetti with Meat or Marinara Sauce, Salad, Applesauce, Dinner Roll, Dessert, and a Drink. Attendees are encouraged to contribute a $10 donation towards the meal, with children aged 5 and under enjoying complimentary admission. Tickets can be secured in advance by…

Enhancing access to exceptional healthcare throughout South Central Pennsylvania, WellSpan Health is expanding the scope of vascular surgery services available in Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Hanover, and York through a recent agreement with faculty physicians from the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM). Four highly skilled UMSOM vascular surgeons will join WellSpan Health, offering high-quality surgical services to patients in our area. “We are committed to providing comprehensive and accessible care to patients and the addition of these highly skilled surgeons will ensure that patients across our system have increased access to the specialized care they may need without traveling far…

HAGERSTOWN, MD) – The Washington County Transit Department has announced that all transit fares will be waived for riders on National Transit Driver Appreciation Day, Monday, March 18. This special initiative is a token of gratitude to our dedicated transit drivers who work tirelessly to keep the community moving safely and efficiently. Transit Driver Appreciation Day is an opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of transit operators who play a vital role in the transportation system. By offering free fares for all riders, we aim to show our appreciation for the invaluable service provided by our transit drivers.…

CHAMBERSBURG- Esther Wagner, a remarkable individual known for her unwavering dedication as a volunteer at WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital for the past five decades, recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Esther’s selfless contributions have left a lasting impact on numerous lives within the hospital and the broader community. Serving as a chaplain and holding an honorary position on the board of the Chambersburg Area Hospital Auxiliary, Esther exemplifies service and compassion in all she does. When not actively engaged in her volunteer work, Esther finds joy in supporting her favorite baseball team, the Baltimore Orioles. “Esther has been there for so many…

CHAMBERSBURG- The Institute for Retired Persons (IRP) in Chambersburg offers a diverse range of engaging lectures and activities for its members. This week’s schedule is packed with informative sessions that cater to various interests and provide opportunities for learning and socializing. Here is a closer look at the lineup for the upcoming week: Monday, 18 March Tuesday, 19 March Wednesday, 20 March Thursday, 21 March The IRP provides a stimulating environment where retirees can continue their pursuit of knowledge, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and connect with like-minded individuals. These activities not only offer intellectual stimulation but also foster a sense…