Author: Staff Reports

CHAMBERSBURG – An online survey is gathering public input about a possible expansion of the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail south into Chambersburg. The Franklin County Metropolitan Planning Organization launched the five-question survey at https://arcg.is/Xv9. It includes an opportunity to pinpoint locations that would be beneficial for the multi-use trail to link. Responses will be collected through Oct. 15. Additionally, a community listening session is scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, in the Franklin County Administration Offices at 272 N. Second St., Chambersburg. “The FCMPO is seeking to engage all users of active transportation: students, workers, seniors, business owners and tourists,” Franklin…

CHAMBERSBURG – Shalom Christian Academy has broken ground for a 42,000-square-foot expansion. This $17 million development marks a pivotal step forward in providing state-of-the-art classrooms, athletics and fine arts spaces for students and staff, Shalom officials noted. At the groundbreaking ceremony, Director of Development Suzanne Poe emphasized the project’s. “God has brought us to this time and place… He has led us to this site, heard our prayers, guided our plans and will provide the wisdom needed to complete this facility,” she said. “I want to thank those who pledged early to get this project started—those who saw the vision…

CHAMBERSBURG – Recognition of the work of crisis responders and co-responders was behind Franklin County Commissioners’ proclamation of the week of Sept. 15-21 to be National Co-Responder and Crisis Responder Week. Mental health challenges may lead to a variety of unfavorable outcomes, including homelessness, law enforcement interaction, incarceration and emergency room visits. Each of those scenarios is more intrusive and more costly for communities and individuals compared to early interventions through behavioral health services, county officials said. Seeing that impact and a corresponding need for additional behavioral health resources, Franklin County established a Mental Health Co-Responder Program to embed mental…

HAGERSTOWN, Md.- F&M Trust recently donated $5,000 to a pair of Washington County youth organizations through a partnership with the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars professional baseball team. F&M Trust President and CEO Tim Henry and Franklin Financial Services Corporation Board Chairman G. Warren Elliott presented $2,500 checks to Boys & Girls Club of Washington County CEO Addie Nardi and Girls Inc. of Washington County Executive Director Maureen Grove before a Boxcars game on Sept. 14.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced that at locations where traditional intersections were replaced with roundabouts, crashes involving injuries were reduced by 51 percent, and the total number of crashes were reduced by 7 percent. During the 20-year review period, there have been two fatalities at roundabouts on state routes. “Roundabouts have proven to be an irreplaceable tool in reducing crashes at intersections,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Given the dramatic increase in safety and traffic flow, PennDOT will continue evaluating intersections for roundabouts.” PennDOT evaluated 47 roundabouts on state routes at intersections that were previously stop- or signal-controlled with at…

Sip, snack, and smile all day. The second annual Greencastle Grub & Pub Festival, will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Greencastle. This family-friendly event will feature a diverse array of food vendors, including traditional options like burgers and barbecue, as well as international cuisines such as Asian, Greek, Indian and Mexican dishes. Attendees can enjoy live music from local bands throughout the day and a Pub Garden for those over 21, showcasing local breweries and distilleries. The festival aims to promote local businesses and will coincide with the Greencastle Market Day,…

WAYNESBORO – Four movies are in store for theater-goers at Waynesboro Theatre, 75 W. Main St. Friday, Sep. 20, 7 p.m. “Aladdin (1992)” (G 1:30) Aladdin is a lovable street urchin who meets Princess Jasmine, the beautiful daughter of the sultan of Agrabah. While visiting her exotic palace, Aladdin stumbles upon a magic oil lamp that unleashes a powerful, wisecracking, larger-than-life genie. As Aladdin and the genie start to become friends, they must soon embark on a dangerous mission to stop the evil sorcerer Jafar from overthrowing young Jasmine’s kingdom. Saturday, Sep. 21, 4 p.m. “Flubber (1997)” (PG 1:40) Professor…

Night hours pavement work on a stretch of Interstate-81 in Franklin County is expected to last two or three nights starting Monday, Sept. 23, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has announced. Weather permitting, work will be performed on I-81 between Exit 14 (Route 316/Wayne Avenue) and Exit 20 (Route 997/Scotland) from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. There will be lane restrictions in both directions of I-81. Once this work is completed, the contractor will work the same hours on I-83 in York County from Exit 33 (Route 392/Yocumtown) to Exit 28 (Route 297/Strinestown/Zions View). There will be lane restrictions in…

FORT RITCHIE, Md. – The Blue Ridge Summit Free Library will host a silent auction fund raiser on Sunday, Oct. 13, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Top Secret Tap Room. Live music will be provided by local artist Rich Fehle. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and proceeds from the auction will benefit the library.  “We will have more than 50 auction baskets with appeal for the whole family,” said Katie Lehr, event organizer and board member. “These include Coach, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Vera Bradley, Kate Spade, Stanley, Yeti, Legos, Pampered Chef, Scentsy, Rae Dunn,…

CHAMBERSBURG – The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed September as National Recovery Month. In doing so, the commissioners are encouraging residents to celebrate the strength and resiliency of individuals on their journey to recovery while also highlighting the services available to those who are struggling with substance use disorders. Now in its 35th year, National Recovery Month underscores that recovery is a multi-faceted process that involves overcoming challenges related to substance use disorders and mental health conditions. The 2024 theme, “Recovery, Hope and Healing,” emphasizes the vital role foundational elements such as physical, emotional and mental health, a safe and…