Author: Staff Reports

HARRISBURG—Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Pennsylvania Game Commission banded Harrisburg’s newest peregrine falcons today. A recording of the banding is available on DEP’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaDEP/. “The falcons that have nested on the Rachel Carson State Office Building continue to be an environmental success story,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Without the improvements to Pennsylvania’s environment, these birds would not have the track record that they do here on the Rachel Carson Building.” Game Commission biologist Patti Barber led a team in bringing the nestlings in from the 15th floor ledge. Barber weighed the birds, inspected their…

WAYNESBORO—A member of the Waynesboro Police Department has been arrested on charges of child pornography. Kellee S. Rogers, 30, was charged Thursday, May 12, by the Franklin County District Attorney’s office after a months-long investigation. Rogers has resigned from the department. According to Waynesboro Police Chief Jim Sourbier, the investigation began in January. “I was made aware of a possible act of misconduct committed by an officer of the Waynesboro Police Department. An internal administrative investigation was initiated to determine if there was merit to the allegation,” Sourbier said. “It was determined that evidence existed to sustain the allegations. Further inquiry indicated…

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT–The public is invited to the grand opening of The Institute’s Civil War era garden on Saturday, May 21, at 1 p.m. at the garden site near the Monterey Pass Battlefield Museum.  The event will feature a brief program with remarks, garden activity for children, self-guided garden tours, and light refreshments. Admission is free. Created in partnership with the Friends of the Battle of Monterey Pass, the garden was based on extensive research and was planted by The Institute’s garden director and volunteers. It will be an educational tool for area school children and for visitors to Monterey…

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Jennifer Berrier announced today the publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin of final-form regulations that change Pennsylvania’s Minimum Wage Act rules by updating how employers pay tipped workers and ensuring that salaried employees with fluctuating schedules are appropriately compensated for overtime. The Independent Regulatory Review Commission unanimously approved the final-form regulations on March 21, 2022. Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s office also approved the regulations, which will go into effect on August 5. “The world of work has changed significantly since these regulations first went into effect in 1977, but tipped workers remain…

HARRISBURG – Department of Human Services (DHS) Acting Secretary Meg Snead today announced that the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) has approved Pennsylvania’s Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) plan for the 2021-2022 school year. Eligible families will begin to receive these P-EBT benefits in mid-to-late June. “The P-EBT program has been a lifeline to Pennsylvania families with children affected by school closure throughout the pandemic, and I am pleased that FNS has recognized the continued need for this vital program,” said Acting Secretary Snead. “The continuation of P-EBT will ensure eligible children and families whose in-person schooling…

HARPERS FERRY, WVA – The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is pleased to announce it is the recipient of a $400,000 grant from the Olo for Good Fund, a Donor Advised Fund of Tides Foundation. This generous grant, which is the ATC’s largest gift to date from a corporate partner, will help further the Conservancy’s mission to protect, manage and advocate for the Appalachian Trail and its surrounding landscape. The ATC is one of nine organizations selected for funding from the Olo for Good Fund, which was created in 2021 by Olo, a leading open SaaS platform for restaurants, as a part…

WAYNESBORO–The Waynesboro Theatre had a new manager. Bill Kohler introduced Devin Blubaugh, who will operate under The Waynesboro Community Threatre Project, during a recent Waynesboro Area Chamber of Commerce mixer. The Theatre Project’s mission is to bring the community back to the theatre, creating an affordable, fun cinema experience. The theatre shows movies every Friday and Saturday. “We plan movies a month or two in advance, showing second and third run films mixed with classics and fan favorites,” said Blubaugh.  With summer around the corner, they are planning additional movie events: • Summer Kids Series every other Wednesday starting in…

GREENCASTLE—Ben Powers has been named the new general manager of Greencastle Golf Club and Fireside Pub in Greencastle. Powers is the son of Ron and Beth Powers, owners of the club and pub. He was named to the role after Beth announced her retirement. “We have assembled an amazing team here at the Club and Pub and so now Ron and I have decided that it is time for us to step away from the day-to-day operations. We are turning over that responsibility to Ben,” Beth explained. Abbey Powers, Ben’s wife, who has been with the organization for the past…

YORK – Five of WellSpan Health’s hospitals have received “A” safety grades for spring 2022 from The Leapfrog Group, a national watchdog organization of employers and other purchasers widely acknowledged as the toughest standard-setters for health care safety and quality. WellSpan York Hospital, WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital, WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital, WellSpan Waynesboro Hospital, and WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital all received the “A” safety grades. “Being a trusted partner for our patients means providing a level of care that exceeds their expectations every time. Our patients and their loved ones know that when they walk into a WellSpan Health facility, they…

CHAMBERSBURG – WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital has received the top ranking of all hospitals in Pennsylvania for critical care, according to a new analysis released by Healthgrades, the leading resource that connects consumers, physicians, and health systems. The hospital is also among America’s 100 Best Hospitals for critical care for five years in a row (2018-2022). “We are honored that Healthgrades has recognized our healthcare professionals at WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital with this award, as it is further proof of our dedication to providing the highest quality care for our patients,” said Michael Seim, MD, senior vice president and chief quality officer…