Author: Staff Reports

CHAMBERSBURG — The Greater Chambersburg Area Paid Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 1813, extends congratulations to Firefighter Randy Himes on his retirement following 30 years of dedicated service to the community. Randy Himes began his career with the Chambersburg Fire Department in July 1994. Over the years, he served in various capacities, including a significant tenure on the ambulance service before his final role as the Engine Operator of Engine 1-1. His career is marked by a commitment to excellence and a deep sense of duty to the citizens, visitors, and residents of Chambersburg. Throughout his time with the department,…

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) awarded more than $1.4 million to 77 school entities to grow the Commonwealth’s next generation of special educators. Including $40,000 in Franklin County. “Creating a future for our learners starts with having enough well-qualified, well-paid teachers in our classrooms, and this grant funding will bolster our efforts to generate a robust educator workforce in the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “By inspiring today’s students to become tomorrow’s teachers—and by investing in hands-on learning and career exploration opportunities—we are laying the foundation to support Pennsylvania’s students for decades to come.” The awardees include…

HARRISBURG- To support its efforts to get more people involved in hunting in the Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners recently approved a plan to allow mentors hunting with a mentored youth to accompany up to two additional hunters, be they mentored youth, junior hunters or mentored adults. Previously, no additional junior or mentored hunters could accompany a mentor hunting with a mentored youth. There was a required one-to-one mentor/mentee ratio. That limit has now changed to three. The requirement that limits mentors and mentored youth to possessing only one sporting arm between them remains. The mentor must carry…

Meritus strives to ensure all patients, regardless of ethnicity, race, gender or socioeconomic status receive high-quality, equitable care. The health system has been sharing its efforts publicly with the community it serves through its annual Health Equity report, as well as by working to engage community members in important health initiatives. As one component of this important work, Meritus Medical Center worked to integrate the B.I.R.T.H. Equity Maryland program, a state-wide improvement project to reduce inequities faced by pregnant women. The hospital has successfully implemented this and recently received the B.I.R.T.H. Equity Maryland designation from the Maryland Patient Safety Center…

WAYNESBORO- James and Jess’ House of Goods has announced Waynesboro’s Small Business Week, set to take place from Saturday, August 3 to Saturday, August 10. This week-long event aims to showcase and support the vibrant local business community in downtown Waynesboro. Event Highlights: • Shop Local Challenge: Customers who spend $50 or more at three different brick-and-mortar small businesses will receive a free, custom-designed Shop Local t-shirt or tote bag (while supplies last). • Raffle: Exciting prizes donated by local businesses will be raffled off to participating shoppers. • Special Promotions: Many businesses will offer unique deals and discounts throughout…

CHAMBERSBURG— The Franklin County Historical Society has unveiled a new exhibit commemorating the 160th anniversary of the Burning of Chambersburg. Titled “Heroes & Angels: 160th Anniversary of the Burning of Chambersburg,” the exhibit focuses on the stories of Chambersburg residents during the Confederate attack in July 1864. Curated by museum director Ann Hull, the exhibit will open to the public at 10 a.m. at the Franklin County Historical Society, located at 175 East King Street in Chambersburg. The display is part of a larger community event known as ChambersFest, which celebrates the town’s resilience and rebirth following the Civil War…

HARRISBURG- The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) is advising a smishing scam is again being sent to random individuals, aiming to deceive them to share their personal financial information to settle outstanding toll amounts. The texts purport to be from “Pennsylvania Turnpike Toll Services” and center on urgent requests with the account that would result in additional charges if the overdue balance does not get settled. Similar scams have been reported by toll agencies across the country over the past several days. People who receive an unsolicited text, email, or similar message suggesting it is from the PA Turnpike or another…

HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Thick N Thin Brewing Co. is hosting a “Paint-A-Pint” happy hour event to benefit the Fort Ritchie Community Center on Monday, July 22, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event, held at the brewery’s location at 18330 Spark Drive in Hagerstown, offers attendees the opportunity to paint a pint glass while enjoying a complimentary beer. Tickets are priced at $10 per person. In addition to the creative activity, participants will have the chance to learn about the Fort Ritchie Community Center and its various programs. The center, located in Cascade, Maryland, hosts a wide range of…

CHAMBERSBURG- The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced roadwork scheduled for July 22-26 on state highways in Franklin County. Crews will perform base repair on Pa. 75 (Path Valley Road) in Fannett Township. Additionally, pipe replacement work is planned for Timmons Road, also in Fannett Township. Motorists are advised to expect delays and use caution when traveling through these work zones.

HARRISBURG- The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) announced it has partnered with national nonprofit uAspire to launch a free statewide helpdesk to assist students with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application. “The best way to ensure access to affordable postsecondary education is by filling out the FAFSA, and this new helpdesk will make the process easier for all applicants,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “Over the summer months, students can’t just stop by a school counselor’s office after school to ask questions about the FAFSA – that’s where this helpdesk comes in. Pennsylvania is proud to offer this free service to current and prospective postsecondary…