Author: Staff Reports

As a new licensed practical nurse and an active member of the U.S. Army Reserves, Jordan Smith dedicates most of his time to helping others. “I couldn’t imagine doing anything else,” Smith said. “If you’re not spending your time helping others, you’re wasting it.” Jordan joined the Army Reserves in 2021 and immediately enrolled in a program that would help him train to be a licensed practical nurse. The training required him to move from Chambersburg to Texas for 18 months. The move took him far away from both his family and his job, as a certified nursing assistant in…

HAGERSTOWN – Another 67.29 acres of land has been added to Washington County’s Rural Legacy Program, expanding the county’s commitment to land conservation. This scenic property on Trego Road in Keedysville, containing cropland, pastureland and woodland, now joins over 41,000 acres of permanently preserved land across Washington County. The easement supports both the natural and historical significance of the region while preserving essential agricultural landscapes. Secured as part of the 2024 fiscal year rural legacy grant cycle, the property adds to a contiguous block of thousands of preserved acres, helping encourage similar preservation efforts on neighboring properties, Washington County planners…

Veterans across the Commonwealth are encouraged to learn more about the Pennsylvania Treasury Department’s savings programs during the first-ever Veteran Saves Week, Nov. 12-15. The week is dedicated to helping increase financial wellness and confidence for veterans, their families, caregivers and the military community at large.The state treasury has two powerful savings programs that can help veterans, the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program and the PA ABLE Savings Program for Pennsylvanians with disabilities. Both programs provide great tax incentives and benefits, and PA ABLE provides a way to save without losing access to important disability-related benefits, said state Rep. Paul Schemel (R-Waynesboro).Readers…

WAYNESBORO – The Washington Township Planning and Zoning Committee will discuss several subdivision plans and hear any citizen comments at a 1:30 p.m. meeting on Monday, Nov. 11 The meeting will be held at township offices, 11798 Buchanan Train E. The committee is postponing until its Dec. 16 meeting actions on a land development plan for Guardian Booth at Airport and Midvale Roads, the Niebert Solar Farm on Wayne Highway and subdivision plans for Spring Valley Estates III on Mystic Rock Lane S. Immediately after the meeting, the committee will adjourn into a workshop. Both sessions are open to the…

CHAMBERSBURG – Franklin County Main Streets have great history, great dining and great shopping. Each year, tens of thousands of visitors and residents launch from Main Street to explore more of Franklin County. Over the last five months, 29 S. Main St. has been a swirl of activity. The former home of printing establishments, the property is now Shabby Chic Farmhouse Boutique. Stephanie Kennedy is the owner of the new establishment. Kennedy said Shabby Chic began as a fun way to make extra cash after she lost her job during the pandemic in 2021. She began by refinishing furniture, getting…

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT – A wildfire broke out overnight in Blue Ridge Summit along Route 16, prompting a significant response from local fire departments. Multiple fire apparatus were dispatched to contain the blaze, which is critical as Route 16 serves as a vital thoroughfare in the area. The fire is now contained with departments working to extinguish any existing hot spots. Authorities are urging residents to refrain from any open burning activities due to an active burn ban currently in effect, aimed at preventing further fire hazards in the region. The situation underscores the importance of adhering to safety regulations…

Franklin County Historical Society is hosting a Conversation & Booksigning with Author and Historian Jeff Shaara at the Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center in downtown Chambersburg, 7-9 p.m., Nov. 11. The conversation will center around Shaara’s newest novel, “The Shadow of War,” which takes a closer look at the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962.  Dr. Steven Burg of Shippensburg University will moderate the conversation with the author. Shaara takes his readers to another place and time as he energizes historical events and figures in compelling situations of American and world history. He is well-known for “Gods and Generals” and…

CHAMBERSBURG – Franklin County Commissioners have picked Quentin Clapper as the new director of the county’s planning department. Clapper replaces Steven Thomas, who stepped down from the role earlier this year. In his new position, Clapper will oversee the operations and administration of the department, including its agricultural land preservation, Community Development Block Grant, transportation and mosquito- and tick-borne disease programs. Additionally, Clapper will manage the county’s community connections department, which  provides supportive services for those who are returning to the community from correctional facilities, as well as those who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or seeking housing stability…

One in 16 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime, according to Dr. Santosh Nepal of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. As the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., lung cancer is a serious threat, but early detection and treatment can save lives. Most early-stage cases of lung cancer are either asymptomatic or show minimal symptoms, so catching the disease at stage one provides the best chance for a cure, Dr. Nepal said. Unfortunately, by the time symptoms appear, the cancer is often more advanced, making successful treatment more difficult. The American Cancer Society…

Shop handmade. I Heart Handmade 2024 is set to take place at the Kauffman Community Center in Chambersburg on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. This unique craft show features a diverse array of handmade products crafted by local artisans, providing a perfect opportunity for attendees to discover one-of-a-kind items while supporting the community. Watch a movie. At the Greencastle Church of the Brethren, a family movie night is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 8, at 6 p.m. Located at 36 S. Carlisle St, Greencastle, this event promises an engaging experience for all ages. The featured film tells…