Author: Staff Reports

CHAMBERSBURG- While families are in the midst of vacations, and kids are enjoying a long break from studies, United Way of Franklin County is preparing for Stuff The Bus, their annual school supply drive, which will help ensure that kids in Franklin County schools have the supplies they need in the fall. The event will begin on July 15th , providing multiple locations for school supply collection until early August, when schools prepare to reopen. The event provides much needed supplies to 5 districts in Franklin County. The event is sponsored this year by Patriot Federal Credit Union and Herbruck’s…

WAYNESBORO – Renfrew Museum and Park will host a free summer concert on Thursday, June 27, featuring the acoustic duo East of Antietam. The event, part of the 2024 Judy Elden Memorial Summer Concert Series, will begin at 6:30 p.m. on the lawn behind the Museum House. East of Antietam, comprised of husband and wife team Jim and Robin Osik, will perform a variety of music genres including easy listening hits, country, folk, and classic rock. The duo is returning to the Renfrew stage for this performance. Attendees are welcome to bring their own refreshments, and a small snack will…

CASCADE, Md. – The Fort Ritchie Community Center is providing a range of free health screenings and community services throughout July, aiming to promote wellness and support local residents. On July 9, 19, and 30, the center will host free blood pressure and pre-diabetes screenings conducted by Lindsay from the Washington County Health Department. These screenings offer an opportunity for community members to monitor their health and detect potential issues early. In addition to health screenings, the community center is partnering with Tabitha’s Table Food Pantry to distribute food items on July 9 and 23. The pantry, based in Smithsburg,…

HAGERSTOWN, MD – The Washington County Highway Department announced that the closure of Pearre Road will be extended for several more weeks due to ongoing infrastructure improvements. The current estimated date of completion is Friday, July 12, 2024. The closure will remain at the bridge over Sideling Hill Creek, with detour signs posted throughout both Washington and Allegany County to guide motorists.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released federal income eligibility guidelines for free and reduced-price school meals and free milk for July 2024 – June 2025, expanding access to resources and helping more kids and their families get what they need to fuel their minds and bellies. Schools, and other institutions and facilities, use the guidelines to determine eligibility for the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Special Milk Program for Children, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Summer Food Service Program. “The Shapiro Administration…

Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced the launch of the redesigned PA ABLE Savings Program website, paable.gov. The new website makes it easier for individuals to learn about the many benefits of PA ABLE, open a new account, and access their existing PA ABLE account. “With the launch of our new PA ABLE website, we’re making it easier than ever for people to learn about, and access, this amazing program,” Garrity said. “Making sure every Pennsylvanian with a disability knows about PA ABLE is the first step to helping them live more independently. Revamping our resources to make them as accessible as…

YORK- The Pennsylvania DUI Association is partnering with WellSpan Health to offer training opportunities for eligible law enforcement to become qualified phlebotomists able to draw blood in instances like suspecting impaired drivers.Currently, suspected impaired drivers requiring lab testing must be brought to the hospital by law enforcement to collect the specimen by certified phlebotomists. Now eligible Pennsylvania officers can apply to receive training through WellSpan’s already established and advanced training curriculum and be qualified to successfully draw blood when impairment is suspected in real time at the police station. Over time, as officers are trained and certified, this will help…

The Maryland Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will present its annual “Salute to Independence” concert on Wednesday, July 3rd, at Hagerstown Community College. The event, which has been a tradition since 1986, will begin at 8 p.m., with a fireworks display scheduled to start at approximately 10 p.m. This free concert is a celebration of American independence and is made possible through the support of various sponsors, including Middletown Valley Bank, the John & Anna Hershey Foundation, Blue Ridge Risk Partners, Jim & Georgia Pierné, the Washington County Arts Council, Inc., Washington County Government – Maryland, CNB Bank, Inc., Antietam Broadband, and…

WAYNESBORO- The Washington Township Supervisors have announced a ban on all open burning in Washington Township, Franklin County, effective at noon on Tuesday, June 25. This decision, in accordance with Chapter 128 of the Township Code, aims to enhance public safety and environmental protection. The ban prohibits any form of open burning, including brush burning, burn barrels, and fireplaces. Only gas grills and charcoal fires are permitted during this period. The Washington Township Fire Company will supervise any necessary exceptions within 150 feet of wooded areas or buildings. Township Manager Vernon Ashway emphasized the importance of adhering to the ban…

Area youth can learn about fly fishing during a two-day summer camp at Orvis Hill Country in Fairfield, Pa. on Monday and Tuesday, July 1 and 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The camp is hosted by Buttonwood Nature Center, home of The Institute. The Fly Fishing Adventure Camp is part of Buttonwood’s DISCOVER series for students completing grade 5 through age 17, and combines fly fishing with earth science, limnology and biology. “During the two-day outdoor camp, students learn about fly fishing, the art of fly-tying and so much more on the beautiful Orvis Hill Country property,” said Pam…