Author: Staff Reports

HARRISBURG- Walmart, the retail giant, has announced a series of new initiatives aimed at investing in its workforce and creating more opportunities for its employees. The company’s latest move is a testament to its commitment to fostering a positive work environment and supporting the growth and development of its associates. One of the most significant announcements is the introduction of an annual bonus program for eligible full- and part-time hourly associates in stores, including those in the pharmacy and optical departments. To be eligible, associates must have been employed with the company for at least one year. This new bonus…

HAGERSTOWN, MD – The Washington County Highway Department announced the temporary closure of Crystal Falls Drive under I-70 starting June 7, 2024, to facilitate the bridge project on I-70. During this period, a detour will be in place to ensure the safety and convenience of all motorists. The detour will remain active while the work is being performed and will be lifted as soon as the project is complete. We will provide updates as soon as the detour is no longer needed. Detour Directions: Detour signs will be placed on Crystal Falls Drive, indicating “Road Closed Ahead” and “Local Traffic Only”…

HARRISBURG— The Pennsylvania House on June 4 approved a bipartisan bill that would make menstrual hygiene products available at no cost to students in schools across the state. House Bill 851, sponsored by Reps. Darisha Parker and Carol Hill-Evans, aims to help students focus on academics rather than worrying about access to pads and tampons during their periods. It now moves to the Senate for consideration. The bill aligns with Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal allocating $3 million to provide free period products in schools. Shapiro said the funding would “help close a gap in women’s health care that too…

HARRISBURG- Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 37 – known as Paul Miller’s Law – into law, prohibiting the use of hand-held devices while driving. This bipartisan legislation makes Pennsylvania the 29th state in the nation to ban distracted driving.Paul Miller’s Law allows law enforcement to issue a ticket when a driver uses a cell phone while driving. Drivers can still use their phones to alert emergency responders and to make phone calls, use a GPS, and listen to music, if they are using hands-free technology.”I have met too many people with injuries they’ll live with for the rest of…

Last Meeting’s Program_(6.4.24 bulletin) Mandi Howell, director of Waynesboro’s New Hope Shelter, discussed the facility’s program. The 38-bed nonprofit shelter, located on South Potomac Street, provides aid for the homeless and destitute in our area. There is a women’s dorm for single women, a men’s dorm for single men, and five units for families with children. Howell said the shelter usually has 30 to 35 residents at any given time. They start with a 30-day and get extensions of 60 days provided they meet rules and expectations. The maximum stay is a year. Residents face a range of issues, Howell…

HAGERSTOWN, MD – Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) has announced significant enhancements to its summer and fall/winter 2024-2025 flight schedule. Travelers can now enjoy increased flights to Orlando-Sanford and St. Pete-Clearwater, which will be available no less than four days a week through February 10, 2025, and with a peak of six weekly flights to those two cities during June 23, 2024 – August 13, 2024. Additionally, expanded service to Myrtle Beach will be offered through November 11, 2024, at a frequency of four per week. Calendar Year 2024 will feature a total of 293 inbound and outbound flights, marking a…

HAGERSTOWN, MD- Mary Anne Burke is stepping down after 15 years as the Executive Director for the Washington County Arts Council effective on or about August 31. During her tenure, the Washington County Arts Council has become one of the leading advocates for the arts in the tri-state area. In addition to its role in promoting the arts, the Washington County Arts Council has created both exhibition space and a Gallery shop where local artists can display and sell their artwork. Thenumber of artists participating in either exhibits or with the Gallery shop has grown from ahandful to over 2900…

CHAMBERSBURG– The Franklin County Commissioners proudly presented the May 2024 Employee of the Month award to Anthony Merletti during the board’s May 29 public meeting. Merletti has been employed by Franklin County since December 2012 and serves as a network and applications administrator with the county’s information technology services department. May’s Employee of the Month recipient was determined by the Special Thanks and Recognition (STAR) Committee, which received 32 nominations for the May award, 12 of which were for Merletti. “Anthony consistently demonstrates excellent customer service to whomever he is helping,” said one nomination. “He is attentive and friendly with those…

WAYNESBORO- On Saturday, June 8, the Greater Waynesboro Area will once again celebrate the great outdoors with the Eighth Annual Mason-Dixon Appalachian Trail Outdoor Festival. Held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Red Run Park in Rouzerville, this free event promises a day of music, activities, vendors, and outdoor education for hikers and nature enthusiasts of all ages. The festival, organized by the local Appalachian Trail Community, aims to provide opportunities for attendees to learn more about the Appalachian Trail in the Mason-Dixon area and enjoy a variety of outdoor-themed activities. Red Run Park, a family-friendly community oasis, serves…

HARRISBURG- The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute in Central Pa. has been awarded the highest possible rating of three stars by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) in three out of five total categories for patient care and outcomes, including: The three-star rating, which denotes the highest category of quality, places the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute in Central Pa. among the elite for adult cardiac surgery in the United States and Canada. UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute in Central Pa has maintained a 3-star STS rating in various categories for the last decade. “The STS three-star ratings are among…