Author: Staff Reports

HAGERSTOWN – In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the Washington County Transit Department has announced the launch of the “Thankful Travels” Food Drive, a special initiative that allows bus passengers to contribute to the community while traveling. From Monday, Nov, 18, through Saturday, Nov. 23, passengers can donate canned or non-perishable food items in exchange for their bus fare. All collected items will be distributed to local food banks, directly supporting families in need during the holiday season. This is a simple, yet meaningful, way to make your journey count and give back to the community. “We want to offer a…

HAGERSTOWN – The submission of a $450,000 grant application to help those awaiting trial and those about to be released from detention will be before Washington County Supervisors when they meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 100 West Washington Street, Suite 1101. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is requesting approval to submit the grant application which will provide funding for deputy sheriffs and drug/re-entry coordinators. Offered through the Maryland Residential Substance Abuse Treatment program, the grant would help offer residential substance use treatment for pre-trial defendants and incarcerated inmates and prepares offenders for their reintegration into their communities,…

CHAMBERSBURG – In September, Weis Markets announced its agreement to acquire two supermarkets from Sunnyway Foods, Inc., located in Franklin County. The stores being purchased are situated at 49 Warm Spring Rd. in Chambersburg and 212 N. Antrim Way in Greencastle, with plans to rebrand them as Weis Markets. Weis Markets confirmed that these locations officially opened on Friday, Nov. 1. To commemorate the grand openings, Weis Markets is making donations to local organizations in Greencastle and Chambersburg, which include: Weis Markets has announced that since finalizing its purchase agreement, it has employed more than 100 former associates from Sunnyway…

HARRISBURG – More than $4.3 million in state grants have been awarded for projects to benefit residents in Adams and Franklin counties, state Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) has announced. The grants were awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Local Share Account Program, which funds projects concerning the public interest, community improvement and economic development using gaming money generated by casinos. “These grants provide essential funding for things like firetrucks, dump trucks, infrastructure improvements and other projects that benefit residents in our communities,” Mastriano said. “These state dollars help local governments provide services without further burdening local taxpayers.” Grant recipients include:…

CHAMBERSBURG – Franklin County Commissioners presented the October 2024 Employee of the Month award to Elaine Rotz during the board’s Oct. 30 public meeting. Rotz has been employed by Franklin County since November 2018 and serves as a senior center coordinator with the Franklin County Area Agency on Aging. October’s Employee of the Month recipient was determined by the Special Thanks and Recognition Committee, which received seven nominations for the October award, one of which was for Rotz. “Elaine’s commitment to senior center participants is unmatched,” said the nomination. “Elaine shows a strong commitment to providing individual time and attention to…

HARRISBURG – A new strategic plan for education after high school will be the focus of the newly-established State Board of Higher Education. At its second meeting the new board approved Dr. Kate Shaw, current deputy secretary for higher education at the Pennsylvania Department of Education, as executive director.  Board materials can be found on the Pennsylvania State Board of Higher Education website. “It is a tremendous honor to support this first-of-its-kind board here in Pennsylvania, and I look forward to working alongside the experienced leaders on the board to strengthen postsecondary education and expand its capacity to serve the needs of…

WAYNESBORO – The Waynesboro Hospital Gift Shop is hosting its pre-Holiday Sale, offering 20 percent off on a variety of items including light-up decor, scarves, hats, gloves, ornaments, and unique gifts. The sale will take place in the first-floor conference room on Thursday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 15, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds from the sale will benefit WellSpan Waynesboro Hospital.

CHAMBERSBURG – Wilson College recently received a grant from WellSpan Health and the Summit Endowment that will assist the college in upgrading equipment that supports studies in nursing, healthcare, and exercise science education. WellSpan Health and the Summit Endowment provides grants to nonprofit organizations that address health issues impacting Franklin County or Shippensburg residents. The grant will provide learning opportunities through the maintenance and purchase of new healthcare equipment, including an upgrade to an existing pediatric simulator and the purchase of a new metabolic cart. Using a pediatric simulator provides hands-on learning that will enable the students to feel more…

CHAMBERSBURG – On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, Franklin County Visitors Bureau will host two special showings of “Fedeltà. Soldier. Prisoner,” the Stephen Mancini Productions documentary of repatriated Italian POWs housed at Letterkenny Depot during World War II. “Fedeltà. Soldier. Prisoner” will be shown following the Chambersburg Veteran’s Day Parade at 11:30 a.m. in the Great Room of the Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center. The second showing begins at 1:30 p.m. Both shows are free. In addition to the documentary, the World War II Italian Prisoners of War Experience is on display at the Franklin County 11/30 Visitors Center. The Stephen…

HAGERSTOWN – The Washington County Office of Grant Management has announced the opening of the Fiscal Year 2026 Community Organization Funding application process. This initiative aims to support eligible nonprofit organizations within Washington County that enhance community welfare and contribute to the overall quality of life for residents. To qualify, organizations must appear on a Recognized Non-Profit list, in accordance with the state law. The funding guidelines, requirements and application forms are accessible online at Washington County’s Grant Management webpage. Completed applications must be submitted by 3 p.m. on Dec. 4. Late submissions will not be accepted. The grants management staff…