Author: Staff Reports

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) are urging motorists to keep traffic safety top of mind when behind the wheel this holiday weekend, and all summer long. The agencies are partnering with municipal police departments and other safety partners across the commonwealth to participate in the National “Click It or Ticket” (CIOT) Enforcement Mobilization running now through June 2. “’Click it or Ticket’ isn’t about citations, it’s about saving lives,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Wearing a seat belt increases your chances of surviving a crash by up to 60 percent. Through continued…

In 2018, Meritus Medical Center was treating an average of 600 stroke patients per year. Since then, the number has increased to more than 1,000 per year, said Jennifer Smith, B.S.N., R.N., stroke care specialist at Meritus Medical Center. “We’ve seen a higher number especially since the COVID pandemic, but we’re also seeing more younger patients,” Smith said, adding that the hospital has seen stroke patients in their 30s. The reason for the increase in the young adults is due to how quickly poor lifestyle choices can affect the body and the overall risk for stroke in young adults. Experts…

Go To The Market- The arrival of late spring brings the opening day for two beloved farmers markets in the area. On Saturday, May 25, the Market at the Park in Waynesboro’s Main Street Park kicks off, running every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon until September 28. Vendors will be offering fresh local produce, baked goods, and other delectable treats. The same day marks the start of the North Square Farmers Market in Chambersburg’s Chambers Fort Park. This grassroots market, promoting local growers and entrepreneurs, will be open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon through November 23. Both markets…

HARRISBURG- In a heartwarming ceremony held at the state capitol building, the Franklin County Department of Emergency Services celebrated a remarkable milestone – the 25th anniversary of Dispatcher 25, Brian Denham. Surrounded by colleagues, friends, and family, the event paid tribute to Denham’s unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions to the department over the past two and a half decades. Denham’s journey with Franklin County began humbly in the basement of the courthouse, where he meticulously punched incident cards by hand. Over the years, he witnessed and played a pivotal role in the department’s evolution, from the implementation of the first…

WAYNESBORO-On Friday, May 24, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. join Music Makers as they host “ Ethan Larsh & the Cicadas” at 46 W. Main St. Ethan Larsh & the Cicadas put on an electrifying live show.The band includes Ethan (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Brad Kurzawa (vocals, guitar, keyboards, mandolin), Audrey Harper (vocals, glockenspiel, omnichord), Josh Ryan (bass, keyboards), Bill Sinclair (tenor sax, harmonica, lap steel, keyboards), Quinn Myers (violin), Shane Statler (drums), and Tim Weller (drums).

Summer fun for kids is on tap with a new EXPLORE! programseries from Buttonwood Nature Center, home of The Institute. Designed for kids in grades K to 5, the programs will run on six Thursdays: June 13, 20, 27, and July 11, 18, 25 from 10–11:30 a.m. at Pine Hill Recreation Area near Waynesboro, Pa. Participants may register for any or all of the six sessions. This year, EXPLORE! sessions will run simultaneously with Buttonwood’s Wee Wonder series for younger kids, so that families with siblings can attend programs at the same time. All program activities are outside. Taught…

YORK- In recognition of National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, Air Methods’ WellSpan WellFlight teams from Gettysburg and Lebanon, in partnership with WellSpan EMS, are honoring their EMS partners, and showing appreciation by donning chefs’ hats and providing home-cooked food. They kicked off National EMS Week on May 19 by grilling hamburgers and hotdogs at WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital. They will be at WellSpan Waynesboro Hospital on Wednesday, WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital on Thursday, and rounding out the week at WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital on Friday. Teams will be at each location grilling meals from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. During each…

(The Center Square) — The Office of Outdoor Recreation pitched lawmakers on Tuesday for more financial support amid the Shapiro administration’s weeklong tourism campaign. The industry, according to Director Nathan Reigner, contributed $17 billion to Pennsylvania’s GDP in 2022 and “is a driver of our economy and economic competitiveness strategy.” He told two House committees during a joint hearing that the office’s mission was to unite, grow, and strengthen the commonwealth’s outdoor economy with a “whole-of-government” effort. This, on day two of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s week-long RV tour of the state. Housed within the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources,…

HAGERSTOWN, MD – The Washington County Division of Planning & Zoning announces, on May 7, 2024, with funding from Washington County and the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF), a 143.65-acre farm was preserved, adding to the more than 40,000 acres of permanently preserved land in the County.   The easement was procured through a Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program (MALPP) easement that was sold on a dairy farm on Rinehart Road in Smithsburg. The property is a large farm with an historic house and cemetery that lies in the valley just west of South Mountain. The procurement of this easement has helped…

CHAMBERSBURG- A new Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard location opened its doors with a bang on Saturday, May 18th at 731 Wayne Ave. The highly-anticipated grand opening event drew crowds eager for free treats and festivities. The celebration kicked off at 3 p.m. when the first 50 guests in line were rewarded with the coveted prize of Free Rita’s Italian Ice for a Year! From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., the festive atmosphere continued with photo opportunities alongside Rita’s beloved mascot Ice Guy, a prize wheel, merchandise giveaways, and more delightful surprises. At 4 p.m., local franchisees Keila and…