Author: Staff Reports

The speech-language pathologists who support the needs of patients at Meritus Physical Therapy are passionate about ensuring those in their care have the tools and abilities they need to communicate with those around them. “Being able to communicate is not something to be taken for granted – and everyone deserves to have their voice heard. Something to remember, is that communication is not a privilege, it is a basic human right,” says Bethany Dunahugh, speech-language pathologist at Meritus Physical Therapy. In an effort to support that basic right, two years ago, Meritus Physical Therapy started a program to help non-verbal…

CHAMBERSBURG– The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed May 5-11, 2024, to be National Correctional Officers and Employees Week in Franklin County in appreciation of the men and women whose diligence and professionalism keep Franklin County communities and citizens safe. Franklin County’s correctional system is designed to protect the public by separating those who have committed offenses from the community, deterring others from committing offenses, and rehabilitating individuals for reentry into the community upon release. Working in correctional facilities is demanding as personnel must maintain a constant state of heightened vigilance and adhere to strict security protocols. Every day, correctional officers…

Meritus recently held its annual Nursing Awards as part of its Nurses Week celebration. Here is a list of the 2024 awards and winners: Congratulations to this year’s recipients!

FAYETTEVILLE – Totem Pole Playhouse, a renowned regional theatre, is gearing up for an exciting summer filled with engaging and educational theatre camps for young aspiring actors and performers. The camps, which run from June through August, provide a unique opportunity for children to immerse themselves in the world of theatre and gain hands-on experience in various aspects of performance. The camps cater to children of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned performers. Participants will have the chance to explore various aspects of theatre, including acting, singing, dancing, and stagecraft. Through interactive workshops, rehearsals, and performances, campers will learn…

HARRISBURG- The Pennsylvania Department of Health is alerting parents and caregivers about the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall of Dixon Ticonderoga Creativity Street Foam Pattern Rollers, typically used for painting by children, because their lead levels exceed the federal content ban.  “Lead can be harmful if ingested, especially for a young child,” said Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “Parents and caregivers should not have to worry about their children’s toys making them sick. We want to get the recall message out to help protect and prevent potential harm to children. Product recalls like these are another example of why all children…

CHAMBERSBURG- The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed May 2024 to be Military Appreciation Month and are encouraging residents to honor the commitment and sacrifice made by current, former and fallen members of all branches of the U.S. armed forces. Military Appreciation Month serves as a reminder of the important role U.S. armed forces have played in the history and development of the United States. Several observances throughout May – including Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, VE Day and Military Spouse Appreciation Day – give Americans an opportunity to value, recognize and honor the service and sacrifices made by all members…

In an effort to improve traffic safety by reducing fatalities and serious injuries, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invested $29.1 million in federal grant funds statewide in behavioral safety programs. In addition to behavioral safety, PennDOT focuses on infrastructure improvements. Approximately $482 million in Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program funds were invested in 337 unique safety projects from 2018 to 2023. During that same timeframe, another $50 million of state funds was invested in low-cost safety improvements at over a thousand locations – which include centerline and edge-line rumble strips and high friction surface treatments. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)…

WAYNESBORO- On Saturday, May 11 the Monterey Pass battlefield will officially be added to the Civil War Trails program. This multi-state program offers over 1,500 sites across six states for travelers but not many Civil War stories are ready for prime time. “It is a story Netflix would be proud to produce but for now we are so pleased to premier it as part of the Civil War Trails program,” said Janet Pollard, Executive Director of the Franklin County Visitors Bureau. The project was the result of the hard work and dedication of the Friends of Monterey Pass Battlefield. The…

Frostburg State University has once again received the Military Friendly® School designation marking the 13th straight year earning this honor. “Congratulations to our Veterans Services staff,” said FSU president, Dr. Ronald Nowaczyk. “This continues to be an important recognition for FSU.” The Military Friendly® Schools list honors colleges, universities and trade schools across the country that go above and beyond to embrace America’s military service members, veterans and spouses as students and ensure their success on campus. Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800…

When Keila Trace worked her first job as a teenager at Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, she found herself impressed by how the business leaders encouraged good character and a strong balance between school, personal life and work. Today, 25 years later, she is the franchisee for two Rita’s locations herself. “What I enjoy is working with the kids and the staff (like my bosses once did). Seventy-five percent of my staff, it’s their first job,” Trace said. “I enjoy teaching them and helping them to understand.” Trace officially opens the Rita’s at 731 Wayne Ave., Chambersburg, on Wednesday,…