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Lancaster Watchdog

@lancasterwatchdog.bsky.social
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Local government accountability www.lancasteronline.com/watchdog

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Reposted by Lancaster Watchdog
Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis @lgaustindavis.bsky.social · 5h
For the first time, Pennsylvania is investing a joint $3.5 million with Arnold Ventures to help police departments solve cold cases and modernize crime reporting in order to drive down rates of violent crime.
wpxi.com
New grant program offers millions to help Pennsylvania police departments solve cold cases
As families wait for justice for their loved ones, lawmakers in Harrisburg are hoping new funding will help police close unsolved homicides and other violent crimes.
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Pennsylvania Capital-Star @penncapital-star.com · 4h
Nearly two dozen former power plant sites across Pennsylvania are part of a study to identify potential locations for new generating facilities that could help ease the region’s power crunch. From @petehallpa.bsky.social
penncapital-star.com
State study aims to identify retired power plant sites that can be reactivated • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
PATER is a way to look at Pennsylvania’s power generation and transmission system as a whole, while energy regulators and state leaders across the country look to spur new investments in the electrici...
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LNP | LancasterOnline @lancasteronline.bsky.social · 11h
High school congestion, issues at elementaries found in Manheim Township study so far lanc.news/4e8ydJy
lanc.news
High school congestion, issues at elementaries found in Manheim Township study so far
When: Manheim Township School Board meeting, Oct. 8.
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Reposted by Lancaster Watchdog
LNP | LancasterOnline @lancasteronline.bsky.social · 11h
Akron Borough Council OKs contract with West Earl police; lone dissenter cites lack of 'due diligence' lanc.news/47f4ZFd
lanc.news
Akron Borough Council OKs contract with West Earl police; lone dissenter cites lack of 'due diligence'
When: Akron Borough Council meeting, Oct. 12. Vice President Justin Gehman was absent.
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Reposted by Lancaster Watchdog
LNP | LancasterOnline @lancasteronline.bsky.social · 8h
Clay Twp. property owners get more time on Woodcorner Road holding tank lanc.news/4yJk9hW
lanc.news
Clay Twp. property owners get more time on Woodcorner Road holding tank
When: Clay Township Board of Supervisors meeting, Oct. 12.
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Reposted by Lancaster Watchdog
LNP | LancasterOnline @lancasteronline.bsky.social · 5h
Lancaster County election officials assured voters Wednesday that the county is prepared for any problems or security issues at the polls come Election Day, including concerns about whether federal law enforcement officers would be stationed at or near polling places. lanc.news/47jR94u
lanc.news
Lancaster County officials confident in Election Day security plans
Lancaster County election officials assured voters Wednesday that the county is prepared for any problems or security issues at the polls come Election Day, including concerns about whether federal law
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Reposted by Lancaster Watchdog
LNP | LancasterOnline @lancasteronline.bsky.social · 5h
The head of the Susquehanna Regional Police Department’s oversight board said Wednesday its chief submitted a letter of resignation, but she had few other details. lanc.news/4s9HbMG
lanc.news
Susquehanna Regional police chief submits resignation letter, police commission chair says
The head of the Susquehanna Regional Police Department’s oversight board said Wednesday its chief submitted a letter of resignation, but she had few other details.
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Lancaster Watchdog @lancasterwatchdog.bsky.social · 4h
www.politico.com/news/2026/10...
politico.com
‘It's time to get a vaccine in place’: RFK Jr.’s views helped stall bird flu plan
USDA shelved strategy for inoculating birds after the Health secretary criticized the idea.
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Lancaster Watchdog @lancasterwatchdog.bsky.social · 11h
We're 20 days from the midterm election. Learn about the candidates running in Lancaster County legislative races with our voters guide! lancasteronline.com/news/politic...
lancasteronline.com
A voters guide to the 2026 general election in Lancaster County
The coolest thing about LNP’s 2026 voters guide is the part we didn’t need to include — a rundown of uncontested races.
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Reposted by Lancaster Watchdog
LNP | LancasterOnline @lancasteronline.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
Cocalico School District schedules first reading of cyberbullying and AI lanc.news/4yG4iAK
lanc.news
Cocalico School District schedules first reading of cyberbullying and AI
When: Cocalico school board meeting, Sept. 28. Board members Pamela Blickle, Curt Stoltzfus and Desiree Wagner were absent.
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Reposted by Lancaster Watchdog
Anne Garber, LNP | LancasterOnline @annegarber0406.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
With measles spreading in Lancaster County, could mumps and rubella be next? lancasteronline.com/news/health/...
lancasteronline.com
With measles spreading in Lancaster County, could mumps and rubella be next?
With the number of measles cases escalating by the day in Pennsylvania, people may wonder will the other two diseases covered by the MMR vaccine – mumps and rubella –
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Reposted by Lancaster Watchdog
LNP | LancasterOnline @lancasteronline.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
Ephrata Area School District introduces sex eligibility policy for interscholastic athletics lanc.news/4hL2xw9
lanc.news
Ephrata Area School District introduces sex eligibility policy for interscholastic athletics
When: Ephrata Area school board meeting, Oct. 5. Board member Michael Schwartz was absent.
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Reposted by Lancaster Watchdog
LNP | LancasterOnline @lancasteronline.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
Mount Joy Borough Council accepts resignation of council president, approves active recruiting lanc.news/4z688Ud
lanc.news
Mount Joy Borough Council accepts resignation of council president, approves active recruiting
When: Mount Joy Borough Council meeting, Oct. 5. Vice president Josh Deering chaired the meeting in the absence of a president.
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Reposted by Lancaster Watchdog
LNP | LancasterOnline @lancasteronline.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
The 43-year effort to rehabilitate the Chesapeake Bay has earned its best ever score from the scientists and public officials who’ve been closely monitoring it, but clean up efforts in the Lower Susquehanna region lost ground in the past year. lanc.news/4dAY10T
lanc.news
Health of Chesapeake Bay receives best report card yet; Lancaster region gets lower score
The 43-year effort to rehabilitate the Chesapeake Bay has earned its best ever score from the scientists and public officials who’ve been closely monitoring it, but clean up efforts in
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Reposted by Lancaster Watchdog
Spotlight PA @spotlightpa.org · 13/10/2026
Pa. election 2026: Where Garrity, Shapiro stand on ICE detention and other immigration issues. www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/10/pe…
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Reposted by Lancaster Watchdog
Daniel Rubin @leinadnibur.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
He Waited Nine Years in Prison for His Lawyer to File a Single Brief. In This State, There’s No Rule Against It. www.propublica.org/article/post...
propublica.org
He Waited Nine Years in Prison for His Lawyer to File a Single Brief. In This State, There’s No Rule Against It.
Pennsylvania promises legal help to those who say they were unfairly convicted of crimes. Failed by a troubled system, some incarcerated people are left waiting years for their lawyers to act.
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Reposted by Lancaster Watchdog
LNP | LancasterOnline @lancasteronline.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
Tens of thousands of skill games across Pennsylvania become illegal to operate this week under a June ruling by the state Supreme Court. lanc.news/3W24uvF
lanc.news
Pa. skill games become illegal this week; here's how they differ from slot machines
Tens of thousands of skill games across Pennsylvania become illegal to operate this week under a June ruling by the state Supreme Court.
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Reposted by Lancaster Watchdog
Anne Garber, LNP | LancasterOnline @annegarber0406.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
Here are the results of an independent look at the financial health of Lancaster County's hospitals lancasteronline.com/news/health/...
lancasteronline.com
Here are the results of an independent look at the financial health of Lancaster County's hospitals
Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center’s financial status improved considerably from 2024 to 2025, during which time it shaved off almost $40 million of its operating deficit, according to an
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Reposted by Lancaster Watchdog
LNP | LancasterOnline @lancasteronline.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
Lampeter-Strasburg school board reviews policies for drinking water, service animals lanc.news/4ygB4HI
lanc.news
Lampeter-Strasburg school board reviews policies for drinking water, service animals
When: Lampeter-Strasburg school board meeting, Oct. 5.
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Reposted by Lancaster Watchdog
LNP | LancasterOnline @lancasteronline.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
State Sen. Scott Martin is inviting residents of the 13th District to apply for a new license plate at a free event this Thursday. lanc.news/4B2600Z
lanc.news
Sen. Scott Martin to host free license plate replacement event in Millersville
State Sen. Scott Martin is inviting residents of the 13th District to apply for a new license plate at a free event this Thursday.
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Reposted by Lancaster Watchdog
LNP | LancasterOnline @lancasteronline.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
A Florida-based nonprofit has filed a federal lawsuit against Lancaster County Prison officials, alleging they are unconstitutionally blocking the group’s magazines, books and letters from reaching prisoners. lanc.news/3VHjIWW
lanc.news
Nonprofit publisher sues Lancaster County Prison over returned mail
A Florida-based nonprofit has filed a federal lawsuit against Lancaster County Prison officials, alleging they are unconstitutionally blocking the group’s magazines, books and letters from reaching...
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Lancaster Watchdog @lancasterwatchdog.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
lancasteronline.com/news/politic...
lancasteronline.com
Smucker is confident ahead of race for sixth term against Manheim Township Democrat Nancy Mannion
The U.S. Congress operates on a seniority system. Power and responsibility accrue the longer a member serves. And after 10 years in the House of Representatives, Rep. Lloyd Smucker is
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Lancaster Watchdog @lancasterwatchdog.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
share.inquirer.com/1KVWpF
share.inquirer.com
How John Fetterman spends his time comes under more scrutiny as he weighs future in the Senate
The Pennsylvania Democrat has been labeled an absentee senator for years. As he floats the possibility of running again, what has he actually done?
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Lancaster Watchdog @lancasterwatchdog.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
lancasteronline.com/news/local/w...
lancasteronline.com
Willow Valley seeking approval to borrow up to $275 million for Mosaic
Willow Valley Communities will seek Lancaster City Council’s blessing on Tuesday to borrow up to $275 million to build its downtown high-rise Mosaic, but an executive with the retirement community
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Lancaster Watchdog @lancasterwatchdog.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
lancasteronline.com/news/local/d...
lancasteronline.com
DA urges educators to act with ‘child protective mentality’ in reporting suspected child abuse
Upon concluding two separate investigations into whether educators failed to report suspected child abuse as required by law Lancaster County District Attorney Heather Adams urged school district empl...
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Lancaster Watchdog @lancasterwatchdog.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
lancasteronline.com/news/local/l...
lancasteronline.com
Lancaster businesses remove skill games ahead of Supreme Court’s deadline
On Thursday afternoon, an employee of K&S Games wheeled three skill games out of House of Pizza in downtown Lancaster. The machines, which generated significant revenue for House of Pizza
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Lancaster Watchdog @lancasterwatchdog.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
lancasteronline.com/news/local/p...
lancasteronline.com
Pa. ag industry lobbying USDA, Congress for reform after Melhorn poultry worker arrests
When Chris Herr learned that 17 employees of Mount Joy-based poultry hauler Melhorn Sales Service and Trucking were arrested by federal immigration authorities, he thought about the avian influenza ou...
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Reposted by Lancaster Watchdog
Lancaster Farming @lancasterfarming.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
A severe drought throughout much of the region has noticeably reduced this year’s hay yield, according to USDA data.
lancasterfarming.com
Drought Hampers Hay Production in Parts of Mid-Atlantic
A severe drought throughout much of the region has noticeably reduced this year’s hay yield, according to USDA data.
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Reposted by Lancaster Watchdog
Jaxon White @jaxonwhite.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Applications for the 2027 John Baer Legislative Reporting Internship open Nov. 1st, offering two student journalists the chance to cover PA’s state Capitol. I’m an alumnus of the program, and can say it led to each job I’ve held since graduating college. pacapitolreporters.org/pacapitolrep...
pacapitolreporters.org
PLCA Interships
The Pennsylvania Legislative Correspondents' Association (PLCA) offers paid summer journalism internships to two college students or recent graduates.
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Anne Garber, LNP | LancasterOnline @annegarber0406.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Lancaster County logs 24 measles cases since Monday lancasteronline.com/news/health/...
lancasteronline.com
Lancaster County logs 24 measles cases since Monday
Measles cases continue to climb, with Lancaster County tallying 24 new cases since Monday and the state logging 132 new cases for the same period.
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Reposted by Lancaster Watchdog
Spotlight PA @spotlightpa.org · 08/10/2026
We examined Democrat Josh Shapiro’s and Republican Stacy Garrity’s views on critical budget issues like taxes, transportation, and the minimum wage. www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/10/pe…
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Reposted by Lancaster Watchdog
Pennsylvania Capital-Star @penncapital-star.com · 09/10/2026
Environmental groups and citizens are urging Pennsylvania regulators to increase the minimum amount of protective buffer space between gas wells and homes, schools and water sources.
bit.ly
In Harrisburg, advocates rally for tougher rules on fracking • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Environmental groups and citizens are urging Pennsylvania regulators to increase the minimum amount of protective buffer space between gas wells and homes, schools and water sources.
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Spotlight PA @spotlightpa.org · 09/10/2026
Independent candidate closes in on Republican Senate incumbent as dark money spending surges www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/10/pe…
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Spotlight PA @spotlightpa.org · 08/10/2026
Advocates push for tougher fracking rules as data centers spur demand for natural gas www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/10/fr…
spotlightpa.org
Data centers prompt calls for tougher fracking regs
Environmental groups want state regulators to increase the minimum amount of protective buffer space between gas wells and homes, schools, and water sources.
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Reposted by Lancaster Watchdog
Pennsylvania Capital-Star @penncapital-star.com · 08/10/2026
ICYMI: Members of the Pennsylvania state House voted unanimously Monday to pass a bill that would regulate natural leaf kratom products and ban the sale of synthetic compounds derived from the substance.
bit.ly
Bill to regulate kratom sales and ban synthetic compounds passes Pa. House • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Members of the Pennsylvania state House voted unanimously Monday to pass a bill that would regulate natural leaf kratom products and ban the sale of synthetic compounds derived from the substance.
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Lancaster Farming @lancasterfarming.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
A USDA undersecretary promotes funding for rural infrastructure, New Jersey considers rooftop solar for farms, and pediatricians seek a ban on raw milk.
lancasterfarming.com
Ag Policy Roundup: Rural Development Chief Visits Pennsylvania
A USDA undersecretary promotes funding for rural infrastructure, New Jersey considers rooftop solar for farms, and pediatricians seek a ban on raw milk.
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Pennsylvania Capital-Star @penncapital-star.com · 08/10/2026
As the measles outbreak overlaps with the start of the respiratory virus season, state health officials are facing several fronts. And despite a recent rift with the Trump administration, it appears that federal help is still on the table. From @wesa.fm
penncapital-star.com
Pa. health officials face multiple fronts as measles outbreak overlaps with respiratory virus season • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak crossed a historic threshold this week: at 1,078 cases in 41 counties, the state has recorded the nation’s largest measles outbreak in the last three decades. Five peop...
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Lancaster Watchdog @lancasterwatchdog.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
penncapital-star.com/2026/10/07/r...
penncapital-star.com
Documents show DHS probed nonprofits in Pa. and other states, obtained millions of records in hunt for noncitizen voters • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The Department of Homeland Security obtained tens of millions of unspecified records as part of a sweeping nationwide effort to find voter fraud, according to internal DHS reports, and weighed using u...
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Carter Walker @bycarterwalker.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
At tonight’s ABC 27 Pennsylvania governor’s debate, @governor.pa.gov was asked if he supports implementing stronger voter ID requirements and responded that he was open to such a bill provided it is not disenfranchising. Stacey Garrity was asked if she felt Pennsylvania’s elections are not
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Lancaster Watchdog @lancasterwatchdog.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
lancasteronline.com/news/politic...
lancasteronline.com
Shapiro, Garrity spar over data centers, spending during sole Pa. gubernatorial debate this year
The two leading candidates in this year’s governor’s race — Democratic incumbent Josh Shapiro and Republican state Treasurer Stacy Garrity — remained largely cordial Wednesday night during a one-hour ...
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Spotlight PA @spotlightpa.org · 07/10/2026
Searching for ‘slimy, shiny, brownish stuff’: A retiree's quest to help track down Pa.'s abandoned oil wells www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/10/pe…
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Lancaster Farming @lancasterfarming.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
The Earl Township Board of Supervisors will hold a hearing in December on whether to change the zoning of the Eberly Farm for residential development.
lancasterfarming.com
Earl Township Supervisors Vote in December on Using Prime Farmland for Housing
The Earl Township Board of Supervisors will hold a hearing in December on whether to change the zoning of the Eberly Farm for residential development.
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Lancaster Watchdog @lancasterwatchdog.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
One 36th District Senate debate canceled.
A Facebook post from the League of Women Voters of Lancaster County, Pa., posted on Oct. 6, 2026. The text reads: Due to a personal issue, Rep. Tom Jones, is no longer able to attend the candidate forum scheduled for October 8, 2026 at Centerville Middle School.  As a nonpartisan organization, The League of Women Voters of Lancaster County is not able to host a forum with only one party represented.  We are deeply disappointed that we are not able to provide the voters of the PA 36th Senate District with the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates running to represent them.  We are working on alternative options and will announce them as information is available.
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Pennsylvania Capital-Star @penncapital-star.com · 07/10/2026
Speakers at the rally were critical of Shapiro for his initial embrace of Amazon and other tech companies as they scoped out sites. The development guidelines that now encompass much of the commonwealth’s data center policy are too little, too late, they said.
bit.ly
Pennsylvanians call on Shapiro, lawmakers to pass data center moratorium • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Speakers at the rally were critical of Shapiro for his initial embrace of Amazon and other tech companies as they scoped out sites. The development guidelines that now encompass much of the commonwealth’s data center policy are too little, too late, they said.
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LNP | LancasterOnline @lancasteronline.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Two Lancaster County school districts will vote Oct. 19 on whether to implement policies preventing transgender athletes from participating on sports teams that align with their gender identity, which would raise the number of county school districts with similar policies… lanc.news/4zmg03D
lanc.news
Conestoga Valley, Elanco to vote on policies to restrict transgender student athletes
Two Lancaster County school districts will vote Oct. 19 on whether to implement policies preventing transgender athletes from participating on sports teams that align with their gender identity, which...
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Lancaster Farming @lancasterfarming.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
A $65 million expansion project has broken ground at Penn State’s Animal Diagnostic Lab.
lancasterfarming.com
Penn State Breaks Ground for Animal Diagnostic Lab Expansion
A $65 million expansion project has broken ground at Penn State’s Animal Diagnostic Lab.
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LNP | LancasterOnline @lancasteronline.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Adamstown Public Library director presents 2025 statistics at West Cocalico supervisors meeting lanc.news/3TFznVS
lanc.news
Adamstown Public Library director presents 2025 statistics at West Cocalico supervisors meeting
When: West Cocalico supervisors meeting, Oct. 1.
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LNP | LancasterOnline @lancasteronline.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
An out-of-court settlement has cleared the way for a new 3-megawatt, 20-acre solar panel array to be built at Lanchester Landfill and Reclamation Center in Caernarvon Township. lanc.news/4yBstQS
lanc.news
Lanchester Landfill and Caernarvon Township settle their differences over solar array
An out-of-court settlement has cleared the way for a new 3-megawatt, 20-acre solar panel array to be built at Lanchester Landfill and Reclamation Center in Caernarvon Township.
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Anne Garber, LNP | LancasterOnline @annegarber0406.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Pa. now tops 1,000 cases of measles in 2026; Lancaster County cases steady since Friday lancasteronline.com/news/health/...
lancasteronline.com
Pa. now tops 1,000 cases of measles in 2026; Lancaster County cases steady since Friday
More than 1,000 Pennsylvanians have now been infected with measles this year, as the state tallied 1,004 cases as of Monday afternoon.
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LNP | LancasterOnline @lancasteronline.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
UPMC Lititz will hold free hernia screenings from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 14 and 20 on the hospital campus of UPMC Lititz in Warwick Township. lanc.news/3Vs03Kt
lanc.news
UPMC Lititz will host free hernia screenings
UPMC Lititz will hold free hernia screenings from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 14 and 20 on the hospital campus of UPMC Lititz in Warwick Township.
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