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Media Newsroom
Commissioners | Parks and Recreation | Economic Development
(December 17, 2014) – The Dauphin County Commissioners today approved a $245
million budget for 2015 that marks a decade without a tax increase.
"As this
budget shows, we are committed to maintaining the services on which our
residents depend,'' said commission Chairman Jeff Haste. "We never lose sight
of the fact that we owe it to our residents to do everything possible not to
add to their financial burden.''
also thanked the county's row officers and President Judge Todd A. Hoover and
the other judges for their efforts in controlling costs, calling today's budget
"a true team effort.''
understand that while the economy is on the mend, it's still not easy for
working families,'' said Commissioner Mike Pries. "We know our residents are counting
on us to find the best ways to deliver services without coming back to them for
more money and that consideration is at the center of everything we do.''
financial planning and money saving efforts resulted in the county's operating budget decreasing by 3.5 percent since 2013.
The commissioners' leadership in resolving Harrisburg's financial crisis –
allowing the county to stop paying $7 million annually to cover the city's
incinerator debt – accounts for much of the decrease.
warned, however, of the rising cost to county taxpayers for funding the
Emergency 911 system.
hoping state lawmakers and our new governor will act this year to see that counties
are reimbursed for the cost of providing this critical service,'' Pries said. The
system was originally set up to be supported through fees primarily levied on
landlines, but as more people use only mobile devices the funding hasn't kept
"In 2015,
we are spending $2.3 million to subsidize the system – without state action, the
burden of paying for 911 will increasingly shift to property taxes,'' Pries
said. "It's only fair to support 911 through fees on devices that can access
the system.''
George P. Hartwick, III said the board never stops looking for ways to make the
county run more efficiently. He cited the almost $10 million in savings since
2009 realized by self-insuring for health care and the $5 million in pension
savings since 2012 achieved by looking at the retirement cost per employee
rather than basing contributions on the plan as a whole.
everything we do, we emphasize best practices,'' Hartwick said. "As this budget
shows, we don't shy away from making tough decisions needed to maximize our
resources so we don't have to go back to the taxpayers.''
in the overall spending plan are $8 million in in grants and state and federal
funding, including $4.6 million for flood damage relief; $1.3 million for 911
emergency dispatch system upgrades; and an additional $1 million from the state
for repairing the Duke Street Bridge between South Hanover and Hummelstown.
county's millage rate under the 2015 budget will remain at 6.876 mills, meaning
the owner of a home assessed at $100,000 will continue to pay $687.60 a year. To
view the final budget for 2015, please visit www.DauphinCounty.org/budget
following are among the steps taken by the commissioners to hold the line on
Saving $4 million by eliminating 60 positions
since 2012, mostly through attrition. Consolidating adult and juvenile
probation in 2013 saved money both in equipment and training costs and also
allowed the county to trim 15 positions, most of which were vacant. Since 2009,
the annual growth in salary and benefits has been less than 1 percent.
Close cooperation with the county
courts and President Judge Todd A. Hoover resulted in an additional $300,000 in
savings for 2015, much of it still a result of efficiencies realized by the
probation consolidation.
Increasing the energy efficiency of
county buildings under a $7 million contract with Constellation Energy,
expected to save $10 million over 15 years. Between 2009 and 2013, the county
saved $1.6 million in energy and water usage costs.
This past February, the Agricultural Act of 2014 was signed into law. Commonly referred to as the "Farm Bill," this legislation authorizes or modifies hundreds of programs. As part of these modified programs, grain farmers will have to decide whether to enroll in Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC), and there are multiple details to consider when making this decision. The USDA provides several tools to consider for developing your plan, and each producer is now personally responsible to develop a risk management plan for their farm(s) before the enrollment deadlines. On January 8, 2015, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., at the Dauphin County Agriculture & Natural Resources Center there will be a Farm Bill Program Crops Information Session. Registration is free. Just show up and participate. A Penn State Extension Educator and Farm Service Agency (FSA) representatives will be on hand to answer your questions. Penn State is an affirmative action, equal opportunity university, and all interested individuals, regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age or disability, are encouraged to attend. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Penn State Extension Educator, John Berry at (610) 391-9840 in advance.
For general field crops that your farm has base acres with the FSA you should be interested in the new Farm Bill Programs. County and Individual Area Revenue Coverages (ARC) are available that can provide up to 65% or 85% of revenue losses of historical revenue for eligible crops you have base acres for on your farms. Or, we can chose Price Loss Coverage (PLC) that provides protection when market prices are less than reference prices for crops you have base acres for on your farms. Both of these disaster protection tools are available at no cost to you.
Penn State Extension has developed excellent educational materials on the new Farm Bill. This work breaks down the two new crop programs and reviews several factors producers should weigh when making enrollment decisions.
Come on out for a unique educational opportunity - a time to learn about these significant farm management tools and become better equipped to make informed signup decisions. Our local meeting agenda includes a review and discussion on:
Base acre reallocation
Program crops yield updating
Key components of PLC, ARC-CO, ARC-IC, and SCO
How these programs compare
Exploring a sample county farm scenario
Accessing and using the on-line decision tools
Process for sign up
Questions and Answers
Penn State Extension and the Farm Service Agency invite you to learn more about the features of these new programs, the decisions you need to make, and what these decisions could mean for your farm.
For more information on these programs, visit the Penn State Extension Farm Bill Resources web site. You can find additional information about the Farm Bill at the USDA FSA web site. For additional information on this local educational meeting contact your county FSA Office, your local Penn State Extension Office, or Penn State Extension Educator, John Berry at (610) 391-9840 or email@example.com.
Penn State Extension of Dauphin County is offering a free StrongWomen Informational Session on Monday, January 5, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at Dauphin County Agriculture and Natural Resources Center, 1451 Peters Mountain Road, Dauphin, PA 17018. The session will review the clinical research behind the strength training and nutrition program called StrongWomen, Strong Bones™. Classes are held each Monday and Wednesday for six weeks, starting Monday, January 12, 2015, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Class fee is $50.00. Penn State is an affirmative action, equal opportunity university, and all interested individuals, regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age or disability, are encouraged to attend. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Penn State Extension of Dauphin County at (717) 921-8803 in advance.
Dr. Miriam Nelson, of Tufts University, developed the exercise program based on clinical research that proves strength training enhances energy, balance, and bone density. Research indicates that women over the age of 35 can start to lose one-quarter pound of muscle each year and gain that much in fat. Studies show that weight-bearing exercises can help women become stronger, energized, and more active. Research also indicates an improvement in overall fitness and reduces the potential of long-term health concerns like osteoporosis, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes.
StrongWomen Instructors guide participants, while wearing ankle weights and holding hand weights, through repetitive movements. The goal is to return strength, flexibility and endurance, all lost in the aging process. The nutrition component of the program emphasizes eating for proper weight maintenance. Physician referral forms may be required for enrollment.
The Penn State Extension Offices are committed to helping families thrive. The mission of the non-profit extension office, located in Middle Paxton Township, is to enhance the quality of life by offering outreach educational opportunities communities throughout the commonwealth.
For more information about the StrongWomen Program and to register for the Monday,
January 5, 2015, at 10:00 a.m., Informational Session, call the Penn State Extension Office at (717) 921-8803 or visit http://dauphin.extension.psu.edu.
HARRISBURG, PA (December 2, 2014) – Dauphin County
Commissioners Jeff Haste, Mike Pries and George P. Hartwick, III are reminding
residents within a 10-mile radius of the Londonderry Township-based Three Mile
Island (TMI) that a test of the facility's emergency warning sirens will be
conducted on Thursday, December 4 at 12:15 p.m.
As part of the test conducted by Exelon Generation, which
operates TMI, all 96 new sirens within 10 miles of the facility will sound for
three minutes.
The purpose of the sirens is to alert residents to tune in
to an Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcast station for information from state
officials. During the siren test, the EAS will not be activated.
HARRISBURG, PA – Dauphin County Treasurer Janis Creason
today announced that dog licenses for 2015 are now available for purchase. State law requires that all dogs three months
or older must be licensed by January 1 of each year. The treasurer encourages all residents to
license their dogs in order to avoid unnecessary fines and penalties.
The license fee is $6.50 for each spayed or neutered dog and
$8.50 for other dogs. Senior citizens
and persons with disabilities receive a $2 discount on each type of
license. Rabies vaccinations are
required for all dogs, as well as any cat that enters a human dwelling over
three months of age. The maximum fine
per violation of the license and rabies law is $300 plus court costs.
All dogs must be under control and are not permitted to
run-at-large. Complaints may be reported
to Mike Zeigler, State Dog Warden, at 717-480-9737.
The application for a dog license can be found online at www.DauphinCounty.org, keyword: dog, or
by contacting the county Treasurer at 717-780-6550 or email@example.com.
Dog licenses may also be purchased online at www.padoglicense.com or from the
following agents:
Dauphin: Hornung's True Value
Elizabethville: Kratzer Hardware
Halifax: Hornung's True Value
Harrisburg: Humane Society of Harrisburg Area, Hornung's
Ace Hardware
Hershey: Derry Township, Agway/Hanoverdale Country
Middletown: Lower Swatara Township, Tender Loving Care
Millersburg: Lehman's Hardware
Paxtang: Hornung's True Value
Williamstown: Williamstown Borough
City of Harrisburg residents must purchase dog licenses through the city Treasurer's Office.
Full names and addresses of issuing agents are available on
the Treasurer's page of the County website: www.DauphinCounty.org.
HARRISBURG, PA (November 26, 2014) – Usher in the holidays from November 29 to
December 23 at Dauphin County's annual Christmas at Fort Hunter
events at the historic Fort Hunter Park.
"Enjoy the magic of the holiday season at a series of
special events at Fort Hunter," said Dauphin County Board of Commissioners'
Chairman Jeff Haste. "There is something for everyone."
The free Toy Train Exhibit, provided by the
Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society, will be displayed on weekends until
December 21 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Fort Hunter Centennial Barn.
The trains, traveling through familiar Central Pennsylvania scenery with sound
and visual effects, will change every weekend.
Children age
12 and under can also enjoy a unique holiday shopping experience tailored just
for them at the "Kids Only" Holiday Shop
from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends until December 14 in the Fort Hunter
Centennial Barn. All items are $10 and under, and free wrapping assures
surprises for family and friends. All
purchases support the work of the Friends of Fort Hunter. Admission is free, but parents or guardians
must provide spending money.
"At the holiday shop, elves and
Santa's helpers from the Friends of Fort Hunter will assist youngsters in
selecting unique items provided by the Museum Shop at Fort Hunter," said Commissioner Mike Pries.
The annual Festival of the Trees
will be on display from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on November 29 to December 21
at the Tavern. Guests can vote for their favorite tree. Christmas trees are coordinated by the Civic
Garden Center of Harrisburg and decorated by local garden clubs. Handmade
ornaments will be available for purchase.
a Victorian Christmas at Fort Hunter
Mansion from December 2 through 23, Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m.
to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Enjoy a guided tour of the
Mansion, decorated for the holidays by the Civic
Committee of the Garden Club of Harrisburg with fresh greens, fruits and
dried and fresh flowers. Admission is
charged. To assist in holiday shopping,
the Fort Hunter Museum Shop is stocked with tasteful and unique Christmas gift
items and is open during museum hours.
the sights and sounds of the holiday season at one of the many family-friendly
festivities planned at Fort Hunter Park, including two free concerts, a visit
from Santa, a craft show and more," said Commissioner George P. Hartwick, III.
holiday events include:
Craft Reunion Show and Sale
Dec. 5, 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Free admission
Fort Hunter Centennial Barn
Greens Sale
Dec. 6, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Dec. 7, 11 a.m. until sold out
Hunter Centennial Barn
Dec. 7, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost is
Hunter Mansion
Victorian Cooking
Dec. 7, 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Hunter Tavern Summer Kitchen
Holiday Strings Concert
Dec. 10, 7 p.m.
Mrs. Santa and Santa's Reindeer Visit
Dec. 13, 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Puppet Place Puppet Show
December 20, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.
Hunter Centennial Barn
Brass Triumphant in Concert
December 21, 2:00 p.m.
Fort Hunter Park is located at 5300 N. Front St., six
miles north of downtown Harrisburg. For
more information about Christmas at Fort Hunter, visit www.FortHunter.org or call 717-599-5751.
Connect with Dauphin County Parks and Recreation at
Facebook.com/DauphinCountyParksRecreation and Twitter.com/DauphinParksRec.
PA (November 26, 2014) – The Dauphin County Commissioners today unanimously
approved a $246 million preliminary budget for 2015 that holds the line on taxes for an
unprecedented ten years in a row.
careful financial planning and money saving efforts resulted in the county's
operating budget decreasing by 3.5 percent since 2013.
"By trimming
positions and continuing to take a hard look at the bottom line, we have been
able to maintain or increase services to our residents without coming to them
for money,'' said commission Chairman Jeff Haste. "Just as families have to
live within their means, this board takes that same responsible approach to
county government.''
Under the
proposed budget, the commissioners are keeping actual county spending to less
than 1 percent growth, from $235.7 million in 2014 to $238 million.
Included in the overall spending plan is $8 million in grants and state and
federal funding, including $4.6 million for flood damage relief; $1.3 million
for 911 emergency dispatch system upgrades; and an additional $1 million from
the state for repairing the Duke Street Bridge between South Hanover and
The county's
millage rate under the proposed budget would remain at 6.876 mills, meaning the
owner of a home assessed at $100,000 would continue to pay $687.60 a year.
To view
the final budget for 2015, visit www.DauphinCounty.org/budget.
The budget is also available for review at the commissioners' office on the
fourth floor of the Dauphin County Administration Building, 2 S. Second St.,
Harrisburg. Final adoption is expected at the commissioners' public meeting
on December 17.
today's meeting, Commissioner Mike Pries again warned that increasing cost of
handling the county's emergency 911 dispatching system is one of the greatest
concerns facing all Pennsylvania counties. The system was originally set up to
be supported through fees primarily levied on landlines, but as more people use
only mobile devices the funding hasn't kept pace.
"We need
state lawmakers to act in the coming year so 911 dispatching is supported
through fees on devices that can use the system,'' Pries said. "In 2015, we are
spending $2.3 million to subsidize the system – without state action, the
burden of paying for 911 will increasingly shift to property taxes.''
cuts resulted in the county anticipating using $5.9 million of the county's $35
million in reserves instead of the $10 million forecast a week ago. The current
estimate is also conservative and county officials said the drawdown will
likely be around $3 million.
Wednesday's meeting, the board also approved an $8.5 million bond refinancing
expected to generate $600,000 in 2015 – another example of how the board looks
all ways to reduce spending, said Commissioner George P. Hartwick, III.
"Part of
strategy to reduce costs and how we've been able to hold off on increasing
taxes for ten years is due to the county actively pursuing the best interest
rates for investments and other public financing opportunities,'' Hartwick said.
Close cooperation with the county courts and
President Judge Todd A. Hoover resulted in an additional $300,000 in savings
for 2015, much of it still a result of efficiencies realized by the probation
The commissioners' leadership in helping solve the
city's financial problems through the Harrisburg Strong plan removed the
county's obligation to pay almost $7 million in annual debt payments for the
incinerator, which was sold to the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management
Deciding in 2009 to self-insuring health care –
a move that has resulted in almost $10 million in savings through this year.
For 2015, the county is looking at a 7 percent increase for health insurance,
or a total health insurance expense of $17.2 million.
Saving $5 million on pension contributions since
2012 by adopting a method that looks at the expected retirement cost for each
worker rather than basing contributions on the plan as a whole.
HARRISBURG, PA (November
25, 2014) – It's not too late for businesses and individuals to make
tax-deductible donations to Dauphin County's 6th Annual Holiday
Celebration for Families in need that provides toys, gifts and entertainment for
more than 2,000 area families.
The event will take place from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday,
Dec. 15 at the Farm Show Complex, 2300 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg PA
17110. In addition to receiving a holiday meal and gifts, struggling families
will be linked with social service providers who can provide additional
"We invite families facing hardships who are referred to
us by schools, churches and social service providers,'' said Commissioner
George P. Hartwick, III, who oversees the county's Department of Human
Services. "We may be talking about families trying to deal with the loss of a
parent or grandparents suddenly raising children. Others may be on the
financial brink following the loss of a job or health issues.''
Businesses and
individuals interested in donating can call Helen Spence, community liaison for
Dauphin County's Systems of Care, at 717-574-8810. Large donors who make a
commitment by Dec. 5 will be listed in the event brochure and announced during
the celebration. The deadline for non-monetary donations is Dec. 9.
Toys for children of all ages, household goods such as
sets of sheets and towels, gifts and monetary donations are needed. More than
1,500 children and their families have already registered to attend.
Transportation to help families attend the event is also needed.
Among this year's donors are Capitol Blue Cross and
Highmark, which are providing the meals; Hershey Foods Corporation; Mellott
Engineering Inc.; and It Takes a Village Inc.
"As we prepare to enjoy the holidays with our loved ones,
it's important for all of us not to forget about those less fortunate,'' said
commission Chairman Jeff Haste.
"This event not only provides some needed cheer for
struggling families, but it also connects them with services that can offer
long-term assistance,'' said Commissioner Mike Pries.
HARRISBURG, PA (November 21, 2014) – Dauphin County
District Attorney Ed Marsico and Commissioners Jeff Haste, Mike Pries and
George P. Hartwick, III are warning residents about a telephone scam in which a
caller impersonates a federal employee and requests $500 for "outstanding
Earlier today, a Harrisburg woman received a call from a man
who identified himself as Captain Gary Johnson of the Federal Warrants
Division. The caller, who had a southern accent, said she had a warrant for
failure to appear for jury duty and contempt of court, each carrying a $250
fine, and to pay the money through a pre-paid card to have the warrants
removed. After she paid the money, a different male caller contacted her
requesting an additional $500 because payment was not received.
"We are investigating this scam and will prosecute anyone
attempting to steal money in this fashion," said Marsico.
"If you receive a call like this, or any suspicious call,
please contact your local law enforcement agency to report it," said Haste. "Do
not give money or personal information out over the phone."
only one such call has been reported to us so far, there may be other we do not
yet know about," said Pries. "We urge anyone who has received a similar
call to notify law enforcement."
Criminals, especially those looking to make a quick buck,
may create elaborate schemes to take your money,'' Hartwick said. "But if you
know how to recognize scams and safeguard your personal information, you can
avoid being a victim of theft."
Dauphin County officials are working with federal law
enforcement authorities to investigate this phone scam.
The commissioners and district attorney recommend the
following tips to avoid being scammed:
Always check out unfamiliar companies with your
consumer protection agency, such as the Better Business Bureau, Attorney
General or the National Fraud Information Center,
Obtain a caller's name, business, telephone
number and address before you transact business,
Don't pay in advance for services,
Be wary of companies that want to send a
messenger to your home to pick up money,
Don't pay for a "free prize,"
Never respond to an offer you don't thoroughly
Never send money or give out personal
information, such as credit card numbers dates of birth, or social security
numbers, to unfamiliar companies or unknown persons, and
If you have information about a fraud, report it
to state, local, or federal law enforcement agencies.
HARRISBURG, PA (November 17,
2014) – Pennsylvanians who live within a 10-mile
radius of the state's five nuclear power plants, including the Three Mile
Island Nuclear Generating Station (TMI), can acquire free potassium iodide, or
KI, tablets from the state Department of Health on November 20. The department
will properly dispose of expired KI that residents bring with them to the distribution
taken as directed, KI helps protect the thyroid gland against harmful
radioactive iodine that may be released during a radiological emergency.
Because not all radiological releases involve radioactive iodine, no one should
take KI tablets unless directed to do so by state health officials or the
65-milligram tablets will be provided to each adult. Children will be given
smaller doses based upon their age. Individuals can pick up KI tablets for
other family members or those who are unable to pick them up on their
own. Directions on how to store the tablets and when to take them will
also be provided.
can take the tablets, unless they are allergic to KI. They are safe for
pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding, people on thyroid medicine,
children and infants. Individuals who are unsure if they should take KI
should ask a health care provider.
tablets will be available between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on November 20 at the
following distribution sites in Dauphin County:
Hummelstown Fire Hall, 249 E. Main St., Hummelstown
Lower Swatara Township Building, 1499 Spring Garden Drive,
appointments are necessary.
more information, or for a complete list of distribution sites across the
state, visit www.health.state.pa.us or
call 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258).
HARRISBURG, PA (November 17,
2014) – Paxtang will see its police budget drop by as much as 45 percent by
contracting with neighboring Swatara Township – an early indication of how
regionalizing departments can save taxpayer money and improve protection.
Jason Umberger, Swatara's police chief and a member of the
Dauphin County Police Regionalization Committee, told members last week the agreement is a plus for both
municipalities. Paxtang gets increased protection through Swatara's larger
department and the township wins by adding the borough's two officers at no
additional cost. Swatara expects to assume Paxtang's policing duties on Jan. 1.
"Criminal activity traverses geographic boundaries, said
Umberger, who heads the Dauphin County Chiefs of Police Association. "The best
law enforcement practices tell us coordinated patrol and investigative efforts
lead to the higher crime clearance rates.''
District Attorney Ed Marsico, who co-chairs the
regionalization committee with county Commissioner Mike Pries, said it shows
the benefits of combining some or all of the county's 17 departments.
"This is very exciting and I think really portends good
things for the work of this committee – what Swatara and Paxtang are doing on a
small scale can be very instructive to us,'' said Marsico. "Our county is
fortunate to have leadership that is not afraid to try something different or
out of the box.''
Information is now being gathered from the all the county's
municipalities by Washington D.C.-based Police Executive Research Forum (PERF),
which is conducting the regionalization study.
Early next year, PERF will present various options for how
departments may be combined.
"I want to stress that this is a process being driven by law
enforcement – the county commissioners rolled out the plan, but law enforcement
is driving this from Point A to Point B,'' Pries said. "We will not force
regionalization upon any municipality – we will provide the information and it
will up to the municipal officials and residents to decide what they want to
Commission Chairman Jeff Haste said the county always looks
for ways to deliver services more efficiently and at a lower cost to taxpayers.
"Running a police department is the largest expense faced by
municipalities,'' Haste said. "The Swatara-Paxtang agreement shows
regionalization can save money and improve safety.''
David Davare, Ph.D. and Joseph Boyle of the Pennsylvania
Economy League told the committee that limited resources have caused many
municipalities to rely on part-time officers, who may work for several towns.
Merging departments allows municipalities to once again hire full-time officers
who are focused on the community they serve.
Umberger said Paxtang will save money by eliminating the
need for up to seven part-time officers.
As PERF looks at ways county departments can share services,
Commissioner George P. Hartwick, III said a task force dedicated to fighting
crimes against children should be formed.
"We need to have a team with the experience and skill set to
investigate crimes against children from a countywide perspective,'' Hartwick
said. "We need to think about regionalization in terms of efficiency and
providing more expertise for investigatory work.''
More information about the Dauphin County Police
Regionalization study, including future public meeting dates, can be found by
going to www.DauphinCounty.org/PoliceStudy
HARRISBURG, PA (November
10, 2014) – The Dauphin County Commissioners today toured 3504 Centerfield
Street in Susquehanna Township, the first vacant and run-down home acquired and
restored by the new Dauphin County Land Bank.
The three-bedroom brick rancher is now on the market for
$129,900 and will once again be an asset to the community rather than an
eyesore. To see the property listing, go to: http://cpml.paragonrels.com/publink/default.aspx?GUID=bb64535c-0fca-4127-847f-46426ca70a4b&Report=Yes
"Just one blighted home can reduce the value of the other
residences on the block by 50 percent, and when you have two or more like that
it makes the rest of the properties virtually unsellable,'' said Commissioner George
P. Hartwick, III, who oversees housing and redevelopment. "A lot of these local
governments don't have the resources to be able to do acquisition or
Much of the restoration work was done by county prison inmates
under the supervision of instructors from Project Trade, a program run by the
Home Builders Institute (HBI) that teaches offenders construction skills and
assists them in finding jobs after their release. The county land bank purchased
the rancher with a $78,500 from money received as the county's share of gaming
revenue generated from Hollywood Casino at Penn National.
"This is not only a win for the neighborhood but for our
entire county, which benefits when we are able to help offenders turn their
life around and become productive members of our community,'' said commission
Chairman Jeff Haste. "We're in the process of letting all the municipalities
and school districts know about the land bank and talking with them about
properties that may be suitable.''
The land bank has also acquired two trash-filled,
dilapidated duplexes in the 4700 block of Tuscarora Street in the township that
have been vacant for more than a decade. The bank purchased one of the duplexes
from the county's repository for tax delinquent properties for around $600 and
is paying the owner of the other duplex $30,000 for the property and to demo
and clear the entire site. The plan is to place five modular units on the site
– a duplex and a triplex.
"So far we've looked at residential properties, but the
land bank can also get involved with vacant commercial sites, which improves a
community and creates jobs.'' said Commissioner Mike Pries. "As we turn around
more properties and grow the land bank's resources, we'll really be able to
breathe new life into neighborhoods across the county.''
The commissioners were the first to take advantage of a
state law passed in January allowing counties and municipalities to create land
bank authorities dedicated to working with municipalities and school districts
to buy, repair and sell vacant residential and commercial properties so they
can be returned to the property tax rolls and become assets once again to the
While land banks have the authority to take blighted
property through eminent domain, the Dauphin County Land Bank will only work
with vacant properties with the support of the local municipality and school
To start the Dauphin County Land Bank, the commissioners
used $250,000 in gaming money. Ongoing funding for the land bank will come
through the sale of the restored homes or businesses and agreements between the
county and host municipalities and school districts to give half of the
post-sale property taxes to the land bank for five years.
Frank Lynch, president of the Susquehanna Township commissioners
and whose ward includes the 3504 Centerfield Street rancher, said the township
would not be able to do these kinds of projects on its own.
"I'm very proud of all three county commissioners for
having the vision and foresight to use county resources to solve this
problem,'' Lynch said. "I grew up in this neighborhood and it's a beautiful
little area, but all that is jeopardized when you have the equivalent of a sore
tooth in a block of well-maintained homes.''
HARRISBURG, PA (October 23, 2014)— As
voters prepare to head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 4, the Dauphin County Board
of Elections encourages newly registered voters to make sure that they know
where their polling place is located.
This is especially important for those voters in areas where polling
place changes have been implemented since the primary election, which includes
Harrisburg's 10th Ward/2nd Precinct and nearly all of
West Hanover Township.
Dauphin County Commissioner Mike Pries, who chairs the Board of
Elections, noted that in Harrisburg's 10th Ward/2nd Precinct,
the previous polling place – the Camp Curtin YMCA at Sixth and Woodbine Streets
- is slated to have a construction project underway in the gymnasium during the
month of November. For this reason, the
Camp Curtin YMCA officials requested that the polling place be moved.
"The new site at the Wesley Union AME Zion Church is about three
blocks away and is more centrally located in the precinct than the previous
site," Pries said. "As soon as the change was approved, the county's Bureau of
Registration and Elections mailed new voter registration cards and a letter of
explanation to all registered voters in this election district, and will be
posting a sign at the previous polling place informing voters on the change in
For West Hanover Township voters, a Dauphin County Court of Common
Pleas ordered the previous four precincts to be redistricted into seven
precincts to decrease the number of voters assigned to each polling place, as
voters faced long lines in many elections.
"The changes in West Hanover will benefit voters by reducing wait
time," said Commissioner Jeff Haste, who is a Board of Elections member. "After
mailing out new voter registration cards, along with a letter and map of the
new precinct boundaries, the county Bureau of Registration and Elections held
two public open houses, on September 26 and October 1, to answer questions and
provide West Hanover Township voters with an explanation of the new boundaries
and polling place assignments."
The polling places for all seven precincts of West Hanover
Township are as follows:
First Precinct: Mt. Laurel Church of God, 1295
Piketown Rd., Harrisburg,
Second Precinct: West
Hanover Township Parks and Recreation Center, 628
Walnut Ave., Houcks
Manor, Harrisburg, PA 17112
Third Precinct: West Hanover Elementary School, 7740
Manor Dr., Harrisburg,
Fourth Precinct: West Hanover Township Municipal, Lower
Level/Tax Collector Entrance, 7171
Allentown Blvd., Harrisburg,
Fifth Precinct: Mt.
Calvary United Methodist Church, 175 N. Fairville Ave., Harrisburg,
Sixth Precinct: West Hanover Township Municipal, Upper
Level/Township Meeting Room, 7171
Allentown Blvd., Harrisburg,
Seventh Precinct: West
Hanover Fire Co. #36, 7624
Jonestown Rd., Harrisburg,
"Polls will open from 7
a.m. until 8 p.m. for voters to cast their ballots on election day," said
Commissioner George P. Hartwick, III, who is also a member of the county Board
of Elections. "For those who qualify, the last day to apply for a regular
civilian absentee ballot is October 28; and absentee ballots must be received by
the Bureau of Registration and Elections no later than October 31."
Voters can check their polling places and maps
of the election districts on the county's website and download a civilian
absentee ballot form at www.DauphinCounty.org by clicking on "Government Services,"
selecting "Elections & Voter Registration," and then choosing "Polling
Places" or "Harrisburg Locations" for the information on Harrisburg's 28
polling places. For more
information, call the Dauphin County Bureau of Registration and Elections at
HARRISBURG, PA (October
9, 2014) – The 135-acre G&G Club Lambs, owned by Eugene Sweigard and his
family, became the third Halifax farm to be protected from future development by
the Dauphin County Commissioners today through the county's Farmland
Preservation Program, bringing the total number of acres preserved to 15,000.
Under the program, an easement for development rights on
the property was purchased for $202,680, with the state covering 60 percent of
the cost, or $121,608, and the county providing 40 percent, or $81,072. Since
1992, when Dauphin County began purchasing easements, the county has preserved more
than 150 farms in 12 municipalities.
"Farming is an important part of our heritage and our
local economy,'' said commission Chairman Jeff Haste. "We're committed to
preserving this valuable resource for future generations.''
G&G Club Lambs (www.gngclublambs.com)
is a crop and livestock farm, known for raising lambs that have captured awards
at the Pennsylvania Farm Show and other competitions.
Haste said the county also helps preserve farming through
its Next Generation Farm program, which helps first-time farmers – who typically
do not have a lot of equity -- obtain tax-exempt financing from area banks to
buy land and equipment.
In June the state program, administered by the Dauphin County
Industrial Development Board (DCIDA), helped newlyweds Austin and Casara
(Gross) Kieffer purchase a 103-acre Halifax farm and ranch house with a
$300,000 loan from the Gratz Bank. The 3.25 percent rate on the loan will
readjust every five years to 85 percent of the current prime rate.
Commissioner Mike Pries said both programs are examples
of how the board works to preserve open space and help businesses.
"Land is a finite resource and it's important that we do
everything we can to preserve the open space we have left,'' Pries said.
"Buying development easements ensures farmers receive a fair value for their
land and preserves these farms forever.''
Commissioner George P. Hartwick, III said buying
development easements from farmers and encouraging new farms is an important
way to combat urban sprawl.
"By purchasing easements, we can preserve our green space
and encourage redevelopment and 'smart growth' in urbanized areas," Hartwick
For more information on the conservation of farmland and
natural resources, please visit the county's Conservation District website at www.dauphincd.org or call 717-921-8100.
Loans approved by
the commissioners under the Next Generation Farm program:
June 25, 2014:
$300,000, Austin and Casara (Gross) Kieffer, 103-acre farm and ranch house
located at 1310B Enders Road, Halifax.
30, 2012: $488,000, Gerald L. and Renee N.
Gruber, 110-acre farm and related buildings, equipment and improvements located
at 4371 Kennedy Lane, Londonderry Township.
24, 2012: $488,000, Lester A. and Marion W.
Hoover, 82-acre farm and related buildings, equipment and improvements located
at 361 Guys Road, Upper Paxton Township.
17, 2011: $467,548, Robert A. and Rebecca Enders,
150-acre farm located at 1196A Tourist Park Road, Halifax.
learn more about Next Generation Farm program, please visit the state's
Department of Community & Economic Development's Center for Private
Financing at http://www.newpa.com/business/business-assistance/center-for-private-financing or
call (866) 466-3972.
HARRISBURG, PA (October
8, 2014) – In an effort to stem rising flood insurance premiums, the Dauphin
County Commissioners today unveiled a new partnership to help municipalities
get discounted rates for their residents.
The commissioners are partnering with Tetra Tech to work
with municipalities and identify steps they can take ranging from public warning
systems to storm sewer enhancements and other construction to mitigate future
Tetra Tech will draft an application to qualify
participating municipalities with the National Flood Insurance Program's Community
Rating System, which assigns municipalities a rating based on steps taken to
reduce flooding risk. Depending on the rating, property owners can see
discounts of between 5 to 45 percent.
"Earlier this year we joined in the successful effort to
repeal the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012, which in some
cases would have caused premiums to surpass monthly mortgage payments,'' said
commission Chairman Jeff Haste. "Some property owners are still facing annual
increases of between 18 to 25 percent, and this program is the best way for us
to provide some relief.''
Because flooding issues span municipal borders, taking a
regional approach makes sense, Haste said. Money earmarked for projects will be
used to fund flood mitigation efforts. The county will soon start updating its
Hazard Mitigation Plan – required to receive federal funding – and some of the
work will dovetail with the Tetra Tech efforts. Additionally, the county is
looking at implementing a flood warning system for the Swatara Creek similar to
the one in place for the Susquehanna River.
In some cases activities a municipality is already doing,
such as having a system in place to warn residents, may be enough to qualify property
owners for at least a 5 percent rate discount. Currently, Harrisburg is the
only municipality enrolled in the Community Rating System, and city residents
receive a 20 percent discount.
Tetra Tech will initially work with county officials in
analyzing flood information to determine which municipalities may benefit from
the CRS program. Municipalities that decide to work with Tetra Tech will be
asked to assist in gathering additional information for their CRS application.
"When this board looked at ways we could help residents
with their flood insurance premiums, helping municipalities enroll in the
Community Rating System was the best solution,'' said Commissioner Mike Pries.
"By identifying worthwhile flood control projects, we can plan a long-term,
regional strategy that will reduce flood insurance premiums and make our
communities safer.''
Within Dauphin County, there are 13,205 tracts in a
100-year or 500-year flood plain – 80 percent of which have either residential
or commercial structures.
Increasing flood insurance premiums has an impact far
beyond individual property owners, said Commissioner George P. Hartwick, III.
Unchecked premium increases undermines property values, which in turn hurts
school districts and local governments that depend on property taxes to pay for
"Anything we can do to help slow the increase in flood
insurance premiums has a direct impact on our tax base,'' Hartwick said. "We
all need to be concerned about the crippling effect rising premiums will have
especially on communities that surround the 100-year flood plain.''
PA (October 7, 2014) – Domestic violence is an epidemic affecting individuals
in every community, regardless of age, economic status, gender, race or
nationality. Nearly 20 people per minute are victims of domestic violence every
year in the United States.
the nation marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October and mourns the
4,000 lives taken each year by domestic abusers, Dauphin County's
Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) and Commissioners Jeff Haste, Mike
Pries and George P. Hartwick, III are taking steps to help victims and their
and the commissioners will host a free event from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on
Thursday, Oct. 16 in the Dauphin County Courthouse lobby, featuring guest
speakers, facts about domestic violence and information on support and referral
services. To raise money for domestic violence victims, the event will also
include a bake sale, gift basket raffle and a jewelry sale. A Purple Pride
Photo Contest will also be a part of the awareness campaign. Group photos can
be e-mailed to Jessica Stoddard at email@example.com for a chance to win
pastries from the Pennsylvania Bakery.
us in giving domestic violence victims a voice, giving them a shoulder to cry
on and hope that tomorrow will truly be different," said Amy Rosenberry,
executive director of VWAP. "The reality is that although physical violence is
incredibly damaging to these victims, the emotional abuse is sometimes what
hurts them the most. Not only are the victims affected by this unnecessary
abuse, but their children, friends and family also carry a burden."
addition to the community event, the courthouse fountain, along Front Street in
Harrisburg, has turned purple in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness
a tragedy occurs, surviving friends and family members are often consumed with
guilt, wondering what they could have done or should have done to prevent the
tragedy," said Haste. "Our goal is to raise awareness and encourage people to
call for help, and hopefully we can save lives."
is tempting to say that this situation is none of my business or that you'd
rather not get involved. But in cases such as these, your intervention can save
a life," said Pries.
you or someone you know needs help, the county is here for you," said Hartwick.
"Please call 717-780-7075 now and speak to the compassionate experts at the
Dauphin County Victim/Witness Assistance Program."
in need of assistance may also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at
VWAP's Mission: The
Victim/Witness Assistance Program strives to reduce the trauma of a crime by
empowering and assisting crime victims, witnesses and significant others in
reconstructing their lives through advocacy, support, information and
PA (October 6, 2014) – Get fit
and healthy at Dauphin County's Fourth Annual Fitness Festival from 9 a.m. to 2
p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11 at Central Dauphin East High School's gymnasium, 626
Rutherford Rd., Harrisburg. Join some of Central Pennsylvania's top
fitness instructors as they move, groove and teach guests how to get fit and
stay healthy.
emphasis will be placed on diabetes awareness, education and practical application/skill
how to live a healthy lifestyle and stay fit at Dauphin County's annual Fitness
Festival," said Commissioner Jeff Haste, who oversees the county's Parks and
Recreation Department. "It's also a great opportunity to get free health
screenings and information."
Fitness Festival is free to attend and open to the public. Registration will
begin at 8:30 a.m.
will include:
9:00 a.m. – PiYo with Michelle Lobinger
9:30 a.m. – Belly
Fit with Lori Sediak
10:00 a.m. – Zumba with Michelle Lobinger
10:30 a.m. – Cross Fit with Omar Khayham
11:30 a.m. – House Party Fitness with Danielle Schreader
12:30 a.m. – Hip Hop & Zumba with Cat Cormany
p.m. – Soul Line Dancing with Gina
event offers exercise programs for all skill levels," said Commissioner Mike Pries.
"From Cross Fit to Zumba, you'll have a chance to try different fitness
programs for free."
BlueCross, Hamilton Health Center and PinnacleHealth Systems will be on site to
perform health screenings, including glucose/diabetes, cholesterol and blood
pressure screenings. The Diabetes Initiative is sponsored by Capital BlueCross.
Other health and human service vendors will be on hand to distribute helpful
information and give away prizes.
annual festival has always been about improving cardiovascular strength and
encouraging exercise and healthy weight loss, but, this year, we're also focusing
on disease prevention," said Commissioner George P. Hartwick, III. "Take a
proactive approach to your health and use this opportunity to get a blood
pressure, cholesterol or diabetes screening."
annual event is sponsored by Capital BlueCross, B&A Sound Company and Giant
Food Stores.
more information about the Fitness Festival, call the County's Parks and
Recreation Department at 717-599-5188 or visit www.DauphinCounty.org.
Connect with Dauphin County Parks and Recreation at
Facebook.com/DauphinCountyParksRecreation and Twitter.com/DauphinParksRec.
HARRISBURG, PA (October 3, 2014)— The Dauphin County
Election Board today reminds residents who would like to vote in the general
election on November 4 of important deadlines for registering
to vote and obtaining and filing absentee
"Although the general election is weeks away, election
officials will begin preparing voter lists to distribute to the 162 polling
places in Dauphin County," said Commissioner Mike Pries, who chairs the
Election Board. "Make sure that your name is on the list and that your
voice is heard by casting your vote on election day."
The deadline for registering to vote before the general
election is October 6. To register to vote, an individual must be:
"Voting is one of the most important and hard-won rights and
duties-of American citizens," said Commissioner Jeff Haste, who is a member of
the Elections Board. "Everyone has the opportunity to influence the outcome of
the next election and shape the future."
"Don't let others make the decision for you; be involved,
register and vote," said Commissioner George P. Hartwick, III, who is also an
Elections Board member. "If you are unable to get to the polls due to a
medical condition or travel, you may request an absentee ballot from our
elections bureau."
The last day to apply for a civilian absentee ballot is
October 28. Civilian absentee ballots must be received no later than October
Voter registration and civilian absentee ballot forms, as
well as a list of polling places, can be found on www.DauphinCounty.org by clicking
"Government Services," and then on "Elections & Voter Registration" and
then ""Vote," or by calling the Bureau of Registration and Elections at
PA -- Dauphin County Commissioners Jeff Haste, Mike
Pries and George P. Hartwick, III and the county's Human Services Department
will join the Harrisburg School District and the Rotary Club of Harrisburg in
sponsoring a day of information-sharing and fun for students and families from 8
am to 12 pm on Saturday, October 4 in the Evangelene Kimber Gymnasium at the
John Harris Campus, 2451 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17103.
"Harrisburg School District and its partners are
pleased to host the 2014 Family University Day. Families play an important and
essential role in the educational success of our students. With this in mind, Family University Day is
an excellent opportunity for parents, grandparents and others involved in
raising our children to learn more about the school district, educational
and community resources and services available for students and families," said
Dr. Sybil Knight-Burney, Superintendent of the Harrisburg School District.
The 15th Annual Family University Day
will begin with a pancake breakfast, sponsored by the Rotary Club, where
service providers will share information with parents and members of the
community about school-wide and targeted assistance programs provided by Title
I funding and non-profit programs and services that are available to families
and students. Tickets for the breakfast are $6 for adults and $4 for students.
County human services staff will be on hand
throughout the day to give information on Dauphin County's services to families
in need. They will be joined by service
providers from the school district, community-based organizations and
faith-based organizations to provide information and resources to families.
"Dauphin County Human Services has numerous
programs to help families, from parent and youth mentoring to mental health
services," said Hartwick. "We are letting parents and students know that we are
here and this is how we can help."
"This one-day annual event provides parents with
the tools they need to help their children learn, grow and be good students,"
said Haste.
A free drawing for prizes, including tickets to the
Harrisburg School District's homecoming football game and gift baskets; various
children's activities; and student entertainment will also be featured. Raffle
tickets will be sold for a chance to win a $1,000 gift card to Giant.
"Don't miss this great opportunity to learn about
education programs and resources available to students and families," said
Parents of students who are enrolled in Harrisburg
School District's E.X.P.L.O.R.E. Program can use this event as one of the
monthly parent meeting requirements.
HARRISBURG, PA (September 24,
2014) – Celebrate the amazing things
happening in the natural world as autumn arrives. Join the Friends of Wildwood
Park and Dauphin
County Parks and Recreation as they host Celebrate
Wildwood from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28 at Wildwood Park.
Celebrate Wildwood will feature bird banding and monarch butterfly tagging
demonstrations. The Dickinson College turtle research
partnership with Dauphin County will also be highlighted. Learn about turtles that live in the park.
Donations in support of the research will be accepted at the event.
Live family-oriented entertainment will
include Tom Jolin, a folk musician, and Mark Wilson, who will demonstrate
Other seasonal activities will include
pumpkin painting, scarecrow stuffing, and making leaf-print t-shirts. The festival is free to attend,
with the exception of a small fee for some activities.
The Walk for Wildwood, a 5K walk/run
to raise funds for the Friends of Wildwood, will also be held on September 28,
beginning at 1 p.m.. The goal of the
walk is to support and preserve the park. Walkers, runners, bird watchers and
dog walkers of all ages are welcome to participate in the free walk. Participants can purchase t-shirts for $10,
which will be donated to the Friends of Wildwood.
This year's event is sponsored by Giant, WITF, Sheetz and abc27.
Park is located on Industrial Road, a half mile north of the Harrisburg Area
Community College campus. The Benjamin Olewine III Nature Center is
located in Wildwood Park and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4
For more information about Wildwood Park, please visit www.DauphinCounty.org
or call 717-221-0292. Connect with Dauphin County Parks and Recreation at
Facebook.com/DauphinCountyParksRecreation and Twitter.com/DauphinParksRec.
PA (September 24, 2014) – As the Medicare
annual enrollment period approaches, Dauphin County Commissioners Jeff Haste,
Mike Pries and George P. Hartwick, III and the county's Area Agency on Aging
will host several free enrollment sessions throughout the county to guide Medicare
beneficiaries and their families through the application process.
This year,
the Medicare annual enrollment period begins on October 15 and ends on December
7, 2014.
Part D and Medicare Advantage Plans can change from year to year," said Hartwick,
who has oversight of the county's Area Agency on Aging. "We are hosting
several free open enrollment sessions for Medicare beneficiaries and their
families so that they can carefully review their options and select the best
plans for them."
The sessions
are conducted by APPRISE Program counselors, who are trained to help Medicare
participants with assessing their coverage options, checking qualification for
low-income programs, navigating changes this enrollment season and giving
easy-to-understand answers to questions about Medicare.
recipients will have the chance to get personalized help from APPRISE
counselors from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the following enrollment events in Dauphin
contact Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging's APPRISE program at 717-780-6130
to register for a session. Registration is required.
"If you have
any questions regarding your options, please call and schedule a meeting with
an APPRISE volunteer," said Haste. "These well-trained volunteers
can help you navigate the process of Medicare enrollment."
"Please take
advantage of this free program and contact our helpful counselors to have your
questions answered," said Pries.
APPRISE is a free health insurance counseling program designed to help
older Pennsylvanians with Medicare.
Counselors are specially trained volunteers who can answer questions and
provide objective, easy-to-understand information about Medicare, Medicare
Supplemental Insurance, Medicaid, and Long-Term Care Insurance. Questions and requests to meet with APPRISE
counselors may also be directed to the statewide, toll-free line
(September 18, 2014) - With the November 4 General Election fast approaching,
the Dauphin County Bureau of Registration and Elections will host two
informational open houses for residents of West Hanover Township to help them
understand how the recent redistricting impacts where their polling places are
Both open houses
will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The
first open house will be held on Friday, Sept. 26, at the West Hanover Township
Parks and Recreation Center, 628 Walnut Ave., Houcks Manor. The second open house will be held on
Wednesday, Oct. 1, at the West Hanover Township Municipal Building, 7171
Allentown Blvd.
"To inform voters
of these changes, we have mailed new voter registration cards to all voters who
are impacted by the changes and included the information in newsletters," said
Commissioner Mike Pries, who chairs the county Board of Elections. "These open houses are designed to allow
voters to come out and view poster-sized aerial maps of the township's seven precincts,
which also will show where polling places are situated."
"With the election
weeks away, it's also a great opportunity to obtain voter registration forms
and absentee ballot applications, which will be available at the open houses,"
said Commissioner Jeff Haste, who is a member of the Board of Elections. "The
last day to register to vote before the upcoming General Election is October 6."
"For those unable
to attend the open houses, we have a dedicated webpage that allows residents to
view interactive maps of the precincts and polling places," said Commissioner
George P. Hartwick, III, who is also a Board of Elections member.
The webpage can be
viewed by going to the county's website (www.DauphinCounty.org), then clicking
on "Government Services," then selecting "Elections & Voter Registration,"
and then choosing "West Hanover Township Redistricting Maps."
For more information, call Dauphin County Elections and Voter
Registration at 717-780-6360.
HARRISBURG, PA (September 15, 2014) – Usher in fall at Fort Hunter Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
on Sunday, Sept. 21 at Dauphin County's historic Fort Hunter Park.
annual free festival, sponsored by M & T Bank, celebrates the past and
simple family pleasures with children's crafts, games, activities, an arts and
crafts show, demonstrations of 18th and 19th century
life, tours of Fort Hunter Mansion, strolling musicians, pony rides, hayrides
and carriage rides in a scenic outdoor setting.
Archaeologists from
the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission will be excavating in the
side yard of the Mansion as they continue to look for evidence of the old 1750s
Fort Hunter.
As a Victorian bicycle
weaves through the day, the Gent's Night Out Barbershop Quartet and bagpiper
Dave Weisman will stroll the grounds.
Old-time crafts such as bee keeping, rug hooking, apple butter making,
woodworking, cooking, sheep shearing and wool spinning will introduce visitors
to 18th and 19th century life. The African-American Quilters Gathering of Harrisburg will present a
quilt exhibit of their work. Visitors can participate in a guided walking tour
to the McAllister Cemetery and learn
about the historic McAllister family, who owned the Fort Hunter estate and turned
it into a successful plantation. Other crowd favorites are the soft-pretzel
vendors and apple cider samples. A wide range of foods will also be on
hand for purchase.
On the
Corncrib Stage, a variety of musical entertainment will be presented in partnership
with the Susquehanna Folk Music Society. The Susquehanna Folk Music
Society will jam at 10 a.m. From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., enjoy local folk music with
Joe Cooney & Dave Knott and Rayzen Kane. At 3p.m., The
United States Army Field Band "Federal Brass" rounds at the entertainment
with all-American favorites.
this year, "Sal Craig: A Slave at Fort
Hunter," will be presented at 2 p.m. on the Corncrib Stage. An exhibit on
slavery at Fort Hunter Park will also be unveiled.
All attractions are free of
charge, with the exception of Mansion tours, children's crafts and food.
Fort Hunter Park is located at
5300 N. Front St., six miles north of downtown Harrisburg. For more information about Fort
Hunter Day, please visit www.DauphinCounty.org or call 717-599-5751.
Connect with Dauphin County Parks
and Recreation at Facebook.com/DauphinCountyParksRecreation and Twitter.com/DauphinParksRec.
HARRISBURG, PA (September
10, 2014) – The Dauphin County Commissioners today selected a Washington
D.C.-based firm with almost 40 years of experience working with law enforcement
to explore the benefits of combining some or all of the county's 17 police
The Police
Executive Research Forum (PERF), which conducted similar studies in York
and Berks counties, will work with the 18-member Dauphin County Police
Regionalization Committee being led by District Attorney Ed Marsico and
Commissioner Mike Pries. The committee includes local law enforcement, elected
officials and union representatives.
A public meeting between PERF and the committee to share
preliminary findings will be held before the end of the year and the study is
expected to be completed by the spring. More
information about the study, including future public meeting dates, can be
found by going to www.DauphinCounty.org/PoliceStudy.
"I'm very pleased with the progress we've made to date
and look forward to this study as we move forward with our goal of improving
police services in Dauphin County,'' Marsico said. "The police in our county
are committed to this endeavor and join me in awaiting the outcome of the
In May, the Dauphin County Chiefs of Police Association
voted unanimously in support of studying the feasibility of police
Both Marsico and Pries stressed that the study is the
first step in the process and that any consolidation would only happen with the
support of the municipalities involved.
"We believe a regional force would enhance safety and
save money by reducing duplication in equipment and allowing us to consolidate
administrative functions,'' Pries said. "This study will give us the data we
need to make informed decisions and provide a roadmap for how potential mergers
could occur.''
The state Department of Community and Economic
Development is shouldering most of the $95,000 cost for PERF to conduct the
study. The commissioners will be providing $12,000 and $10,000 will come from
the district attorney's office.
Commission Chairman Jeff Haste said he believes the study
will show residents will benefit from a regional force.
"A larger, unified force might allow us to better track
criminal activity and deploy resources where they are needed most,'' Haste
said. "We know that criminals don't pay attention to municipal borders, so it
makes sense for us to look at taking a regional approach.''
Commissioner George P. Hartwick, III said that as mayor
of Steelton, learned first-hand the financial and manpower challenges small
departments face. Supporting a police department is the largest expense faced
by municipalities, costing a third or more of their annual budget.
"The police departments in Dauphin County already work
well together in many areas, such as in accident reconstruction and providing
officers for our Crisis Response Team,'' Hartwick said. "Looking at whether we
can save taxpayer money and provide better service through consolidation is
something we should consider.''
Dr. Craig Fraser, the PERF project manager who will
oversee the study, said the first step will be gathering information about the
county's police departments before making recommendations about how joint
departments may be formed.
"We'll look at what is in place now and we'll be asking
people what they would like to see regarding policing in Dauphin County,''
Fraser said. "We want to gauge whether a single regional police department or
some combination of agencies might work to promote effectiveness and efficiency.''
HARRISBURG, PA (August 28, 2014)— Dauphin County
Commissioners Jeff Haste, Mike Pries and George P. Hartwick, III and the
county's Northern Dauphin Human Services Center will host the 10th annual Family Fun Fall Festival from 10 a.m. to 2
p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Elizabethville Borough Park.
This free event will feature live music by the
Suggestions; a kids' corner with free games, face painting and prizes; a puppet
show; pudding-eating contest; free hot dogs, while supplies last, courtesy of
Koppy's on the Square; and a talent show with cash prizes.
The county commissioners, sheriff and other dignitaries
will pay tribute to local veterans, first responders and community volunteers
at 12 p.m.
A new health and wellness initiative called "Valley
Strong" will be announced at the festival. The campaign will focus on growing
healthy, safe and resilient children and families in northern Dauphin
The Family Fun Fall Festival is sponsored by Keystone
Insurers Deibler, Straub and Troutman in Elizabethville, Koppy's on the Square
and the county's Northern Dauphin Human Services Center.
Anyone interested in being a vendor at the festival or
participating in the talent show should call Bonnie Kent at 717-905-2700 to
HARRISBURG, PA (August 25, 2014) – Dauphin
County's West Nile Virus (WNV) Control Program has collected more positive
mosquito samples, bringing the total number of infected samples to 40. Infected
samples were most recently found in Steelton and Highspire boroughs; the City
of Harrisburg; and Derry, Susquehanna and Washington townships.
Positive samples were also collected this summer in the following
municipalities: Conewago, East Hanover, Londonderry, Lower Paxton, Lower
Swatara, Middle Paxton, South Hanover, Swatara and Williams townships and
Millersburg Borough.
To reduce the mosquito population and prevent the virus from
spreading, the county's WNV Control Program is increasing surveillance and
control measures throughout the county.
Earlier this month the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection and the Department of Health confirmed the first human case of WNV
infection in Dauphin County. This human case was the second in the state, with
the first occurring in Philadelphia County.
Certain species of mosquitoes carry WNV, which, when transmitted to
people, can cause West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an
inflammation of the brain. Symptoms of WNV include fever, headache, body aches,
nausea and sometimes swollen lymph glands or skin rash. According to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all residents of areas where
virus activity has been identified are at risk of getting West Nile
The following tips are recommended:
Buy products with Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis
israelensis)--a naturally-occurring bacteria that kills mosquito larvae but is
safe for people, pets and plants--for stagnant pools of water in the lawn and
Remove any standing water in pots, containers,
pool covers, tires, wheelbarrows, wading pools, roof gutters and other
containers that hold water.
Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and
windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.
Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants
and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn
and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes.
Reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during
peak mosquito periods, usually April through October.
Use insect repellents according to the
manufacturer's instructions. An effective repellent will contain DEET,
picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Consult with a pediatrician or family
physician if you have questions about the use of repellent on children, as
repellent is not recommended for children under the age of two months.
To learn more about WNV and prevention, visit the
CDC's Web site at www.cdc.gov/westnile. For more information about Dauphin County's
WNV Control Program, contact Christopher Hooper, program coordinator, at
PA (August 21, 2014)—Dauphin County Commissioners Jeff Haste, Mike Pries
and George P. Hartwick, III will host the county's first Men's Wealth through
Health event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23 at the Short Mountain
Conservation Club, 200 Gun Club Road, in Lykens.
important for men to actively monitor their health and understand the unique
issues they can face," said Hartwick, who oversees the county Human Services
agencies. "Because men are often reluctant to visit a doctor, we've decided to offer
this free health fair focused on men's health."
The fair
will offer health screenings, giveaways, health information, products, live
entertainment by the Suggestions, a watermelon-eating contest and a Duck
Dynasty look-a-like contest. The health fair will also include a charity action
and food sales.
"Health experts will be on hand to answer questions and conduct blood
pressure checks and other screenings," said Haste. "Many health problems that
commonly affect men can be prevented entirely or improved with early
"Our goal is to raise awareness and encourage men to be proactive about
their health to live longer, healthier lives," said Pries.
The event is sponsored by the Northern Dauphin Human Services Center, Holy
Spirit Hospital, Smith's Insurance, One Stop Recycling, Boresha Fat Burning
Coffee and Tea, WQLV 98.9, Erdman Sportsmen's Club and the Short Mountain
Conservation Club.
For more information about Men's Wealth through Health, please contact
Bonnie Kent at the Northern Dauphin Human Services Center at 717-905-2700 or
visit www.DauphinCounty.org.
HARRISBURG, PA (August 20, 2014) – Almost 70 teens and
young adults throughout Dauphin County – many of whom are in foster care or
come from troubled families – need a mentor to help them make good choices.
"These are kids who desperately need a positive adult
role model in their life, someone to take an interest and help these young
people reach their full potential,'' said Commissioner George P. Hartwick, III.
"Helping our kids become responsible members of our community is the best way
to break the cycle that leaves too many of them in trouble with the law and
behind bars.''
Information about
becoming a mentor can be found at www.DauphinCounty.org/MentoringMatters.
The website includes contact information for agencies that coordinate
mentoring services.
Commissioners earlier today heard from some mentors and
mentees about the how the experience helps all involved.
"They've helped me become a man and Mr. George shows me
what I need to do to stay on the right track,'' said 21-year-old Stephen Range,
who is mentored by Paula and George Clements through Bethany Christian Services
of Central Pennsylvania. Stephen said the couple has helped with practical
things like showing him how to budget money to simply being there for morale
Paula Clements said she and her husband provide an
important sounding board for Stephen.
"We're not telling him how to live his life, but we're
there as a sounding board,'' Paula Clements said. "He knows we care about him
and want him to succeed.''
Commission Chairman Jeff Haste stressed even a little
time every week can make a big difference.
"If you can spare even one hour a week, you can have a
life-long impact in a young adult's life,'' Haste said.
Pries agreed.
"I don't think it's a stretch to say that mentors can
make the difference in whether someone grows up to lead a productive life,''
Pries said. "For the mentor, I can't think of a better feeling than knowing you
made that kind of difference.''
Dauphin County Children and Youth contracts with the
following agencies that are looking for volunteer mentors:
The Josiah Project
646 Graham Street
Harrisburg, Pa. 17110
Mentors work with boys ages 13 to 18.
Tri County Community Action
1514 Derry Street
Harrisburg, PA 17104
Mentors work with boys and girls ages 10 to 14 who live in the Uptown or
Allison Hill neighborhoods of Harrisburg.
Northern Dauphin YMCA
500 N. Church St.
Elizabethville, PA 17023
Mentors work with boys and girls ages 8 to 17 who live in northern Dauphin
Bethany Christian Services
2101 N. Front Street
Bldg 1, Ste 201
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Mentors can work with male and female teens and young adults ages 16 to 22.
Mentors can also work with a family that would include children of all ages
(most children are age 6 or younger).
Camp Curtain YMCA
2135 N. 6th Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Mentors can work with boys and girls ages 11 to 17.
(August 19, 2014) – Internationally
recognized jazz greats will take the stage at the eighth annual Dauphin
County Jazz and Wine Festival, presented by the Pennsylvania Housing
Finance Agency (PHFA), PNC Bank and The Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz.
The three-day outdoor festival will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday,
Sept. 5 and from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6 and Sunday, Sept. 7 at
scenic Fort Hunter Park in Harrisburg.
"We've decided to expand the
annual Jazz and Wine Festival from two to three days and offer more
high-quality, low-cost entertainment," said Dauphin County Board of
Commissioners' Chairman Jeff Haste, who has oversight of the county's Parks and
Recreation Department.
festival will feature eleven national acts, two stages, dancing, as well as a
host of food and craft vendors. Festival entertainment will be under a large
"You don't
have to travel far or spend a lot to see exceptional live entertainment," said
Commissioner Mike Pries.
On Friday, Tim
Warfield and His Organ Band will open the festival followed by brilliantly
entertaining René Marie, who is one of the most provocative risk-takers among
today's jazz divas.
On Saturday, international
recording stars Elan Trotman, Joey Sommerville, Jeff Bradshaw, Gerald Veasely,
Carol Riddick and Four 80 East will perform. The Friends of Jazz will also perform
on the Corncrib Stage.
On Sunday, enjoy festival headliner
Jeff Lorber & Steve Cole. The day will also feature the Urban Jazz
Coalition with special guest Jessy J, Stevenson Twins featuring Miteesa Hill
and local group X-Factor on the Corncrib Stage.
Guests can sample and purchase
various wines from 14 wineries, including the Hershey Harrisburg Wine
Country. Free wine glasses will be given to the first 3,000 guests.
festival has grown a lot over the years, adding more performers, wineries and
vendors," said Commissioner George P. Hartwick, III. "Don't miss the
outstanding roster of regional and national talent."
Guests are encouraged to bring
chairs, blankets and picnic baskets to the outdoor festival. The event
will be held rain or shine. Please note that no outside alcohol is permitted. Coolers
will be checked at the door. Gates will open at 5 p.m. on Friday and at 3 p.m.
on both Saturday and Sunday.
three days of outstanding live entertainment with a pass to the festival. Passes
are $25 in
advance and $30 at the door and can be purchased at Dauphin County Parks and
Recreation's office at Fort Hunter Park,
Mr. Mike's Records and online at www.dauphincounty.org/parks-recreation.
This year, the Jazz Festival is
sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, M&T Bank,
PNC Bank, Comcast, The Hershey Company, Pinnacle Health, West Shore Window
& Door, Sheetz, Giant, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Jump Street, Shull's
Tree Service, WITF, 92.7 WKZF, 98.9 WQLV, abc27, 101 The Rose, WXPN, Lamar
Advertising, Showcase Now!, The Burg, Urban Connection, BA Sound Co., Comfort
Inn Harrisburg, Hampton Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Hilton Harrisburg,
Days Inn Harrisburg, Hershey Harrisburg Wine Country, Hershey Harrisburg
Regional Visitors Bureau, Blues Society of Central Pennsylvania, Big Woody's
Beach Bar & Grill, Demn Inc., Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz,
Susquehanna Folk Society, Stampede Arena
Football Team, Brenner Nissan, Faulkner Fiat and the Dauphin County
For more information about Dauphin County's Jazz and Wine Festival,
please visit www.DauphinCounty.org
or call 717-599-5188. Connect with Dauphin County Parks and Recreation at
Facebook.com/DauphinCountyParksRecreation and Twitter.com/DauphinParksRec.
Fort Hunter Park is located at
5300 N. Front St., six miles north of downtown Harrisburg.
HARRISBURG, PA (August 13, 2014) – The
first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) infection in Dauphin County has been
reported, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
and the Department of Health. This is the second human case of WNV infection in
the state, with the first occurring in Philadelphia County.
"The first human case in our county serves as a reminder for residents
to take protective measures and eliminate standing water," said Dauphin County
Board of Commissioners' Chairman Jeff Haste. "Although all residents should
take the proper precautions when outdoors, people over age 50 have the highest
risk of severe infection."
total of 31 infected samples have been collected this year in Dauphin County. Positive samples were collected in the
following municipalities: Conewago, Derry, East Hanover,
Londonderry, Lower Paxton, Middle Paxton, South Hanover, Susquehanna, Swatara,
Washington and Williams townships; the City of Harrisburg; and Millersburg and
Steelton boroughs.
"Reduce your risk of getting WNV and other
mosquito-borne illnesses by avoiding exposure to mosquitoes and eliminating
breeding sites," said Commissioner Mike Pries.
"To reduce the mosquito population and prevent the virus from
spreading, the county's WNV Control Program is increasing surveillance and
control measures throughout the area," said Commissioner George P. Hartwick,
III. "These efforts will continue for the next few months."
To learn more about WNV and prevention, visit the CDC's Web site at www.cdc.gov/westnile. For more information about Dauphin County's
WNV Control Program, contact Christopher Hooper, program coordinator, at


text:
|NSFW Content
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Well. That's a thing.
Yeah well, ya know.
Tags: notevenmad
Try the rim: and imam" mints! adieu. Gllt* 'lbw -" and at new sun plat
Take the title of
the last song you a
heard and add t
in my ass."
1 toimi
Put It In 9 ,
Sangs Allan ms Artists Genres Halt:
Take the title of
the last song you a
heard and add t
in my ass."
1 toimi
Put It In 9 ,
Sangs Allan ms Artists Genres Halt:
Top Rated Controversial Best Lowest Rated Newest Per page:Order:
What do you think? Give us your opinion. Anonymous comments allowed.
#115 - akhar (09/08/2013) [-]
Catgroove in my a**. If you listen carefully, you can hear a faint meowing.
#104 - chiktikkavaspaus ONLINE (09/08/2013) [-]
Bleed it out in my ass.
#103 - ImEasy ONLINE (09/08/2013) [-]
You Can't Always Get What You Want in my ass
#102 - Cookieonshrooms (09/08/2013) [-]
#79 - alphahacker (09/08/2013) [+] (4 replies)
hail to the king in my ass?
#62 - manicos (09/08/2013) [-]
Symphony no. 9 in e minor 4th movement "from the new world" in my ass
Doesn't work
Doesn't work
#61 - ironsoul ONLINE (09/08/2013) [-]
Radioactive in my ass... Sounds like I've had too much taco bell.
#44 - vanhoutte ONLINE (09/08/2013) [-]
Bittersweet Symphony in my ass
#10 - velho (09/07/2013) [-]
Monster Mash in my ass.
That rhymes pretty nice.
That rhymes pretty nice.

subset: commoncrawl