What You Need To Know Today
Franklin County has presented a preliminary 2027 budget with no tax increase currently included, Greencastle’s new Wawa opens this morning, and Friday brings football, festivals and community events across the county.
Top Story
Preliminary 2027 County Budget Includes No Tax Increase
Franklin County officials presented an early version of the county’s 2027 general-fund budget during Wednesday’s Board of Commissioners meeting.
The preliminary plan projects approximately $59.1 million in revenue and $60.5 million in expenditures. That leaves an estimated $1.4 million difference that would be covered using existing county reserves.
No property-tax increase is included in the preliminary budget. Officials project the county will enter 2027 with approximately $16.6 million in unassigned reserves. After covering the projected budget shortfall, about $15.1 million would remain at the end of 2027.
The current draft only estimates the cost of continuing existing core services. It does not yet include capital projects, new or expanded programs, or requests for additional employees.
Commissioners are expected to provide guidance next week on how much money should be made available for those supplemental requests. The figures remain preliminary, and no final 2027 budget has been adopted.
County Meeting Information →Opening Today
New Greencastle Wawa Opens
Wawa opens its new store at 797 Buchanan Trail East this morning. A countdown begins at 7:55 a.m., followed by the official opening at 8 a.m.
The first 100 customers will receive limited-edition shirts while supplies last. Free any-size hot coffee will be available through Sunday, October 4.
An 8:30 a.m. ceremony will include remarks, a ribbon cutting and a Hoagies for Heroes competition involving local first responders.
Official Wawa announcement →Ace Hardware Begins Grand-Reopening Weekend
Pague & Fegan Ace Hardware begins a three-day grand-reopening celebration today at 300 South Fayette Street in Shippensburg.
Activities advertised for the weekend include food, demonstrations, giveaways and an opportunity to win a grill.
Store information →Temperatures Climb Into the 80s
Friday should begin mostly sunny before some additional clouds develop during the afternoon.
Temperatures around Chambersburg are expected to climb into the low-to-mid 80s, making this an unusually warm start to October.
Happening Today
Fire Department Fall Festival Begins
Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department begins its three-day Fall Festival at the carnival grounds behind the firehouse, 101 West Main Street.
Friday’s entertainment features Stoney Creek Bluegrass beginning at 6 p.m. The weekend celebration also includes food, rides, games, homemade apple butter and nightly music.
Fire department information →Pumpkin Weekend at Jim’s Farmers Market
Jim’s Farmers Market at 255 Grant Street is holding Pumpkin Weekend today and Saturday.
Participating vendors are advertising pumpkin pies, cookies, pretzels, bread pudding, tortes, truffles, milkshakes, crêpes, doughnuts and seasonal specialty items.
Fall Into Christmas Golf Tournament
The Fall Into Christmas Golf Tournament is scheduled today as part of Franklin County’s opening weekend of October activities.
Players and visitors should confirm registration, check-in and course information with the event organizer before traveling.
See the complete weekend guide →Friday Night Football
Chambersburg Travels to Altoona Tonight
Chambersburg’s varsity football team visits Altoona Area High School tonight. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Altoona’s Mansion Park.
The game is expected to be available through NFHS and Mid Penn Broadcasting, although viewers should confirm the active broadcast listing before kickoff.
Fans traveling to the game should be aware of Altoona’s clear-bag policy. Permitted bags include clear bags no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches and one-gallon clear plastic bags. Backpacks, duffel bags, camera bags and other larger nonclear bags are prohibited.
School Safety Follow-Up
CAMS North Returns to Normal Following Thursday Search
Chambersburg Area Middle School North returned to its regular schedule Thursday after temporarily sheltering in place while Pennsylvania State Police, district police and local law-enforcement officers searched the building and interviewed individuals. Authorities reported finding no weapon or substantiated threat. The specific circumstances that prompted the response have not been publicly detailed.
Weekend Ahead
Oct. 2–4
Fayetteville Fall Festival
The three-day celebration continues with food, rides, games, homemade apple butter and live entertainment at the Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department carnival grounds.
Oct. 2–4
Pague & Fegan Ace Hardware Grand Reopening
The Shippensburg hardware store continues its reopening celebration through Sunday with demonstrations, food and promotional activities.
Oct. 3
Waynesboro Fall Market Day
Downtown Waynesboro’s Fall Market Day runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with vendors, food, music, children’s activities and community displays along Main Street.
Oct. 3
Strange Days Makers Fest
More than 60 artists and vendors are expected from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the AMVETS pavilion, 750 Fifth Avenue in Chambersburg. Event proceeds will help support the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter.
Oct. 3
11 Minutes Out at GearHouse Brewing Co.
The band 11 Minutes Out performs rock favorites from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at GearHouse Brewing Co., 253 Grant Street in Chambersburg.
Oct. 3
Adopt-a-Ghost Night in Greencastle
Eden Vintage, 24 East Baltimore Street, hosts a living ghost terrarium workshop from 6 to 8 p.m. Advance registration may be required.
Oct. 4
Montessori Academy Bingo
The Montessori Academy plans a fundraising bingo event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Scotland Community Center.
See the Complete Weekend Guide
Franklin County Life’s weekend guide includes additional events, schedules and activities planned throughout the county from October 2–4. Browse the full weekend guide →
On Our Radar
Chambersburg Continues Work on Its 2027 Budget
Chambersburg has completed a series of departmental budget presentations covering utilities, public safety, downtown operations and other borough services. Additional hearings are expected before the complete proposed 2027 borough budget is released. No final budget or tax decision should be considered approved at this stage.
Sources and More Information
- Franklin County — September 30 Board of Commissioners meeting
- Franklin County Board of Commissioners meeting presentation and public meeting recording — preliminary 2027 budget figures
- Wawa — official Greencastle grand-opening announcement
- Chambersburg Area School District Athletics — varsity football schedule
- Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department
- Chambersburg Area School District, Pague & Fegan Ace Hardware, Jim’s Farmers Market, GearHouse Brewing Co. and participating organizations — direct community announcements
