Brought
to you by:
Brought
to you by:

Franklin County Seeks Public Input on Community Development Needs

The Franklin County Commissioners are requesting input from residents, municipal representatives, and community organizations on housing, infrastructure, public services, accessibility, and economic development needs affecting low- to moderate-income areas.

The feedback will help identify potential projects for the county’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, CDBG supports non-entitlement municipalities and community organizations in Franklin County. Chambersburg and Waynesboro manage their own CDBG funds separately.

At least 70% of CDBG funds must benefit low- to moderate-income individuals. Eligible projects must address slum or blight, or resolve threats to health and safety. Projects should also align with the county’s 10-year comprehensive plan, Imagine Franklin 2035. Previous funding has supported public sewer and water system upgrades, sidewalk and curb improvements, and property acquisition for housing.

A public hearing to discuss the FY2025 CDBG program and application process will be held at 2 p.m. on June 17 at the Franklin County Administration Building, 272 N. Second St., Chambersburg. A virtual attendance option is available by contacting the Franklin County Planning Department.

Applications and additional details are available by calling 717-261-3855, emailing planning@franklincountypa.gov, or visiting www.franklincountypa.gov/programs. The application deadline is 4 p.m. on July 31.

A final citizen participation meeting will take place in September. Details will be announced once finalized.

Photo credits to Franklin County, PA

Runaway Juvenile

On 11/05/26 at 0725 hours, Spencer Newman ran away from his residence. Newman is 5’9, 125 pounds, white male, brown eyes, brown hair and was last seen wearing a brown

Fred Allen Blocher 1943-2026

Fred Allen Blocher, 83, of Gardners, PA passed away Saturday, October 24 2026 at his home. Born October 19, 1943 in Gettysburg, he was the son of the late Fred

Frank Charles Henry 1945-2026

Born January 4, 1945 in Washington, D.C., Frank was an avid Civil War enthusiast who loved to share his knowledge with others.

Who We Are

The Franklin County Free Press, established by Vicky Taylor in 2019, emerged as a beacon of local journalism for the residents of Franklin County. Under Vicky's leadership, it quickly became an essential source of news, particularly at a time when major newspaper publications were increasingly overlooking local coverage.

On January 1, 2022, the torch was passed to Nathan Neil and his firm, Neil Publishing, LLC. Neil, a local entrepreneur with multiple thriving businesses in Chambersburg, shares Vicky's fervent commitment to both the community and the world of local journalism.

Rooted in the heart of Franklin County and powered by its residents, the Franklin County Free Press continues to bridge the gap, ensuring that the local stories, events, and issues that matter most to the community remain in the spotlight.