Brought
to you by:
Brought
to you by:

Tom Riford to Receive Scouting Honor Nov. 7

The 2026 Take Flight for Scouting, Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner, is hosted by the Mason-Dixon District of the Shenandoah Area Council, Scouting America. This special event will take place on November 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM at the Hagerstown Aviation Museum in Hagerstown, MD. The Shenandoah Area Council includes a four-state region of Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Virginia.

This year’s honoree is local community volunteer and supporter Tom Riford. Riford’s lifelong dedication to community service, leadership, and the values of Scouting has made a lasting impact across our region. His achievements as a Marine Corps veteran, business leader, and tireless volunteer exemplify the spirit of excellence and service that Scouting America deeply appreciates.

The former Assistant Secretary of Commerce for the State of Maryland, Tom Riford currently serves as the Vice President of Rider Jet Center, in Hagerstown.

The Mason-Dixon District of the Shenandoah Area Council supports Scouting programs for youth and families in Washington County, MD, Fulton County, PA, and Southern Franklin County, PA. The organization’s programs help the next generation of leaders and make a meaningful difference in our community. Several levels of sponsorship are available for the Nov. 7th evening event.

Event Details:
Date: November 7, 2026, 5:00 PM
Location: Hagerstown Aviation Museum, Hagerstown, MD
Contact: Rob Holsinger | 301-992-1398 | REHolsingerIII@myactv.net

For more information about the event and Tom Riford’s volunteer activities, see:
https://MDDCA26.givesmart.com

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.