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Washington Township Issues Open Burning Ban

All open burning is banned in Washington Township, Franklin County, effective 12:00 p.m. Thursday, September 18, 2025, under Chapter 128 of the township code.

According to the Washington Township Board of Supervisors and Township Manager Vernon Ashway, no person may start or maintain an open fire during the ban without township approval.

Permission may be obtained through a written application that must specify what is to be burned, the location, safeguards to contain the fire, and the availability of a water supply to extinguish the burn and prevent its spread.

If permission is granted, the applicant assumes sole responsibility for any damage caused by the burning activity.

The full ordinance is available at ecode360.com/6220622.

Photo credits to Washington Township Police Department

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.

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