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Hello Franklin County! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Historic stone pyramid park, a splash pad meetup, and a movie and swim + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Today’s sponsor, Goldco, is helping folks around Franklin County help protect their savings after a remarkable few years for gold and silver. Their free guide explains what's behind the run… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Land-use concerns in focus: Franklin County Agricultural Land Preservation Board filed a protest with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, saying high-voltage lines threaten farm operations and opposing state preemption of siting for energy facilities -- read the full protest details.
Overnight roadwork ahead: Starting August 9, PennDOT will patch concrete at night on northbound I-81 near Chambersburg, with lane restrictions between mile 18 and Exit 20 in Greene Township for about six nights -- get the full details.
A small park with history: Franklin County’s Buchanan’s Birthplace State Park offers a quiet 18.5-acre escape with a 31-foot stone pyramid honoring President James Buchanan, creekside fishing, and free entry from sunrise to sunset -- learn more about the park.
The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $1,500 this year. Case in point: Shopping around could cut your premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Gold posted one of its strongest runs in decades...Silver has been right there with it, and after a few remarkable years both metals have become some of the most talked-about assets for those looking to stay ahead of market volatility. While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning. If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, Goldco has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how people are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Outgrown again?: Refresh the kids’ closets without wrecking your budget at Kidcycle Consignment, a Waynesboro spot curating used but like new clothing from newborn through size 18, plus baby gear, books, toys, shoes, and maternity. They obsess over quality and sustainability so your hand-me-downs last longer and the planet wins.
Crack the code tonight: Steel Key Escape, right here in Chambersburg, drops you into fully immersive, Hollywood-quality sets with interactive puzzles and slick tech that make the hour fly. Rally friends, family, or your work crew and try to conquer Cold Case or Outbreak before the clock wins.
Step into our past: From five domed dungeons and a 20-foot limestone wall to tales of "Lewis the Robber," The Old Jail turns 200-plus years of Chambersburg history into an immersive guided tour this week, complete with local artifacts and John Brown connections that make Franklin County’s past feel startlingly close, and way less dusty than you remember.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The fitness trend that doesn't require leaving your living room: Chair yoga is having a moment, and for good reason. It's low-impact, easy on the knees and back, and you do the whole thing seated. No floor, no equipment, no studio. A quick quiz turns it into a personalized plan built around your body and goals, then adjusts as you build the habit. *See your plan →
One plug-in drives bugs out of your home, no spray required: For every bug you see along the baseboards, more are nesting out of sight, and traps and poison only reach so far. This one works differently: patented pulse technology runs through your home's wiring to make the whole place uncomfortable for insects and mice, so they clear out on their own. No fumes, nothing on the floor near the kids or pets, just plug it in. Over 3.5 million sold, it's silent, and there is a money-back guarantee. *Get yours 40% off →
The real retirement risk isn't a bad year. It's a long life: 40 years of saving, and the hard part is making it stretch across 30 more. SmartAsset's free quiz matches you with vetted fiduciary advisors who serve your area and are legally required to act in your best interests. The plan is built around you, not their commission. No obligation to hire anyone. *Start the quiz → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
💦 Splash Pad Meetup @ Shippensburg Township Park | Wednesday (8/5) at 11:30 AM – Hot day parenting hack, we reserved the Shippensburg Township Park splash pad so kids can wear themselves out. Come early for the playground, eat under the pavilion not in the water, littles need swim diapers, and older siblings are welcome, gentle, and careful around littles.
🎨 Rock Painting @ The Mindful Oasis (Chambersburg) | Wednesday (8/5) at 12:00 PM – Mindful Oasis hosts summer rock painting for parents and kids kindergarten and up, $5 per person per project, all supplies included. You supervise and paint alongside them, dabbling in quotes, mini landscapes, or eerily lifelike squirrels, and yes, snacks and nonalcoholic drinks are welcome.
🚗 Cruise In @ Parsons Interstate Ford (Shippensburg) | Friday (8/7) at 5:00 PM – Roll up to Parsons Interstate Ford for a cruise-in open to cars, trucks, and bikes. Ten bucks at the gate, no pre-registration, just food truck grub, ice cream, a Chinese auction, and over 10 awards. Shine the chrome, swap stories, pretend it's still 1979.
🎬 Movie & Swim @ Chambersburg Aquatic Center | Friday (8/7) at 8:00 PM – Chambersburg Aquatic Center is hosting a free swim-in screening of SpongeBob, because summer nostalgia pairs with chlorinated water, patience, and free snacks. Expect free admission, pool time during the movie, and a SpongeBob book plus bookmark for another free book, first come, first afloat.
🍖 Ox Roast @ Greencastle Sportsmen's Association | Saturday (8/8) at 7:00 AM – Bring your appetite and your yard-sale haggling skills, Ox Roast is dishing out roast beef, games, and an evening with Chris Woodward and Shindiggin. New this year, a yard sale benefiting our Jr Sportsmen, because bargains, beef, and boot-stomping tunes are peak hometown.
🌱 Plant Bingo @ Jim's Farmers Market (Chambersburg) | Sunday (8/9) at 3:00 PM – Swap your usual trivia night for Plant BINGO, where every card feels lucky and everyone goes home with a 3-inch houseplant. Expect 15 rounds with prizes from tiny succulents to big leafy show-offs, plus pots, fertilizer, macrame hangers, and it’s BYO snacks for $38.
🎸 The Flashbacks @ Mercersburg Lions Club Park | Tuesday (8/11) at 7:30 PM – Fair season calls for rides, fair food, and live music, and The Flashbacks are delivering two sets at the Mercersburg Lions Club Fair. Bring a lawn chair, your knees will thank you. Expect small-town nostalgia, fried everything, and at least three “remember when” moments.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
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07 — Franklin County report Weather forecastToday — High: 84°F — Low: 69°F — Precip: 51%
A chance of rain showers and patchy fog before 11am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1pm and 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. East wind 1 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 7pm and 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 11pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southeast wind around 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tomorrow — High: 89°F — Low: 69°F — Precip: 65%
Showers and thunderstorms likely after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. South wind 2 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. This house is wildThis pristine 2025 custom rancher in Mercersburg, PA skips the wait for new construction and delivers polished single-story living with style to spare. Premium LVP flooring runs throughout the open layout, while the chef’s kitchen shines with custom granite countertops. The primary suite brings double walk-in closets, a marble bath, and tiled shower. A huge basement and fenced backyard add even more appeal.
Take a peek inside → |
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