Author Archives: Maddie Conley

Man responsible for arson attack at Governor’s Residence pleads guilty, sentenced to prison

October 14, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Cody Balmer mugshot

The man who set fire to the Governor’s Residence in April has been sentenced to over two decades in prison.

Cody Balmer, 38, who threw Molotov cocktails into PA Gov. Josh Shapiro’s residence, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas.

Judge Deborah Curcillo sentenced Balmer to 25 to 50 years in state prison, saying that surveillance videos from the attack, played in the courtroom on Tuesday, were “frightening beyond belief.”

On April 13, Balmer scaled the fence surrounding the mansion at N. Front and Maclay streets, broke a window, entered the mansion and threw two homemade fire bombs inside the section of the building used for public functions, dinners and receptions. Surveillance footage also showed Balmer attempting to enter the portion of the building where Shapiro, his family and a number of guests, including young children, slept. He was unable to access that portion of the building and no occupants were harmed.

Balmer, of Penbrook, accepted the prosecution’s plea agreement, pleading guilty to all charges, 49 counts, including attempted first-degree murder, terrorism, aggravated arson, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person and prowling at night.

In addition to the prison sentence, Balmer is required to pay $100,000 in restitution.

The 25-to-50-year sentence is a combination of a 17-to-34-year sentence for the attempted murder charge and an 8-to-16-year sentence for the aggravated arson charge. All other sentences for additional counts will be served concurrently to the aforementioned.

In a statement read during the plea hearing on Tuesday, Balmer’s family apologized for his actions, saying they “cannot be excused,” but must be understood in the context of mental illness.

Balmer’s family stated that, at one time, he was a loving father who coached youth football and a “pillar of the community” who helped the unhoused. However, Balmer began to deal with severe mental health issues, landing him in the state psychiatric hospital, where he received medication. When he unknowingly stopped taking his medication, he began “spiraling” again, the family said.

Before the attack on the Governor’s Residence, the family said that they sought assistance for Balmer, but were turned down.

Balmer’s defense attorney expressed his desire to have Balmer evaluated for mental health needs and placed in treatment.

During the hearing, Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo read a statement of impact from Shapiro and first lady Lori Shapiro, in which they said they’ve been left with a “nagging sense of fear and anxiety.”

“We will not be deterred from our work, but we are also not without scars from this attack,” the statement read.

The Shapiros said that members of their family have suffered trouble sleeping, fear of walking around the house at night and heightened safety concerns at public events.

The mansion suffered severe fire damage as well and a rebuild is currently underway. The residence is also undergoing substantial security upgrades, including new fencing surrounding the property.

Balmer has already been detained in prison since April 14, time that will count towards his sentence.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

October 10, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Chopped cheese sandwich at Bodega Food Co.

This week brought plenty of local news, and as always, we had the scoop on it all. Check out our summed-up stories below and click the links to read more.

Bodega Food Co. recently opened in Midtown, offering unique twists on classic sandwiches and salads, our online story reported.

Family fun is always in season. As the weather changes, try something new and get outside as a family. We have recommendations, here.

Friends teamed up to raise money and fight breast cancer through walking, in our magazine story. The women also formed the Boobs Without Borders walking group.

Gamut Theatre’s “The Revolutionists” explores women’s rights and activism. Read our writer’s summary of the show, in our magazine story. And for a review of the production, click here.

Harrisburg Tool Library will host an open house at its location on N. 3^rd Street, which will open in the coming months, our online story reported. The library, a project of a group of community members, will loan equipment to neighbors.

Home sales and prices rose in September compared to the previous year, our online story reported. For the three-county region, 585 houses changed hands in September versus 573 in September 2024, as the median sales price rose to $297,495 from $275,000

Mayor Wanda Williams announced the recipients of nearly $8 million to support affordable housing. In our online story, find out which projects were awarded.

Nature lovers rejoice, autumn is the perfect time to get outside. Our writer rounds up all the best parks and outdoor activities in his story.

Open Stage is currently performing “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” this month. In our review, our writer shares her thoughts on the gothic comedy.

Sara Bozich has her regular list of weekend happenings in the Harrisburg area, right here.

SoMa’s Christmas Market will return to downtown Harrisburg on Nov. 30, our online story reported. The event will include shopping, food and music.

Trick or treat night in Harrisburg will take place on Oct. 30, our online story reported. The city shared the details this week, as well as information about a Halloween event.

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PennDOT awards contract for another portion of I-83 project, next phase to begin soon

October 10, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

I-83 (File photo)

Construction on I-83 will keep on trucking.

PennDOT announced on Friday that it awarded the second of two contracts for East Shore Section 3 of the I-83 Capital Beltway Project in Harrisburg.

J.D. Eckman, Inc. of Chester County won the contract, submitting a low bid of $132.7 million. The contractor was one of three companies that submitted bids.

The contract includes widening and reconstructing I-83 from two lanes to three lanes in each direction. PennDOT will also construct new collector-distributor lanes in each direction. Additionally, they will construct a new 13^thStreet bridge and approaches, and reconstruct the 17^th Street interchange, widen 17^th Street, and construct a new wider 17^th Street bridge over the railroad.

There will also be realignment and improvements made along the Paxton Street corridor, as well as retaining walls, new overhead sign structures, guiderail, drainage, highway lighting, pavement markings and other construction.

PennDOT is slated to begin construction this fall and will last through 2033.

“We are excited to take this important next step toward modernizing Interstate 83 in the Harrisburg region,” said PennDOT District 8 Executive Kevin Keefe. “I-83 is a vital corridor that fuels the economy and contributes to the quality of life in the region. The work associated with this contract will improve mobility and safety for all who travel through the area.”

PennDOT is currently working on the first contract for the East Shore Section 3, which includes widening and reconstructing portions of I-83, constructing overhead bridges at 29th Street and 19th Street and constructing a new Cameron Street Interchange. It also includes removing the 13^th Street interchange, and roadway improvements on Cameron Street, 19th Street and 29th Street.

According to PennDOT, there may be impacts to traffic during both projects, including traffic shifts, lane restrictions and road closures/detours, but advance notice will be given.

For more information, visit PennDOT’s website.

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Who Are We, Without a Story? Gamut Theatre kicks off their season with an all-female production of “The Revolutionists.”

October 8, 2025 | by Hope Mackenzie

Rebecca Thomas, Weimar Montero Candelario, Elizabeth Hood and Katherine Campbell Rossi

Try to picture a volatile political climate: opposing parties taking extreme actions, deeply entrenched ideologies ruling minds, the media going crazy, no person exempt from cruelty. Sound familiar?

Yes, I’m talking about the French Revolution. (I know, that’s exactly what you were thinking.)

Guillotines, baguettes and Hugh Jackman ballads aside, this highly romanticized period of European history carries with it an indefinite catalog of misrepresented voices. Namely, in the hidden female figures of the revolution. Who are these women? A local play aims to tell their stories.

Gamut Theatre presents “The Revolutionists” by Lauren Gunderson. This bold and witty comedy features punchy zingers, great wigs and an all-female cast and design team.

The crew is led by a fierce and fiery director, Kelli Kauterman. She believes that this story is needed now more than ever. As the first show Gamut is slated to produce this year, “The Revolutionists” opens the theatre’s season with a bang. By witnessing utterly human storytelling, unapologetic in its clear stance for human rights, audiences will be left with no choice but to respond.

“The Revolutionists” is a terrifyingly relevant story for a world where authoritarianism is rampant, freedom is tenuous, and the human voice is sacred.

But don’t worry, your evening at the theatre will not be all dour and drab. This show is a comedy. Playwright Lauren Gunderson is known for her comedic timing and witty zingers. “The Revolutionists” tackles monstrously intimidating topics through perfectly timed female zest, jabs and stabs. Yes, I said stabs. I would explain why, but I was told I could not include spoilers.

Kauterman promises the audience that they will see correlations between their world and the world of “The Revolutionists.” We, as the audience, may not all be women seeking revenge against the bourgeois of 18th century France … but we are humans trying to make sense of our world and our place in it.

“This show is about stories, and the importance of words,” Kauterman said.

Olympe De Gouges, 18th-century French playwright, wrestles with the ethics, challenges and fears of being an artist engaged with activism. She knows that her words are what will be remembered—the stories she tells are what will be documented as history.

“Don’t settle for the story that they’re giving you,” she tells her companions—and the audience.

“The Revolutionists” challenges every audience member to consider the power of their own stories and the history they can create with their own words. Now, more than ever, people need to know that their voices matter—that they have the power to champion the stories of women and every other historically silenced group. Humans are narrative-driven creatures. We make sense of the world through stories. Thus, the power of an individual’s story is mighty.

Everyone has a world. And everyone has a story. So, everyone can be a revolutionist.

“If it gets people involved in their immediate world, that would be success,” Kauterman said.

This show doesn’t require us to change the whole world. “The Revolutionists” asks every audience member to examine their world and the change they can make within it.

While “The Revolutionists” is literally about women during the French Revolution, it’s really about how we all go about changing our world.

Find people in your life that you want to share this story with. Secure your seats by purchasing tickets online at Gamut’s website. Come curious and open to hear a story that will undoubtedly challenge you to be a revolutionist in your world.

“The Revolutionists” runs Oct. 4 through Oct. 19 at Gamut Theatre, 15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.gamuttheatre.org/revolutionists or call 717-238-4111.

UPCOMING EVENTS

At Gamut Theatre
www.gamuttheatre.org
717-238-4111

Gamut Theatre
“The Revolutionists”
Oct. 4 to 19

Popcorn Hat Players
“Little Red Riding Hood”
Sept. 17 to Oct. 4

“The Frog Prince”
Oct. 29 to Nov. 15

TMI Improv
Halloween Improv Show
Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

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Harrisburg awards money to affordable housing projects, made possible by federal COVID dollars

October 8, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Mayor Wanda Williams and Business Administrator Sam Sulkosky announced recipients of affordable housing funds at city hall.

Over a dozen local projects will get a boost of cash to create housing.

Harrisburg officials on Wednesday announced the 13 affordable housing projects that will receive a total of almost $8 million in grants, money that was made available to the city through federal COVID-relief funds.

“I am proud to continue fulfilling one of my original campaign promises to make Harrisburg a city where everyone has access to a safe affordable place to call home,” Mayor Wanda Williams said at a morning press conference.

The money for the initiative was made possible through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) program. Harrisburg received a total of $47 million in ARPA money.

City Council, in 2023, approved putting $31.4 million into the city’s general fund to replace revenue lost during the pandemic. That money then went to pay for regular budget items, freeing up money for special projects. Council designated certain projects that the money should fund, such as the $8 million for affordable housing, in addition to other projects.

Recipients of the Affordable Housing Development Fund grants are as follows:

Beahive Affordable Housing Outreach, 4 units-$400,000
Breneman Group, 14 units-$650,000
Habitat for Humanity, 4 units-$400,000
Handles Helping Hand Foundation, 4 units-$900,000
Latino Connection Foundation LLC-Sycamore Homes, 23 units-$800,000
Latino Connection Foundation LLC-Woodward Lofts, 48 units-$700,000
PSV Properties, 3 units-$73,000
Scholars Inc. dba Thrive Housing Services, 3 units-$300,000
TLC Capstone, 34 units-$600,000
TLC Cornerstone Renewal, 50 units-$750,000
Vice Capital LLC and Savoy Harrisburg LLC, 10 units-$1,300,000
Wildheart International Ministries Gateway, 9 units-$377,000
Williams and Williams Properties LLC, 14 units-$500,000

The amount awarded totals $7,750,000. According to Williams, the remaining $250,000 is being saved in case of needed adjustments during the projects’ construction processes.

A total of 26 applications were submitted to Harrisburg, and 13 were awarded.

According to city officials, all of the awarded projects are fully affordable, except for one, Vice Capital’s Savoy project, which includes 10 affordable units out of 48.

Applications for the money opened on Aug. 11 and were due Sept. 5. A two-person, independent committee, made up of Doug Hill, retired director of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania and Eric Jenkins, retired Harrisburg Fire Bureau firefighter, scored each application and made a recommendation to the mayor and several members of her cabinet.

Applicants were required to have experience developing affordable housing, and the projects could include constructing or renovating units. Williams said that the projects were also scored based on their readiness, impact and community engagement.

According to city Business Administrator Sam Sulkosky, the list of recipients includes some projects that have been completed and some that have yet to break ground.

Tarik Casteel, of Harrisburg-based TLC Construction, received money for his already completed Cornerstone Renewal project, which they cut the ribbon on in Nov. 2024, as well as for his second phase of the project that will add 34 more units to the development at N. 16^th and Walnut streets.

“It helps tremendously,” Casteel said of his award. “I’m happy with what I got.”

Casteel said that he received exactly the amount of money that he requested from the city.

When asked how the amount of funding was chosen for each awardee, Sulkosky said that it differed for each project, depending on factors like their total project cost, their requested amount and their other funding sources.

Several other developers told TheBurg that they also received the exact amount that they requested and were satisfied with it.

Harrisburg-based Wildheart Ministries will receive $377,000 from the city for its $4 million project to construct nine units in an empty lot at 1260-1270 Market St. The project is shovel-ready, according to Tannon and Cristina Herman, and the units will be for sale at affordable prices.

“This is huge,” Cristina said. “It’s huge that the city is doing this, because that’s what all the other funders want to see. Their buy-in will help us get the others to the finish line.”

Wildheart plans to break ground in the spring.

For more information on the Affordable Housing Development Fund, visit Harrisburg’s website.

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Bodega favorites, with a twist, served up hot at new Midtown restaurant

October 7, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

(From left) Sean Banks, Chrissy Banks and Patrick Murphy

Ever try a chopped cheese sandwich on a Jamaican beef patty? Or a smash meatball sandwich? How about chicken Caesar loaded fries?

These are just a few of the hot menu items at Bodega Food Co., a new restaurant in Midtown Harrisburg that’s cooking up out-of-the-box creations for the neighborhood.

The shop opened at the corner of N. 3^rd and Herr streets a little over a month ago, beginning without much fanfare and steadily building business through word of mouth.

Already, neighbors have become regulars, some even coming several times a week.

“I live right down the street, so this is kind of my kitchen away from my kitchen,” said resident Demitrius Randolph. “It’s like walking to the fridge.”

That’s exactly what owners Sean and Chrissy Banks and Patrick Murphy were going for—a neighborhood spot with something for everyone.

The idea for Bodega Food Co. actually originated early this year, when husband and wife duo Sean and Chrissy started a food trailer that regularly appeared at the Harrisburg Beach Club on City Island, among other locations.

Excited about their vision, Murphy linked up with the Banks’ and the crew found their perfect location to launch their take on an urban bodega in a brick-and-mortar shop.

Sean, originally from Altoona, said that he was first introduced to a bodega when he and Chrissy lived above one in Jersey City, N.J.

“I always shopped there, but I never ate there,” he said. “Then he [the owner] made me a sandwich and I was like, ‘Oh, this is different.’ Once I tried it, I couldn’t stop.”

His visits to other bodegas and corner stores inspired his menu at the new restaurant, with an added twist.

“We do things just a little bit differently than everyone else does,” he said.

Chopped cheese on Jamaican beef patty

The menu features bodega classics, like the chopped cheese sandwich, a New York City favorite, cheeseburgers and wings. But there are also lots of unique offerings like the loaded fries, Altoona hotel-style pizza and the Italian chopped sandwich. Sean’s mother, “Mummum,” as his kids affectionately call her, bakes homemade desserts like brownies and sweet potato pie for the shop. Combining a dessert and a sandwich, Sean is currently working on a new menu item—a cinnamon bun burger.

So far, Sean said that a lot of New York natives have visited the shop and have walked away impressed, but there have also been plenty of locals who’ve never heard of a chopped cheese.

“There’s not really anyone else that does a chopped cheese in the area, especially on a Jamaican beef patty. Everybody comes in and doesn’t understand what it is and we have to explain it,” Murphy said. “I almost want to make a notecard, because I say it so much.”

Some customers even make special requests, leading Chrissy to add their concoctions to the ordering system. Somewhat of a “secret menu” has developed.

“If enough people ask for it, it’ll be on the menu,” Chrissy said.

Chicken Caesar loaded fries and wings

All three of the owners have years of experience in the restaurant industry, the Banks’ in the corporate world and Murphy at more local businesses. Most recently, Murphy served as the general manager of the Federal Taphouse downtown, before it closed.

Each of them brings their own specialty to the partnership and described their skillsets. Chrissy is on operations, Sean is the creative guy and Murphy is the tinkerer. They all help cook and develop menu items, as well.

After years of working for other people, they all enjoy having their own place, and even have hopes of opening more locations in the future.

“It’s exciting, but it’s all possessing, in a good way,” Chrissy said. “There’s such a sense of pride that we’ve made it here. We’ve all put in our dues; we’ve all put in our time working for other people, and being able to say, ‘this is ours; we did it; it’s happening,’ that I think is the most gratifying part.”

Bodega Food Co. is located at 1100 N. 3^rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website or Facebook page.

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Christmas market planned for Harrisburg’s SoMa neighborhood, with shopping and Santa

October 7, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

A past SoMa Christmas Market

While it may just be fall, the holidays are just around the corner, and one festival is getting ready for the holly jolly.

The SoMa Christmas Market will return to downtown Harrisburg on Sunday, Nov. 30, bringing shopping, food and, of course, Santa.

The event, hosted by Sara Bozich and Harristown Enterprises, will take place on S. 3^rd Street, between Market and Chestnut streets.

Over 30 vendors will line the street selling handmade goods and gifts. Additionally, DJ EMD will be playing holiday music and Santa will be on site for photos. Food and beverage vendors will be there to serve attendees as well, including 717 Tacos, Cousins Maine Lobster, Madeline’s Sweets & Savories, HOLLA Spirits, Royal Winery and Shy Bear Brewing.

SoMA businesses will be open during the festival as well.

The festival runs from 12 to 4 p.m. and is free to attend.

For more information and a full list of vendors, visit Sara Bozich’s website.

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Harrisburg announces trick or treat night, Halloween festival

October 7, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg’s Bash at the Brownstone 2023. Photo courtesy of the City of Harrisburg.

Harrisburg has announced the date of one of the sweetest nights of the year.

The city will celebrate trick-or-treat on Thursday, Oct. 30, Harrisburg announced on Monday.

The trick or treat night includes all neighborhoods in the city and runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Harrisburg has historically observed the holiday on the Thursday before Halloween.

Additionally, on Oct. 22, the city will hold its annual Bash at the Brownstone in Reservoir Park, from 5 to 8 p.m. The festivities include trunk or treat, goat cuddling, a magician, face painting and free food. Costumes are encouraged and the city will award prizes as well.

For more information, visit Harrisburg’s website.

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

October 3, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

(From left) Dave Baker, city facilities director, Stephen Wilt, project executive with Alexander Construction Co., Debbie Reihart, city project manager, and Darren Rech, safety director with Alexander, on the first day of construction at the Broad Street Market.

Our October issue of the magazine is out! And while this weekend’s weather is looking more like summer than autumn, don’t miss out on some fall fun activities. If you missed any of our news coverage from this week, we have it all, below.

Architect Chris Dawson cut the ribbon on the newly restored Lowengard building downtown, our online story reported. The historic property offers office, commercial and residential space.

Broad Street Market construction began this week, our online story reported. Crews started selective demo at the fire-burned brick building.

City Council approved moving $14 million in Harrisburg’s budget to fund the Broad Street Market rebuild, our reporting found. The money supports construction contracts, allowing work to continue.

Community Corner has a list of special events in October, and our Happenings section has all the details on art, culture and educational festivities this month.

Concerts are in full swing, and now that the weather has cooled off, it’s the perfect time to take in a show. Find our recommendations, here.

Downtown Harrisburg is on a lot of peoples’ minds as the city struggles with a lack of foot traffic. In his column, our publisher weighs in on the discussion.

Harrisburg Planning Commission officials approved several housing projects that would adaptively reuse vacant office buildings as apartments. In our story, find which projects have been proposed for downtown, Midtown and Allison Hill.

Nonprofits in Harrisburg are trying innovative ways to address homelessness. In our magazine story, read about initiatives including tiny homes and organized encampments.

Open Stage debuts, “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors,” this weekend. Read our magazine story to find out more about the funny and spooky show.

Our publisher, in his note, reflected on our Friends of TheBurg Bash, at which he got to meet Burg friends and discuss city topics.

Sara Bozich fills you in on this weekend’s events taking place in Harrisburg, here.

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Harrisburg group to introduce tool library concept to the city, asks for donations

October 3, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Tool Library

When it comes to neighbors helping neighbors, a new community group hopes its initiative will hit the nail on the head.

The Harrisburg Tool Library will hold an open house on Oct. 17 on the 1300-block of N. 3^rd St., with plans to bring a big-city concept to the community in hopes of easing access to equipment.

“It kind of just came together as a group of five people who were just interested in the project,” said Veronica Adams, one of the board members. “Tools are something that provide sustainability to people who own households.”

The tool library is not yet open to the public and does not have a grand opening date set, but organizers hope to get people into their space to see their vision and bring tools to donate.

The tool library, at 1314 N. 3^rd St., will be just what it sounds like—a place where locals can rent equipment for projects, home repairs, gardening and creative work. The initiative is aimed at making it affordable for people to obtain tools and use them as needed.

Memberships will be required for renting tools, and the library will allow people to select how much they are able to pay for the membership, from $0 to $100 per year.

Adams sees the library as being beneficial to renters and homeowners, and useful to those with limited space for storing large tools, lower-income community members, and to those who may only need a specific tool for one project.

The team was inspired to open a library in Harrisburg after seeing successful examples in cities like Baltimore, Portland and even locally, as Carlisle has a small tool library.

“It’s kind of like a library economy, which is a subset of community organizing culture, that aims to make sustainable systems and accessible resources available to the community through a library structure,” Adams said.

The team is collecting inventory through tool drives and donations and plans to hold annual fundraisers to support the library’s operation.

Most of the board members and people who will staff the location will have construction experience and knowledge of repairs, and they plan to eventually host workshops.

The housewarming party will take place during 3rd in the Burg, from 5 to 8 p.m., and include guided tours, tool demonstrations, refreshments and opportunities to sign up for memberships.

“Like any good housewarming, this event is about opening our doors, welcoming neighbors, and celebrating the idea that when we share resources, we all thrive,” said tool library founding board member Kate Lally. “We’re excited to show Harrisburg what’s possible when tools meet community.”

For more information on the Harrisburg Tool Library, visit their website.

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