Author Archives: Maddie Conley

Five Ways to Save on Prescription Drugs

April 29, 2026 | by Gary Petruzzelli

Gary Petruzzelli

For many people, the pharmacy counter can feel like a guessing game.

With prices varying widely depending on the drug, pharmacy and whether you use insurance or a discount program, finding the best deal isn’t always straightforward.

But there are practical ways to bring those costs down. Here are five strategies that can help you save throughout the year—and how to navigate the sometimes‑confusing choice between coupons, discount cards and your health insurance.

1. Discount cards vs. insurance

Prescription discount cards and manufacturer coupons can sometimes beat your insurance price at the register. These programs access negotiated cash‑pay rates that may be lower than the copay with your health insurance plan.

But here’s the tradeoff: When you use a coupon or discount card, the pharmacy typically processes your prescription outside your insurance. That means the money you spend usually does not count toward your deductible or out‑of‑pocket maximum.

That can be fine if you don’t expect to meet your deductible—or if you simply need the lowest price that day. But if you’re actively working toward meeting your deductible by the end of the year, using your insurance may be the better long‑term value even if the upfront cost is higher.

In most cases, once you meet your deductible, your insurance plan will start paying for more on your medical and prescription drug costs

It’s also worth noting that prescriptions filled using discount cards usually aren’t shared with your health insurer. When all your prescriptions are tracked in one place, it’s easier for pharmacists and care teams to spot medications that might not be safe to take together or could cause side effects.

2. Tools that automatically help you find savings

Some health insurers have tools that automatically compare your insurance price with available discount prices at the pharmacy counter. When you fill a prescription using your insurance information, the system may check multiple pricing options behind the scenes and apply the lowest available price.

If the medication is processed through your health insurance plan, the amount you pay may still apply to your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum (depending on your coverage and the pharmacy’s billing).

This removes much of the guesswork and can help you avoid juggling multiple discount programs.

It also gives pharmacists at your health insurer a complete picture of your medications, which helps them ensure you’re receiving coverage for safe and appropriate care.

3. Ask about generic alternatives

Regardless of how you pay for it, one of the easiest ways to lower your prescription costs is to ask your doctor or pharmacist whether a generic version is available.

Generics contain the same active ingredients and offer the same clinical benefits as brand‑name medications but are often a fraction of the price. When a generic exists, switching can immediately reduce what you pay.

4. Explore reputable low‑cost online pharmacies

Online pharmacies may be an option for people looking to save. One reputable example is the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, which sells many generics at transparent pricing based on manufacturing cost plus a small markup.

Depending on the medication and your coverage, it may be worth checking whether an online pharmacy offers a lower cash price than your local pharmacy. This can be especially helpful for long-term maintenance medications or drugs that aren’t fully covered by insurance.

5. Compare prices across pharmacies

It may come as a surprise, but retail pharmacy prices for the exact same medication can vary significantly. This is especially true for generics, where pricing isn’t as tightly standardized.

Checking prices at different pharmacies—either online or by calling ahead—can reveal meaningful savings. Even within the same town, cash prices may differ by tens of dollars or more.

The Bottom Line

Coupons, discount cards, insurance benefits and online pharmacies can all help lower prescription costs—but each works differently, and the final price can vary from one medication to the next. Understanding how these work can help you save.

Gary Petruzzelli is vice president of Pharmacy Strategy & Services at Capital Blue Cross. Learn more at www.capitalbluecross.com. This is sponsored content.

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Community Corner: Notable May Events

April 29, 2026 | by Missy Smith

Spring Concerts
May 1, 3: Hershey Community Chorus presents its spring concert, “Songs of the American Revolution,” May 1 at 7 p.m. at Hershey Story Museum, 62 W. Chocolate Ave., and May 3 at 3 p.m. at Hershey Free Church, 330 Hilltop Rd., Hummelstown. www.hersheycommunitychorus.org

Bike Month
May 1-31: Celebrate National Bike Month with cycling events around the Harrisburg area. Activities include the International Ride of Silence, social and mountain bike rides, free repair sessions and the Tour de Belt. www.bicyclesouthcentralpa.org

Full Moon Floats
May 1, 31: Susquehanna Outfitters, 333 S. Front St., Wormleysburg, will guide full-moon adventures on the Susquehanna River, 7 to 10 p.m. Event includes a shuttle, snacks and gear. www.susquehannaoutfitters.com

Jewelry Showcase
May 2: Gallery-boutique Meeka Fine Jewelry, 2135 Market St., Camp Hill, will host a Mother’s Day open house with an exhibition of handcrafted pieces by artisans from all over the country, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Refreshments and unique gemstones. www.meekajewelry.com

Derby Day
May 2: Watch the Run for the Roses and enjoy Kentucky Derby cuisine, cocktails and camaraderie at Greystone Public House, 2120 Colonial Rd., Harrisburg, 2:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit veterans overcoming homelessness. greystonederby.com

Run for Restoration
May 2: Participate in the annual Run for Restoration 5K at the Carousel Pavilion on City Island, Harrisburg. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. and the race starts at 9 a.m. to support survivors of human trafficking. www.greenlightoperation.org

Floral Workshop
May 2: Youth ages 5-14 can create a container of flowers and herbs, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Penn State Extension office, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle. Learn about plant care and create decorations and cards. www.extension.psu.edu

Spring Fest
May 2: Celebrate the season at Spring Fest, overlooking the Susquehanna Valley at The Winery at Hunters Valley, Liverpool, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Event includes a local vendor market, live music and food truck. www.huntersvalleywines.com

Derby Party
May 2: Join the Kentucky Derby Watch Party, 4 to 8 p.m., at Scottish Rite Cathedral, 2701 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. Guests are encouraged to wear derby attire for a chance to win prizes. Enjoy mint juleps and view the race on a giant screen. www.valleyofharrisburg.org

Centennial Concert
May 2: Enjoy a free concert with recording artists Anita and Brent Stapleton at Mechanicsburg Church of the Brethren, 301 Gale St., Mechanicsburg, 7 p.m. Performance kicks off centennial weekend for the church. www.mcob.org

Pottery Sale
May 2, 9: Visit the Menkis Works Pottery, 2401 Arcona Rd., Mechanicsburg, for a sale and open studio, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Explore hundreds of pots, visit with artisans, have fun at a kids’ clay table and more. www.menkisworks.com

March for Babies
May 3: Join the 5th Annual Central PA March for Babies on City Island, Harrisburg. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and the walk starts at 10:30 a.m. Event supports the health of moms and babies. www.marchforbabies.org

Garden Faire
May 3: Fort Hunter Mansion and Park, Harrisburg, kicks off festival season with its Garden Faire, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free event includes garden chats, live music, mansion tours and a Maypole dance. www.forthunter.org

Peace Gathering
May 3, 10, 17, 31: Intertwined hosts Peace Out(doors) on City Island, Harrisburg, 5 to 6 p.m. Participants meet in the tree grove across from the train depot to share sacred readings and silence. www.intertwinedfc.org

Church Tours
May 6, 9: Explore the historic Bindnagle Lutheran Church, 801 Gravel Hill Rd., Palmyra, and its grounds during public tours, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 6 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 9. www.palmyra.lclibs.org

Toast to Mothers
May 7: Tri County Community Action hosts the second annual Mothers & Families Brunch and Silent Auction, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., West Shore Country Club, Camp Hill. Event includes brunch, a silent auction, services or one-of-a-kind items. www.cactricounty.org

Mothers’ Tea
May 7: Celebrate mothers and caregivers during a special tea party, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., at New Cumberland Library, 1 Benjamin Plaza. Open to children ages 3 and older, attendees can enjoy iced tea, juice and snacks while participating in a story time and a craft activity. www.newcumberlandlibrary.org

Golf Outing
May 8: Support Wildheart at the Swing for The Hill golf outing at Dauphin Highlands Golf Course, Harrisburg, to support rebuilding efforts in Allison Hill. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. with an 8:30 a.m. tee time. Entry fee includes golf, snacks, drinks and lunch. www.wildheart.org

Contra Dance
May 8: Join Harrisburg Area Contra Dance Association for its 2nd Friday Contra Dance with live music, 8 to 10:30 p.m., at Silver Spring Presbyterian Church, 444 Silver Spring Rd., Mechanicsburg. Free beginner lesson at 7:30 p.m. www.harrisburgcontra.org

Plant Sale
May 9: Gettysburg Garden Club holds its spring plant sale at Gettysburg Fire Dept., 35 N. Stratton St., 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop a selection of perennials, herbs and Mother’s Day arrangements. Proceeds support the club’s beautification and horticultural projects. www.gettysburggardenclub.com

Hunger Run
May 9: Join the 11th Annual Hummelstown Hunger Run at Schaffner Park, Hummelstown, 10 a.m. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds benefit Hummelstown Food Pantry. www.hummelstownfoodpantry.org/run

Native Plant Sale
May 9: Wild Ones South Central PA hosts a native plant sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Diakon Wilderness Greenhouse, 571 Mountain Rd., Boiling Springs. Members will help shoppers select native plants for gardens and patios. www.wildones.org

Hershey Artfest
May 9: Hershey History Center hosts the 21st annual Hershey Artfest, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at The Englewood, 1219 W. End Ave., Hummelstown. Americana-themed festival features regional artists, live music and children’s activities. www.hersheyhistory.org

Self-Care
May 9: Panacea Healing Arts, 6 Tristan Ct., Dillsburg, offers a self-care workshop, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn how to create essential oil blends and practice mindfulness. Retreat includes lunch and concludes with a sound immersion session. www.panaceahealingarts.com

Free for Moms
May 9-10: To celebrate Mother’s Day, moms can enjoy Hershey Gardens, 170 Hotel Rd., for free, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Sunday, see a variety of rhododendrons and azaleas from the Mason Dixon Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society. www.hersheystory.org

Independence Talk
May 11: Historian Robert P. Watson discusses his book, “Declaration: The Story of America’s Independence,” at Hershey History Center, 40 Northeast Dr., 6 to 7:30 p.m. Author will sign book copies. www.hersheyhistory.org

Preservation Celebration
May 14: Join Historic Harrisburg Association for the 2026 Preservation Awards and reception at Whitaker Center, Harrisburg, 6 to 9 p.m. Event honors the local architectural contributions of the Alexander family and includes hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. www.historicharrisburg.org

Civics Bee
May 15: Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC hosts a civics competition for middle school students at Whitaker Center, Harrisburg, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students will exhibit knowledge of community involvement for a chance to win cash prizes. Finalists advance to the state competition. www.harrisburgchamber.org

3rd in The Burg
May 15: Explore the best of Harrisburg during 3rd in the Burg, the monthly arts and culture event, where you can visit and enjoy galleries, restaurants and art spaces throughout downtown and Midtown, 6 to 9 p.m. www.thirdintheburg.org

Tattoo Punks
May 15-17: Tattoo culture and punk music collide at Capital City Music Hall, 234 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg. Event features 30 international tattoo artists and three nights of live punk and rock performances. www.tattoopunks.com

Plant Fest
May 16: Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Cumberland County will hold an annual Plant Fest and Sale, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Cumberland County Service Center, 310 Allen Rd., Carlisle. www.extension.psu.edu/cumberland-county

Shipoke Flea
May 16: The Shipoke Neighborhood Association hosts its annual Shipoke Flea, a traditional community flea market. Event takes place on 500- to 800-blocks of S. Front Street, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. www.shipoke.org.

Cleanup Event
May 16: Wildheart Ministries will host a Love the Hill cleanup event, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Volunteers will pick up trash, do basic landscaping, help with dumpsite removal or plant flowers. www.lovethehillpa.com

Canal Day
May 16: Celebrate the oldest existing U.S. transportation tunnel at Union Canal Tunnel Park, 25th St. and Union Canal Dr., Lebanon, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Event features food trucks, vendors, entertainment, kids’ activities and more. www.unioncanaltunnelpark.org

Service Dogs
May 16: Susquehanna Service Dogs hosts an open house at 1078 Gravel Hill Rd., Grantville, 1 to 4 p.m., to explore the training center, watch trainers work with dogs and learn about volunteering. Event includes food trucks, kids’ activities and information sessions. www.susquehannaservicedogs.org

Dance Night
May 17: Dance enthusiasts are invited to join Harrisburg USA Dance Chapter #3009 for a Country 2-Step lesson at 2 p.m., followed by social dancing at PA DanceSport, 585 E. Main St., Hummelstown. Facebook: USA Dance Chapter #3009 – Harrisburg Area PA

Red Luncheon
May 21: Join a community effort to fight heart disease at the South Central Pennsylvania Go Red for Women Luncheon, 12 to 3 p.m. at The Hotel Hershey, 100 Hotel Rd. Event focuses on empowering women regarding heart health. www.heart.org

Art Battle
May 21: Watch a live painting competition at Belmont Theatre, 27 Schulze Dr., York. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. as artists create original works in timed rounds while the audience watches. Attendees vote for their favorite painters and participate in an artist auction. www.thebelmont.org

Memorial Observance
May 23: Join the Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps Historical Society at Filey’s Cemetery, 19 S. Fileys Rd., Dillsburg, to dedicate a military headstone for Civil War veteran Jackson Martin at 11 a.m. Event includes remarks and music. www.jacksonmartin.prvchs.org

Celebrate America
May 23: Gettysburg Choral Society presents a free concert commemorating America’s 250th anniversary at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 127 York St., Hanover, 3 p.m. Performance features sacred selections and a musical salute to veterans. www.gettysburgchoralsociety.org

Artsfest
May 23-25: The 58th annual Artsfest features 170-plus juried artists and artisans gathered along Riverfront Park, Harrisburg. The holiday weekend festival also features HBGFest, Kidsfest, entertainment, food trucks and more. www.harrisburgpa.gov

Blues Picnic
May 24: Blues Society will hold its annual picnic at the Mechanicsburg Club Picnic Grounds, 199 Glendale Dr., Mechanicsburg. Event features live music and community festivities, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. www.bscpblues.com

Folk Artists
May 30: Susquehanna Folk Music Society’s community gathering for traditional arts will be held at Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Artists can network and share resources during the first session, followed by a public showcase. www.sfmsfolk.org

Centennial Celebration
May 30-31: Celebrate Theatre Harrisburg’s 100th anniversary with special productions of “Follies” at the Forum in Harrisburg, in conjunction with the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra. Performances are May 30 at 7:30 p.m. and May 31 at 2 p.m. On May 31, the celebration continues with an anniversary gala at the Willows at Ashcombe Mansion at 4:30 p.m. www.theatreharrisburg.com

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Proposed police contract would bump salaries significantly, bureau says would help with recruitment

April 20, 2026 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg police car. File photo.

Harrisburg’s Police Bureau is proposing bolstering tactics to recruit officers.

Capt. Kyle Gautsch, during a Monday media briefing, said that a proposed raise included in union negotiations would be a “big step” in getting Harrisburg’s police salaries closer to those of surrounding cities.

Harrisburg’s 2026-28 collective bargaining agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge No. 12, the bureau’s union representation, is slated for City Council consideration on Tuesday. The biggest change would be 7% raises each year for three years, doubling the 3.5% annual raise awarded the past three years.

According to Gautsch, the raises would get Harrisburg, which has struggled to compete with higher salaries of police departments in comparable third-class cities, into the “ballpark” of their wages.

For years, Harrisburg has struggled to recruit and retain officers. In a February report, the bureau said that about a quarter of its sworn personnel positions were vacant last year. Officer shortage is a trending issue nationally, as well. Gautsch explained that, with officer shortages, recruitment is more competitive, allowing applicants to be choosier when accepting a job offer.

“I’m encouraged that this will hopefully help the retention, but also recruitment,” he said. “This will hopefully ensure we have more people coming in than going out.”

Patrol officers in their fifth year of employment with the city currently make about $75,000. If the proposed pay raises are approved, they would make about $80,200 in 2026, about $85,800 in 2027, and about $91,800 in 2028.

Gautsch said that he believes several nearby cities’ salaries are already at around the $90,000 mark for an officer at five years, so Harrisburg would still be behind, but not as far behind.

Gautsch also said that the city is considering legislation that would allow “lateral transfers.” That would let experienced officers transfer to Harrisburg with a starting salary that reflects their years of service, although they would still start at day-one in terms of seniority.

That potential new policy, combined with proposed pay raises, could make a difference with recruitment, Gautsch said.

He added that the bureau is weighing the possibility of changing from eight-hour shifts to 12-hour shifts, which would give officers more days off, though that is still just a proposal.

City Council is slated to discuss the collective bargaining agreement Tuesday and would be required to vote on the legislation at a future legislative session in order for the contract to go into effect.

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Latino Connection Foundation announces first director, plans for growth

April 17, 2026 | by Maddie Gittens

Shalawn James

Harrisburg’s Latino Connection Foundation has a new top official.

The organization named Shalawn James as its new executive director on Friday, noting that she is the first director and will help lead a wave of growth.

The Latino Connection Foundation is focused on uplifting marginalized communities through housing, public health and economic development.

According to the foundation, James brings with her over a decade of nonprofit leadership experience that included work in housing, behavioral health, re-entry and more. She has worked for organizations such as Mental Health Association in PA, Pressley Ridge and St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center.

“At this stage in my career, the work is no longer just about professional growth. It is about creating sustainable, transformative change in communities that look like me and have historically been underserved,” James said. “The Latino Connection Foundation sits at the intersection of housing, public health, workforce development and economic advancement in a way that aligns directly with both my personal mission and my professional journey. This role is an opportunity to build strategically, lead with intention and create impact that lasts.”

The foundation emphasized that with James as the first executive director, it will be able to “deepen” its impact in the region. James will focus a specific emphasis on collaborative, equity-driven impact.

“Shalawn is the right leader for this moment,” said George Fernandez, founder of the Latino Connection Foundation. “This is a pivotal step for the Foundation as we continue building an organization that meets real community needs with intention, credibility, and long-term vision. Shalawn brings the leadership experience, regional knowledge, and values-driven approach needed to guide this work forward.”

For more information, visit Latino Connection Foundation’s website.

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Harrisburg tiny home community for unhoused gets financial boost, seeks additional funding

April 16, 2026 | by Maddie Gittens

A sample Eden Village home

A recent donation will help build housing in Harrisburg for the homeless.

Eden Village Harrisburg announced Thursday that the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors (GHAR) awarded the group $75,000 for its tiny home project planned on S. Front Street.

The money will support the construction of one 400-square-foot tiny home for an unhoused person. The organization plans to build 32 tiny homes and a community room and offer long-term housing with rent at about $300 a month.

“We hope that this is the first of many community organizations that believe in Harrisburg and this mission that we can help the chronically unhoused,” said Wendell Hoover, a local realtor and Eden Village Harrisburg board member.

The nonprofit, an offshoot of Springfield, Missouri-based Eden Village, was organized by a group of Harrisburg area friends, many with ties to housing, who wanted to address homelessness. In March, Harrisburg approved plans for Eden Village to build its tiny home community at 1103 S. Front St., near tiny home community Veteran’s Grove and future housing development Tunnel to Towers, two projects aimed at helping homeless veterans.

According to Hoover, the Eden Village Harrisburg project is in the environmental assessment stage, and so far, things are looking good. If all goes as planned, contractors will begin clearing the land in several months. Eden Village Harrisburg is also still fundraising for its roughly $5.8 million project, though it hopes that volunteer efforts will reduce the cost.

“The GHAR board is proud to be the first organization to make this commitment to Eden Village Harrisburg. Our members were moved by the vital work being done to address unhoused needs in our community, and we are equally excited to partner not only with Eden Village, but with the greater Harrisburg community and our affiliated partners to make this tiny home a reality,” said Kathleen Ludwig, CEO of GHAR.

To donate to Eden Village Harrisburg, visit their website.

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Two downtown Harrisburg projects win historic preservation awards

April 15, 2026 | by Maddie Gittens

The Lowengard

Historic Harrisburg Association has awarded two downtown preservation projects.

The nonprofit announced on Wednesday that it would recognize developers of Walnut Street Commons and The Lowengard building at a May ceremony.

Walnut Street Commons, a project by Harristown Enterprises, included the restoration of 104 and 106 Walnut St, right across from the McCormick Riverfront Library. The pre-20^th century buildings were converted back to residential units after previously being used as offices. Each building holds two upscale apartments.

Harristown cut the ribbon on their project in February 2025.

The Lowengard building, at 210 N. 3^rd St., was renovated by Chris Dawson, Architect. The building sat largely vacant for years, besides a first-floor commercial space. Mary Sachs opened her first store in the building in 1918 and the building was also home to the Courier Press, owned by the Lowengard family.

Dawson’s firm restored the building to include two apartments, offices for his business, first-floor commercial space and a rooftop deck. He and local officials cut the ribbon on the project in October 2025.

“Both of these projects exemplify the increasing focus on revitalizing downtown Harrisburg,” said Historic Harrisburg’s Executive Director David Morrison. “In both cases, they are meeting the demand for downtown residential options while demonstrating the importance of historic preservation to the appearance and the economy of the downtown.”

Walnut Commons

HHA will present the awards to both developers at their 2026 Preservation Celebration and Toast at Whitaker Center on May 14.

For more information, visit the Historic Harrisburg Association’s website.

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Harrisburg appoints new business administrator; council concerned with his experience, hasty vote

April 14, 2026 | by Maddie Gittens

Antonio Megna during Tuesday’s council meeting. Screenshot from livestream.

Harrisburg has a new chief of staff.

At a meeting Tuesday, City Council approved Antonio Megna as the new business administrator, a position that has been vacant since a legal battle between council and the mayor resulted in the former office-holder’s termination.

Megna previously served as the special assistant to the business administrator for about a year. He began to take on some of the business administrator’s duties himself when his boss was fired earlier this year.

Samuel Sulkosky previously held the role, but his position was defunded in December as part of council’s city budget approval process. Council had previously voted against retaining Sulkosky in his position, but Mayor Wanda Williams kept him in his role with an “interim” title.

After council defunded the business administrator, saying that Sulkosky had served without council approval, and defunding several other city roles, Williams sued council for overstepping its powers. A Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas judge sided with council, but later council and the mayor signed a joint agreement to re-fund the business administrator role, along with several others, and end the practice of appointing “interim” directors to skirt council approval. The agreement also stated that Sulkosky would not return to his role.

Megna, of Mechanicsburg, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of Phoenix in 2019 and a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Maryland in 2022. Before working for the city, he worked for Gannett Fleming as a policy analyst and as a campaign manager for less than a year.

Megna said that some of his goals are to get the annual budget process started earlier, streamline city processes and foster better communication with department heads and council.

Council voted 6-1 to approve Megna in the position, but not without voicing concern over the process through which he was chosen and his limited experience.

City Solicitor Neil Grover said that only two people applied for the role, and the other person eventually withdrew their application.

“I really believe in you. I believe that you would do a good job here working with the city of Harrisburg; however, I just also feel that at this time, it’s just too soon to take on the business administrator aspect,” said council Vice President Lamont Jones, the sole “no” vote.

Some council members ultimately voted “yes,” noting that they want the position filled, but expressed frustration that they had to vote on short notice, and didn’t have a longer time to see Megna’s work.

Council member Jocelyn Rawls asked if Megna could be appointed and wait the 120 days that directors can serve without council approval, so council can see his work before a vote.

However, Grover said that the mayor has the power to request that council, within seven days, vote on the approval of a director. Without a vote, the director would be automatically approved.

“She’s been frank. They’ve had no resumes for economic development director. They’ve had no resumes for LERTA administrator, and she is concerned about getting positions filled,” Grover said. “And this is someone there. Her operational concerns are valid.”

Grover added that the 120-day deadline for directors’ approval isn’t a “probationary” period, as Rawls suggested it was.

“That’s not about a probationary period,” he said. “That’s about a maximum time of appointment before council gets to act.”

He later added, “hiring and firing is an executive power.”

In other news, council approved a land development plan by Chris Catania of Storage Five Harrisburg, LLC to convert a vacant office building at 1171 S. Cameron St. into a self storage facility.

Council also approved the submission of a grant application to the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, in conjunction with the Capital Area Greenbelt Association, for $100,000 to acquire property in South Harrisburg to relocate a portion of the Greenbelt that was detoured due to construction of several veteran housing developments along S. Front Street.

Additionally, council approved a contract with McCormick Law Firm to help the city update its Business Privilege and Mercantile Tax Ordinance with more modern language and information.

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Ride of Silence, bike display next month to honor cyclists killed while riding

April 14, 2026 | by Maddie Gittens

Ghost bikes at the state Capitol. File photo.

Several upcoming events will bring awareness to bicyclist safety, while honoring those who’ve lost their lives.

Harrisburg’s annual Ride of Silence bike ride will take place on May 20, along with a “ghost bike” display at the state Capitol, to pay tribute to cyclists killed or injured while riding.

“Every day in communities across our commonwealth, bicyclists share the road with vehicles and pedestrians. While most of these interactions are safe, we all know someone who has been injured or sadly killed, while riding their bicycles on Pennsylvania’s roads,” said Diane Dankman-Riley, the event co-coordinator.

Ride of Silence participants will gather at 6:30 p.m. and leave at 7 p.m. from the Armed Forces Reserve Center on the 2900 block of Green Street. The group will then ride 2.5 miles in silence to the steps of the state Capitol. A second ride from the West Shore will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Camp Hill Borough Building and make its way to the Capitol. At the Capitol steps, organizers will host a ceremony to memorialize those lost on Pennsylvania’s roads last year.

A display of white “ghost bikes” will also be on display on the Capitol steps all day to honor the 28 people killed while bike riding in Pennsylvania in 2025. One red bike will represent the countless others who were injured while cycling.

A white bicycle will also be on display at the DUI Victims Memorial Garden at the PA DUI Association , 2413 N Front St., through June in memory of those who died on a bicycle caused by a DUI.

The Ride of Silence coincides with the International Ride of Silence. Pat Krebs, co-founder of the Lebanon Valley Bicycle Coalition will attend the program at the Capitol, following the ride, to speak about the coalition’s co-founder Harry Fenton, who was killed by a hit-and-run driver in 2025.

For those attending the ride, organizers say a helmet is required and encourage riders to wear a black or red armband in solidarity. The ride and ceremony are free to the public.

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WebFX set to expand into nearby mansion with state support; purchases another building for possible future use

April 9, 2026 | by Maddie Gittens

WebFX CEO Bill Craig and local and state officials at a press conference Thursday.

One of Harrisburg’s biggest tech companies received state support as it continues to expand.

State officials joined WebFX at its Front Street headquarters Thursday to announce plans for expansion, as well as a nearly $1 million grant.

“It’s a big milestone,” said WebFX founder and CEO Bill Craig.

WebFX was awarded $900,000 in PA First and WEDnet grants for the renovation and expansion into the Tracy Mansion, just up the street at 1829 N. Front St.

The company purchased the building several years ago, but construction was put on hold during the pandemic and as WebFX secured funding, according to Craig. Total estimated construction on the building will cost over $10 million.

The Tracy Mansion has sat vacant for several years, but previously housed Char’s Restaurant in part of it.

Tracy Mansion

The new building, which Craig said is slated to be completed in October, will house additional office space, allowing them to add over 100 more employees to their almost 400.

Former Tri-County Association for the Blind building.

Craig also confirmed with TheBurg that WebFX has purchased the former Tri-County Association for the Blind building at 1800 N. 2^nd St. Craig said that the company’s goal would be to renovate and expand into that building in several years as well.

Tracy Mansion will mark WebFX’s fifth building, adding 23,000 square feet of space to the company’s footprint. Craig emphasized his passion for renovating historic city buildings, rather than building new.

“Sometimes, that takes a little extra dollars and extra muscle and things like that to make it happen, but that’s how we try to live our lives here at WebFX,” Craig said.

Construction inside Tracy Mansion.

PA Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger said that the investment in WebFX is part of the larger commitment to revitalizing Harrisburg.

“This is exactly the kind of project Gov. Shapiro and this administration want to throw our weight behind,” Siger said. “It doesn’t just help the company grow, it helps lift up the local economy, it helps grow this great city, and helps the people that call Harrisburg home.”

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Harrisburg wife, clergy plead for release of asylum seeker detained by ICE

April 7, 2026 | by Maddie Gittens

Omar Viadurre Luis’ wife Laura, community members and clergy spoke during a press conference on Tuesday.

A Harrisburg wife and mother on Tuesday pleaded for her husband to be returned home.

Harrisburg Catholic Worker hosted a press conference to call for the release of Omar Viadurre Luis, a Harrisburg asylum seeker, from an ICE detention center.

“He’s a fellow Catholic of ours in the Diocese of Harrisburg, and Omar, like Christ, has been unjustly detained,” said Renee Roden of the Catholic Worker, standing outside St. Patrick’s Cathedral on State Street.

Omar’s wife Laura told the story of how her family fled danger in their home country, Peru, with their 5-year-old son in 2022. The family did “everything the American government has told us to do,” Laura said, including registering at the U.S. border and applying for asylum. Both adults also paid for work permits, got jobs and paid taxes. Omar has no criminal record, Roden said.

According to Laura, Omar received a letter in the mail last summer that ordered him to appear in court, accusing him of a misdemeanor that he did not commit. When he arrived to plead his case, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers were waiting.

Since then, the district attorney dropped the charges against Omar, but he has remained in detention for over five months.

“Our family came to the United States for safety, but now it’s more difficult,” Laura said. “My husband is not here with me. My son cries every day for his dad to come home. My husband missed our 10^th anniversary, my birthday, and Christmas and Easter with our family.”

According to Roden, Omar has pleaded for a habeas petition, which has been granted, but an immigration judge has denied bail twice. Omar was originally detained in Moshannon Valley Processing Center, but was later moved to FCI Lewisburg prison, which recently began housing ICE detainees. She added that he has an order to be deported to a “dangerous country he’s never been to.”

His wife also noted that Omar had a doctor’s appointment scheduled for the day after he was detained by ICE that was to screen him for cancer in his bones.

“He is in pain right now and needs urgent medical care,” Laura said.

Several area pastors and clergy offered prayers for Omar and other refugees and migrants like him. Omar’s lawyers provided statements as well.

“Mr. Vidaurre Luis is detained as the result of over-broad laws and unlawful policies,” said attorney Kadijah Turay-Sengova of Best & Associates, LLP. “He is a good person, who has been a peaceful and productive member of his local community.”

Roden said that Omar’s story is not unique, as many other non-criminal immigrants are detained nationally and even locally.

“Among Catholics, our neighbors in Allison Hill, we know many who’ve been detained in Moshannon for months. We know of a woman in our community who’s had a husband in Moshannon for over a year,” she said. “We know many of our neighbors have been able to be released on bond though, and we hope that for Omar as well.”

Officials urged residents to pray for the family, contact local representatives and lawmakers and to donate to Omar’s family through a GoFundMe.

So far, donations have totaled over $15,000.

“We can’t pay our bills without his job—friends and neighbors have had to help us,” Laura said. “We need my husband back home.”

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