Harrisburg fire chief addresses arson fire at Governor’s Mansion, calls it “surreal scene”

April 14, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline spoke to the press on Monday outside Fire Station 1 on N 6th Street.

Fire affects everyone, from the regular city resident all the way to top lawmakers, explained Harrisburg Fire Chief Brian Enterline.

Yesterday, the commonwealth’s top official, Gov. Josh Shapiro, faced a weekend arson fire at the Governor’s Mansion. Enterline addressed the incident at a press conference on Monday.

“It put not only the first family of Pennsylvania, the firemen of the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire, but every Pennsylvanian on watch and in awe of how quickly the scope of that fire escalated and that we could have a fire of such substance in our historic Governor’s Mansion,” he said.

Cody Balmer, 38, of Penbrook, has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated arson, burglary and terrorism in the attack. According to the charging documents, he climbed the fence and broke into the Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion, throwing in “Molotov cocktails” that set the building on fire. The piano and dining rooms sustained most of the fire damage.

Enterline said that the fire bureau responded to the scene around 2 a.m. on Sunday after a Pennsylvania State Police officer on site called 9-1-1.

“It was a very surreal scene when I got there, seeing fire coming from the Governor’s Mansion,” he said.

The firefighters had to cut open gates outside the mansion to get hoses to the building and had to force entry into the building to begin fire extinguishing efforts.

Enterline said that, very shortly after they arrived, he had a feeling that this could be a case of arson, and called in arson investigators from PSP to preserve the crime scene.

The firefighters were able to contain the fire within about half an hour. Luckily, he said that the main doorways were closed between the affected rooms and the rest of the main house, which helped contain the flames. If that door wasn’t closed, the incident would have been much worse, he said.

“It would’ve been a totally different fire and a totally different outcome most likely had that door not been closed,” Enterline said.

In a separate press conference on Sunday, Shapiro heaped praise on the performance of the city’s fire bureau.

“I want to thank Harrisburg Fire and their chief, who was personally on the scene and spent time with me and my family,” Shapiro said. “He and the other firefighters from Harrisburg ran toward danger to help keep us safe and in quickly putting out the fire.”

Enterline added that the building did not have a fire suppression system, but did have fire alarms. He said that he hopes a fully functioning sprinkler system will be installed in the mansion during the renovations. He expects a rebuild to cost millions of dollars, considering the damage to the building, the historic artifacts and the paintings.

The Historic Harrisburg Association issued a statement on Monday, offering to help in renovation efforts.

“The Historic Harrisburg Association is deeply saddened about the recent arson attack on the PA Governor’s Residence, and we support Governor Shapiro and his family during this difficult time,” the statement said. “We continue to stand by our longtime friends at both the Governor’s Residence and Department of General Services and are willing to lend any and all support for the restoration and preservation of this beloved Harrisburg architectural landmark.”

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Every1Camp Brings a Free Day of Sports and Smiles to Kids with Disabilities in Carlisle, PA

April 14, 2025 | by Admin

Every1Camp, a completely FREE sports camp designed specifically for children with physical and intellectual disabilities, is coming to Lamberton Middle School this summer – and it promises a day full of joy, inclusion, and community connection.

Created to give every child the chance to participate in sports and physical activities in a safe and supportive environment, Every1Camp welcomes children in grades K–12 with a wide range of abilities. From adaptive sports to fun skill-building stations, the camp delivers unforgettable moments for campers and their families — all at no cost.

Event Details:
Date: July 30th, 2025
Location: Lamberton Middle School, 777 South Hanover Street, Carlisle, PA 17013

“We believe every child deserves the chance to run, play, laugh, and be a part of something special,” said Reed Warner, founder of Every1Camp. “This day is about celebrating ability, inclusion, and pure joy – without financial barriers.” To keep the camp free for families, Every1Camp relies on the generosity of local sponsors.

Sponsorships help cover essential costs, including:

Adaptive sports equipment
Gym and facility usage fees
Staffing and insurance
Custom camp T-shirts for every participant

Sponsorship Opportunities Available:
Community members and businesses interested in sponsoring can learn more by visiting:
www.every1camp.com/sponsorship

See the Impact
To watch Every1Camp in action and hear directly from campers’ families and past sponsors, visit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQHZbJQ5vaQ

Register Your Child for Free
Parents or guardians can sign their child up for the Carlisle camp at:
www.every1camp.com/registration

Every1Camp is more than just a sports camp—it’s a celebration of possibility, belonging, and the power of play. Join us in breaking down barriers and creating lasting memories for children who deserve every opportunity to shine.

Media and Sponsorship Contact:
[email protected]
www.every1camp.com

Because joy belongs to Every1.

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Penbrook man formally charged in PA Governor’s Mansion fire; “hatred” cited as possible motive

April 14, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda

Cody Balmer’s mugshot

A Penbrook man bore animosity towards Pennsylvania’s governor as he attacked and set fire to the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence, according to newly released court documents.

In charging documents, the Dauphin County District Attorney’s office stated that Cody Balmer, 38, of the 2700-block of Boas Street, admitted that he was “harboring hatred towards Governor (Josh) Shapiro.”

The documents did not spell out the nature of the “hatred,” nor did they cite any other possible motive for the early-morning Sunday attack, which caused considerable fire damage to the sprawling mansion that borders N. 2^nd, Maclay and Front streets in Harrisburg.

Balmer has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated arson, burglary and terrorism in the attack.

According to the charging documents, Balmer filled two beer bottles with gasoline that he took from his lawn mower then walked about an hour to the Governor’s Residence. Once there, he scaled the iron fence fronting Geiger Street, ran to the building, broke a window, lit the homemade “Molotov cocktail,” and threw it into the mansion, the documents state. He then entered the building and tossed the other lit bottle inside an interior room before quickly exiting and returning to his house.

While fleeing, he threw away two mismatched gloves, which police recovered in a trash can on Peffer Street.

The documents further say that Balmer became a suspect after an ex-girlfriend, at Balmer’s urging, contacted the state police. Balmer next showed up at state police headquarters on Elmerton Avenue in Susquehanna Township to turn himself in.

Much of the evidence in the case resulted from a post-arrest interview with Balmer, according to documents.

Shapiro and his family were asleep in another area of the residence when the attack occurred and were unharmed physically. Most of the damage to the mansion occurred in the “piano” and dining rooms, south-facing portions of the 29,000-square-foot building used for public functions, dinners and receptions.

At a news conference on Sunday, an emotional Shapiro decried what he perceived as escalating, politically motivated violence in the country.

“We have to be better than this. We have a responsibility to all be better,” he said. “Second, if this individual was trying to deter me from doing my job as your governor, rest assured, I will find a way to work even harder than I was just yesterday for the good people of Pennsylvania.”

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Harrisburg-area man arrested, will be charged for attempted murder, arson in Governor’s Residence fire

April 13, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda

The PA Governor’s Residence (courtesy commonwealth of PA)

A Harrisburg-area man is in custody and will be charged with attempted murder following an early-morning arson fire at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence.

At a news conference on Sunday, Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo said that local resident Cody Balmer, 38, has been arrested and will face charges that include attempted homicide, terrorism, aggravated arson and aggravated assault.

Chardo said that the criminal complaint had not yet been finalized but that his office will file those charges against Balmer sometime Sunday night. Conspiracy charges are not expected, he said.

PA Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks at the press conference.

At about 2 a.m. on Sunday, Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family were awakened by his security detail and ushered away from the residence. The fire, which caused significant structural damage, did not affect the family’s living quarters, being contained to an area on the building’s south side that is often the site of receptions.

“Last night, we experienced an attack not just on our family but on the entire commonwealth of Pennsylvania here at the Governor’s Residence,” said a visibly emotional Shapiro at the press conference.

Shapiro made a point to thank members of the Harrisburg Fire Bureau for their bravery and for quickly extinguishing the fire, and also thanked state and local law enforcement.

“Lori and I are overwhelmed by the prayers and the messages of support we have received from all across Pennsylvania and all across the United States,” he said. “Your prayers lift us up. In this moment of darkness, we are choosing to see light. We appreciate the light that you have shined upon us.”

According to state police Col. Christopher Paris, the suspect “surreptitiously” jumped the iron fence surrounding the sprawling, 29,000-square-foot residence, located at N. 2^nd, Maclay and Front streets, evading security, and forcibly entered the building. He then set the fire using “homemade incendiary devices.” He was briefly inside the residence before quickly exiting and running away, Paris said.

At the press conference, officials did not detail how they identified Balmer as a suspect or the process that led to his arrest.

Officials also did not cite a motive for the alleged arson or for specifically targeting the governor. Shapiro, though, made a point in denouncing the nation’s political divisiveness and, in so doing, made an appeal for unity.

“This type of violence is not OK. This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society,” he said. “And I don’t give a damn if it’s coming from one particular side or another, directed at one particular party or another or one particular person or another. It is not OK, and it has to stop. We have to be better than this. We have a responsibility to all be better.”

Saturday night was the first night of Passover, which Shapiro and his family celebrated in the Governor’s Mansion with friends, he said.

“We celebrated our faith last night proudly and, in a few hours, we will celebrate our second Seder of Passover again proudly,” he said. “No one will deter me or my family or any Pennsylvanian from celebrating their faith openly and proudly.”

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

April 11, 2025 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Officials broke ground this week on the new “Tunnel to Towers” development for homeless veterans.

The weather may have been cool this week, but the local news was hot. If you missed any of our coverage, we have it all listed and linked below in our weekly news summary.

Broad Street Market has a new market manager following a lengthy search. The market board approved the hiring of Cheranda “Cherri” Parks-Taylor for the post, says our online article.

Capital City Music Hall is expected to open its doors in mid-summer, reports our music writer. The new venue in downtown Harrisburg replaces a centrally located restaurant and tap room.

Dauphin County Commission Chair Justin Douglas called on fellow commissioner George Hartwick to resign his seat, following a DUI charge. Our online story reprinted his public statement.

Harrisburg School District has reversed a plan to establish a full-time police department. According to our online story, the move comes as the district expects to exit a years-long receivership.

MG Mercantile is “retail theater,” according to our arts writer. In his magazine story, he outlines why you should take a trip to Mt. Gretna to experience the eclectic store.

Pride of the Susquehanna expects to hit the water in June. According to our online story, the iconic riverboat missed all of last year’s sailing season due to repair issues.

Sara Bozich has your party plan for the weekend. Check out her weekly summary of what’s going on around town.

Sonya McKnight, a Harrisburg judge, was convicted last week of attempted homicide. The out-of-town jury reached a verdict quickly following a two-day trial, our reporting found.

Tariffs threaten to harm local businesses, according to our recent news feature. Many local retailers import goods, even ones you might not expect.

Tunnel to Towers broke ground last week on a new residential complex for homeless veterans. The south Harrisburg development is one of three such facilities planned for the area, our reporting stated.

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Members 1st Federal Credit Union Celebrates 75 Years of Service

April 11, 2025 | by Admin

Members 1st Federal Credit Union is proud to celebrate its 75th anniversary, marking a milestone in its commitment to serving members and the community. Founded in 1950 by nine individuals who pooled their resources to buy a coworker an appliance, Members 1st has grown into a trusted financial institution serving more than 600,000 members.To celebrate this milestone, Members 1st is hosting a series of celebrations and special promotions throughout April including:

Branch Celebrations – April 12
Each Members 1st branch will host an anniversary celebration featuring complimentary food for both members and non-members from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
$25 Cash4U Refer a Friend Promotion
Throughout April, new members who join the Members 1st faM1ly through a referral will receive a $25 reward, and the referring member will also receive $25.
$75 Daily Giveaways
Members who engage with digital banking tools throughout the month will be randomly selected to receive a $75 gift card. One winner will be selected each day, with gift cards distributed every Friday in April.
Non-Profit Donation Announcement
As part of their ongoing commitment to giving back, Members 1st will announce the recipient of a $7,500 donation to a local non-profit organization—selected by the votes of their members.

“From our humble beginnings to becoming a leading financial institution, our members have been at the heart of everything we do. This anniversary is truly about celebrating the relationships we have built with our members and communities,” said President & CEO, Michael Wilson. “We are excited to commemorate this milestone together and look forward to an even brighter future.”

You can learn more about the Members 1st story and how they are celebrating their milestone year here: www.members1st.org/75.

Members 1st Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution with more than 600,000 members and $8 billion in assets. While its administrative headquarters is based in Enola, PA, Members 1st serves its members and communities through its network of nearly 60 branch locations throughout Adams, Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Lycoming, Northampton, Perry and York counties, as well as its robust digital banking and call center channels. To learn more about Members 1st, visit members1st.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

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Mid-summer opening planned for Capital City Music Hall, new venue in downtown Harrisburg

April 11, 2025 | by Skye Leppo

The future location of Capital City Music Hall

You may have heard that a new music venue is being planned for downtown Harrisburg. But details have been sparse—until now.

Capital City Music Hall, which will occupy the former Federal Taphouse space at 234 N. 2nd St., is undergoing renovations to prepare for a mid-summer opening, according to new owner Justin Browning.

Browning, who also owns JB Lovedrafts, Sawyers and Nocturnal along the same block on 2nd Street, said he felt this venue plays heavily into plans for rebooting 2nd Street.

“Harrisburg is my home, my hometown, and my partner [Craig Dunkle] and I both agreed that in order to help ‘Restaurant Row’ and rebuild the downtown dining district, a live music venue could be key to that,” Browning said.

The team is hoping that, much like bigger cities like Philly and Baltimore, folks will visit for the shows, dine at the local restaurants and stay afterwards to enjoy the nightlife in the area, he said.

No clear determinations have been made on occupancy yet, as that’ll be up to the fire marshal, but Browning expects the space to hold about the same number of patrons from the building’s time as the former Dragonfly nightclub, which he believes held about 1,000.

The club will book all genres of music, Browning stated, adding that the new name beckons to the city and is a different direction from the metal and punk scenes that Lovedrafts Brewing Co. in Mechanicsburg drew.

“We’re still doing Lovedrafts Presents events for punk, metal, hard core, just to continue that legacy, but this bigger space is us trying to grow up a little bit, I guess,” Browning said.

According to Browning, that means greater flexibility.

“If we want to do bluegrass or country, folk or hip-hop, or indie genre type things,” he said.

The talent team at the club will book a mix of national tours and local acts, Browning said. In time, the plan is to add a variety of programming, including comedians, special presentations featuring panels and conversations with authors, filmmakers, and the like to take advantage of all the space has to offer.

Getting into details for the interior of the space, Browning said it’s going to look very similar to what patrons saw at Federal Taphouse so that performers have a blank canvas to work with, though the exposed kitchen space has been removed to make way for a stage.

The bars on the first and second floors will remain in place. However, as long as floor plans are approved, Browning is hoping to open up the center of the second floor to create a mezzanine level. The lighting and audio elements are also being upgraded for guests to have a high-quality audiovisual experience.

Additionally, visitors can take advantage of the pass-through that’ll exist between Nocturnal and Capital City Music Hall since the two connected properties are now under the same ownership.

“Unlike Lovedrafts Brewing, we’ll be using an extension of our liquor license from Nocturnal, so we’ll be able to serve all spirits, not just PA brands,” he said.

Keep an eye out for announcements about a July opening, though the timing remains in flux due to the approval process.

“Right now, we are finalizing variance applications with the city,” Browning said.

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Harrisburg School District holds off on hiring police, as officials seek to exit receivership

April 11, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Harrisburg High School-John Harris Campus

A plan to bring police officers into Harrisburg schools has been halted.

At a board meeting this week, the Harrisburg School District announced that it would hold off on a previous plan to establish a school police department, as it prepares to potentially exit state receivership.

“This is not a retreat from our commitment to safety,” Superintendent Dr. Benjamin Henry said. “Instead, it is a calculated decision to ensure we can responsibly fund such an initiative over a sustainable five-year period.”

In November, district receiver Dr. Lori Suski approved a safety plan that included hiring four police officers and creating a police station at the Harrisburg High School-John Harris campus, following a significant increase in violent incidents.

However, on Tuesday, district officials said that they would back down on that plan for now, as they need to be cautious with spending money, as the district could exit state receivership in the coming months.

Suski said that she is making the recommendation to exit receivership and is working on writing the petition to the state Department of Education. The district is “on a trajectory” to argue for exiting, she said. The receivership is set to expire on June 17.

“Part of the decision to move forward, it’s a fiscal decision,” Suski said. “And if the district is possibly looking at exiting receivership, or is desiring to exit receivership, we won’t know for sure until June. We will not be permitted to enter into any new initiatives for a period of five years.”

Suski said that, with that in mind, she doesn’t foresee policing coming up for discussion for at least five years.

Instead, Henry said that the district will continue to work with its safety monitors, the Harrisburg Police Bureau and with community members to improve safety in the schools.

“The safety and well-being of each of our students remains my top priority and we will continue to implement measures that ensure every child feels safe and secure in our schools,” he said.

For more information, visit the Harrisburg School District’s website.

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Fifth Annual Latino Health Summit Coming to Harrisburg on May 1

April 10, 2025 | by Admin

Latino Connection is proud to present the Fifth Annual Statewide Latino Health Summit, set to take place on Thursday, May 1 at the Hilton in downtown Harrisburg. This year’s theme, “Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Well.” underscores the importance of ensuring Latino voices are represented in health policy, advocacy, and community engagement while addressing key disparities in healthcare access and equity.

This year’s single-day event will run from 7:30 AM until 5:00 PM with a full agenda geared to bring together executives and professionals in the areas of healthcare, social services, and public health for engaging presentations and workshops that share fresh perspectives informed by real-world experience in local communities.

From 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the community is invited to attend for free to visit vendors and participate in family-friendly activities. This open portion of the day offers an opportunity for individuals and families to engage directly with health and wellness resources available in their area.

Latino Connection founded the Latino Health Summit in 2018 to elevate the most pressing health concerns of Pennsylvania’s Latino community. Since then, it has hosted thousands of attendees in various cities in Pennsylvania, including York, Lancaster, Reading, Bethlehem, and now Harrisburg. This year’s content emphasizes chronic diseases, mental health, healthcare access, and healthy aging, among other emerging topics.

“The Latino community continues to be a driving force in Pennsylvania’s population growth and economic impact,” said George Fernandez, Founder and CEO of Latino Connection. “Our 2025 theme, ‘Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Well.’, is a call to action for Latinos to take a proactive role in shaping policies and programs that impact our health and well-being. It is our collective responsibility to make sure our voices are heard and our communities are prioritized.”

Addressing Latino Health Disparities

Latinos in Pennsylvania face significant health disparities, including limited access to healthcare, higher uninsured rates, and increased prevalence of chronic conditions. The Latino Health Summit provides a platform for thought leaders and experts to share solutions aimed at closing these gaps. Topics at this year’s event will include:

Accessing Care
Diseases & Prevention
Sexual and Reproductive Health
Civic Engagement and Immigration
Health Policy and Advocacy
Mental and Behavioral Health

The Latino community continues to be a leading contributor to Pennsylvania’s demographic growth, accounting for approximately 50% of the state’s population increase over the past two decades. Projections indicate that by 2030, Latinos will become the largest minority group in the Commonwealth. Specifically in Harrisburg, Latinos represent 25% of the city’s population, totaling around 12,529 individuals. These statistics underscore the ongoing need to address health coverage gaps within the Latino community and to support our growing multicultural demographic which is disproportionately impacted by healthcare-related issues.

PennLive.com, Pennsylvania’s premier news and information website, is thrilled to announce its partnership as a media sponsor for the upcoming Latino Health Summit. Our mission is to deliver comprehensive coverage and elevate awareness about critical health issues impacting our diverse communities. Backed by Advance Healthcare Marketing, a national leader in connecting healthcare decision-makers across all demographics, PennLive leverages data-driven strategies to ensure healthcare businesses effectively reach their target audiences. We are dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote health and well-being throughout the state.

For more details about sponsorship opportunities, agenda updates, and registration, visit https://palatinohealthsummit.org.

About Latino Connection: Latino Connection is Pennsylvania’s leading multicultural marketing and communications agency, dedicated to educating, empowering, and uplifting diverse communities through innovative outreach and strategic partnerships. Founded with a mission to bridge gaps in healthcare, education, and workforce development, Latino Connection works with corporate, nonprofit, and government organizations to create impactful, culturally relevant programs. From statewide health initiatives to economic empowerment campaigns, Latino Connection is committed to fostering equity and inclusion while driving meaningful change. Learn more at Latinoconnection.org.

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Tunnel to Towers breaks ground on Harrisburg housing community for veterans

April 10, 2025 | by Maddie Gittens

Officials ceremonially broke ground on the Tunnel to Towers project on Thursday.

Dozens of people gathered in south Harrisburg on Thursday to celebrate the beginning of a new residential construction project.

Tunnel to Towers, along with local officials, ceremonially broke ground on their project that will bring housing for homeless veterans to the city.

“The veteran’s village we celebrate today is more than a construction site, it is a commitment, a promise, a symbol of what happens when compassion, patriotism and action all come together,” said Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams. “It will provide safe, stable housing for veterans in need.”

Tunnel to Towers CEO Frank Siller spoke at the ceremony on Thursday.

In November 2024, Harrisburg City Council approved the construction of a 64-unit apartment building and 20 “comfort homes” by New York-based Tunnel to Towers.

The riverfront location along S. Front Street, past the PennDOT building, is the newest location for the organization, which has housing communities across the country.

Tunnel to Towers in Harrisburg is the second project aimed at sheltering the homeless population on the large stretch of formerly vacant land. Veteran’s Outreach of PA cut the ribbon on its Veterans Grove tiny home community in May 2024.

Rendering of Tunnel to Towers in Harrisburg, provided by Tunnel to Towers.

While Veterans Grove provides transitional housing, Tunnel to Towers will provide permanent housing. Gavin Naples, vice president of Tunnel to Towers, said that the organization will work with VOPA to potentially provide housing for veterans who phase out of their programming.

According to officials, Tunnel to Towers will have support services on site, such as job training, financial coaching and case management.

“Our objective is reintegration back into the community,” Naples said.

The $20 million project is expected to take 12 to 14 months to construct. So far, the project site has been cleared and construction will now begin.

A third housing project is slated to be built next to Tunnel to Towers and VOPA. Eden Village’s tiny house community for the homeless was approved by City Council in March.

For more information on Tunnel to Towers, visit their website.

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