Tour of Letterkenny Army Depot

I was truly honored by the warm reception offered by Letterkenny Army Depot when they welcomed my staff and me for a briefing last week. Since 1942, Letterkenny and its dedicated workers have supported our military in every conflict from World War II to the present.

During the visit, we received an in-depth tour of the world-class facilities, showcasing how highly skilled artisans repair and modernize critical air and missile defense and precision fire systems. We also discussed Letterkenny’s role as a major economic driver in the region and its ongoing transformation to support the Army of the future.

Franklin County is blessed to have a hard-working, innovative, dedicated and patriotic workforce that makes our county an ideal place to host facilities like Letterkenny.

Thank you to Col. Lews, the staff, and all the devoted artisans at Letterkenny for the tour, and to all members of the armed forces for all they do to defend our liberty at home and abroad.

Local Officials Gather for Grant Seminar

Thank you to the several municipal officials who joined Rep. Kauffman and me at the Franklin County Council of Governments’ Municipal Grants Seminar. With 18 municipalities represented and strong participation from municipal staff and elected officials from across the county, this event will help local municipalities learn more about available grant options. Rep. Rob Kauffman and I were glad to take part in hosting this great event.

Voter Registration Deadline is May 4

Time is running out! Pennsylvanians who are not already registered to vote but wish to participate in the May 19 primary election should be sure to register no later than Monday, May 4.

To be eligible to vote in the primary, you must be a citizen of the United States for at least one month before the election; a resident of the election district in which you register to vote for at least 30 days before the election; and at least 18 years of age on or before the date of the primary.
Under state law, only voters registered as Republicans or Democrats may vote for candidates in the primary election.

Kicking Off 250 in Style

My family immigrated from Germany in 1770 and found the promised land here in Franklin County. This year, we celebrate 250 years of American independence that patriots, such as my (several greats) grandfather, fought to secure.

To kick off this celebration, Franklin County hosted a 250th parade this past Saturday, and I was privileged to participate. This is a momentous occasion for all Americans, but especially Pennsylvanians as we are the cradle of independence. I look forward to continuing to celebrate what our Founding Fathers called our “noble experiment” in self-government throughout the remainder of 2026, and carrying the Spirit of ’76 on for years to come.

Call Before You Dig

April is Safe Digging Month, an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of calling 8-1-1 before digging to ensure the safety of excavation projects across the state.

Every time an underground utility line is hit, there is a risk to the contractors or homeowners who are doing the digging; to utility workers and emergency responders who are mobilized to deal with the damage; and to bystanders who live, work or travel near the locations of the incidents.

State law requires contractors and residents to contact PA One Call at least three business days prior to excavation – triggering alerts to all utilities within an intended digging area and prompting utilities to mark where their lines are located. Pennsylvanians can dial 8-1-1 to connect with the One Call system, while out-of-state residents or businesses can call 1-800-242-1776.

Boosting Autism Awareness, Acceptance

April is Autism Acceptance Month, formerly recognized as Autism Awareness Month. The designation aims to help empower autistic individuals and their families, and to ensure improved support and opportunities in education, employment, housing, health care, and long-term support services.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ Office of Developmental Programs works to provide an array of support services for individuals of all ages, as well as their families.

The Autism Services, Education, Resources and Training Collaborative (ASERT) is a statewide initiative to provide streamlined access to information for Pennsylvanians living with autism.

PHEAA Announces Financial Aid Webinars

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) has announced four upcoming seminars to help students explore their financial options to cover the cost of college:

• Borrowing for Higher Education – A seminar about loan options will be offered Thursday, May 7, from noon to 1:45 p.m. and Tuesday, June 23, from 6:30-7:15 p.m.
• Deep Dive into Covering the Gap – A seminar about understanding your college bill and making informed decisions about how to finance your semester will be offered Tuesday, May 19, from 6:30-7:15 p.m. and Thursday, June 11, from noon to 12:45 p.m.