Village project update, part 4 of 5

How will motorists navigate through Linglestown during the reconstruction of Route 39 in the historic village? Watch today’s update segment to find out.

Twilight ends regular season with loss

By Steve Econ
For Linglestown Gazette

LYKENS (July 28) – The last game of the regular season did not end with a bang Monday evening for Linglestown Twilight. The team only had five hits in a 2-1 loss up at Lykens. Jason Kelly had two hits and one run scored, and Rhys Wolford added two hits from the designated hitter spot.

Twilight notes ... Rhys Wolford was kind enough to loan his jersey, number 25, to a fellow teammate who forgot his. Once he found out he was starting, he then used lucky number 14, which came through for him as he was two-for-three on the night. What a great guy! ... Brad Smith, who was the starting catcher for Linglestown Legion this season, caught all seven innings. ... Linglestown used four pitchers to get some work before the playoffs begin next week. They only gave up a combined six hits. ... The team will play an intrasquad scrimmage Friday with some help from Linglestown Legion players.

Linglestown under-9 team wins tourney

By Karen Cattabiani
For Linglestown Gazette

Linglestown Baseball's U-9 all-stars were crowned champions of the Palmyra Tournament, Saturday, July 26, ending a weeklong series in which the top-seeded team went undefeated.

Linglestown captured its spot in the championship game by beating No. 2-seeded Hershey 13-1 in the first game Saturday. Pitcher Braydon Parr successfully shut down Hershey's offense with his mix of pitches, including a knuckleball. Jake Grove, Derek Danko, A.J. Millar, Christian Fox-Klein and Bryson Allen led Linglestown with doubles. Among top defensive plays was a throw from rightfielder Cole Moyer to catcher Mario Cattabiani for an out in a close play at the plate.

Following the loss, Hershey went on to eliminate Elizabethtown and earn a spot in the afternoon championship game.

Fresh off their win against E-town, Hershey jumped out with a three-run lead in the first inning and led 10-5 by the middle of the third. Linglestown's bats then went to work, with each player hitting in a 10-run rally. On the mound, relief pitchers Luke McNamara and Fox-Klein effectively quelled Hershey's offense. Linglestown went on to win the championship 16-12.

Linglestown's successful post-season was headed up by Coach Kevin McNamara and coaching assistants Mario Cattabiani, Fred Grove and Dave Graham.
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Click on the photo to view a larger version.

Village project update, part 3 of 5

The planned roadway and streetscape improvements in Linglestown are expected to cost about $4 million. Where’s the money coming from? Watch today’s update segment to find out.

Village project update, part 2 of 5

Planned improvements in Linglestown are usually referred to as the “square project.” Today’s update segment will reveal that the project involves much more than the village square and outlines the tentative construction schedule.



Link: traffic calming, Blue Mountain Parkway bypass

Craft vendors needed

Craft vendors are needed for the Craft Fair at the 2nd Annual Peach Festival at New Hope Church, 584 Colonial Club Drive, on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 1 to 5 pm. Spaces are $10 each – you must provide your own table and chairs. This year’s festival promises to deliver more fun and activities than ever. For more information, please visit the church's Web site or send an e-mail to Kim Mumper, event organizer.

The Peach Festival will feature homemade peach desserts and homemade ice cream! Come and enjoy homemade chicken corn soup and hot dogs! Free pony rides will be available for the kids (tentatively), as well as a moon bounce, face painting, dunk tank and games. And of course, the Craft Fair will be there, featuring local crafters and artists. For more information about the Peach Festival, call 717-545-3400 or e-mail the church office.

Village project update, part 1 of 5

Linglestown Gazette’s weeklong look at the planned Linglestown improvements begins by tackling the killer question related to the project – Why a roundabout at the square instead of traffic lights?



Links: roundabouts (1), roundabouts (2), roundabouts (3), roundabouts (4)

Airspace is busy over Linglestown

By Ken Stambaugh (pictured), aircraft pilot and Linglestown resident

For those of us who live in Linglestown, we know what a lively place it is. The sleepy little village moniker is just an illusion. It's a great place to live and raise a family. But what about the airspace above Linglestown? Why are all those helicopters and airplanes flying over our town? Just like our famous flagpole intersection, the airspace above Linglestown is an intersection as well. Linglestown sits between the airspace controlled by Harrisburg International Airport and the military-restricted area controlled by Fort Indiantown Gap.

Keep reading >>

Mark your calendar

National Night Out for Public Safety will once again be observed in Lower Paxton Twp. at Koons Park on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 6 pm. This is a great community event. Hope to see you there!
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CLICK HERE for scenes from last year's Night Out event.

Local tax bureau seeks new chief

Click the headline above for a brief about the latest development with troubled Capital Tax Collection Bureau, the agency that Lower Paxton Twp. and Central Dauphin schools recently gave the boot.

CLICK HERE for background on this story and other local tax issues.

Mowing contest update

After a whopping 10-day break from pushing the mower, I cut my grass for the 20th time this season Friday. If you're a new Gazette reader and have no idea why I'm reporting on my personal lawn care, watch the video.

A note on my lawn: This is the first time in recent memory that it's green at this time of year.



Entry deadline was April 30, 2008.

Weeklong look at square project on tap

Next week Linglestown Gazette will feature an in-depth look at the planned Linglestown improvement project likely to go under construction early next year. I’ll be posting a five-part video interview with Stuart Knade who is a longtime member of the Village of Linglestown Committee, the advisory group formed by Lower Paxton Twp. to work on traffic-flow and aesthetic improvements along Route 39 in the historic village.

Make getting Gazette updates easy, for FREE … Please consider subscribing to this blog's RSS feed. It's FREE and easy to do. In the right-hand sidebar, click on the orange icon or "Subscribe to Linglestown Gazette" link, and then follow the instructions.

Using a feed is great way to automatically find out when new information is added to Linglestown Gazette. I use an online feed reader called Bloglines.

Twilight defeats Penbrook in pitchers’ dual

KOONS PARK (July 24) – Pitchers Jack Muscalus for Linglestown and Ted Stauruch for Penbrook baffled batters Thursday evening before a nice crowd at Koons Park. In the end, first-place Linglestown did just enough in their last at-bat to stop the visitors when Brad Sanders (pictured at bat) collected the game's only RBI on a bloop single to earn a 1-0 victory.

Prior to Sander’s gaming-winning hit, catcher Bryan Stovall delivered a key hit that moved left fielder Jason Kelly, who reached on an error, to third base.

Winning pitcher Muscalus faced just 23 batters, limiting Penbrook to three hits.

Twilight notes … Muscalus (pictured) is arguably the best hurler in the East Twilight loop with a 6-0 record and an extremely stingy 1.0 earned run average. … Linglestown (18-7-2) ends its regular season Monday, July 28, with an away game at Lykens/Wisconisco. Post-season play will begin in early August – check Linglestown Gazette for game dates and locations. … What would a Twilight report be without a "Where’s Rhys?" segment? In the Penbrook game, pitcher/DH Rhys Wolford left the comforts of the Twilight bench two times to serve as a courtesy runner for catcher Stovall.

More details revealed about warning signs

In a front-page story, T.W. Burger, Lower Paxton beat reporter for The Patriot-News, looks at circumstances surrounding the signs that someone posted last weekend around Koons Park that warned of a child predator in the area. The article provides clear-cut info on key issues surrounding this troubling case.

UPDATE: Car wash thief still at large

Lower Paxton Twp. police have identified the man (pictured) who attempted to rip off Fast Lane Car Wash, 1054 Peiffers Lane, last month and caused significant property damage at the business. Officers are preparing a criminal complaint and expect to obtain an arrest warrant in the near future, said Sergeant Greg Taylor. The suspect is wanted in other jurisdictions for a variety of offences, added Taylor.

Bear in LP to be lured with pastries

Click on the above headline to view the story from The Patriot-News.

Local baseball roundup, 07.23.08

Linglestown midget and pony all-stars continue tournament play, and Paxton nails down a league title.

Keep reading >>

Newspaper reports LP online porn case

Click the headline above to read a news brief by Patriot-News beat reporter T.W. Burger. This case is unrelated to the mysterious signs that were posted around Koons Park last weekend that warned of a child predator in the Linglestown area.

Another bear spotted in LP

Click the headline above to read a news brief from The Patriot-News. For a video, check out a report filed by WHP TV-21.


View Larger Map

Clutch hitting helps Twilight down Palmyra

KOONS PARK (July 22) – After getting blown out Monday 11-1 by Penbrook, Linglestown Twilight rebounded Wednesday against Palmyra at Koons Park with a 7-4 win.

Players-of-the-game Nick Barbera and Shawn Berwager had clutch hits – Barbera drove in three runs with a second-inning triple, and Berwager lined a double in the sixth that plated two key runs after Palmyra made it a one-run game in the top of the inning. Barbera is an occasional Twilight player who is a member of the Paxton Legion team that kicks off play in a post-season tournament Sunday, 9:30 am, at Middletown High School.

Steve Booker sealed the game with a clutch relief appearance for winning pitcher Jim Miller.

Twilight notes … Linglestown (17-7-2) continues to hold a six-point lead over second-place Middletown in the East Shore Twilight league. … Twilight got help from Linglestown Legion catcher Brad Smith who ably filled in behind the plate for starter Bryan Stovall against Palmyra. … Joe Beatty and Brian Zellers made their first mound appearances of the season in the Penbrook loss. … Twilight will be looking to reverse their fortunes against Penbrook when the teams meet again Thursday, 6 pm, at Koons Park. Hope to see you there! … Let’s end with a “Where’s Rhys?” note. Twilight pitcher/designated hitter Rhys Wolford, who is rehabbing a shoulder, did a bang-up job operating the electronic scoreboard during Wednesday’s game while regular board operator Bill Bostic was on an assignment for Linglestown Gazette.
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CLICK HERE to view an enhanced version of the post game show.

Linglestown man to return World War II item

Linglestown resident Warren Peiffer was featured in a story published Monday by The Patriot-News about his upcoming trip to Europe to return an item that an old woman gave to him during the waning days of the Battle of the Bulge.
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Photo credit: Michael Fernandez, The Patriot-News

UPDATE: Warning posted around Koons Park

Revised, July 23, 11:09 am ...

Lower Paxton Twp. police are investigating the origin of signs posted over the weekend around Koons Park that said a child predator was in the area, according to LP Police Sergeant Greg Taylor.

Based on information on the signs, police are confident that the signs refer to a man who was arrested on sex charges last Tuesday, July 15. The man charged with the offenses contacted the police after the signs were posted around the park, said Taylor.

The accused is awaiting a preliminary hearing on charges of unlawful contact with a minor, indecent exposure, and corruption of minors. As in all criminal cases, the accused individual is innocent until proven guilty.

Developing story ...
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Photo credit: Danielle Bostic

Linglestown baseball roundup

Linglestown Gazette's exclusive coverage of local amateur baseball continues with news about a Legion player who qualified for a prestigious all-star game, updates on Pony all-star tournament action and a look at upcoming Twilight games at Koons Park.

Keep reading >>

Coffee anyone?

My good friend Frank Cotolo, who is a former Hollywood insider and longtime Internet broadcaster, always says there are only two kinds of people in this world – those who are over 50, and those who are under 50.

I joined the over 50 crowd last week, and my wife threw me a semi-surprise birthday party last weekend at Koons Park. (I knew something was up but didn’t know when and where.) Friends and family members showered me with gift certificates and coins to get java and eats at St. Thomas Roasters and Dunkin' Donuts.

Warning posted near Koons Park

Updated Tuesday, 07.21.08, 8:30 am with link to PennLive.com ...

Balthaser Street near Koons Park was blanketed sometime Saturday with signs warning people to be on the lookout for a child predator. I made Lower Paxton Twp. police aware of the signs. Anyone with any information about the identity of who distributed the signs or information about the allegation is encouraged to call the police at (717) 657-5656 or the Lower Paxton Tip Line at (717) 635-2606.
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NOTE: A photo of the sign has been removed from this post because the individual that it targets apparently lives near Koons Park. Despite a pair of comments posted by an "anonymous" reader, there is no way to determine if the allegation is credible or not. I plan to contact LP police for an update about this situation.

The signs are a discussion point on the Linglestown forum at PennLive.com. (See thread #413.)

Linglestown under-9 team grabs tourney's top seed

By Karen Cattabiani
For Linglestown Gazette

PALMYRA (July 19) – Linglestown Baseball Association's 9-and-under team had two impressive victories Saturday in the Palmyra Tournament, earning them the No. 1 seed.

Linglestown won the first game 16-4 over Palmyra with a standout performance on the mound by Jordan Sellers. Athan Graham and Braydon Parr had clutch doubles.

Parr, who started the second game on the mound, kept Elizabethtown off-guard with a crafty mix of pitches, including a knuckleball. Derek Danko finished off the game in relief, throwing only three pitches to get three outs in the final inning. Luke McNamara had a gold-glove performance at first base in Linglestown's 7-2 win.

At 3:30 pm today, Linglestown will take on the winner of the 1 pm game between Annville and Susquehanna.
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NOTE: This post is another example of citizen journalism – Karen's son plays for the all-star team and she graciously took a few minutes to pen this post. Please e-mail articles and news tips about Lower Paxton Twp., Linglestown and CD schools to Gazette publisher/editor Bill Bostic.

Middletown trips up Twilight

Post game show recaps Middletown’s 7-2 win Friday evening over Linglestown Twilight at Koons Park. It includes action shots and comments from Linglestown coach Steve Econ. CLICK HERE to view an enhanced version of the show.



Middletown got all the runs they needed in the first inning when Linglestown gave up three unearned runs. Linglestown first baseman Sean Frailey and outfielder A.J. Granito each hit RBI doubles; Granito was two-for-three.

Twilight notes ... Twilight remains in first place in the East Shore Twilight league with a 16-6-2 record. ... The team plays two home games at Koons Park next week – Tuesday, July 22, against Palmyra, and Thursday, July 24, versus Penbrook. Both games will start at 6 pm. ... The team's Web site includes player stats. ... Steve Booker continues to lead the team in batting with a .415 average. ... Where's Rhys? Pitcher/designated hitter Rhys Wolford is pictured grounding into a 5-3 out in the post game show.

Eyewitness account of Linglestown fire

Gazette reader Justin Gensimore was kind enough to pass along this exclusive eyewitness account of Wednesday night’s blaze along Blue Mountain Parkway. Justin, good stuff and welcome to the world of citizen journalism!

I would like to provide [Gazette readers] with some details as I was on my way home and live in the Blue Meadows Farm development. The building [that burned] is situated behind a line of trees and the "driveway" leads directly to the Parkway. It is about 100 feet after the entrance to the development. If you were to be at the end of Saint Thomas Blvd (Blue Meadows Farm Developments exit), you can see some charred remains. It would be northwest (or about 2 o'clock) of your position at the stop sign. As I understand it, the building was vacant and the electricity was disconnected over a year ago. Also, it is a big deal for high school students to adventure into this old farmhouse. When I arrived, there were at least 10 fire engines on the scene with even more arriving by the minute. It was a big fire with plumes of smoke rising to the extent of a forest fire. Cheers to the local volunteer firefighters for doing an outstanding job.

Lower Paxton police consider the fire to be suspicious in origin. Anyone with any information about the fire is encouraged to call the police at (717) 657-5656 or the Lower Paxton Tip Line at (717) 635-2606.

For more info, check out a video report from WHP-TV 21 that features comments by Linglestown Fire Chief Bill Payne. Also, the fire company's Web site has a summary of the fire call and photos.

First-place Twilight records 16th win

CLICK HERE to watch a version of the post game show that has a few special features.



KOONS PARK (July 17) – Linglestown Twilight notched a 4-0 win Thursday over Lawnton at Koons Park on the strength of a solid pitching performance by Jack Muscalus and three hits by right fielder Brian Zellers.

Muscalus, who is undefeated in six starts this season, only needed 70 pitches to get the shutout, striking out seven and only giving up six singles.

Zellers scored the first run of the game on a sacrifice fly off the bat of catcher Bryan Stovall, and then hit the knockout blow, a two-run roundtripper to left field, in the fifth inning.

Twilight notes … In the post game show video, Linglestown TV host Bill Bostic incorrectly reported that Zellers hit a three-run homer – actually, it was a two-run blast. … Twilight won the season series against Lawnton three games to one. Lawnton’s lone win came on Twilight’s home opener on May 21. … Twilight pitcher Rhys Wolford got the call to be the designated hitter for the second straight game. He scored a run and hit what looked like a sure-bet double that went foul by a few inches. … Twilight has another home game Friday, July 18, against Middletown, first pitch at 6 pm. ... Finally, if you're into baseball number, check out the player stats page on the team's Web site.

Twilight clobbers Lykens 9-1

By Steve Econ
For Linglestown Gazette

LYKENS (July 16) – Pete Hayden scattered eight hits and two walks to go with five Ks to get past Lykens/Wisconisco 9-1 Wednesday. Ken Conner led off the third inning with a triple, followed by an RBI single by Jake Warshawsky. From there, Linglestown added eight more hits and eight more runs to win the game. Brad Sanders was three-for-four, and Sean Frailey had two hits during the six-run sixth inning. The game was a bright spot with a number of players picking up for the shortened squad. Rhys Wolford made his first at-bat appearance of the season as a designated hitter, getting a sacrifice bunt down along with a walk and a line out.

Twilight (15-5-2, first place) plays a game this evening at Koons Park against Lawnton, first pitch at 6 pm. Friday evening Twilight hosts Middletown at 6 pm.

LP firefighters battle Parkway blaze

Click the headline above to go to a news brief from The Patriot-News.

According to the news brief, the fire was along Blue Mountain Parkway near the entrance to Blue Meadows Farm. I drove the full length of the road today and didn't spot a fire-damaged structure.

In a related issue, tap water is slightly discolored in parts of the Linglestown area this morning because firefighters tapped into the public water system to fight the fire. According to a United Water Pennsylvania customer service rep, the water is safe to drink and does not need to be boiled. "The system needs time to correct itself," she said.

Linglestown Legion loses playoff slugfest

Third-seeded Hershey, in dramatic fashion, needed three runs in the bottom of the seventh to bounce six-seed Linglestown 14-13 at Memorial Field in the first round of the double-elimination Dauphin Legion Playoffs. For an in-depth game summary, check out the article in today’s Patriot-News. (Hershey-Linglestown game coverage starts at the bottom of page 1.)

Backyard news links, 07.16.08

CD elementary school librarian goes the extra mile to help kids keep reading during the summer. … Schenk's Pastry & Ice Cream Shoppe on N. Mountain Road in Linglestown wins taste test.

Linglestown eliminated from Future Stars tourney

By Mike Shaffer
For Linglestown Gazette

KOONS PARK (July 15) – Linglestown spotted Susquehanna with eight runs in the first two innings before fighting back to drop an 11-7 decision to Susquehanna. The loss eliminates Linglestown from the Future Stars Tournament. J.T. Fredericks led the Linglestown all-stars with three singles and a walk.

Tonight Susquehanna battled New Cumberland for the tournament championship.

This weekend both the Linglestown under-10 and under-9 all-star teams will compete in the Palmyra Tournament. The under-10s will play Saturday at 1 and 6 pm, and the under-9s will be in action at 8 am and 1 pm.

Reader blows me away

This is the way a news blog is supposed to work – the publisher puts something on the table and readers become citizen journalists.

Here’s what happened: Yesterday I previewed the Lower Paxton Twp. supervisors meeting and pondered whether an agenda item would mean the end of free mulch piles at Koons Park. Meeting time rolled around Tuesday evening and I was busy doing whatever and didn’t get a chance to watch the meeting on TV, Comcast channel 20. “Darn,” I said to myself. “This means I’m going to have to bug the township manager or whoever to track down the story.”

Well, I cracked open my e-mail inbox this morning and found a piece of gold: Gazette reader B sent me an unsolicited report on what happened – free mulch will continue. (If you click through, check out the comment.)

This is the essence of what Linglestown Gazette is evolving into – LP and Linglestown residents banding together to keep on top of what’s happening in our community.

Others are doing similar stuff and believe me I appreciate the heck out of it. If you’re still on the sidelines, what are you waiting for? Learn how to post a comment or shoot me an e-mail when you see something that others might find interesting. Come one … jump in, the water’s fine!
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If you're unable to figure out how to post a comment, please send me an e-mail with your phone number and I’ll walk you through the process via phone. I’ll even make a home visit if you live close to the Gazette newsroom.

In some cases it may be necessary to verify information posted in comments. To make this possible, it would be helpful if you include an "active" e-mail address in your Blogger account profile.

Free skateboarding event on tap Friday

Central Penn Freedom Group, a citizens group working with Lower Paxton Twp. to create a skateboard park, is sponsoring a free event Friday for skaters to skate free from 4 to 7 pm on temporary ramps set up in the parking lot of the Friendship Community Center. CLICK HERE for more details.

Legion ends regular season with big win

Second baseman Josh Hannold (3-for-4) and left fielder Sam Nott (two RBIs) lifted Linglestown Legion over second-place Middletown 7-4 Monday evening at Koons Park.

Linglestown cashed four runs in the third inning, erasing a 3-0 deficit. The game was tied at four when Linglestown plated three runs in the fifth inning with the help of two untimely Middletown errors.

Mike Albert got the win with a stellar three-inning relief appearance in which he consistently kept Middletown batters off balance with change-of-speed pitches.

Linglestown finished the regular season in sixth place (10-8), and started the playoffs tonight with a game against Hershey in Chocolate Town.

The Patriot-News previewed the playoffs in today’s edition.

Legion note ... Linglestown outfielders Tom Healy and Sam Nott are scheduled to pay at the All East combine at City Island tomorrow, Wednesday, July 16, at 11 am. If Nott and Healy make it through that game, they will qualify for the prestigious East-West showcase in early August.

CD hangs 'help wanted' sign for schools chief

CD Dauphin School District has launched a search for a new superintendent, reports T.W. Burger, CD/LP beat reporter for The Patriot-News.

Chocolate Cafe gets some positive ink

Kathi K., who writes a dining blog called "Suburbaurants" for PennLive.com, gave Linglestown Chocolate Cafe a glowing review in her latest post. The trendy eatery has made significant changes since its opening in November 2006.

LP supervisors set to meet

Lower Paxton Township Board of Supervisors will conduct their last meeting of July tonight at 7:30 pm, Township Municipal Center, 425 Prince Street. Comcast cable subscribers can view a live broadcast of the 7:30 pm meeting on channel 20.

The agenda item that caught my eye is listed under New Business, a resolution to authorize the sale of material produced by LP at its compost facility. I’m curious if the resolution would change the township’s practice of dumping mulch at Koons Park for residents to haul away free of charge.

BB AnswerLine: Rundown LP park

Linglestown TV host Bill Bostic tackles a question about the Lower Paxton Twp. park located at the top of Blue Mountain.



Video link: Hocker Park

Why it pays to keep eye on LP affairs

In a letter-to-the-editor published by The Patriot News, Susquehanna Twp. resident Steve Kniley explains the makings of a big mess along Linglestown Road that was allegedly approved without a single public hearing.

There's a Lower Paxton Twp.-based group that is doing a great job serving as a local government watchdog – Stray Winds Area Neighbors, which usually is referred to as SWAN. Well-known political and nuclear power activist Eric Epstein heads up the citizens group.

Legion baseball schedule update

For those of you following the playoff-bound Linglestown Legion baseball team, there will be a make-up game at Koons Park against Middletown this evening, Monday, July 14, first pitch at 6 pm. Admission is free!

Future Stars Tourney update, Sunday action

By Mike Shaffer
For Linglestown Gazette

KOONS PARK (July 13) – Linglestown dropped its first game of the Future Stars Tournament to New Cumberland 12-8. New Cumberland got out of the blocks fast by scoring four runs in the first inning. In the bottom of the inning, Linglestown fought back to cut New Cumberland’s lead to one. Brayden Parr and J.T. Fredericks led off with base hits, Tori Lesko and William Zeigler each drew walks and Austin Barowski doubled. In the second inning, Linglestown scored five times to take the lead with Tori Lesko and Jason Wenrich each contributing key hits. Linglestown’s bats went cold after the second inning as New Cumberland shut them down for the remaining four innings.

In the 2nd game Sunday Susquehanna defeated East Penn 9 - 2.

The third game between Susquehanna and Linglestown was postponed until Monday at 7:30 due to the thunderstorms engulfed Linglestown.

Monday evening action will see Susquehanna and New Cumberland square off at 5:45 pm, and Palmyra and East Penn will do battle in the other 5:45 pm game. Linglestown will play Susquehanna immediately following the conclusion of the early games.

Fire company BBQ, update

Linglestown TV news crew made a stop Saturday morning at Linglestown Fire Company to check out the chicken BBQ and talk with the fire chief.

Village hair salon holds grand opening

To make an appointment, contact Shayln's Hair Studio at 525-9558 or send e-mail. Studio hours – Monday-Saturday 8 am-8 pm.
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Source: Q-Tip

Future Stars tourney, Legion baseball updates

Linglestown Future Stars, Saturday action ...

Day 2 of the Linglestown Future Stars Tournament was led off by New Cumberland nipping East Penn 5-4.

Linglestown then squared off against Palmyra in the second game. Linglestown trailed 1-0 in the second inning when William Zeigler led off the inning with a single and then Austin Barowski doubled to score Zeigler. Joel Nelson and Jason Wenrich added two more hits to give Linglestown a 3-1 lead. Palmyra rallied to regain a 6-5 lead in the fifth inning. After Linglestown loaded the bases in the bottom of inning, Wenrich hit one to deep center field that was misplayed by a Palmyra outfielder, sparking a four-run rally that put Linglestown up 10-6. Tori Lesko shut down Palmyra in the top of the sixth to seal the victory for Linglestown. Lesko helped herself out at the plate by swatting two doubles.

In the final game of the day New Cumberland defeated Palmyra 10-4.

Sunday's action kicks off at 1 pm, Linglestown (2-0) vs. New Cumberland (2-0); 3 pm, Susquehanna (0-0) will play East Penn (0-2); and 5 pm, Linglestown vs. Susquehanna.

Linglestown Legion splits pair of games ...

Linglestown was out-hit 11-6 in an away game Saturday morning but still managed to down Susquehanna 10-6.

In Saturday's second game at Koons Park, Linglestown had a 6-4 lead over first-place Upper Dauphin through five innings but couldn’t seal the deal, eventually dropping the game by a run, 7-6. Andrew Roman’s solo home run to right field and Sam Nott’s two-run double paced Linglestown.

For in-depth coverage, check out game summaries published in today’s Patriot-News.
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- PICTURED: Linglestown Legion shortstop Andrew Roman who hit a home run and had two RBIs in Saturday's game against Upper Dauphin. (Click on picture to view larger version.)

– Future Stars summary submitted by Mike Shaffer

Free movie passes offered

Rob Nease, promotions manager for HarrisburgatHome.com, has a few extra passes good for two people to watch the movie screening of Mamma Mia!

WHEN? Tuesday, July 15 at 7:30 pm (Arrive early since a pass does not guarantee a seat at the movie – first come, first served.)
WHERE? The brand new Great Escape movie theater at Harrisburg Mall
WHAT? Movie screening of Mamma Mia!, rated PG-13.

If you would like to see this movie and take a friend or special someone for free, please e-mail Rob to request one of the passes.

Thanks Rob!

UPDATE: Linglestown youth baseball all-stars

By Mike Shaffer
For Linglestown Gazette

KOONS PARK (July 11) – The Linglestown Future Stars Tournament (10 and under) at Koons Park kicked off Friday night with Linglestown defeating East Penn 13-7. Trailing 6-4, Lingletown’s Brayden Parr led off the fifth inning with a single, and then Tori Lesko doubled and Zach Hoffman tripled to get a big inning started. Linglestown rallied for five runs in fifth inning and four more in the sixth.

Brayden Parr, Tori Lesko, Zach Hoffman and William Zeigler each contributed two hits apiece. Tori Lesko pitched four strong innings and was relieved by J.T. Fredericks who picked up the win for Linglestown.

In the Susquehanna Valley Tournament, the Linglestown Midget team completed the first round with a perfect 3-0 record, defeating Silver Springs, Hershey White and Lebanon Valley White. Linglestown will start the second round, which is single elimination, on Tuesday night.

Youth baseball heads into all-star season

Before running down all the all-star action, Gazette congratulations go out to the Tigers for winning the Midget championship and for recording a perfect 20-0 season. Way to go!

CLICK HERE for updates on the Linglestown Midget all-star team, Future Stars Tournament and Teener highlights.
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- Summary submitted by Mike Shaffer

LP population up 320+

Lower Paxton Twp. continues to grow but still lags behind Harrisburg's head count. Latest U.S. Census report pegs the township's population at 45,221, which is about the number of seats at a typical major league ballpark.

If you live near a newbie, please tell them to check out Linglestown Gazette. Would ya, pretty please?
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Source Link

Paxtonia Fire Company to upgrade its station

Patriot-News beat writer T.W. Burger reports that Paxtonia Fire Company 34 plans to enlarge and renovate its station and will likely finance the project with a $400,000 low interest loan from Lower Paxton Twp.

Eat chicken BBQ for a good cause

If you're sticking around the Linglestown area this weekend, please consider heading over to Linglestown Fire Company on Saturday and buy a few birds to help our first responders. Meals are supposed to ready for purchase starting at 10 am.

Zellers powers Twilight to road win

Brian Zellers (pictured) had a double and a three-run blast to lead Linglestown Twilight to a 7-2 victory Wednesday over a solid Palmyra team.

Jason Kelly had a good outing on the mound, pitching the first four innings and only allowing two runs. Jim Miller made a two-inning relief appearance and Steve Booker closed out the game.

At the plate, Booker, Zellers, Sean Frailey and A.J. Granito each had two hits.

Twilight notes … Booker has a team-leading .419 batting average. … Zellers is the team’s big home-run threat with six dingers. He also leads the team with 22 RBIs. … Top pitchers so far are Jason Kelly and Jack Muscalus with four wins apiece. … Linglestown (14-5-2) continues to pace the East Shore Twilight league with 30 points (two points for a win; one for a tie). Second-place Lykens/Wiconisco (11-8-0)) has 22 points. … The team returns to action next Wednesday, July 16, at Lykens, and then returns to Koons Park for a game against Lawnton on Thursday, July 17, first pitch at 6 pm.

Koons Park trash

Just for the heck of it, I spent an hour or so Sunday, the day after the fireworks show at Koons Park, picking up trash in the park along Balthaser Street. My venture into the world of trash netted a 13-gallon bag of assorted solid waste (pictured).

Believe me, there was plenty of crap that I didn’t pick up, including hundreds of spent firework casings near the basketball courts.

I tentatively plan to post a date and time for the Gazette nation, that's you since you’re reading this post, to join me at the park to pick it clean of garbage, refuse and other stuff that didn't find a trash can.

Dauphin nips Linglestown Legion

Dauphin escaped Linglestown 2-1 Tuesday at Koons Park after game-winner Billy Felo plated Joe Sariano with a sixth-inning single. Felo, who pitched a complete game, scattered four hits and fanned five, the last with Linglestown runners on first and third in the seventh. Linglestown’s Matt Smedick pitched a good game despite picking up the loss, said assistant coach Fran Roman.

The team has a solid lineup, but key hits have been hard to come by of late, said Linglestown head coach Barry Shipley.

Lingletown (8-7 record) has lost four of their last five games. Fortunately the team is headed to postseason play since it is comfortably positioned in sixth place, the final spot for getting into the Dauphin County Legion playoffs.

Upcoming games … Linglestown closes out the regular season by playing two games this Saturday, July 12 – away game at Susquehanna. 11 am, and at Koons Park against Upper Dauphin, 6 pm.
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Source Link

Reader solves Sasha’s Hideaway mystery

On a recent BB AnswerLine video, I asked for help to unravel some local history: What was the name of the establishment that was operated on the same spot along Route 39 east of the village as Sasha’s Hideway and the former Rachel’s Cafe?

It didn’t take long to get some feedback. A longtime Gazette nation member, one of LP's finest, came through with the answer …

It was known as the Quiet Inn before Sasha's and Rachel’s. It seems to me that the place also had a short life as the Piketown Cafe, which had a very rowdy crowd in the early 90’s – I was there breaking up many fights late at night.

If you have remembrances about the Quiet Inn, please post a comment or send an e-mail to the Gazette.

Linglestown gets a new bank

1st National Bank of Marysville quietly opened a branch in mid-June in the building along N. Mountain Road across from Carl’s Auto Body. The locally owned bank is over 100 years old and the Lingletown branch is the bank’s first operation on the East Shore.

The building is being renovated and a road sign will soon be installed, said branch manager and Linglestown-area resident Jessica Trullinger. A grand opening probably will take place in September after all the fix-ups have been completed, she said.

FNB of Marysville features no fee services with a big emphasis on personal service that includes plenty of face-to-face interaction with the branch manager. As an example of this, Trullinger invited me to stop by anytime for a cup of Joe.

"In additional to offering personal accounts, we provide some great services for nonprofits and small businesses," said Trullinger.

Linglestown baseball updates

Legion drops road game … Middletown (11-4 record) nipped Lingletown Legion 4-2 Monday to move into a first-place tie with idle Hershey and Upper Dauphin in the Dauphin County Legion league. Pat Mulligan’s three-run homer in the fourth inning and hurler Mike Lupia holding Linglestown to just three hits fueled the victory. Linglestown (8-6 record) only managed single runs in the first, on a passed ball, and sixth on Matt Smedick's sacrifice fly.

Legion hosts Dauphin tonight at Koons Park, first pitch at 6 pm

Twilight ties Palmyra … Palmyra and Linglestown Twilight battled to a 4-4 tie in a game that was called in the top of the sixth inning when a thunderstorm rolled through Lebanon County. Brian Zellers and Nick Barbera were both two-for-three for Linglestown, which also got 10 strikeouts from starter Pete Hayden.

Twilight (13-5-2 record, first place) makes another trip to Palmyra tomorrow, Wednesday, July 9, first pitch at 6 pm.
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Source Link

Driving Route 39 crazy and getting crazier

Today's Patriot-News includes a must-read article about worsening traffic congestion on Route 39, which is usually referred to as Linglestown Road.

I first traveled the road while training for bicycle races sometime around 1980. Back then it was a country road. Ahh, the good ole days!

Long balls sink Linglestown Legion

Hershey sent three balls over the Koons Park outfield fence in their 7-5 victory Sunday over Linglestown.

Hershey’s Derik Wilson hit a two-run homer in the first inning and Ryan Johnson slammed a solo shot in the second to help their team sprint out to a 4-0 after three at bats.

Linglestown stormed back to take a one-run lead in the bottom of the third. Designated hitter Chris Bailor got things started with a solo roundtripper to right field. Doubles by all-star outfielders Tom Healy and Sam Nott plated three more runners to tie the score. Pitcher Kyle Weldon knocked in the fifth run of the inning on a single.

In the seventh inning, Hershey sent the game into extra innings by scoring the tying run on an infield hit, a sacrifice bunt and a single.

Hershey pitcher Joe Gunkel hit what turned out to be the game-winning hit in the first extra inning with a two-run homer that cleared the right field fence by a few inches. He then nailed down the win by retiring Linglestown in order.

With the loss, Linglestown’s record dropped to 8-5, 16 points. Hershey and Upper Dauphin sit atop the Dauphin County Legion league with 22 points.

Other action ... Paxton outslugged Susquehanna 23-16 Sunday in a game that featured 31 hits, 22 walks and nine pitchers. Paxton’s Nick Barbera doubled twice and scored four runs. (Source Link)

LP supervisors set to conduct workship session

Refinancing bonds, the arts, fire equipment and zoning issues are some of the topics that will be discussed during tomorrow's meeting of the Lower Paxton Township Board of Supervisors at the Municipal Center, 425 Prince Street, 6 pm. CLICK HERE to view the agenda.

Workshops are non-televised meetings that are used by the supervisors and township staff members to discuss issues in depth.

Creek cleanup could cost LP millions

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released a plan for reducing pollution in the Paxton Creek that could drain municipal budgets in Lower Paxton Twp. and other nearby communities. After reviewing the EPA plan, an engineer estimated that LP’s potential bill could be $100 million.

The headwaters of the creek are located just north of the village of Linglestown. (See map in news brief.)

Example of poor land-use planning: Pictured is a home along Linglestown Road just west of the historic village of Linglestown that was built only a few feet away from Paxton Creek. Ideally the home and its yard would be an undeveloped buffer area to reduce pollution-carrying stormwater runoff. Also, the home is susceptible to flooding since it’s located in the creek’s flood plain.
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If you want to learn more about Paxton Creek pollution problems, check out the Web site published by Paxton Creek Watershed and Education Association.

LP road closed

Lower Paxton Twp. police issued a traffic advisory Monday morning about the closure of Nyes Rd. between Locust Lane and Union Deposit Rd. due to damage caused by heavy rains. The road is closed in both directions.

PennDOT has been notified. It is unknown how long it will take to repair the road and open it for traffic. Questions concerning the repairs and reopen time should be directed to PennDOT District 8-0 Headquarters.

Fireworks a blast at Koons Park

Oos and ahs were plentiful Saturday evening at the annual fireworks at Koons Park that marked the July 4th holiday. The weather cooperated and a huge crowd turned out for the show sponsored by Linglestown Fire Company.

Rob Nease, promotions manager for Harrisburg at Home, attended the event with his family and submitted an idea for thanking the firefighters and fire police who staged the show:

Stop by the fire company’s chicken BBQ this Saturday, July 12, beginning at 10 am and buy a meal. And while you're there, thank them for their dedication in providing fantastic events and services for the community.

Prior to the bangs and colorful explosions, I snooped around to get a behind-the-scenes-look at the making of fireworks show that was produced by Sky Shooters, a company based in Tower City, Schuylkill County.

Crowd hanging out near the tennis courts.

Brian Carl (right) of Linglestown Life church hands out a free freeze pop.
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Pictured top left: Firework exploding over Koons Park.

Legion pair advance in all-star competition

Linglestown Legion outfielders Sam Nott and Tom Healy were among the survivors Thursday at the American Legion all-star workout held at Owen J. Roberts High School in Chester County. Paxton second baseman Nick Barbera, who is on Linglestown Twilight's roster, also made the cut.

Their fine play gives them an opportunity to play at the All East combine at City Island on Wednesday, July 16. If Nott, Healy and Barbera make it through that game, they will qualify for the prestigious East-West showcase in early August.

Legion note ... Linglestown will host Hershey at Koons Park tomorrow, Sunday, July 6, first pitch at 5 pm.

Twilight upends Middletown, extends league lead

Linglestown Twilight sandlot baseball team put in a solid performance Thursday in a 7-4 victory over Middletown at the Middletown H.S.

Twilight jumped out to a 6-1 lead by scoring in each of the first four innings, while winning pitcher Jim Miller only yielded a first-inning run. After a brief rain delay, Twilight added another run in the sixth inning.

Middletown made things interesting in the seventh and final inning by plating three on two hits, a walk issued by reliever Josh Muscalus, and a pair of errors.

“This was a big win for us,” said Linglestown assistant coach Ken Connor. “We needed it because we had the same number of losses as Middletown coming into the game, and the win gives us the season series against them.”

Twilight notes … Shawn Berwager was named the Linglestown Gazette player-of-the-game for recording two hits, a RBI sacrifice fly, two runs scored and a stolen base. … Occasional player A.J. Granito played left field and contributed a hit that sparked a two-run second inning. … The team’s record now stands at 13-5-1, first-place in the East Shore Twilight league by five points over Valley View. … Twilight plays their next two games in Palmyra on Monday (July 7) and Wednesday (July 9) before getting a week off. Pete Hayden has been penciled in to pitch Monday.