One more standing 'o' for the Lady Rams

Pictured are members of the CD girls' soccer team receiving the state championship last Friday at Hersheypark Stadium after nailing down the PIAA spring Class AAA soccer championship with a 1-0 victory over Central Bucks West.
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Photo credit: John Gayman

Lady Rams nail down state soccer title

CD girls' soccer team put together an extremely solid 80-minute performance to down Central Bucks West 1-0 Friday to earn its second straight state soccer championship.

The second time around was much sweeter for the Rams after battling to a tie in last year’s final with Central Bucks West, earning both teams the title "co-champion."

High-scoring junior forward Kate Yurkovic (pictured in green jersey) got the game winner halfway through the second half on a penalty kick that she earned by hustling to regain possession of the ball after being knocked on her can by a Bucks player.

For in-depth game coverage from The Patriot-News, CLICK HERE for a report by Michael Bullock, and HERE for a story about CD's late-game defensive stand by John Tuscano.

Check back later this weekend for game photos by John Gayman.
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Photo credit: John Gayman

NOTE: Photo is from a game played earlier this season.

Lady Rams seeking soccer gold tonight

Hey, hey, ho, ho, let's go Rams ...

Tonight, state championship soccer game, 7 pm, Hersheypark Stadium, be there! Win or lose tonight, CD girls' soccer team has put together a season for history books (22-2-0).

I'm telling you here and now, seeing the Yurkovic sisters, Allicia (#2) and Kate (#10), and Jocelyn Weidner (#9) perform soccer magic with the ball is worth the price of admission – $6 for adults and $3 for students. Also, keep an eye out for the booming kicks pumped out by Allison Snyder (#25), the tough-as-nails brand of defense played by Maria Tommasini (#11) and the confident swagger of goalkeeper Amy Gouldner. This is a special group of athletes worthy of your support tonight.

CLICK HERE for a game preview by sports reporter Michael Bullock who writes for The Patriot-News.

See you tonight in Chocolatetown U.S.A.!


GOAL!! Kate Yurkovic (far left in white) heads in a goal Tuesday during the second half of the semifinal against Neshaminy. The goal came after a beautiful centering pass from Kate's big sister, Allicia.
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Photo credit: John Gayman

CD Lady Rams advance to soccer title game

CD defeated Wilson in overtime 2-1 in the PIAA spring AAA soccer championship semifinal game, reports Michael Bullock for The Patriot-News. The win sets up a rematch of last year's state championship final between CD and Central Bucks West (Friday, 7 pm at Hersheypark Stadium).

The story below was posted after the game was halted for lightning. At the bottom of this post, a drenched group of victorious Lady Rams is pictured. (Photo credit: John Gayman)
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By Bill Bostic

HERSHEY (June 3) – The Lady Rams soccer team had a victory in sight when a couple things prevented them from nailing down a return trip to the state championship game: Wilson popped in a goal with just under four minutes to play to tie the game at one, and a thunderstorm forced the game to be temporarily suspended.

CD took the lead in the 10th minute of the second half when senior midfielder Alicia Yurkovic created some space along the right side of the offensive end and sent a centering pass that was headed into the net by her sister, Kate Yurkovic, who was camped out at the far post.

Wilson mounted consistent offensive pressure during the waning moments of the game and finally netted the tying goal on about a 25-yard shot with 3:56 left in the game.

Seconds after Wilson scored the game was suspended at about 9 pm due to lightning.

I headed for home when it started to rain cats and dogs, so I’ll link to the game report from The Patriot-News in the morning. My guess is that play resumed during the 10 pm hour.

CD Lady Rams in rematch to reach state soccer title game

CLICK HERE for a preview by Michael Bullock of The Patriot-News of tonight's PIAA spring Class AAA girls' soccer semifinal between CD and Wilson at Hersheypark Stadium. Game time is 7:30 pm.

Pictured is CD senior goalkeeper Amy Gouldner (in black) tracking down the ball in the quarterfinal game last Friday against Neshaminy. Also pictured is CD senior defender Maria Tommasini who has regularly been assigned to dog opponents' top players during the team's playoff run.
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Photo credit: John Gayman

CD girls’ soccer headed for state semifinals

Updated Monday, June 2 with site and time of state semifinal game ...

In a double-overtime game, the CD Lady Rams defeated Neshamniny 2-1 in a PIAA spring AAA quarterfinal Friday at Emmaus High School. CLICK HERE for a game report by Michael Bullock of The Patriot-News.

CD will meet Wilson in a state championship semifinal Tuesday, June 3, 7:30 pm at Hersheypark Stadium. CD defeated Wilson 1-0 two weeks ago in the District 3 semifinal game.

Allicia Yurkovic celebrates scoring a goal in the second half to knot the quarterfinal game Friday against Neshaminy at one goal apiece.

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Photo credit: John Gayman

Lady Rams soccer advances in state tourney

CD opened its defense of the PIAA's spring Class AAA girls' soccer title by shutting out Easton 2-0 Tuesday night at Hersheypark Stadium, reports Michael Bullock for The Patriot-News. The team will play a quarterfinal match Friday against Nashaminy at Emmaus High School, 7 pm.

CD coach Gregg Davis shows the effects of state tourney pressure.

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Photo credit: John Gayman

PREVIEW: CD girls' soccer begins state title defense

CLICK HERE for a preview of the state girls' soccer championship first-round game CD vs. Easton that will be contested at 7:30 pm tonight at Hersheypark Stadium.

Also, CLICK HERE for a listing of CD Lady Rams who were selected to the Mid-Penn All-Star team, and HERE for an article that mentions Rams senior forward Jocelyn Weidner being selected as the Commonwealth Division Player of the Year. (Weidner is first mentioned below the advertisement on page 1.)
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Pictured l. to r. is Allicia Yurkovic, Kate Yurkovic and Jocelyn Weidner holding the District 3 championship trophy following Friday night's 4-1 win over Lower Dauphin at Hersheypark Stadium. (Click the photo to view a larger version.)

Photo credit: John Gayman

Rams claim District 3 girls’ soccer crown

By Bill Bostic

HERSHEY (May 23) – The CD Lady Rams turned in a stylish 4-1 victory Friday night over the Lower Dauphin Falcons to earn the PIAA District 3 AAA soccer championship title.

In a repeat of Tuesday's semifinal match, CD quickly got on the board at Hersheypark Stadium thanks to the lively right leg of senior defender Allison Snyder who netted a 25-yard restart that skidded past Falcons goalkeeper Taylor Alwine just inside the right post. CD went up by two goals six minutes later when Kate Yurkovic banged in a corner kick by Snyder.

As the halfway point of the first half approached, CD paid the price for allowing LD’s Lauren Alwine unmarked, allowing the All-American to track down a rebound following a corner kick and zip the ball cleanly into the twine.

Whatever momentum LD picked up on Alwine’s score was quickly short-circuited four minutes later by a bit of CD soccer magic, a beautiful give-and-go combination that resulted in Kate Yurkovic’s second goal off a Jocelyn Weidner assist.

The two-goal cushion allowed CD coach Gregg Davis to notch up his team’s defensive stance and shutout LD in the second half.

Weidner sealed the deal with just over nine minutes to go in the contest when she was dragged down by a LD defender and awarded a penalty kick that she easily slipped past LD netminder Alwine.

CLICK HERE to read more in-depth game coverage from The Patriot-News.

Next up for the Rams is a first round game in the state championships this Tuesday, May 27, 7:30 pm against Easton back at Hersheypark Stadium.

Softball update ... CD lost to Waynesboro in the District 3 seminfinal game held Friday afternoon in Newville. CLICK HERE for details from The Patriot-News. (Coverage begins below the advertisement.)
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Photo credit: John Gayman

CD girls' soccer seek District 3 title tonight

CLICK HERE for a preview of tonight's PIAA District 3 AAA girls' soccer championship game between CD Rams and Lower Dauphin Falcons.

Please consider joining me at Hersheypark Stadium tonight at 7:30 pm to cheer on the Rams.
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NOTE: The photo was taken by John Gayman, an amateur photographer who photographs many, many CD sports events as a public service to the athletes, their parents and the community at large. Thanks for all you do, John!

Pictured is Allicia Yurkovic (#2 in white), one of CD's top offensive threats, fighting for the ball in Tuesday's District 3 semifinal against Berks County's Wilson at Hersheypark Stadium. The photo is an award-winner in my book.

Linglestown hump day update

Today’s top story … CD defeated Wilson 1-0 in Tuesday night’s semifinal of the PIAA District 3 girls’ soccer playoffs at Hersheypark Stadium. Allison Snyder (pictured), who has an amazingly strong right foot, scored the winning goal off a restart from 25 yards out. CLICK HERE for a game report by Michael Bullock of The Patriot-News.

The win earns the Lady Rams a trip to the District 3 title game against the always tough Lower Dauphin Falcons this Friday, 7:30 pm at Hersheypark Stadium. Go Rams!

CD athlete honored … CD wrestling star Walter Peppelman was selected as the 2008 male Travers Award winner at the 27th annual M&T Bank John Travers luncheon Tuesday at the Hilton Harrisburg. This prestigious award is given in honor of John Travers, the late Patriot-News executive sports editor who championed the efforts of high school-student athletes. CLICK HERE for more from The Patriot-News.

More CD need-to-know news … The CD school board Monday evening OK’d a tentative no-tax-increase budget and a new five-year contract with the teachers union. Get more details courtesy of T.W. Burger of The Patriot-News by CLICKING HERE.

Juveniles arrested for abducting girl … Lower Paxton Township police responded Monday afternoon to 5400 block of Pond Road to investigate a report of a van pulling up to a female walking along the roadway. A caller told police that two white males grabbed the female and pulled her into the van that had a third white male behind the wheel. The caller provided dispatchers with a description of the vehicle and direction of travel.

Uniformed police officers and detectives responded to the area and located the vehicle in the Four Seasons development. The juveniles told officers at the scene that they knew the girl and wanted to talk to her.

Officers informed the juveniles that a series of attempted abductions had recently occurred in the area, causing police and the caller to view the incident as a possible dangerous situation. The three juvenile males were charged with disorderly conduct, which is a summary offense that carries a maximum fine of up to $300 plus costs.

Monday’s big event … The annual Linglestown Memorial Day Parade will be held Monday, May 26 starting at 1 pm. In my opinion, one of the best spots to hang out is along Balthaser Street at Koons Park.

The parade usually forms at the American Legion and travels down Blue Eagle Avenue to Balthaser Street, goes past Koons Park on Balthaser Street, turns left onto Linglestown Road to the square, and ends at Koons Park.

This is a great smalltown U.S.A. way to honor those who sacrificed their lives defending our country.
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Photo credit: John Gayman

CD advances in soccer tourney

Updated Sunday, May 18 at 9 am

By Bill Bostic

MANCHESTER, York County – CD girls' soccer team socked Penn Manor 4-0 Saturday evening in a PIAA District 3 AAA quarterfinal game in at Northeastern H.S.

The Rams got off to a quick start with Jocelyn Weidner (pictured) netting the first of her three goals before 10 minutes of play had elapsed. She scored again 27 minutes into the first 40-minute half from the left side of the penalty box off a nifty feed from Kate Yurkovic.

In the second half at the 11-minute mark, Rams sophomore midfielder Sarah Dowhower floated a shot over the Comets' goalkeeper from just outside the penalty box on the left flank. Eight minutes later Weidner achieved a hat-trick from point-blank range when the ball landed on her foot after pinballing around the box following a corner kick by Allison Snyder.

CD's defenders and midfielders did a great job of bottling up the Comets in their half of the field, allowing Rams goalkeeper Amy Gouldner to get a shutout win without being serverely tested.

CLICK HERE for in-depth game coverage by Michael Bullock of The Patriot-News that includes a play-by-play description of Weidner’s first tally. (I was trying to find the stadium at the time of the goal.)

Next up for the second-seeded Rams is a semifinal match-up Tuesday, 5:30 pm against sixth-seeded Wilson at Hersheypark Stadium.

Other sports … Gazette congrats go out to CD senior Anna Muzio and junior Jason Shirk for winning gold Saturday at the District 3 Track and Field Championships contested at Shippensburg University. Muzio was best in the shot put competition (40-71/2), and Shirk was tops in the javelin for the second straight year, throwing 196-7 on his last attempt. … CD seniors Jocelyn Weidner (field hockey, soccer) and Walter Peppelman Jr. (wrestling) are in the running for the prestigious M&T Bank John Travers Awards. ... CD boys volleyballers begin District 3 tournament play Monday, 6 pm at Central York H.S. against Warwick out of Lancaster County.
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Photo credit: John Gayman

CD sports – postseason action

Girls’ soccer … The Lady Rams whipped the Chambersburg Trojans for the third time this season by a count of 3-0 to advance in the District 3 AAA tourney. Kate Yurkovic (pictured, #10 in white) buried two second-half scores and Allye Landis polished off an Allison Snyder corner to top off the scoring for the Rams (16-2-0). Amy Gouldner (3 saves) pitched her 12th shutout for CD. Up next for the second-seeded Rams is a quarterfinal match-up with seventh-seeded Penn Manor at Northeastern H.S. tomorrow, Saturday, May 17 at 5:30 pm. Source Link

Boys’ volleyball … In the Mid-Penn Volleyball Championships, CD defeated Carlisle 3-1 to advance to the title match, but got knocked off by always-tough Cumberland 3-1 in the finale. CLICK HERE for a tournament report by The Patriot News.

Upcoming games … Monday, May 19, CD baseball vs. Chambersburg in District 3 Tournament at Shippensburg, 4 pm ... Tuesday, May 20, CD softball vs. Exeter Township in District 3 Tournament at Brightbill Park, 6:30 pm.
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Photo credit: John Gayman

Lady Rams lose soccer title game in OT

By Bill Bostic

COLONIAL PARK (May 8) – CD girls' soccer team was sent to defeat Thursday night in the Mid-Penn Conference championship game at Landis Field on a 30-yard blast by Hershey's Molly Briggs in the first overtime period. Briggs' shot just cleared the outstretched arms of CD senior goalkeeper Amy Gouldner (pictured). Prior to overtime, the teams played 80 minutes of scoreless soccer.

Just prior to Briggs' game-winning goal, Rams forward Kate Yurkovic set up high-scoring Jocelyn Weidner for a clean shot that the goalkeeper Kate Wagner for the undefeated Hershey Trojans stopped by stretching out along the line to smother.

In the first half, the Rams came oh so close to a goal when Allicia Yurkovic chipped the ball from point-blank range just over the crossbar. Jocelyn Weidner created the scoring chance by fighting off a Hershey defender to create just enough space to get off a centering pass to Yurkovic.

CD caught a break in the 13th minute of the second half when a Hershey player broke clear in the penalty box and sent a shot wide right.

In the final minute of regulation play, the referee caught some flack from CD backers by allowing play to continue after CD forward Kate Yurkovic appeared to be tripped from behind while chasing down a ball inside the Hershey penalty box.

"We had quality chances to score, but we couldn't put them away," CD skipper Gregg Davis told The Patriot-News.

"And when you don't, it leaves you susceptible," added Davis, pointing to Briggs' game-winner.

The Rams ended their conference season with an overall record of 15-2. Next up are the PIAA District 3 playoffs that most likely will start next week.
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Photo credit: John Gayman
Source Link

Lady Rams headed to Mid-Penn soccer title game

Updated 5/7/08 with quote from CD Coach Gregg Davis ...

By Bill Bostic

COLONIAL PARK, Pa. (May 6) – Central Dauphin Rams girls’ soccer team Tuesday evening steamrolled the Waynesboro Maidens 5-0 at Landis Field in a Mid-Penn Conference tournament game.

Kate Yurkovic (pictured) banged in a pair of goals, and Allicia Yurkovic, Allye Landis and Jocelyn Weidner each netted one.

"We needed a game to get things back together and start knocking the ball around," CD coach Gregg Davis told The Patriot-News. "Cumberland Valley forced us out of that. Tonight we were able tocontrol the middle third, knock the ball around, get numbers forward and finish some chances early."

The win moves CD into the conference championship game against the undefeated Hershey Trojans on Thursday, 7 pm at Landis Field.
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Photo credit: John Gayman

CD girls’ soccer winning streak ends

After ripping off 14 straight wins this season, the Lady Rams soccer team butted up against a mountain too tall to climb Thursday evening in the Cumberland Valley Eagles, losing 3-1 in a game played on the West Shore. Allye Landis (pictured) scored the lone goal for CD.

The Eagles’ win resulted in the two teams sharing the Mid-Penn Commonwealth Division crown. By way of a tiebreaker, the Rams (11-1 division, 14-1 overall) will represent the division in the Mid-Penn’s tournament of champions on Tuesday against Waynesboro, probably at Landis Field.

According to a story in The Patriot-News, CD had several scoring chances but CV’s goalkeeper had a hot hand and was able to stave off a comeback by the Rams.

“Give them credit, they deserved to win the game,” CD coach Gregg Davis told The Patriot-News. “They gave effort all over the field. There were 11 players getting after it and working for each other.”

In other Thursday action, CD boys' volleyball team lost a heartbreaker to archrival Cumberland Valley in a match that went the full five games (25-23, 20-25, 26-24,18-25 and 13-15). Despite the loss, the Rams (4-3 division, 9-4 overall) have qualified for the Mid-Penn Tournament. … In track, CD boys' and girls' teams topped CD East and Bishop McDevitt in a tri-match.
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Photo credit: John Gayman

CD sports: Lady Rams slay Colts in soccer

By Bill Bostic

LEMOYNE (April 26) – The Central Dauphin girls' soccer team blanked the Cedar Cliff Colts 3-0 Saturday in a Mid-Penn Commonwealth Division matchup contested in Lemoyne. The Rams are the top-ranked team in Pennsylvania with a 10-0 divisional record, 13-0 overall.

CD had several scoring opportunities in a scoreless first half, including three free kicks fairly deep in Cedar Cliff territory.

The second half was a different story, as Allicia Yurkovic banged one home off a fast break that started from the half's opening touch.

High-scoring Jocelyn Weidner then netted one off a corner kick in ninth minute. Two minutes later, Weidner scored again after receiving a nice volley into the box from the midfield area.

CD's defense threw up a brick wall in front of senior goalkeeper Amy Gouldner, who was never severely challenged.

Player spotlight: Allison Snyder (pictured, #25 in green jersey) is a senior who anchors the Ram’s backline and handles most of the team’s restarts. Click the picture to see a larger version.

Results from other sports … In track and field, defending state javelin champion Justin Shirk of CD placed third in the high school boys' event at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia. He had a best throw of 195 feet, 11 inches. Brandon Heroux of Westfield, N.J., won with a 202-foot effort. … On the diamond, Chambersburg edged CD 5-3 Friday in Chambersburg. Rams center fielder Tom Healy had three hits and scored twice. … In softball Friday, Chambersburg pulled even with CD atop the Mid-Penn Commonwealth Division standings after handing the Rams their first loss, 8-4.
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Source Link (track and field); Source Link (baseball, softball)

Photo credit: John Gayman

CD girls’ soccer bounces Chambersburg

By Bill Bostic

COLONIAL PARK (April 20) – Off a strong second-half effort, the Lady Rams notched their tenth straight win this season by slapping the Chambersburg Trojans 5-0 Saturday on the artificial turf at Landis Field.

Neither team mustered much offensive pressure in a scoreless first half. With the wind at their backs, the Trojans controlled the ball much of half but couldn’t break through CD's backline. CD's best chance came on a run by Allicia Yurkovic that ended with the ball clanking off the post.

CD quickly displayed its firepower by scoring in lightning-quick fashion in the second half, starting with a goal in the 6th minute of play by Jocelyn Weidner who used some fancy footwork to create space for the shot. Less than 3 minutes later, Allicia Yurkovic deposited one in the back of the net after the Trojan’s goalie mishandled the ball. Yurkovic bagged a second goal on a breakaway off a wind-aided kick by Rams goalkeeper Amy Gouldner.

Sarah Burkhardt (pictured in white jersey) closed out the scoring with two goals, including a 30-yard howitzer that found the top of the Chambersburg net.

Recap of other action … Jessie Probst was 2-for-4, including a grand slam, to lift CD's softball team to a 9-0 victory Friday over Cumberland Valley. Probst also picked up the four-hit shutout victory. ... Behind four RBIs by Billy Felo and three hits by Sam Nott, CD's baseball team slammed Cumberland Valley 12-3 Friday. Felo earned the decision, allowing five hits in five innings. Andrew Roman and Nate Shroy chipped in two hits apiece for the Rams. On Saturday, State College sneaked by the Rams 10-9.– The Patriot News

Source Link (softball); Source Link (baseball)

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Photo credit: John Gayman

Enter first-ever Gazette contest

It's Wednesday, and that means the highly-acclaimed weekly feature Hump Day News 'N Notes is headed your way.

Name-that-street contest … Gazette reader George submitted a good idea for a contest related to yesterday’s Linglestown Video Postcard. Check out the video and make a list of the streets and/or locations shown in the photos and video clips. CLICK HERE to submit you entry via e-mail. The reader with the most correct answers will win a cup o’ Joe at St. Thomas Roasters. Deadline for entering is Friday, March 28 at midnight. Good luck!

War of words … A gigantic debate about Wal-Mart has broken out on the Linglestown forum at PennLive.com, see thread # 347.

Got the Comcast blues … The furor over Comcast switching to digital TV seems to be getting more confusing by the day for those of us who haven't coughed up big bucks to get a digital high-definition television. According to a letter to the editor that appeared in today’s The Patriot-News (scroll down to the second item entitled “Cable requirement”), customers who aren’t using digital TVs will need a converter box to view channels 21 through 78 after the HDTV transition takes place next February.

The Comcast rep who I talked with today couldn't verify what channels would be moved over to a digital feed. I ordered a free-for-a-year converter box during the call.

CD High School news …

* Gazette congratulations go to Alicia Kless for being named student-of-the-month for March by the Colonial Park Rotary Club.

* Did you take a tour Tuesday night of the newly renovated Linglestown Middle School. If not, CLICK HERE for details provided by Diana Fishlock of The Patriot-News.

* State police reported today that a 15-year-old female student at Central Dauphin High School has been placed in Schaffner Youth Center after carrying a knife to school Tuesday. Word on the streets is that the student may have been involved with the gunshots fired near the village Sunday night.

CD Rams sports …

On the diamond, three hits by Sam Nott and three RBIs from Billy Felo headlined CD’s 14-5 decision over Palmyra. Zach Seaman added four runs scored to aid game-winner Nate Shroy.

In girls' soccer, CD opened its campaign with a stylish 4-0 victory at perennial District 11-AAA power Emmaus. The Yurkovic sisters, Allicia and Kate, combined for two goals and three assists for the Rams, who claimed a share of last spring's PIAA Class AAA title.

Moving to boys' volleyball, Nick Sheleman posted 17 kills and Jon Lutz chipped in 14 more to pace CD to a 3-1 blitz of Northern, my alma mater.

Sports Source Link

Tuesday tidbits

* On the floor of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Rep. Ron Marsico today recognized the Central Dauphin High School girls' soccer team for being crowned state co-champions last spring.


* Today’s The Patriot-News has a disturbing editorial about the culture at the tax collection bureau that serves residents in the Linglestown area and other communities in the Harrisburg region. Kudos to CD school director Justin McShane (pictured) for taking a stand for taxpayers.