Carroll Valley Borough has received $700,000 from the state to assist in payment for upgrades to the municipal wastewater treatment plant.

According to a press release issued by state Senator Doug Mastriano, the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) recently approved the H2O PA funds upon a request submitted by the borough.

As part of the project, the municipality plans to construct a new control building, as well as a new ultraviolet disinfection system. Additionally, the treatment plant has not been able to process the load of waste being received and has had to pay to have the overburden transported to Harrisburg for disposal.

Overall, the existing plant was constructed in the 1970s. The PA Department of Environmental Protection recently notified officials that the plant was hydraulically overloaded and exceeded its useful life.

Mastriano stated. "As a state lawmaker, one of my main priorities is infrastructure. State grant dollars are highly competitive, so it is refreshing to see the CFA make this commitment …"

Liberty monitoring Steelman Marker

Municipal police issued a number of citations for making illegal left-hand turns at a township intersection in July, as well as for exceeding the speed limit.

Police Chief Sherri Hansen told the township supervisors at their August meeting that officers have been enforcing the no-left-turn law on Steelman Marker Road at Waynesboro Pike and there have been some citations issued. Hansen also noted that numerous speeding citations were also issued, because "speeding is also a problem there (through the Steelman-Waynesboro intersection)."

Regarding other enforcement actions, the chief reported that police conducted roving DUI patrols but made no DUI arrests. However, she stated, several drug and drug paraphernalia arrests were made as a result of the patrols.

Fairfield upgrading Village Hall

The Fairfield Borough Council has accomplished, or planning to address, a number of repairs to the Village Hall, notably dealing with doors and windows.

The council approved at their August meeting the awarding of a contract for the installation storm-windows in the amount of $9,016. The money will cover the costs of the windows, including their installation, and will begin in October.

Borough Secretary Susan Wagle said the windows are much-needed, and that during a recent storm, she noticed water coming into her office through the rear window, and water coming through the windows in the front during windy storms, "So this building will definitely benefit from the installation of storm windows."

Also being proposed is the replacement of the backdoor. Two quotes have been received. The council has held off awarding the work as it was felt additional details were needed in order to determine if the proposal was acceptable.

A broken windowpane was also recently replaced, and other interior maintenance tasks are planned.

Virus intensifying domestic, mental issues

Carroll Valley Borough Police Chief Richard Hileman recently informed the borough council that COVID-19-related responses have been on the rise.

During his monthly police report, Hileman stated, "You can see, we see a little bit of the COVID increase in domestic-related calls," adding "Our mental health calls are a little on the high side too, over what we would expect." (See related story on Page 4)

As far as area law enforcement agencies, the Gettysburg police have reported that one officer has thus far contracted the virus and required hospitalization. He is now recovering at home, according to Chief Hileman. County Commissioner Randy Phiel reported that a number of employees at the county Sheriff's Office have also tested positive for COVID-19 but has provided no current status on the health of the individuals.