Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why a Harrisburg middle school went into lockdown Thursday morning

And on the Harrisburg Patch calendar - Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

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Friday December 19th Patch AM
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Greetings Harrisburg! We’re your go-to source for what’s happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why a Harrisburg middle school went into lockdown Thursday morning
  • What could a new $50K grant change in downtown Harrisburg?
  • Which Harrisburg singers landed 2026 Farm Show anthem honors?

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons and 3 more events.

Find out what's happening in Harrisburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one astronaut stranded on the moon say to another? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Find out what's happening in Harrisburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: A couple of showers; windy, with a high of 55 and low of 26 degrees.
  • Saturday: Some sun, then clouds; colder, temps: high: 38, low: 34.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny and windy, with a high of 43 and low of 23 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Harrisburg academy temporarily locked down after weapon threat (local21news.com) — Marshall Math Science Academy in Harrisburg briefly went into lockdown Thursday morning after a student allegedly threatened to bring a weapon on a school bus. District officials and Harrisburg Police investigated, found no credible threat, lifted the lockdown by 9 a.m., and confirmed all students and staff were safe and back in class.
   

2. Economic development committee approves $50K grant for downtown Harrisburg revival efforts (pennlive.com) — Downtown Harrisburg’s revival is getting a boost from a $50,000 grant approved by the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority to support a new revitalization plan. The money, combined with state and city funds and managed by CREDC, will hire a consultant to focus first on downtown’s business losses, then expand economic development across the city.
   

3. Who will sing the National Anthem at the 2026 PA Farm Show? (abc27.com) — Harrisburg will again host the Pennsylvania Farm Show, and several Harrisburg-area singers and school choirs have been chosen to perform the National Anthem throughout the 2026 event. Local performers from Central Dauphin High School, Susquehanna Township Middle School, and a Harrisburg soloist will take the GIANT Expo Hall stage on different mornings, alongside winners from across the state.
   

4. Harrisburg's Tent City residents get free meals thanks to beloved local chef (abc27.com) — Harrisburg’s Tent City residents are getting chef-quality, no-cost meals every Wednesday from a retired local restaurateur known simply as Chef Tom. With help from teen volunteers and a local beautician offering free haircuts, the weekly outreach brings warmth, dignity, and a sense of community to unhoused neighbors facing tough circumstances.
   

5. Bishop McDevitt wrestling drops just three matchups, beats Harrisburg for big win (pennlive.com) — Harrisburg High’s wrestling team fell 58-14 to Bishop McDevitt, dropping the Cougars to 2-1 on the season after winning just two individual bouts. McDevitt dominated early with a string of pins and never relinquished control, while Harrisburg’s Malik Popoola delivered the team’s final win of the night.
   

📸 Around Harrisburg

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Juniper Village at Mount Joy Hosts Festive "Dessert with Santa" Celebration —Sofia Fiorita Read on Patch
  • Lawmakers and Advocates Call on Pennsylvania to take a lead in Legionnaires' Disease prevention —Travis Akin Read on Patch
  • I am stronger than the chapters that tried to break me.
    I am walking proof that survival turns into strength. Even when life felt heavy, I kept going — and that matters. I am deserving of stability, peace… (Nextdoor Montrose Park)
  • 🦷AFFORDABLE DENTAL CLEANING🦷
    Hello!! I am entering my last semester of dental hygiene school and looking for patients who have been told they need a “deep dental cleaning” or… (Nextdoor N Cameron St)
  • @CBS21News RADAR UPDATE: Steady rain continues overnight. With rain and melting snow, watch for flooded areas! (X: TOMRUSSELLCBS21)
  • Legislation to make state funding available for local bridge projects was approved by the Senate. It would give counties the flexibility they need to... (X: PASenateGOP)
  • Jetro Restaurant Depot posted a job opening for Porter in Harrisburg. Apply here.
  • Walmart posted a job opening for Baker and Packager Associate in Harrisburg. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Harrisburg here.

Ok Harrisburg! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t think you know the gravity of this situation.
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