Carlisle PA Strong

09/03/2025

For anyone who has a loved one with special needs, a medical condition or a mental health condition don’t forget to add them to the “Handle with Care Registry”.

Please complete this form to register special needs person with the Carlisle Police Department.

08/31/2025

Rattlesnakes in Carlisle:

June 9, 2025- Commissioner Kelly Neiderer warned “The Frog, Switch property is an active demolition site, and the public should stay away from it”

June 13, 2025- Rattlesnake report near McClarren Supply. (Claims there is a video but has not posted it publicly)

July 8, 2025- Fire at Frog & Switch in Building #2. REC Officials warn the public that site preparation activities are happening every day at the site and people should stay away from the site.

July 18, 2025- Rattlesnake found between McDonald’s and Wells Fargo (Photo Included)

July 24, 2025- Andrew Notarfrancesco, chair of The Real Estate Collaborative, told PennLive “There is a scrapping operation underway”. “About a half-dozen workers are working in the scrapping operation”. “The US Environmental Protection Agency is conducting a study”

August 23, 2025- Rattlesnake found at Stan’s Beverage (Photo included)

August 29, 2025- Frog & Switch representatives request PA Fish
and Game Commission to do an assessment

*Claims of other rattlesnake/snake sightings with little details or photos: near the courthouse, near Mock Mays, and a baby rattlesnake in the East High St area.

Multiple people claim the county sent an email to employees informing them of the rattlesnakes and/or possible rattlesnake den being disturbed. The emails were prior to social media posts about the den. (Email has not been posted or released)
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The rattlesnake issue has caused quite a stir in Carlisle. While there may not be a disturbed “rattlesnake den” at Frog & Switch there have been several credible rattlesnake encounters in the borough of Carlisle.
This post is for those who genuinely want to know without the drama, sarcasm and insults. (Any rude comments will be deleted) If there are any other reports with photos/videos we will post updates.
I have included photos of information from PA Fish & Boat Commission on Timber Rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania.

If you encounter a rattlesnake call:
PA Fish and Boat Commission
1704 Pine Rd
Newville, PA 17241
717-486-7087

10/30/2023

📍Will CARLISLE SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES CASD Team for Change or Citizens for Carlisle Schools put STUDENTS before wealthy non-profits like Dickinson College?

Implementing a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) program could generate Millions in tax revenue per year for the Carlisle School District. Negotiating with wealthy non-profits to pay their fair share.

📍Dickinson College has a substantial NEGATIVE financial impact on the Carlisle School District. (over $1.7 Million per year)

📍CASD 2019 Budget calculations:
393 tax-exempt properties = $721 Million (Assessed value)
$721 Million x .0144716 mill rate = $10 Million in lost tax revenue to Carlisle School District

The Carlisle School District Board Budget and Finance Committee previously included in its yearly budget proposal the total of Tax-Exempt Properties and the forgone tax revenue lost through tax-exempt properties. The Proposed Final Budget of the 2019-2020 Fiscal Year dated May 9, 2019, prepared by the Board Budget and Finance Committee is the most recent data reported. Subsequent proposed budgets did not include the forgone tax revenue lost through tax-exempt properties.

1. According to the May 9, 2019 budget proposal, 393 tax-exempt properties were located within the Carlisle School District. The assessed value of the properties was $721,765,500. The committee used a mill rate of .0144716 to calculate a forgone tax revenue of $10 Million ($10,445,102).

2. $10 Million dollars of lost revenue to the Carlisle School District in the 2019-2020 fiscal year because of tax-exempt properties.

📍”The Economic Impact of Dickinson College on Carlisle and Cumberland County, 2010” is a research project completed by Dickinson College’s Economics Department under Professor William Bellinger.https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED512393.pdf

1. The research project states, “the school district experiences a substantial net loss due to the presence of Dickinson College”. Dickinson’s net impact on the Carlisle School District calculates a substantial net loss due to the added tax burden of Dickinson College and employees on the school district. Dickinson College and employees added tax revenue of $1.4 million for the school district. The added revenue fails to meet the added tax burden of $2.1 million for the school district. Dickinson is a $716,442 tax burden on the Carlisle School District.

2. Additionally, the research project looked at the foregone tax revenue to the Carlisle School District due to Dickinson College’s tax-exempt properties. When calculating the foregone tax-revenue the assessed value method was used to analyze the effect of eliminating Dickinson’s tax-exempt status. They calculated the assessed value of properties owned by Dickinson College at $118,106,030. The researchers used a mill rate of .01433 to calculate a foregone tax revenue of $1.7 Million ($1,692,459).

3. “According to our findings using our preferred method, only the Carlisle Area School District suffers a noteworthy net loss due to the existence and tax status of Dickinson College, while the Borough and County governments experience very minor net fiscal effects”

4. “The college pays taxes on 40% of its properties, but relatively few of its larger campus facilities.” The researchers showed Dickinson paid $217,857 in Tax Revenue for the 2010 Fiscal Year to Carlisle School District.

Dickinson's Community Impact page shows they paid $198,708 in School Taxes in 2017. (Roughly $20,000 less then 2010)

📍STUDENTS FIRST📍

1. Should non-profits like Dickinson College build wealth while low-income students lack a basic education?

2. Should wealthy non-profits like Dickinson College continue receiving tax-free status if it results in students lacking a basic education, low teacher wages and continued tax increases for struggling residents?

3. Dickinson boasts "voluntary tax payments' but fails to address a $1.7 million dollar tax break directly effecting low income students and struggling residents. Why is this not addressed?

4. Which school board candidates will implement a formal PILOT program and negotiate with wealthy non-profits like Dickinson to pay their fair share?

07/28/2023

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=773598521438628&id=100063654609542&mibextid=qC1gEa

Registration is OPEN for our Adult Softball League, held in the fall. This co-ed recreational league is for all skills levels and abilities, ages 18+. It is individual registration & teams are formed by a draft.

To register, click here -
https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/carlislerec/activity/search/detail/3813?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true&locale=en-US

If you have played before and have interest in being a team captain, please contact Kelsey - [email protected].

02/01/2023

📍CARLISLE ICE FEST FEBRUARY 3-5📍

LIVE ICE CARVING with Members 1st Federal Credit Union: Saturday at 12pm by the Old Courthouse on the Square

1794 Whiskey Rebellion/Comfort Suites: Stop by the ICE BAR at 1794 Whiskey Rebellion during Ice Art Fest weekend! They are open: Friday from 4-10pm, Saturday from 11am-10pm. Closed on Sunday.

Anahata Yoga Studio & Boutique: Ice Fest Anniversary Open House! Come out and enjoy some sweet deals, check out the ice sculpture and the studio, and have a cup of tea & some treats. Special Store Hours: Fri, Feb 3, 12-8; Sat, Feb 4, 10-6; and Sun, Feb 5, 10-3. Extra 20% OFF of clothing Clearance Rack 20% OFF all Winter Candles; Essential Oils, buy one, get one 50% OFF; 10% OFF winter fragranced wax melts; 15% OFF all hoodies and sweatshirts

Boutique on Pomfret: Extended Hours: Friday & Saturday: 10am-8pm. Fall & Winter Clearance Sale with 25% off styles from Color Me Cotton, Little Journeys, Focus Fashions, Liv, Escape & More. Plus, hot cocoa bar benefitting Operation Veteran’s Hope in Mt. Holly Springs, by donation.

C-Luv Thrift: Extended Hours:Friday: 12-8pm, Saturday: 10am-8pm, Sunday: 12-5pm.

CALC: Juried exhibit “Beautifully Broken” in the G.B. Stuart Gallery, featuring photos, textiles, paintings & sculptures. The Upper Gallery showcases 10 years of ArtWorks and CONNECT Camp youth programming. The Member’s Artisan Gallery is also open. Friday & Saturday 10am-7pm, Closed Sunday.

Carlisle American Legion Post 101: “Winter Bazaar” indoor craft and gifts market on Saturday, February 4th from 9am-4pm, featuring many local crafters & artisans, roasted nuts, baked goods, coffee, hot cocoa, and a Selfie Photo Booth to capture your memories of the day. Sponsored by the Carlisle
American Legion Auxiliary.

Carlisle Antique Mall: Extended Hours: Friday: 10am-8pm, Saturday: 10am-6pm & Sunday: 10am-5pm.

Carlisle Creative Vibes: First Anniversary Celebration with extended Hours: Friday: 11am-9pm, Saturday: 9am-9pm, Sunday: 10am-5pm. Walk-In Mini Readings offered in our Vibe Lounge. Intuitive Readings & Tarot Readings (15 Min Each): Friday: 4-9pm & Saturday: 10am-9pm; Reiki Sessions (15 Min Each): Sunday: 10am-4pm; Glass Blowing Classes and Demos on Saturday from 12-6pm in our Rainbow Garden. Michael Peluso Glass will be hosting make & take classes at $40/person at 12pm, 2pm & 4pm with minimal tickets for each class; Free Full Moon Fire Ceremony Sunday at 5pm.

Carlisle Theatre: Visit the lobbies for free meet & greets with the Ice Queen & Princess of The Enchanted Teapot, Saturday, February 4 from 12-2pm. Stay for “The Pebble and the Penguin,” a chilly adventure for the whole family, beginning at 2pm!

Castlerigg Wine Shop: Don’t miss live music Ice Art Fest Weekend at Castlerigg Wine Shop! KIRK WISE – Friday night at 6pm and CINDY GORSKI – Saturday at 4pm!

Create-A-Palooza: Friday 12-8pm, Saturday 11am-8pm, Sunday 12-5pm. You, Me & Mugs: Make your favorite mug during Ice Art Fest!
Cumberland County Historical Society: Stop in at 21 N. Pitt St. to learn about the history of Cumberland County in our museum. A used book sale will also be going on inside our Todd Hall. Open until 4 pm Saturday.

Dan Collison: Extended Hours: Friday: 4-8pm, Saturday: 11am-5pm to accommodate a warming station with free hot chocolate and indoor conversations about insurance and/or Rotary for those who are interested. We’ll also have Frozen-themed facepainting on Saturday!

Earth Artisan & Outfitter: Welcome Back To Earth During Downtown Carlisle’s Ice Art Fest 2023! Earth Artisan & Outfitter reopens for the season during this wonderful winter weekend with a spectacular nature-inspired ice sculpture on the porch, extended hours, specials on select earth-based art, goods & gear and an eco-fundraiser in support of Life Wild & Free in the shop! Get Out & Get Here! Earth’s Ice Art Fest Hours: Friday: 12-7pm, Saturday: 11am-7pm, Sunday: 12-4pm.

Exquisite Chocolates: Extended Hours Friday: 11am-8pm, Saturday: 10am-8pm, Closed Sunday.
Grand Illusion: Escape with The MUNSTERS! 1313 Mockingbird Lane is now open! This 6-person (max), 1-hour long game allows you to experience the very best of this famous TV series as you find clues and solve puzzles alongside “America’s Favorite Family,” The Munsters. THERE’S NOTHING LIKE IT IN THE WORLD–WE GUARANTEE IT.
the greatest gift: Extended Hours: Friday 10-8, Saturday 10-6, Sunday 12-4 Ice Art Fest Sales: 30% Off Clearance, 30% Off Christmas Décor & 20% Off Sweaters

History on High: Nuno Felting beret demonstration on Saturday, February 4th from 10:30 to 2pm by Elaine Haag Designs. Free, no RSVP needed. Open 10-5 on Friday, and 10-4 on Saturday. Adjacent to History on High is the Cumberland Valley Model Railroad Exhibit, in the G.B. Stuart Workshop. Wonderful for all ages!

Hook & Flask Still Works: Drinks to go all weekend long! Ice luge shots of Whiskey or Apple Pie Moonshine happening Friday night and Saturday afternoon/evening. Sunday Brunch from 11am-2pm.

Marjorie’s Gems: The Diamond Dig is back! Tickets go on sale Friday to win an Antique 18K White Gold Edwardian Approximately 1 CTW Natural Diamond ring (Retail value $2195) Only 100 tickets will be sold at $20 each. Limited to 5 chances per person.

Market Cross: VIP Seating on Saturday, February 4th. VERY LIMITED! Call 717.258.1234 to reserve your 2 hour time slot. $100 for seating for 6 people at the fire pit out front with stand up heaters, bottle of Baileys, carafe of coffee and table service from our bartenders. Times start at 10:45am and run through 7:45pm.

No Common Scents: 10% off, Door Prizes. Our hours will be the usual, very early to very late!
The Penny Gallery at The Pond: Opening Weekend of the ICE BOX Gallery Show at the Penny Gallery! An exhibit of miniature artworks that fit within a 4” cube. Featuring works that vary in subject matter, material, form and aesthetic. Open Friday: 10am-6pm, Saturday: 10am-5pm and Sunday: 10am-2pm.

St. John’s on the Square: Selling hot chocolate to raise money for the youth pilgrimage this summer. Soup & Sandwich Sale on Friday, February 3rd from 5-8pm. Outside on sidewalk: soup, pretzel, coffee, hot chocolate. Inside seating: various homemade soups, grilled cheese, grilled ham and cheese, soft pretzel, hot chocolate, coffee and lemonade.
the clothesVine: Ice Art Fest Weekend Hours: Friday and Saturday: 10am-7pm and Sunday: 10am-3pm.

Thrivent/YWCA: Hot Cocoa-to-Go-Go… Free and available from 9am-5pm on Saturday… or while supplies last. Plus, alleyway chalk drawings and we will be taking donations for the YWCA of Carlisle and Cumberland County!

TUTTO: Friday 4-7 and Saturday 10-7 we will be open offering a free kids craft, cocoa for everyone, and venue open house. We will also be giving a free gift with purchase.

https://iceartfest.com/

10/18/2022

Cumberland County Trick or Treat Dates

08/03/2022

06/13/2022

https://local21news.com/news/local/police-looking-for-carlisle-assault-suspects?fbclid=IwAR3zEF2DuxU1oIEKZsuKbdgwLTX_gKDQSbLT5_Tx2PbmolUs4sB6nrNDJe4&fs=e&s=cl

Police are looking for two suspects of an assault that took place in Carlisle. Authorities say on June 3 at around 3 a. m. , police officers responded to the 1st block of W. High Street in Carlisle for an assualt. One of the pictured suspects assaulted a person on a bench at the Carlisle Square, whi...

06/05/2022

Local Fireman Carnival Schedule

05/05/2022

There is an active police investigation taking place at the Speedway located E. High St./York Rd. Please avoid the area.
UPDATE
It appears that just before 6am this morning there was a stabbing inside the Speedway. The victim is being treated for their injuries. Motive is unknown at this time as investigation is still ongoing. Investigators and forensic team are on scene.
The picture below is a vehicle of interest that was in the area at the time. If anyone believes they see this vehicle or have information regarding this incident they are encouraged to contact Carlisle Police Department at 717–243–5252 or submit a tip on our CRIMEWATCH.
UPDATE
We received the good news that the injured employee has been treated and released from the hospital. Motivation for the incident appears to Robbery. Forensic personnel are still collecting evidence from the scene and investigation is still ongoing as to suspect(s).

02/17/2022

Letter from Carlisle Borough Fire Chief addressing the fire at Walmart. Please share.