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What Happened in Lancaster County this Month? |
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Lancaster County Controller Scott Wiglesworth takes the Oath of Office to be Sworn in as the County's Next Controller
Check out the latest edition of the Lancaster County Newsletter to learn what's happening in the County this month!
You can always stay up to date on public meetings, County business, events and more by visiting the Lancaster County Website.
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 Lancaster County's Recorder of Deeds and Controller are Sworn In
On Monday, January 5th Lancaster County held its inauguration ceremony for Recorder of Deeds Ann M. Hess, Esq. and Lancaster County Controller Scott Wiglesworth.
Ann Hess has held the position of Recorder of Deeds since 2018. The Recorder of Deeds Office is responsible for handling many documents, including deeds, mortgages, Powers of Attorney, leases, real estate agreements, charters of non-profit corporations, notary commissions, veterans’ discharge documents and more. While serving as the County's Recorder of Deeds, she has worked to digitize all of Lancaster County's historic records dating back to 1729. Access to these records is free to all without charge, making Lancaster County one of the only counties in Pennsylvania to do so. Learn more by visiting www.lancasterdeeds.com.
Scott Wiglesworth was sworn in as Lancaster County's newest Controller. The Controller supervises the fiscal affairs of the County including the accounts and official acts relating to all officers or other persons who shall collect, receive, hold or disburse the public dollars of the County. Prior to being elected to Controller, Scott previously served on the East Hempfield Township Board of Supervisors for eleven years, most recently as their Chairman. Throughout his time at East Hempfield, he oversaw several key projects including a $4 million police department expansion, two major bridge projects over Routes 283 and 30, extensive park improvements, a new park currently in development, a pioneering tax credit for volunteer firefighters, and dedicated scholarship funds to support first responders.
The Recorder of Deeds and Controller are both elected to serve four year terms.
Lancaster County Board of Commissioners Assignments for 2026
The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners, in keeping with a decade old tradition, reorganized at their first meeting of 2026. For the next two years, Commissioner Ray D'Agostino will chair the Board of Commissioners with Commissioner Josh Parsons serving as the Vice-Chair.
At the state level, Lancaster County continues to be a leader within the County Commissioner Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) with Commissioner Ray D'Agostino being selected to serve as the Chairman of the CCAP County Governance Committee. This role will provide assistance to CCAP and counties on governance and operations including the County Code and related Statutes. Commissioner D'Agostino was also appointed to serve on the CCAP Board of Directors, Policies & Resolution Committee and the Election Reform Committee.
Commissioner Alice Yoder was also appointed to serve on the Courts and Corrections Committee which helps shape CCAP and counties' positions and priorities on issues related to the court system, jails, and community corrections. Commissioner Yoder will also serve on CCAP's Human Services Committee and COMCARE Committee, which will focus on aiding County Behavioral Health programs and staff.
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Next Generation Farm Loan Program Kicks Off New Year with More Applicants
Picking up where 2025 left off, the Board of Commissioners approved four Next Generation Farmer Farm Loan Program applications in the first month of 2026. Next Generation Farm Loans, managed by EDC Lancaster, is one of the ways the County is successful in preserving its rich agricultural heritage. Not only is the County a leader in Farmland Preservation, but through the Next Generation Program, Lancaster County is a leader in preserving the farmer.
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Lancaster County Correctional Facility Project Team Presents Draft Design
To kick off the New Year, the Lancaster County Correctional Facility Project Team presented the latest design draft of the facility.
In addition to publishing the draft design presentation online, the Project Team offered three opportunities for members of the public to hear directly from the project team and view the presentation.
The project team reviewed what has been refined, updated or changes since the presentation of the Schematic Design, including an update on Public Safety, Cost and Inmate Services.
Residents are encouraged to provide feedback related to the project for the Board of Commissioners and Project Team. Visit the LCCF Project Website to view the draft design, learn more about the milestones achieved in the project and provide feedback.
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Lancaster County Sheriff & President Judge Present Life Saving Award to Sheriff's Office Sergeants and Deputies
In January, Lancaster County Sheriff Leppler, President Judge Brown and Judge McLaughlin presented 9 Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office employees with Lifesaving Awards in recognition of their team effort to save the life of a woman who experienced a cardiac event in Courtroom Two of the Lancaster County Courthouse on 6 October 2025.
Through swift action and reliance on their training, they were able to come to the aid of a participant of a court proceeding who was visibly in medical distress. Through a coordinated team effort, these individuals administered CPR, provided oxygen and utilized the Automated External Defibrillator to revive the individual and stabilize her until EMS Personnel arrived.
The Sergeants and Deputies recognized for their lifesaving actions are:
Sergeant Andrew Burkholder
Sergeant Trevor Daddis
Deputy Daniel Hartman
Deputy Caleb Jenkins
Deputy Andy Lan
Deputy Ian Lembo
Deputy Camren Ney
Deputy Dylan Palmer
Deputy Abbigail Wingert
The Sheriff's Office and the Courts were notified that the individual did recover from the incident.
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America250 Celebration Kicks Off in Lancaster
On Saturday, January 17th Lancaster County helped kick-off the year of celebrations recognizing the 250th anniversary of the America's independence.
Lancaster County partnered with America250 PA to celebrate with counties all across the commonwealth. Throughout the year, there will be several events, educational opportunities and more to highlight the history of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and the United States of America.
To learn more about events celebrating America250 check out the official America250 PA webpage.
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Lancaster County Prison Joins Bleed Blue Challenge
For the second year, the Lancaster County Prison joined Lancaster County Law Enforcement in participating in the Bleed Blue Challenge.
The Bleed Blue Challenge brings law enforcement and criminal justice organizations together to donate blood for those in need.
To kick off their entry to the competition, the Prison held a blood drive amongst staff including correctional officers, treatment staff and administration. Over 46 LCP team members donated blood.
As blood drives occur throughout the month of February, donors are able to participate in the challenge. To those donating blood who wish to contribute towards LCP's total donation amount, mention that you're giving blood on behalf of the Prison at any Lancaster General Health, Penn Medicine Blood Drive.
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Maple Sugaring Returns at Lancaster County Parks
One of Lancaster County Park's most popular programs returns this February with three, free-to-attend maple sugaring demonstrations.
Park Naturalists teach attendees about the history of production, tapping the trees, boiling sap over a fire in the
sugar shack, finishing the syrup and making candy. Participants are encouraged to complete this one-of-a-kind experience with a taste of freshly made maple sugar candy.
The Lancaster County Parks & Recreation host hundreds of programs annually for residents and parkgoers of all ages to attend. Last year, thousands of individuals participated in these programs ranging from nature walks to classroom activities.
To learn more or register for an upcoming program, check out their Spring 2026 Program Listing.
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