Lancaster County Newsletter

This month, Lancaster County District Attorney Heather Adams came before the Board of Commissioners seeking approval to apply for federal funding that will aid in combatting Human Trafficking in Lancaster County. 

The $349,000 grant, if awarded, will provide additional resources for the District Attorney's Digital Forensics Unit (DFU) and the Human Trafficking Task Force. These resources include a new DFU mobile laboratory that is used during the execution of search warrants, additional training, additional software and equipment and money for the reimbursement of overtime for our municipal partners.

This month, the Board of Commissioners continued their tradition of hosting meetings across Lancaster County's 60 municipalities and held their September 17th meeting in Christiana Borough. 

The Commissioners were joined by Christiana Borough Council Members, the Borough Manager and local residents who spoke about the current projects in the Borough and the history of the borough. This history includes the 175th Anniversary of the Christiana Riot, which many believe to be the unofficial first battle of the Civil War. 

On July 25th, 2021, the Lancaster County Coroner’s Office responded to an area just north of Ely Island in the Susquehanna River within Conoy Township for skeletal remains found by a local duck hunter who had been out checking his blinds.

On August 20th, 2021, a forensic anthropologist assessed the remains, confirming them to be human, and
determined they were consistent with an adult male but due to having only partial remains the cause and manner of death could not be determined nor could the individual be identified. Over the next few years, the Coroner's Office received numerous tips on individuals who were missing but all were eventually ruled out. 

In May of 2024, the Coroner's Office partnered with the DNA Doe Project which used genetic genealogy to try and find a connection. Genetic genealogy uses historical family records to find biological links between people and the remains. The Coroner's Office spent the next two years working with various labs around the Country attempting a successful DNA extraction from the skeletal remains. Extraction was finally successful in January of 2026 and a genetic profile was able to be established to help identify the remains. 

The Coroner's Office, working with the Doe Project's genetic genealogists, were able to trace the genetic profile to an adult male who had disappeared from Lewistown, PA in 2017. The Coroner's Office worked with local law enforcement, connected with the potential family of the missing individual and were able to achieve a 99.99% match in DNA, allowing them to finally make a positive ID on the remains. 

What started as unknown skeletal remains by the Susquehanna River was able to turn into a positive ID and closure for a family thanks to the work and commitment of the Lancaster County Coroner's Office. 

The Lancaster County Commissioners joined the Gen. George H. Thomas, Lancaster Camp of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War to rededicate the gravesite of General John F. Reynolds at the Lancaster Cemetery.

General John F. Reynolds was born in Lancaster County in 1820. Appointed to the United States Military Academy by then Senator and future President James Buchanan, he quickly rose the ranks and commanded troops in many notable battles throughout the Civil War. 

At one point, General Reynolds was offered command of the entire Army of the Potomac but declined out of a refusal to accept political or bureaucratic influence from Washington into his military operations. 

General Reynolds perished during the Battle of Gettysburg, making him the highest ranking soldier to be killed in Gettysburg. He was widely regarded as one of the most brilliant military minds and recognized by both Confederate and Union Armies to be one of the most distinguished generals. 

The plot at the Lancaster Cemetery is one of many gravesites of former soldiers from Lancaster County history. The Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War worked to restore the gravesite and ensure that this history is available for future generations. 

The latest class of Correctional Officers & Treatment Staff graduated from their training program this month, ready to join the team at the Lancaster County Prison. 

The 8-week intensive training prepares the officers to operate within the facility in a safe and professional manner, build positive relationships with their fellow officers and inmates and how to keep the facility and inmates secure. Their training will be ongoing as they begin their career with the County. 

Each year the month of September is recognized nationally as Suicide Prevention Month. This month, the County Commissioners, alongside Lancaster County's Behavior Health & Developmental Services Team recognized Suicide Prevention Month at Mental Health America's Suicide Prevention Conference and 988 Day at the County Crisis Center. 

988 Day is dedicated to spreading awareness of the County's 988 & Crisis Hotlines. 

The County Crisis Line (717-394-2631) and 988 are valuable resources not just for individuals contemplating suicide but anyone who is struggling with their mental health. They are not just for individuals experiencing a mental health emergency but available to anyone who has a concern for someone. 

The County's Crisis Intervention Team are the ones responsible for answering those calls. From 2025 - 2026, Crisis Intervention fielded nearly 35,000 calls and spoke with individuals for a total of 580,000 minutes. That is the equivalent to 400 consecutive days of conversation. 

Crisis Intervention speaks with individuals and is able to connect them to the services they need. Their work has saved lives in Lancaster County. 

You can learn more about the services provided by Lancaster County BHDS by visiting their webpage. 

Lancaster County is preparing for Election Day on Tuesday, November 3rd. 

This year's Election features races including for Pennsylvania Governor, Representative in Congress, State Senate and State House. 

Additionally, this November's Ballot will feature a referendum question for all Lancaster County voters on whether or not a separate property tax on all taxable properties in the County should be created to provide funding to Lancaster County libraries. 

Sample Ballots for each polling precinct are available online. 

Early In Person Mail Ballot Voting

Early In Person Mail Ballot Voting will be available October 7 - October 27 at the Board of Elections Office Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm

Extended Hours Early In Person Mail Voting and Ballot Drop Off Days:

October 15 - 8:30am - 7:00pm

October 20 - 8:30am - 7:00pm

October 21 - 8:30am - 7:00pm

Extended Ballot Drop Off Days:

October 29 - 8:30am - 7:00pm

October 30 - 8:30am - 8:00pm

October 31 - 8:00am - 11:00am

November 3 - 7:00am - 8:00pm

In-Person Voting at the Polls

On Election Day, polls will be open from 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM

You can find your polling place online here.

Key Dates

October 19 –  Last day to register to vote or update current voter registration

October 27 –  Last Day to request a Mail Ballot

November 3 –  General Election 

You can check your voter registration status online here.