From the local record · September 2026

Community Notes

Local history keeps happening. These notes focus on Mount Union, Allenport, Shirleysburg, Atkinson Mills, Mapleton Depot, Mill Creek, Newton Hamilton and their immediate surroundings. They draw on The Daily News editions of September 10–19, 2026, with dates and sources preserved for the community record.

The bicentennial capsule returns above ground

Borough workers removed Mount Union’s bicentennial time capsule from the IOOF Cemetery on September 14, 2026. Buried on December 30, 1976, it preserves contributions from families, schools, businesses and civic organizations. The newspaper reported plans to open it at the Sharrar House on West Water Street on October 3 at 1 p.m., with food and a high-school band performance. See the community calendar.

Source: The Daily News, September 15, 2026, p. 1.

Playground work and the next phase at Diven Park

A county planning update reported completion of three pieces of playground equipment at Mount Union’s baseball-field park. Separately, officials identified a future phase of Diven Park work that would include pickleball and basketball courts and finishing the parking lot. Those future improvements were not reported as complete.

Source: The Daily News, September 18, 2026, pp. 1, 3.

A September 11 climb of remembrance

On September 11, 2026, participants in a memorial climb organized by Dennis Donelson carried the names of first responders killed in the 2001 attacks. The climb began at 8:46 a.m. Mount Union volunteer firefighters Gavin Taylor and Nicholas Stoner ascended in turnout gear. The remembrance concluded with names read aloud and a ceremonial bell supplied by Mapleton Fire Department.

Source: The Daily News, September 12, 2026, pp. 1, 3.

Shirley Township pump-replacement grant

The Shirley Township General Authority received a reported $73,326 grant toward replacing two sewage lift-station pumps. The award supports future infrastructure work; the report did not say the pumps had already been installed.

Source: The Daily News, September 17, 2026, p. 1.

Plan a visit or find a local service

Calendar additions include the September 25 Bricktown Elite golf fundraiser and October 3 Shirley Township cleanup. Explore the updated Mount Union directory.

September results: football, soccer, volleyball, cross-country and golf.