Good morning, Lancaster.

St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Manheim Township will hold the Guns to Gardens event on Saturday, Sept.

26 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. where residents can safely dispose of unloaded firearms and receive gift cards while local blacksmiths convert dismantled pieces into garden tools.

The School District mourns 7th grader Javeson Flory, a star soccer player and wrestler who died after an asthma attack, and honors his memory with the 'Play for Jay' campaign that raised over $26K for youth tournaments; it also grieves 3rd grader Claire McDonald, who died in a car accident.

Vera Bradley will open a new 2,509 sqft store next month at Tanger Outlets Lancaster in East Lampeter Township near Polo Ralph Lauren + New Balance.

The store strengthens Lancaster County’s retail mix for shoppers seeking familiar brands.

Families and friends can enjoy the 107th Ephrata Fair happening this week, which began in 1919 to honor returning soldiers.

The fair (featuring food, rides, and games) will remain open through Saturday as a cherished community tradition.

The Alpha and Omega Community Center in Lancaster offers English classes for Hispanic residents to boost work communication and growth.

Teacher Danny Gingrich — with 20 years of experience — and pastor Joel Peña connect learners with donated laptops and resources to build a global community.

Raven Ridge Wildlife Center in Lancaster County is treating two eagles for lead poisoning and urges hunters to switch to non-lead ammunition before hunting season begins.

Wildlife experts cite cost differences (a $13 box of lead shot versus $45 to $50 for alternatives) as a barrier to the switch.

A&M Composting must pay over $700,000 in civil penalties following DEP’s consent order for wastewater violations tied to fires at its Lancaster County facility, and the company cannot resume processing waste until its facility meets air, water and waste permit standards.

Health officials confirmed 835 measles cases across 39 counties through Sept.

21, with 43 new cases and 164 hospitalizations. Vaccination clinics are scheduled soon to help protect residents.

National Child Passenger Safety Week runs Sept.

20-26, and AAA Central Penn is sharing updated tips to help drivers secure car seats correctly for young children. Experts advise ensuring harnesses fit properly to reduce common mistakes and urge caretakers to check seat manuals for guidance.

Lancaster-Lebanon League defensive stats through week 4 show Danny Shay (Annville-Cleona) with 49 tackles, Caleb Rice (Ephrata) with 48, and Christian Spencer (Northern Lebanon) with 47.

Leaders in tackles for loss, sacks, and interceptions are also listed.