Christkindlmart brings taste of Europe to Dillsburg

By Mary Lou Bytof

Dill’s Tavern and the entire Northern York County Historical and Preservation Society property was transformed this past weekend into an oldfashioned, German-style Christkindlmart.

Filled with vendors selling artisan crafts, woodworking and needlework demonstrations, and authentic food and drink from the time period in which the Dill and Eichelberger families operated the tavern, the event ran Friday evening, Dec. 14 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and resumed on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Disregarding the pouring rain and bitter wind, people gathered at the tavern, barn and wheelwright buildings as well as at the outdoor booths situated in the muddy, straw-covered yard. They asked questions of local craftsmen and purchased some unique gifts for family and friends.

Photo by Mary Lou Bytof

Tavern keeper Murray Small pours a cup of mulled wine.

Budget, property issues addressed

By Mary Lou Bytof

At its final meeting of the year, the Dillsburg Borough council last Tuesday unanimously passed a $1,047,910 budget. The majority of the income will come from $768,950 in tax revenue.

Estimated expenses total 1,047,705, leaving a net income of $205 for the new year. According to the new budget, the largest expenses are as follows: the public works department ($238,332.59), public safety ($315.075), police services ($225,175) and general government expenses ($222,225).

For the third time this year, the council granted a time extension for the Northern York County Historical and Preservation Society land development plan for the property located at 250 North Route 15. The council unanimously approved the extension until January 31, 2019 to allow the organization time to rectify “certain deficiencies and matters of incompleteness” in the plan.

Lack of help, volume leads to recycling end

By Peggie Williams

Franklin Township supervisors announced the closing of their recycling facility at their December meeting effective the end of the year.

Reasons given for the action include a lack of volunteers and a dwindling volume of items coming into the facility since the beginning of recycling pick-up under the new trash contract. They publicly thanked Joanne Trygg and the group of dedicated volunteers for their years of service.

Supervisors once again tabled a decision on who will mow the township grounds and parks in 2019. One bid was opened at last month’s meeting, but supervisors wanted to compare that figure with the cost of hiring a part-time employee for the job. Uncertainty over the accuracy of the figures presented this month led to tabling the decision one more month. Currently the road crew does all the mowing.

Polar Bears defeat Trinity; Tri-meet to open 2019

By Joe Guty

After a two-week holiday break, the Northern H.S. Swimming and Diving teams return to competition to host York Suburban H.S. and Schuylkill Valley H.S. on Saturday, Jan. 5. However, taking care of business first, the Polar Bears closed out December and 2018 with some outstanding early-season performances.

As expected, this past Tuesday's Mid Penn Colonial Division skirmish against Trinity/Camp Hill lived up to the hype when these rival teams meet each season. Head Coach Bill Resser called the Northern teams' effort and achievements “inspiring” as the Girls squad posted a 107- 73 win and the Boys team claimed a 107-69 victory.

Shawn Cutright finished fourth in the Boys 200-Yard IM with a time of 2:30.20.

Lady Bears to face Buchanan

By Joe Guty

Northern is slated to face James Buchanan H.S. in a crucial Mid Penn Colonial Division road game this Friday, Dec. 21. The Lady Polar Bears will then have two weeks off before resuming play on January 2. On Monday, Dec. 17, the Lady Polar Pears hosted Susquehannock H.S. in a non-conference contest. The Lady Warriors from the York-Adams League took control with a 59-22 in. With the loss, Northern falls to 2-3 on the year.

Photo by Curt Werner

Quinlyn Fisher drives to the basket in second quarter action.