Last Week in Carlisle | September 14 through 20, 2026 | From Courtrooms to Craft Brews

Between high-stakes courtroom debates over local land, multi-million-dollar safety upgrades, and exciting weekend sports, things are moving fast across our borough. Here’s your quick look at the biggest stories from September 14 through September 20, 2026:

• $13 Million Radio Upgrade: Cumberland County approved brand-new emergency radios for police, fire, and EMS.
• PAX-1 Data Center Legal Battle: Five local couples challenged a proposed industrial data center in court.
• 10-Year County Lease Downtown: County operations are staying put on North Hanover Street.
• School Safety & Leadership: District leaders evaluated superintendent leadership and pushed forward on a new roundabout near Carlisle Middle School.
• “The Cove” Shelter Opens: Community CARES launched a round-the-clock shelter on South Spring Garden Street.
• “Pourhibition” Beer Trail Begins: A new digital craft beverage passport launched across the Cumberland Valley.
• Bison Football & Local Police Action: Carlisle High hosted Altoona, while borough officers quickly solved a downtown vehicle theft incident.
• Dickinson Athletics Weekend Sweep: Dickinson football scored a huge 40-21 victory at home alongside wins in field hockey and soccer.

First Responders Secure a $13 Million Radio Upgrade

Cumberland County commissioners officially approved a $13 million purchase of 3,765 Motorola Solutions P25 radio units to replace the aging L3 Harris Open Sky communication setup. This modern hardware will equip 10 county agencies and 76 partner organizations, including Carlisle’s police officers, firefighters, and EMS crews, with dependable lines when seconds count. The county is covering the upfront costs while partner groups reimburse their portion over time, all as part of an overarching $34.8 million regional network overhaul that modernizes 19 broadcast towers.

Residents Take the PAX-1 Data Center Battle to Court

A major courtroom showdown took place in Cumberland County Court on September 18 over the proposed PAX-1 data center in Middlesex. Five local couples went before a judge to halt the industrial development, voicing serious concerns over power grid strain, environmental damage, and increased traffic on neighborhood roads. With attorney Nathan Wolf speaking to community members following the hearing, this case serves as a critical test of how our region balances high-tech business expansion with farmland conservation and historic preservation.

County Government Locks In 10-Year Lease on North Hanover Street

Cumberland County secured long-term stability for downtown governance by signing a new 10-year lease for the Business Central property at 14–20 North Hanover Street. Working with landlord Freehold Enterprises, the agreement covers 8,832 square feet of county office space. While rent increases from $11.50 to $15.50 per square foot during the first year, it locks in a predictable 2% annual bump. Facilities Management Director Brent Durham emphasized that this deal keeps essential public services centralized and fully accessible right in our borough’s core.

Safer School Crossings and Leadership Reviews in Carlisle Schools

The Carlisle Area School Board tackled student safety and district direction during their September 17 meeting. The board completed the annual performance review of Superintendent Dr. Colleen Friend and approved regular staffing updates. Board members also reviewed updated engineering plans alongside PennDOT District 8 for a proposed traffic roundabout on Waggoners Gap Road right next to Carlisle Middle School, designed to untangle drop-off congestion and build safer pedestrian walkways for walking students.

“The Cove” Opens Round-the-Clock Shelter on Spring Garden

Local non-profit Community CARES officially opened “The Cove,” a brand-new 24/7 emergency shelter located at 230 South Spring Garden Street. Operating continuously since September 16, the facility delivers low-barrier temporary housing and on-site professional social work support for both local men and women. By providing around-the-clock shelter rather than basic overnight beds, the program gives vulnerable neighbors a steady foundation to transition into permanent homes ahead of a formal dedication ceremony later this month.

“Pourhibition” Digital Beer Trail Launches Across Cumberland Valley

The Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau kicked off the 2026–2027 Cumberland Valley Beer Trail on September 17 under an engaging new “Pourhibition” theme. Active through July 2027, the program uses a digital passport system that lets residents and guests check in at craft breweries, cideries, and taverns across Carlisle and Cumberland County. It offers an easy way to earn prizes while supporting downtown small-business owners and hospitality workers.

Friday Night Football and Fast Police Action Downtown

On Friday night, September 18, the Carlisle High School Bison football team battled hard at Ken Millen Stadium but dropped a 28–13 decision to the Altoona Mountain Lions, moving their early-season record to 1-3. Earlier that week on September 16, Carlisle Borough Police moved quickly against property crime after residents reported a suspect trying vehicle door handles on Graham Street. Officers located and arrested Matthew Hutek, officially charging him with theft from a motor vehicle.

Dickinson College Sports Sweep the Weekend Slate

Dickinson College athletics enjoyed a high-scoring weekend, headlined on Saturday, September 19, by Red Devil football defeating Lycoming College 40–21 at Biddle Field. Running back Dane Sorensen, who earned his second Centennial Conference Offensive Player of the Week honor, scored two rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns to anchor 546 yards of total offense. Dickinson’s Olympic sports kept the momentum rolling as field hockey defeated DeSales University 4–1 and men’s soccer topped Ursinus College 2–1 in their conference opener.

Takeaways

From modernizing emergency radios and opening essential housing shelters to courtroom zoning tests and exciting gridiron battles, last week showed Carlisle actively handling regional growth and community safety. As engineering projects develop and legal battles proceed, our borough continues to build a safer, more connected place to live.

SOURCES: https://cumberlink.com/news/local/collection_d60b7329-21c6-4f21-b59c-fa3e4411e59a.html, https://www.police1.com/police-grants/pa-county-commissioners-approve-13-million-purchase-of-emergency-radio-upgrades, https://cumberlink.com/news/local/collection_9c7bb9e8-c8c5-54fe-bcb2-8492d818a714.html, https://cumberlink.com/news/local/education/article_e131eb5c-fc2c-49aa-90b3-d00c8503a2cc.html, https://cumberlink.com/news/local/, https://cumberlink.com/, https://crimewatch.net/us/pa/cumberland/carlisle-pd/arrests, https://crimewatch.net/us/pa/cumberland/arrests, https://cumberlink.com/collection_ee1a2c56-81c1-4b1d-b64f-4e100e88bd9e.html, https://muckrack.com/keith-schweigert/articles, https://www.altoonamirror.com/sports/scholastic/?page=46, https://www.maxpreps.com/pa/football/game/altoona-vs-carlisle/9-18-2026/?c=7a7b8836-93fe-4815-a67a-a87950de27df, https://dickinsonathletics.com/sports/football/stats/2026/pdf, https://dickinsonathletics.com/sports/football/schedule/2026, https://www.sungazette.com/sports/local-sports/2026/09/lycoming-suffers-40-21-loss-on-road-to-dickinson/, https://athletics.desales.edu/boxscore.aspx?id=10194, https://dickinsonathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/schedule/2026