This week’s journalist roundtable dove into the growing staffing shortages impacting all corners of the justice system—from sheriff’s deputies to public defenders.

Joining the conversation were Dan Nephin, reporter for LNP/LancasterOnline, and Kara Jeffers, multimedia journalist at Lilly Broadcasting. Both shared insights from their reporting and on-the-ground observations, highlighting how vacancies in law enforcement and legal defense are straining local justice systems across Pennsylvania.

This week&rsquo;s journalist roundtable dove into the growing staffing shortages impacting all corners of the justice system&mdash;from sheriff&rsquo;s deputies to public defenders.
Joining the conversation were <a href="https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/lancaster-judge-cancels-a-dozen-hearings-amid-security-shortage/article_8e2362b8-45f3-4ce8-9542-7181cf6df9f7.html">Dan Nephin</a>, reporter for LNP/LancasterOnline, and <a href="https://www.erienewsnow.com/story/52696265/short-staffed-ceaseless-cases-local-public-defender-offices-struggle">Kara Jeffers</a>, multimedia journalist at Lilly Broadcasting. Both shared insights from their reporting and on-the-ground observations, highlighting how vacancies in law enforcement and legal defense are straining local justice systems across Pennsylvania.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb starts conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb starts conversations about what&rsquo;s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

The Spark

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb start the conversations about what&rsquo;s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at&nbsp;<a href="https://witf.org/programs/the-spark">https://witf.org/programs/the-spark</a>.

Journalist Roundtable: Shortages in the Justice System

John Chapman (1774–1845), better known as Johnny Appleseed, was an American pioneer nurseryman who traveled across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Ontario, and parts of West Virginia planting apple trees grown from seed rather than grafts. His roaming orchards helped shape early American settlement and agriculture.

Celebrated in his own lifetime, Chapman became known for his kindness, generosity, and early conservation ethic, turning apples into a symbol of frontier resilience. His legacy endures through museums, historic sites, and his status as a beloved American folk hero, including the Johnny Appleseed Museum in Urbana, Ohio.

Also on the program:

Join Harrisburg University’s Professor Albert Sarvis and archaeologists Dr. David Pettegrew (Messiah University) and Dr. Kostis Kourelis (Franklin & Marshall College) as they discuss the rediscovery of Washingtonia, a forgotten 19th‑century American colony in Greece. 

John Chapman (1774&ndash;1845), better known as&nbsp;Johnny Appleseed, was an American pioneer nurseryman who traveled across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Ontario, and parts of West Virginia planting apple trees grown from seed rather than grafts. His roaming orchards helped shape early American settlement and agriculture.
Celebrated in his own lifetime, Chapman became known for his kindness, generosity, and early conservation ethic, turning apples into a symbol of frontier resilience. His legacy endures through museums, historic sites, and his status as a beloved American folk hero, including the Johnny Appleseed Museum in Urbana, Ohio.
Also on the program:
Join Harrisburg University&rsquo;s Professor Albert Sarvis and archaeologists Dr. David Pettegrew (Messiah University) and Dr. Kostis Kourelis (Franklin &amp; Marshall College) as they discuss the rediscovery of Washingtonia, a forgotten 19th‑century American colony in Greece.&nbsp;

The Spark Weekly | March 15th | Johnny Appleseed and a Lost American Colony.

WITF Music

Tax Season

Lost American Colony Found

(00:00:00)

17 years is a long time for any relationship. Local Celtic rock band Kilmaine Saints has not only survived that long but thrived during their time together. They describe themselves as equal parts Irish swagger, Scottish pride and whiskey. The band is celebrating its enduring power this Saturday with a show at XL Live in Harrisburg, which is going to be recorded for a future album. WITF Music’s Joe Ulrich sat down with piper Bill Brown and drummer John Kramer to hear about some highlights from the band’s career, their upcoming album and their favorite drinks.

(00:12:05)

Tax season is halfway over, and many Americans still haven’t filed—despite new tax law changes affecting tips, overtime pay, senior deductions, car interest and more. Tax experts warn that waiting can lead to errors, especially for workers with multiple jobs or fluctuating income. Mark Steber, Chief Tax Officer at Jackson Hewitt, will explain why now is the time to file, common mistakes people are making, how updated rules affect nontraditional income, and why working with a tax professional can reduce stress and improve accuracy.

(00:22:58)

Join Harrisburg University’s Professor Albert Sarvis and archaeologists Dr. David Pettegrew (Messiah University) and Dr. Kostis Kourelis (Franklin & Marshall College) as they discuss the rediscovery of Washingtonia, a forgotten 19th‑century American colony in Greece. 

(00:00:00)
17 years is a long time for any relationship. Local Celtic rock band Kilmaine Saints has not only survived that long but thrived during their time together. They describe themselves as equal parts Irish swagger, Scottish pride and whiskey. The band is celebrating its enduring power this Saturday with a show at XL Live in Harrisburg, which is going to be recorded for a future album. WITF Music&rsquo;s Joe Ulrich sat down with piper Bill Brown and drummer John Kramer to hear about some highlights from the band&rsquo;s career, their upcoming album and their favorite drinks.
(00:12:05)
Tax season is halfway over, and many Americans still haven&rsquo;t filed&mdash;despite new tax law changes affecting tips, overtime pay, senior deductions, car interest and more. Tax experts warn that waiting can lead to errors, especially for workers with multiple jobs or fluctuating income. Mark Steber, Chief Tax Officer at Jackson Hewitt, will explain why now is the time to file, common mistakes people are making, how updated rules affect nontraditional income, and why working with a tax professional can reduce stress and improve accuracy.
(00:22:58)
Join Harrisburg University&rsquo;s Professor Albert Sarvis and archaeologists Dr. David Pettegrew (Messiah University) and Dr. Kostis Kourelis (Franklin &amp; Marshall College) as they discuss the rediscovery of Washingtonia, a forgotten 19th‑century American colony in Greece.&nbsp;

Music Milestones, Tax Guidance & Historic Discovery

Language Access

Johnny Appleseed Day

(00:00:00)

Without professional interpreters, families can be shut out of essential moments—students unable to take required PSSAs, parents unable to understand a diagnosis, patients unable to follow a treatment plan. Language access is access, and too many Pennsylvanians are going without it.

Global Wordsmiths, a Pittsburgh-based, women- and disability‑owned company led by CEO Mary Jayne McCullough, is expanding its language access services into Lancaster, York, and Harrisburg.

To meet this need, Global Wordsmiths has already recruited and onboarded 20+ local interpreters, part of a network representing 200+ languages and cultural backgrounds. Their interpreters live in the communities they serve and receive ongoing training—something that sets the organization apart.

(00:22:37)

John Chapman (1774–1845), better known as Johnny Appleseed, was an American pioneer nurseryman who traveled across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Ontario, and parts of West Virginia planting apple trees grown from seed rather than grafts. His roaming orchards helped shape early American settlement and agriculture.

Celebrated in his own lifetime, Chapman became known for his kindness, generosity, and early conservation ethic, turning apples into a symbol of frontier resilience. His legacy endures through museums, historic sites, and his status as a beloved American folk hero, including the Johnny Appleseed Museum in Urbana, Ohio.

(00:00:00)
Without professional interpreters, families can be shut out of essential moments&mdash;students unable to take required PSSAs, parents unable to understand a diagnosis, patients unable to follow a treatment plan.&nbsp;Language access is access, and too many Pennsylvanians are going without it.
Global Wordsmiths, a Pittsburgh-based, women- and disability‑owned company led by CEO Mary Jayne McCullough, is expanding its language access services into Lancaster, York, and Harrisburg.
To meet this need, Global Wordsmiths has already recruited and onboarded 20+ local interpreters, part of a network representing 200+ languages and cultural backgrounds. Their interpreters live in the communities they serve and receive ongoing training&mdash;something that sets the organization apart.
(00:22:37)
John Chapman (1774&ndash;1845), better known as&nbsp;Johnny Appleseed, was an American pioneer nurseryman who traveled across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Ontario, and parts of West Virginia planting apple trees grown from seed rather than grafts. His roaming orchards helped shape early American settlement and agriculture.
Celebrated in his own lifetime, Chapman became known for his kindness, generosity, and early conservation ethic, turning apples into a symbol of frontier resilience. His legacy endures through museums, historic sites, and his status as a beloved American folk hero, including the Johnny Appleseed Museum in Urbana, Ohio.

Journalist Roundtable: Shortages in the Justice System

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