FRANKLIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — The South Mountain Golf Course was going to close its doors before the start of the 2026 season, but that no longer appears to be the case.

abc27 news reported last week when it learned that the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said that it would no longer lease the property to the George Family, who has owned the South Mountain Golf Course for over 60 years.

The department had previously said it no longer wanted to lease this land to the family golf course owners because they wanted to build a visitor center and restore land for trails and wildlife.

Following this announcement, many locals came out in support of the South Mountain Golf Course, and it seems to have made all the difference.

On Sunday, owner Donny George posted on Facebook that the golf course had officially been approved for a 10-year lease – allowing the course to continue operations for years to come.

“A HUGE thank you to EVERY Representative, Senator and legislator who continued to fight for us and never gave up, when we were ready to quit,” South Mountain Golf Course shared. “We needed a village and we have the BIGGEST and BEST VILLAGE anyone could ask for.”

The Franklin County Commissioners also released a statement following this announcement, saying:

“We are thrilled that the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has renewed the lease on the South Mountain Golf Course for another 10 years. We applaud the efforts of Rep. Chad Reichard and our other local legislators for fighting diligently to preserve this local treasure. We also extend our gratitude to Governor Shapiro for listening to the residents of Franklin County and ultimately changing course.”

The South Mountain Golf Course is located at 9632 Swamp Road South Mountain.

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — A local alpaca farm held a holiday open house this weekend.

The Arcona Alpaca Farm invited the community to meet and learn about alpacas and shop local vendors at their farm in Cumberland County.

The store was selling warm winter alpaca apparel like scarves, gloves, and socks.

“It’s one of the warmest fibers that is used for clothing,” Carol Weezorak, of Arcona Alpacas, said. “Wool is also very insulating. Some people are allergic to wool and people tend not to be allergic to alpaca fiber, so it’s a great fiber, It’s a very soft fiber, a very fine fiber, so it’s great for weaving, knitting.”

A donation was made to the Wounded Warriors charity from the bake sale at the event.