ADAMS TWP — Adams Township supervisors welcomed a new member into their ranks Monday night. Darryl Brandon joined the board following the death of supervisor Clay Morrow this summer.

“Darryl kind of follows a lot of what Clay's destiny and thoughts … were going to be,” said Russell Ford, supervisors chairman “He's going to be riding along for a while.”

Brandon said he was good friends with Morrow and was involved with many of the same type of projects as Morrow.

“He's a hard man to replace,” Brandon said. “It's an honor to be able to serve Adams Township.”

Ford and township solicitor Michael Gallagher also discussed the purchase of the Wygal property, situated near the public works building along Hutchman Road.The property would add 103 acres to Adams Township Community Park. Talks about expanding the park with the Wygal property have been ongoing for years.An approved resolution Jan. 27 allowed the township to officially begin the purchasing process of the property, which has an $800,000 price tag.Gallagher presented that price tag again Monday night in a sales agreement, which the board approved.“(It's) a value that's been worked out a long time ago,” Gallagher said. “This board has worked very hard for the past couple of years to get this put together.”Among the things the purchase includes are easements that would let the township develop outdoor features such as trails in the area.As announced by township leaders earlier this year, the township secured a $425,000 Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant in December 2019.The DCNR award is expected to cover 50 percent of the sale of the property. The additional $25,000 in the grant will cover 50 percent of administrative fees and costs associated with engineering studies or solicitor services.The Wygal acquisition was identified as a major 2020 objective by township supervisors. Members of the board and residents approved the move Monday.“I think it's great,” said resident Tina Wilson.The court acquisition process will continue. Gallagher hopes the township will be able to move forward the securing process by early next year.

Adams Township is hosting a Halloween parade at 2 p.m. Oct. 31 that will go through the community park. Check-in will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Veterans Pavilion.“We're hoping the local emergency services will guide it,” said Haley Geyer, parks and recreation director.The parade is open to children age 12 and younger. Public works will organize parking along the parade route, so people can see the procession. Social distancing will be in effect.“Hopefully, it's a beautiful day that day,” Ford said.Pre-registration is open for the parade, which will include a costume contest.More information is available on the township's website and by contacting Geyer.