Just as the clock strikes midnight on Wednesday evening signaling the beginning of a new year, that time will also mark the end of borough police services in McConnellsburg. The McConnellsburg Police Association's current contract ends at 11:59 p.m. on December 31, and this summer the borough council voted to disband the police department citing economic reasons. The new year will bring to a close nearly 80 years of local police protection for borough citizens. Both current officers, Chief Gary Long and Sergeant Doug Thomas, have served on the two-man force for 25 years. Earlier this month, council and the police union came to an agreement on endof contract issues as a result of binding arbitration. That agreement, according to the borough's solicitor, will be made public after it is signed by all parties, likely in the very near future. The local police officers formed a labor union in 2002 and negotiated two three-year labor contracts prior to council's decision to abolish the department. More...