January 2024 Cultural Arts Calendar

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Happy New Year!  January brings some refreshing new art events to our community including curated  short films from the Telluride Film Festival, an exhibit of Ansel Adams photographs, the premiere concert of conductor Ryan Kozak with the Gettysburg Chamber Orchestra, and community favorite “Dancing With the Local Stars”.  Bring a friend or two and enjoy

Obituary: Kaitlyn Mary Robinson

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Kaitlyn Mary Robinson, 38, of Littlestown, PA passed away unexpectedly at home on December 24, 2023. Born August 28, 1985, in Baltimore, MD, Kaitlyn was the devoted daughter of Patricia (Stevens) Nolan and the late Phillip R. Barrett. She was the loving mother to her son, Carmine Barrett and her daughter, Stella.Kaitlyn’s biggest joy in

Year in Review: Pennsylvania’s electric vehicle marathon

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By Lauren Jessop | The Center Square contributor (The Center Square) – Over the last year, Pennsylvania set out in earnest to meet federal goals for the electric vehicle transition.  Christen Smith | The Center Square It’s been an expensive and complex process, most of which is yet to be decided. The Biden administration set a target for

WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital: A Century-Long Legacy of Care in Franklin County

Since its inception in 1895, WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital has been a bedrock of healthcare in Franklin County, renowned for its comprehensive and compassionate care for adults and children. The hospital, which became part of WellSpan following the integration of Summit Health in 2018, continues to uphold a tradition of clinical excellence and personalized patient experiences.

Majestic’s Jeffrey Gabel takes final bow

Jeffrey Gabel, founding executive director of Gettysburg College's Majestic Theater, is closing out his career.

For 20 years, a man with a dazzling personality, bright smile, colorful bowties, and incredible work ethic has been the cornerstone of the arts community in historic downtown Gettysburg. Under Jeffrey Gabel’s tutelage, the Majestic Theater on Carlisle Street underwent a $16.5 million renovation and several other upgrades.  Gabel welcomed national stars such as Hal

The curious joy of being wrong – intellectual humility means being open to new information and willing to change your mind

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Daryl Van Tongeren, Hope College Mark Twain apocryphally said, “I’m in favor of progress; it’s change I don’t like.” This quote pithily underscores the human tendency to desire growth while also harboring strong resistance to the hard work that comes with it. I can certainly resonate with this sentiment. Sometimes, the evidence points you in

Obituary: James Edward Smeltzer, III

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James Edward Smeltzer, III of Gettysburg, PA passed awaya on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. Born on May 12, 1963 in Killeen, Texas to Lincoln S. Smeltzer and Margaret J. (Daily) Smeltzer. James is survived by his loving wife, Sandra L. Sample, cherished daughters, Evelyn G. Smeltzer and Mara L. Smeltzer, as well as his devoted

Obituary: Mary L. Strausbaugh

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Mary L. Strausbaugh, 88, Littlestown, PA passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023 at the Gettysburg Hospital. She was born July 6, 1935 in Gettysburg, PA the daughter of the late Charles Wesley and Sadie Wagaman Crist. Her husband William J. “Bill” Strausbaugh, Sr. died in 2009. Mary was very involved with raising her family,

Obituary: Kenneth E. Wolford, Sr.

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enneth E. Wolford, age 81 of Orrtanna, PA passed away at home surrounded by his family on December 25, 2023. Born March 28, 1942 in Cashtown, PA, he was the son of the late Albert & Olive (Pyle) Wolford. Ken is survived by his wife of fifty- four years, Edna M. (Cool) Wolford. He was

Obituary: Dorothy S. Johnson

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Dorothy S. Johnson, age 98 of Gettysburg, PA passed away at the Gettysburg Hospital on Sunday, December 24, 2023. Dorothy was born July 07, 1925 in Gettysburg, PA daughter of the late Lester G. & Gladys (Peters) Starry. She was predeceased by her husband, Calvin O. Johnson, (2007), her son Larry Johnson (2019), and her

Obituary: Trudy M. Greene

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Trudy Marie Greene, 79, of Hanover, PA, peacefully entered God’s eternal care, and reunited with her loving husband, Monday, December 11, 2023, in Gettysburg, PA. Born December 30, 1943, in Woodbury, New Jersey, Trudy was the daughter of the late William and Gertrude Kessler. She was the devoted wife of the late Dr. John William

Some words that will matter in 2024

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One of the quickest ways to disappear a thing—a problem or an opportunity—is to take away the words we need to describe it.  And, if you can’t just cancel it entirely, the second best way to get rid of a troublesome word is to change its meaning. Back in 1987, for example, British Prime Minister

United Lutheran Seminary Awarded $250,000 Grant for Aging Gracefully Project

United Lutheran Seminary has been granted $250,000 by the Lutheran Foundation for Long Term Living (LFLTL) for its new project, “Aging Grace-Fully: Author Lecture Series.” This initiative is part of LFLTL’s Community Benefit Initiative, aimed at enhancing the lives of people in various societal settings, focusing on celebrating the contributions of aging adults. The project

Comprehensive Overview of Mount St. Mary’s University: Academic Programs, Student Life, and Athletics

Mount St. Mary’s University offers a comprehensive academic experience with undergraduate and graduate programs, including majors and minors, adult education, and online courses. Its colleges and schools cover Liberal Arts, Business, Education, Health Professions, Natural Science, and Mathematics. The university emphasizes student success through various centers and programs like the Palmieri Center for Entrepreneurship, Learning

Adams County Library’s Most-Read List of 2023

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This is my favorite column to write every year! Why, you ask? Well, it’s simply because it is a look back into 2022 to see what was most popular at each branch of the Adams County Library System online through our CloudLibrary Ebook and Eaudio service, as well as the total winner from around the

Shapiro Administration Invests $46.3 Million During 2023 to Protect 166 Farms Forever from Development

The Shapiro Administration announced today that Pennsylvania preserved 2,553 acres on 30 farms in 21 counties, forever protecting them from residential or commercial development. This investment of more than $8.7 million brings the total during 2023 to nearly $46.3 million invested to purchase land development rights for 13,663 acres on 166 farms, helping ensure that

Adams County Nonprofits Get $100K Boost

The Adams County Community Foundation has announced $100,000 in grants to bolster local nonprofit organizations, building on the $120,000 awarded earlier this year. The grants aim to help nonprofits become more effective and expand their reach. The Community Foundation Strengthens Local Nonprofits with $100,000 in New Grants program offers funding to organizations that help the

United Lutheran Seminary receives $250,000 from the Lutheran Foundation for “Aging Gracefully” project

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The United Lutheran Seminary has received a grant of $250,000 from the Lutheran Foundation for Long Term Living (LFLTL) to implement the project: “Aging Grace-Fully: Author Lecture Series.” The project is being funded through LFLTL’s Community Benefit Initiative. The aim of the initiative to encourage programming that enhances the lives of people in a variety

Adams County Community Foundation strengthens local nonprofits with  $100,000 in new grants

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The Adams County Community Foundation has announced $100,000 in grants to local nonprofits through its Adams County Grants program, adding to the $120,000 awarded earlier this year. These grants focus on helping the recipient nonprofits become more effective and build on earlier grants to these organizations. The Community Foundation is committed to supporting key nonprofits

Adams County Community Foundation announces new scholarships

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Attention parents and grandparents of high school seniors who plan to attend college or technical school next fall! The Adams County Community Foundation has scores of scholarships available to students—and you can help your student by making them aware of these awards and encouraging them to apply. It’s a great boost for a student to

Obituary: Edwin ‘Frank’ Buck

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Edwin Franklin “Frank” Buck, Jr., 81, Gettysburg, PA passed away suddenly on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at the York Hospital. He was born January 21, 1942, in East Stroudsburg, PA. Son of the late Edwin Franklin Buck, Sr. and Lilyan Aldred Buck, Frank was a native of Stroudsburg and a graduate of the Stroudsburg High

The challenge of working together

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This past week I wrote several blogs about Christmas movies.  Evenings when I am home alone I often quilt and watch TV.  So many of our TV programs glorify the worst of humanity, the darkness, hate, fear, and anxiety that is so prevalent everywhere.  Christmas movies make a nice change from who done-its, even if

Inside the Pa. court case pitting a genealogist against Ancestry.com

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Pennsylvania hired genealogy company Ancestry.com to digitize a sweeping list of historical documents. Now, the company claims it owns those digital copies. by Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA Officials from the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission show Gov. Josh Shapiro the new Pennsylvania State Archives building. Commonwealth Media Services This story first appeared in The

Slideshow: Carolers take to the streets of Gettysburg

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A new holiday tradition was established last night, as about two dozen Christmas Carolers took to the streets of Gettysburg, spreading holiday cheer around town.  Their route took them from Lincoln Square to the steps of the Adams County Public Library, Gettysburg Presbyterian Church, The Christmas House, inside the dining rooms of Ploughman Cider Taproom,

Santa is on his way

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As it has done since 1955, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is tracking Santa today as he leaves the North Pole to travel around the world on his mission to deliver presents to children every year on Christmas Eve. Watch Santa here

Remembering Gettysburg museum creator Frank Buck

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Combine a passion for all sorts of vehicles with a lifelong interest in World War II and a wife who shares your passion, and you might wind up with one of the country’s largest collections of World War II vehicles. Frank Buck, the man who parlayed that collection into the World War II American Experience

Gettysburg’s New Year’s Eve Celebration: “Let’s Raise Abe’s Hat and Dance”

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As we say goodbye to 2023, Gettysburg’s Lincoln Square will undergo an exciting transformation into a brightly colored, lively dance venue with plenty of activities and chances for those holiday photo ops! Gettysburg New Year’s Eve Celebration 2022 gained statewide attention when we raised Abe’s Hat for the first time. This year, Chris Thompson, the

Obituary: Victor ‘Vic’ S. Bowders

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Victor “Vic” S. Bowders of Fairfield, passed away at home on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at the age of 79. He was born on December 3, 1943 in Waynesboro, PA., the son of the late Frank W. Jr and Esther (Morrow) Bowders. He is survived by his wife Treva McGlaughlin Bowders, daughter Michelle Neese, stepson

Save 40% on Everything at Hollabaugh Bros

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and that means it’s time for the holidays, winter, and all things festive. For customers today, that means getting 40% off everything at Hollabaugh Bros. No need to rush, the savings are on par with the holiday season. Browse the wide selection of gifts, lanterns, decorations, and

Dancing With the Local Stars returns on Jan. 12

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Tickets are still available for ‘Wellspan Health presents Dancing with the Local Stars – Tournament of Champions’ on Friday, January 12, at 7 pm at the Majestic Theater, Gettysburg. Produced by and benefitting the YWCA Gettysburg & Adams County and Adams County Arts Council, this 10th anniversary show reunites past champions and choreographers. Champions appearing

Seven Gettysburg football players tabbed Academic All-District

Seven members of the Gettysburg College football team were named to the Division III Academic All-District football team, selected by College Sports Communicators (CSC) recently. Academic All-District honorees are considered for advancement to the CSC Academic All-America ballot. First-, second- and third-team Academic All-America honorees will be announced on Jan. 23. The following Bullets football

High School sports roundup 12-19

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Swimming December 19 Gettysburg (boys) 98, Mechanicsburg 56 Mechanicsburg (girls) 96, Gettysburg 74 First place finishers for Gettysburg included: Addy Dunlop, William Morris, Maya Brainard, Morgan Bishop, Sam Coolbaugh, and Wes Coolbaugh. Access full scoring details here. Girls Basketball December 19 Bermudian 57, Biglerville 46 TEAM 1 2 3 4 Total Bermudian 18 12 13

WellSpan Named One of “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity” by Newsweek for the Second Straight Year

WellSpan Health’s commitment to advancing an inclusive workplace has been recognized for the second year in a row by Newsweek. Named as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity for 2024, WellSpan is focused on fostering diversity, equity and inclusion and creating an environment where all feel welcomed, respected and valued. “Our team of 20,000

Kickstart your journey to total wellness in the New Year with our Wellness Bootcamp Series!

Over eight weeks, our team of certified professionals will guide you through unique sessions designed to enhance your mind, body, and heart health. Each 1.5-hour session will combine: Fitness: A dynamic workout to get your muscles and heart pumping Nutritional education: learn tips to fuel your body for success (for example, what are superfoods and

Why the 14th Amendment bars Trump from office: A constitutional law scholar explains principle behind Colorado Supreme Court ruling

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Mark A. Graber, University of Maryland In 2024, former President Donald Trump will face some of his greatest challenges: criminal court cases, primary opponents and constitutional challenges to his eligibility to hold the office of president again. The Colorado Supreme Court has pushed that latter piece to the forefront, ruling on Dec. 19, 2023, that

Looking back with gratitude and reflection

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In the spirit of gratitude and reflection, the Adams County Library System looks back on a year marked by meaningful achievements and community collaboration. As we prepare to turn the page on 2023, we celebrate the milestones that have shaped our journey and extend our heartfelt appreciation to the invaluable supporters, dedicated volunteers, and steadfast

Santa’s Reindeer Cleared for Special Deliveries Across Pennsylvania on Christmas Eve

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Governor Josh Shapiro, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, and Pennsylvania State Veterinarian Dr. Alex Hamberg joined Santa Claus and his team of reindeer at HersheyPark today to announce that the reindeer received a clean bill of health and is cleared for special deliveries across Pennsylvania on December 24th. “This magical time of year brings lightness and

Adams County Community Foundation announces year-end office hours and gift deadlines

The staff of the Adams County Community Foundation is available to provide answers, process transactions, and help you complete your year-end charitable giving until the last day of the year. Our offices will be closed on Monday, December 25, but will be open for business weekdays through Friday, December 29. You can make a gift

Rising Stars: Karnes and Raubal Named Big Ten Gymnasts to Watch in 2024

Penn State men’s gymnasts Josh Karnes and Ian Raubal have been named 2024 Big Ten Gymnasts to Watch. Karnes, acclaimed for his impressive sophomore season, achieved All-Big Ten first team honors and All-American status, particularly excelling on parallel bars. Raubal, a Zurich native, also demonstrated significant progress, performing well at the World University Games. Penn

Eisenhower Home Decorated for Holidays

The National Park Service is preparing to host holiday tours at the Eisenhower National Historic Site in Gettysburg this season. The free tours will allow visitors to learn about the home as it was decorated by Mamie Eisenhower during the holiday season. Groups of 20 or more can be reserved by calling the Gettysburg Foundation’s

WellSpan Unveils $1.5M Nursing Innovation Center

A $1.5 million donation has been received by WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital in Lebanon, PA to set up a nursing innovation center, furthering its efforts to address the ongoing nursing workforce challenges. The proposed Jeanne Donlevy Arnold Center for Nursing Innovation will provide opportunities for nursing leadership to explore and develop best practices, nurse recruitment

Piranesi’s Ancient Visions at Dickinson College

The art exhibition, Souvenirs of Ruin: Piranesi and the Birth of Western Tourism, organized by Emily Angelucci, a Dickinson student, will showcase the Italian artist’s romanticized perspectives of Roman ruins. The exhibition will also include pieces of the Parthenon, sarcophagi, and statuary that were brought home by Elliot during his Mediterranean travels. These artifacts allow

Obituary: Barbara Jane (Fleming) Buenger

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Barbara Jane (Fleming) Buenger, 82, of Gettysburg, PA, passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2023 at her home.Born April 25, 1941 in Baltimore, she was the daughter of the late Thurston and Mildred Fleming.She was a graduate of Western High School in Baltimore.Barbara married her late husband, Anthony “Tony” W. Buenger, Sr. in 1959. They

Obituary: Donna Lee Straka

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Donna Lee Straka, 84, of Gettysburg, PA died Tuesday morning, December 12, 2023 at SpiriTrust Lutheran Home, Gettysburg. Born October 13, 1939 in Adams County she was the daughter of the late Vernon G. and Hilda M. (Koontz). Donna graduated from Gettysburg High School, Class of 1957. She worked as a waitress at The Lampost

How to support veterans this holiday season

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by Cassie Miller, Pennsylvania Capital-Star The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is encouraging Pennsylvanians to support the Commonwealth’s 800,000 veterans and their families through several statewide programs this year.  Soldiers lining up for the annual New York City Veterans Day Parade (Getty Images) “By supporting one of these programs, you are letting

Something bigger

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There was a time when I thought I had to think big when making my life bucket list,  but no more.  Now, my bucket list is made up of those little things that I had previously thought I was too busy to do . . like ringing the bell for the Salvation Army.  The other

GNMP honors veterans of The Battle of the Bulge

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The hometown of one of the greatest battles ever fought by the U.S. Army paid homage to another battle yesterday. On the 79th anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge, Eisenhower Farm Historic Site ranger Dan Vermilya hosted a walk and reflection in the National Cemetery. The World War 2 so-called Battle

New Oxford Man Charged in Homicide Case

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Pennsylvania State Police is asking anyone from the public who knows any information about this incident to contact the Gettysburg office at 717-334-8111. Charges were filed today against 37-year-old New Oxford resident Kyle Wesley Bartram in connection to the homicide of Keith Monn. According to the Pennsylvania State Police, troopers were called to a residence

Spending on health care in the US rises to $4.5 trillion in 2022; a return to pre-pandemic growth rates

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by Erik Gunn, Pennsylvania Capital-StarDecember 15, 2023 After skyrocketing in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and then tempering almost as dramatically a year later, healthcare spending in the U.S. rose just over 4% in 2022, hitting $4.5 trillion, the federal government announced this week. The annual growth in the nation’s healthcare spending appears

Obituary: Randy Lee Pennington

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Randy Lee Pennington, 60, of Gettysburg, passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at the Gettysburg Hospital after a brief illness.Born June 11, 1963, in Gettysburg, and raised in Bonneauville, he was the son of the late Joshua Joseph Jacob and Evelyn (Toot) Pennington. Randy was the loving husband of Linda (Brown) Pennington for 42

Obituary: Peggy M. Reecher

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eggy M. Reecher, 74 of Fairfield, PA passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at her home surrounded by her beloved family. She was born August 09, 1949 in Gettysburg, PA, daughter of the late Walter & Margaret (Swisher) Kiessling. Peggy is survived by her husband of 55 years, Barry W. Reecher. She loved to

Obituary: Jackie ‘Jack’ Chambers

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Jackie (Jack) Willard Chambers, of Gettysburg, died at home on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at the age of 87. He was born on October 10, 1936 in Hanover, PA, the son of the late Effie (Goodfellow) Chambers and Willard J. Chambers. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Nancy Snyder Chambers and his

Obituary: Marie V. Pritt

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Marie V. Pritt, 84, of Cashtown, PA died Wednesday morning, December 13, 2023 at the York Hospital. Born August 3, 1939 in Gettysburg, PA she was the daughter of the late Lloyd and Burdetta (Powell) Speelman. She was the wife of the late James M. Pritt who died in 2011. Mrs. Pritt retired from Sealed

High School Sports 12-16

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Boys Basketball  December 15 Littlestown 51, Delone 40 TEAM 1 2 3 4 Total Delone 9 14 7 10 40 Littlestown 15 13 12 11 51 On the strength of a monster game from Christopher Meakin, the homestanding Thunderbolts rolled to victory over Delone. Luke Rebert and Cam Keller scored in double figures for the

Bigger childcare tax credit coming to Pennsylvania

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By Christina Lengyel | The Center Square contributor (The Center Square) – Families will see a boost in their tax returns in 2024 after the state expanded its Child and Dependent Care tax credit. The expansion – part of a wider series of bills that direct state spending on programs for schools, the criminal justice system,

High School Sports 12-15

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Wrestling Bermudian Springs 35, Delone 33 Full results are here. Swimming Gettysburg (girls) 155, Milton Hershey 55Gettysburg (boys) 99, Milton Hershey 68 The Gettysburg girls’ and boys’ swim teams were both triumphant over Milton Hershey on Thursday evening. First-place finishers included Morgan Bishop, Makenna Brainard, Maya Brainard, Claire Jurney, Addy Dunlop, Alex Koufos, Sam Coolbaugh,

Four percent wage increase for County employees

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The Adams County Commissioners approved a four percent pay increase for all elected officials, commissioners, and court employees, effective Dec. 18, 2023, except employees represented by a collective bargaining unit or on probationary status. The cost to the County will be $914,790, reflecting the 360 non-union county positions. There are 192 union positions, of which

Moral failure, strategic blunder

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Israel’s war of revenge on Gaza is both a moral failure and a strategic blunder. Every war is a moral failure because of the immense suffering, destruction, and loss of life that accompanies armed conflicts. It leads to a tragic and undesirable outcome in human affairs. Article 51 of the U.N. Charter states that countries

Follow Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem at annual Arendtsville Posadas event

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The Posadas event, scheduled for Saturday, December 16, 2023, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, is a festive occasion for the community. Children are encouraged to dress as angels or shepherds to join the procession, symbolizing Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. The event starts with Christmas carols at the “old school” borough office, followed

Pa. introduces new rules for hunters to limit the spread of ‘zombie deer disease.’ Here’s what to know.

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Pennsylvania has seen an increase in chronic wasting disease since 2012. While the state has implemented tracking and mitigation efforts, testing is still optional for hunters. by Marley Parish of Spotlight PA State College Photo By Mark Nale This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated

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