Community Contributors

“If you build it, they will come.” This is an often quoted line from an old movie. But it isn’t always true. State College used to look very much like Gettysburg with 2-3 story buildings. In 2010 their Planning Commission voted 5-2 against an 8 story apartment building. Quoting from the website StateCollege.com, Charles Gable, who

During the 2026 budget presentation, Gettysburg Borough Manager Charles Gable shared a chart showing annual surpluses or deficits from 2016 through 2024.  The Borough recorded surpluses in eight of those nine years, resulting in a combined positive balance of $2.8 million.  In simple terms, revenues exceeded expenses in nearly every year during that period. A

It is difficult to imagine what the organizers of the cemetery dedication expected when they belatedly invited President Lincoln to make “a few appropriate remarks.”  After all, Lincoln’s reputation as an orator was primarily based on his political debates during his campaign for the White House. However, if they did think about it, a few

Upper Adams has long been known for its close-knit community and commitment to helping every child succeed. Now, we have the opportunity to strengthen that legacy with a Dual Language Immersion program beginning in kindergarten. Extensive research shows that students in dual language programs not only close the achievement gap but often outperform their peers

By Mike Mathis, Fairfield There’s a lot of discussion about what the ‘Founders’ intended in the Constitution.  E.g. just what is ‘freedom of speech’, ‘the right to bear arms’.  I would suggest a look at the Preamble for guidance: “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish

The Adams County Community Foundation traces its beginning to 1985 when the Rotary Club of Gettysburg established a charitable organization to build a permanent charitable endowment and promote philanthropy in Adams County.  From that very humble beginning we now have an organization that manages 350 charitable funds, a community grant program that awards grants to

I am writing to urge Adams County citizens to vote on November 4  for Paul Royer for Judge. I served as Adams County’s Chief Public Defender until my retirement at the end of 2022. Paul worked for me as an Assistant PD for two years, giving up a more lucrative position with a local law firm to

I am writing to express my strong support for my friend Rita Frealing, candidate for Mayor ofGettysburg. I’ve known Rita since our early days reporting news for WHP-TV, serving central Pennsylvania. Shewas an inspired journalist who covered many areas, including city, county, and state politics. Ritagathered, wrote, and delivered her stories with confidence, accuracy, and

By Richard Barvainis The Gettysburg Borough Council is considering adoption of a new zoning ordinance (set of regulations) covering the entire borough, and will be holding a hearing on October 27 for public input on the plan. There are several important changes relative to the current ordinance, one of which has potentially far-reaching consequences for

On November 4th, 2025, the residents of the Upper Adams School District will have the opportunity to vote for four new members of the School Board of Directors. You will find 7 candidates listed on the ballot for those 4 positions. Deb Steckler, Eric Markle, John Lindemulder, Kay Hollabaugh, and Rachel Elliot have all committed

The recent area shootings of seven police officers, four of whom died, attest to the somber reality that our brave public servants protect us at the risk of their own lives on a daily basis.  Here in our community, the Gettysburg Police Department deserves much credit for their professionalism and dedication to keeping us safe. 

You may recall that Rita Frealing narrowly lost the Democratic primary, but overwhelming won the write-in Republican vote, which qualifies her to run on the Republican ticket.  She could have quit at that point, but Rita is not a person who backs down in the face of adversity or challenge.  Regardless of ticket, Rita has

In just a few weeks, new School Directors will be named in a very important general election. For Upper Adams School District, my name will appear on the ballot along with four other candidates whom I highly recommend.  But first I want to acknowledge the dedication and service of three directors who have chosen not

Not long ago, I saw a t-shirt that read, “They didn’t burn witches, they burned women.” Strip people of their humanity, and you can do a lot of bad things to them because they are “vermin” and “the worst of the worst”. Under the cover of dehumanizing labels, this administration is justifying violence, cruelty, and