After receiving extensive comments from the public, the Gettysburg National Military Park has indicated it will begin enforcing its existing ban on competitive events, including cycle and running races, on park roads. The news is a blow to local nonprofits that have used the park to hold charitable events for many years. The rule …
Gettysburg Area School District (GASD) board members expressed concern Monday evening about the 1.2 percent tax increase Superintendent Jason Perrin said was needed to keep the district in the black. Perrin said his team had reduced still another $1.2 million in spending while not affecting student learning and that the proposed 2021-2022 budget was only …
Gettysburg College’s Majestic Theater will reopen its first-run daily cinema center on Friday, May 21 after being closed for over a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tickets and show times will initially be limited, so advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended. Tickets are $9 each. “The pandemic has devastated theaters across America, so May …
Democracy for America, led by project leader Leon Reed, has published an in-depth look at poverty in Adams County. The report is a detailed investigation of the many factors, including job opportunities, affordable housing, public transportation, internet access, education, healthcare, and child care that affect poverty. The report concludes that in many ways Adams County …
Read moreDemocracy for America Publishes 55-Page Report on Poverty in Adams County
Gettysburg Borough Manager Charles Gable said the borough would be getting about $1,000 per resident, for a total of $763,656, from the federal American Rescue Plan Act and that it would come over two years, with the first arriving in a few months. The money must be spent by September 2024. Gable said the borough …
Gettysburg Area School District Superintendent Jason Perrin said the district has found a way to reduce another $1.2 million in spending for the 2021-22 school year over the past two weeks. He said the cuts were difficult to find but had been accomplished without impacting student programming. The proposed budget will keep the minimum unassigned …
Read moreGASD Proposes a 1.3 Percent Tax Increase for 2021-2022
The Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority (GARA) is finalizing plans for the July 4th Fireworks to be held in the rec park. The board said a number of food trucks have been invited. “Pizza, popcorn, and cheese steaks are in the mix,” said GARA Executive Director Erin Peddigree. There will also be musical entertainment. The board …
The Gettysburg Borough Council has chosen the first members of its new Human Relations Committee, which is charged with mediating any complaints that might arise under its new human rights ordinance designed to protect LGBT residents. Although the standard term is five years, each member was elected to a different length term so the board …
Read moreGettysburg Borough Appoints Initial Human Relations Board * New ACAC Director Checks In
Residents of Gettysburg Borough should have received a survey in their mailbox asking them to provide information about their perceptions of the borough and its government. Borough Manager Charles Gable has asked people to fill out the survey to help the borough know if the if the work they are doing is satisfactory. Gable said …
On the occasion of her retirement, Gettysburg Borough councilmember Patti Lawson reviewed many of Main Street Gettysburg’s Deb Adamik’s accomplishments during her fourteen years as President and Chief Executive Officer. Lawson said Adamik’s achievements included the creation of the Wills House, the coordination of the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg battle, leadership on the Steinwehr …
Read moreGettysburg Borough Council Praises Main Street Director Deb Adamik, Gettysburg Police Force
Friends, We have an immediate opening at Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center for a seasonal Visitor Services Assistant. The person in this position works 20-30 hours a week, through November, at the museum’s admissions desk, shop, and leading tours. It is a great summer job for college and graduate students looking to break into …
In a small building on N. Washington St. on the Gettysburg College Campus, Editor Mark Drew and his staff quietly and diligently work to select content for the college’s quarterly literary magazine The Gettysburg Review. The Review, which was founded in 1988 and recognized as one of the country’s premier literary journals, publishes poetry, essays, …
Read moreMark Drew and The Gettysburg Review Literary Magazine [Episode 50]
This is an update about the availability of COVID-19 vaccinations in Adams County as of today, April 12, 2021. As of tomorrow, the state has opened vaccine eligibility to all adults. This does not mean that you will get a vaccine immediately– but you can get on a list to get one. There is still …
The 3 Democratic candidates for Gettysburg Mayor, who will be running against each other in the the May 18 primary — Chad Alan Carr, Kierstan MaryBelle Demps, and Rita Frealing — expressed their views in an online question and answer session hosted by Gettysburg Rising last night. The Republican candidate, Thomas Carr, who is running …
Read moreDemocratic Gettysburg Mayoral Primary Candidates Share Their Positions
Gettysburg Area School District (GASD) superintendent Jason Perrin said the district would likely be forced to raise taxes this year to avoid depleting the fund balance beyond required limits. Perrin said the fund balance was required to be between 6 and 8 percent of the total budget and that the district would likely be at …
This week’s podcast is a reposting of an interview I did during the Fall of 2019. It’s relevant now as the spring begins. Warmer weather brings more mosquitoes and more West Nile Virus. Please stay safe and please enjoy the podcast. Summers In this episode I talk with Stephanie Summers who is Adams County’s Mosquito …
Read moreIt’s Mosquito Season in Adams County: How to Stay Safe from West Nile Virus [Episode 49]
Adams County fruit farmers are hoping for the best after the weather dipped down into the 20s last week. The cold weather creates problems for early-blossoming trees including apricots and plums that have begun to bud after the warm weather in mid-March. “It is too early to report on anything other than our early bloom …
COVID-19 Cases in Adams County continued to rise this week at an alarming rate as County Commissioners reminded people to continue wearing masks and social distancing. Commissioner Marty Qually said “Those who care about their families, friends, and community will do what is right and continue to follow scientific safety protocols. Over 160 Adams County …
At a time when we are all hoping to see COVID decrease, the opposite is happening in Adams County. The “fourth wave” of coronavirus is upon us, bringing a dramatic increase of cases. The county’s positivity rate is at 10.1 percent, an increase of over 60 percent since last week and the per capita rate …
Read moreCOVID Cases Spike Again in Adams as State Increases Vaccination Availability
Under a proposal being considered by the Gettysburg Borough Council, food trucks will be banned from Lincoln Square and in the first block in each direction from it, as well as on Steinwehr Ave. The proposal is a compromise between parties who want food trucks to be allowed everywhere and those who want to ban …
The proprietor of Ploughman Cider Taproom on the Gettysburg Square, Ben Wenk, said he will expand his outdoor musical offerings at Biglerville’s National Apple Museum after the Gettysburg Borough Council announced Monday they would not renew his outdoor amplified music permit. The issue came to a head last year after a resident who lives on …
Read moreAs Gettysburg Ends Live Outdoor Music at Ploughman Taproom, Wenk Will Expand in Biglerville
Federal funds designed to help individuals and families who have been impacted by COVID maintain their housing are arriving in Adams County. These funds were allocated through the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 signed into law by President Trump in December. In Adams county the act is bringing just over $6.7 million to assist …
Read moreSCCAP Begins Distributing $6.7 Million in Rental Assistance to Adams Landlords and Tenants
Mt. Joy Township Supervisors and attorneys for NextEra Energy and local residents who opposed the project have ended the 80 or so hours of evidentiary hearings they have participated in over the past year to discuss the merits of NextEra’s proposed solar array project that would cover hundreds of acres in the township. Thousands of …
Read moreMt. Joy Solar Hearing Wrapping Up after a Year of Meetings
Gettysburg High School Principal Jeremy Lusk explained to the Gettysburg Area School District board directors on Monday how the high school staff was focusing on students to help assure they were all able to graduate on time despite the difficulties caused by the pandemic. Lusk said the school was recommending all hybrid students return to …
Read moreAs Graduation Approaches, GASD Focuses on Helping Students Succeed
The Adams County Office of Elections has announced the slate of candidates for the 2021 municipal elections to be held on May 18. Director of Elections and Voters Registration Angie Crouse said there had been a big increase in the number of candidates in comparison to the 2019 election. Overall there are 284 Republicans and …
Read moreHuge Field of Adams County Municipal Primary Election Candidates Announced
The Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority (GARA) is expecting an uptick in use of the rec park in 2021, even though some major events have been cancelled. Although the Library Fun Fest and the Green Gathering will not happen this year, there will be plenty of other activities. “Lots of Little League players are signing up …
Responding to a deadly crash on Baltimore St. last week, the Gettysburg Borough Council is considering ways to slow down traffic as it enters the borough on Baltimore St. “Even here on Chambersburg St. when people come into town they drive way too fast,” said borough council president Jake Schindel. Police chief Robert Glenny said …
Read moreGettysburg Will Try to Slow Traffic Entering the Borough on Baltimore Street
As the orchestral prelude ended and the lights came down, members of the stage crew showed up onstage at Gettysburg Area High School’s 2021 musical performance, “Everything Is,” ready to set up their sets. As they looked around at each other and the audience, a bit puzzled, a voice from afar gently reminded them their …
Read moreFrom Ballads to Showstoppers, GHS Recreates Broadway in “Everything Is”
After hearing angry statements from residents about the inability of children to return to full-time status and a complicated explanation from school administrators about the difficulty of reopening the elementary school full-time during the pandemic, Fairfield Area School Board members took action and voted to install cameras in each of the school’s classrooms to provide …
Read moreDemanding “Live Learning,” FASD Board Overrules School Administration Preferences
Gettysburg High School Principal Jeremy Lusk introduced the school’s U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) Instructor Lt. Col. (Ret) Mike Athanasakis to the school board on Monday evening. Describing the ROTC program, Lusk praised its benefits for students. “I saw civics; I saw history; I saw service; I saw teamwork; I saw training …
Read moreGASD Proposes Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Expansion
Responding to concerns raised by Gettysburg resident Eve English who resides at 3 Baltimore St. near the Gettysburg Square, the Gettysburg Borough Council will reassess its special permitting process, particularly in regard to exceptions to the noise ordinance. “I don’t have a problem with live music. I have problem with live music that is amplified …
Read moreGettysburg Will Revise Special Events Permitting in Response to Noise Concerns
The Gettysburg Borough Council is taking first steps to clear the way for the Gettysburg Branch of the Adams County Public Library System to build a new 27,000 square foot building on three acres in the Gettysburg rec park. The library is moving from its current location at the corner of Baltimore and High Streets …
Read moreGettysburg Supports New Library Building in the Rec Park
Using grants from the Adams County Community Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Community Media of South Central PA is developing a proposal for a fiber broadband system for Adams County. The organization has created a steering committee and is working with Celerity and Skyline Technology Solutions on the plans. Please see our related …
Read moreCommunity Media Will Bring Fiber Broadband to the County
Speaking at an online meeting of the @Home in Adams County Initiative yesterday, Center for Rural Pennsylvania Director Kyle Kopko said Adams County has only about 197 people per square mile, and that like other rural counties, it ranks below the state average for internet download speeds. Kopko said households without adequate broadband are poorer …
Moving into the tenth week of vaccine deliveries in the state, opportunities for first-dose shots in Adams County remain limited or non-existent. Neither the Adams Cumberland Pharmacy system nor the Wellspan system currently show any available openings for first-dose appointments. The PA Department of Health said it delivered about 2,000 doses of vaccines during the …
Read moreAdams County COVID-19 Vaccine Supply Remains a Trickle
In his legislative report to the Upper Adams School District board on Monday, board member Christopher Fee noted the many burdens charter schools place on school district finances. Fee said 350 school districts across the commonwealth are “calling for charter school reform. There are good charter schools, there are less good charter schools, but the …
The Upper Adams School District (UASD) School Board said it was united in its condemnation of any discrimination and racism in the district and committed to ensuring alleged issues recently brought up on social media platforms are addressed going forward. “We must all do our part to eradicate racism, inclusive of all forms of discrimination,” …
Read moreUASD Board Condemns Racism as District Creates Plans to Combat it
This is an update about the availability of COVID_19 vaccinations in Adams County. Most generally, there is limited supply of vaccines. Hospitals and pharmacies are prepared to vaccinate thousands of people every week but the state does not have the vaccines. Most residents of nursing homes, however, have received their vaccines. Vaccines for these vulnerable …
The Gettysburg Borough Council made announcements and took actions on Monday night: Announcements President Jake Schindel noted that Routes 15 and 30 in Gettysburg are state-owned roads and that the state clears the driving lanes but not the parking spaces on these roads. Schindel said clearing the parking spaces is a borough function “Right now …
Read moreGettysburg Borough Council: Announcements and Actions
The Gettysburg Branch of the Adams County Library System, currently located at the corner of Baltimore and High Streets, is moving. Yesterday, the library asked the Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority (GARA) to allow them to build a new 27,000 square foot building on three acres in the rec park. Speaking for the library were Library …
Read moreGettysburg Library Looks to Relocate in the Rec Park
As Gettysburg College begins the second week of its 2021 spring semester, students who have received two negative COVID-19 tests have been allowed to break their “arrival quarantine” with permission to leave campus. Students, who will be tested twice-weekly throughout the semester, will wear color-coded wristbands to mark their testing status. “Last week was pretty …
“It’s going well. Every resident that qualified got it,” said Transitions Healthcare Gettysburg Nursing Home Administrator Vickie Kilmer, speaking of the first round of COVID-19 vaccines recently received by residents at the facility located just west of Gettysburg. Kilmer said over 270 doses had been administered at an onsite clinic held by Walgreens pharmacy. “We …
Read moreVaccines Roll Out at Local Nursing Homes, but Few Are Available for the General Population
Valentine’s Day Gift Guide 2021 Local businesses in Gettysburg and Adams County are creating dozens of special offers, both in-person and online, for you and your valentine this week. Whether you are inside or outside of your house, our shops deserve your support. No matter if you are stepping out onto the town or cuddling …
Responding to social media posts alleging racism and an online petition signed by over 2,200 people accusing Biglerville High School of being “complicit in the abuse and harassment of students of color,” PA state officials and the Upper Adams School District (UASD) administration said today they were taking allegations of racism and sexism raised on …
Read moreUASD Partners with State Agencies to Address Alleged Racism at Biglerville High School
Gettysburg Borough is looking to create more transparency at Destination Gettysburg (DG), Adams County’s Destination Management Organization (DMO). The organization, one of about 50 across the state, is funded by the state’s lodging (“pillow”) tax with a mission of bringing visitors to the county. A committee made up of borough council board members Patti Lawson …
Read moreGettysburg Borough to Encourage “Best Practices” at Destination Gettysburg
Gettysburg Connection talked today with Ryan Coyle, WellSpan Public Relations & Communications Manager, about WellSpan’s past vaccine policies and what the public can expect going forward. Here is an edited transcript of Coyle’s statement during our conversation: “We opened up and began Phase 1A in late December. We started with front line workers and other employees …
The PA Dept of Health has reported that small amounts of COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered to these locations in Adams County this week: Adams Cumberland Pharmacy Wellspan Family Medicine- East Berlin Wellspan Gettysburg Hospital Wellspan Family Medicine- Herrs Ridge Wellspan Gettysburg Hospital Kennie’s Pharmacy- Littlestown Contact information for these locations is below . Also …
Upper Adams School District (UASD) Business Administrator Shelley Hobbs began the school board’s discussion on the 2021-22 budget by focusing on its salary and benefits aspects, saying “these are the parts of the budget we can control.” Hobbs noted benefits paid to employees through the Pennsylvania Public Schools Employee Retirement System (PSERS) system had increased …
Read moreUASD Begins Budget Process; Allows Spectators at Sporting Events
Upper Adams School District (UASD) is dealing this week with controversy surrounding a Facebook page alleging a history of incidents of racism at Biglerville High School. District Superintendent Wesley Doll said in a letter posted to the district’s website on Sunday that high school principal Beth Graham and assistant principal Nathan Becker would be available …
Over 85 people from around the state attended an online meeting sponsored by the Penn State Extension Office on Tuesday to learn about the many ways Adams County food-related organizations collaborated in 2020 to provide food resources to local residents during the pandemic. The activities in the county serve as a model for many others …
Read moreAdams Food Support Systems Make a Difference During the Pandemic
Noting that January is School Director Recognition Month, Gettysburg Area School District (GASD) Superintendent Jason Perrin recognized board members for their service. “This is a time for us to celebrate and recognize the challenging and vital work boards do on behalf of our students, schools, and families,” said Perrin. Perrin said the impact of the …
Read moreGASD Recognizes Board, Voices Concern over Charter School Costs
“You don’t have to have political experience. You just have to have the will to help your community,” said Gettysburg resident and borough council member Matt Moon as he described his entry into politics last year. Moon spoke this week at an online, bipartisan, meeting of elected officials and interested citizens sponsored by the local …
Read moreBipartisan Group Encourages Residents to Run for Office
A group of cars gathered at the Peace Light Monument this Martin Luther King Jr. Day afternoon and then traveled together as a cavalcade, visiting Gettysburg neighborhoods where Black residents make their homes as well as sites of historic importance to the Black community including the Bryan Farm, AME Zion Church, and the Jack Hopkins …
Read moreMotor Cavalcade Honors Black Community on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Gettysburg Borough President Jake Schindel and Council Member Patti Lawson both expressed their support for borough staff members at Monday’s council meeting. The statements published here have been slightly edited. The complete statements can be seen here. Jake Schindel: “We elected officials are elected by the public and we should absolutely take criticism all the …
A three-house residential development near the Lutheran Seminary and a large residential-commercial project at the corner of Water and 4th streets are under review by Gettysburg Borough. Borough Engineer Chad Clabaugh said the Water St. project, proposed by Shippensburg Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, was “one of the bigger land developments we’ve seen in a …
Read moreTwo New Developments Proposed in Gettysburg Borough
Gettysburg Mayor Ted Streeter officially announced this week that he would not be seeking reelection at the end of his four-year term that expires on December 31. “I want to make a formal announcement of what everybody already knows. I will not be running for mayor this year,” said Streeter. “I’ve put in over …
Read moreGettysburg Mayor Ted Streeter Will Not Seek Re-election
Land Conservancy of Adams County is currently seeking an organized, thorough, and personable Administrative Coordinator to support all of our activities. This part-time position (estimated 25 hours/week) is located in Gettysburg, and will pay between $15 and $20/hour, depending on your experience and qualifications. This position reports directly to our board of directors, providing administrative …
Read moreLand Conservancy Seeks Part-Time Administrative Coordinator
Kennie’s Market, located 217 W. Middle St. in Gettysburg, now offers curbside grocery pickup service. “We were looking at offering curbside pickup pre-COVID and were able to get the service up and running at our Gettysburg location,” said Store Manager Ralph Flores. “We wanted to add the service for our busy customers to have another …
Wil Brubaker from Boy Scout Troop 79 will create a gaga pit in the Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority (GARA) rec park this summer for his Eagle Scout project. The gaga game is played inside a small ring and was described as a “safe version of dodgeball.” The game uses a kickball or volleyball and the …
Read moreEagle Scout Candidate Will Build a Gaga Pit in the Rec Park
Adams County health care providers received 800 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine last week, in addition to the 975 doses of the Pfizer vaccine received by the hospital three weeks ago. The vaccines now are available for distribution through the Cumberland Adams Pharmacy, located in the Kennie’s Market in Biglerville, to all people who …
“It’s kind of like riding a bike. It’s still the same job and the same bike but I feel like I have flat tires,” said Gettysburg Hospital Registered Nurse Eric Gagné as he described his work since the pandemic began. Gagné works in Ward A2 where he monitors the conditions of four or five …
Read moreGettysburg Hospital Nurse Eric Gagné Describes Conditions on His Ward
After considering the project for many months and getting requisite bids, the Gettysburg Area School District (GASD) declined to spend $915,487 for an update to the school gym that was to be rolled into a $16.5 million renovation of the building’s heating, air conditioning, and ventilation (HVAC) system. The HVAC system update itself, deemed necessary …
Wellspan spokesperson Ryan Coyle today said that over half of the 975 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine that had been received at the Gettysburg Wellspan Hospital in December had been administered and that more front-line workers would be vaccinated in the coming days. “We have the coordination and the [administration] pods set up. It’s …
Read moreWellspan Says COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Running Smoothly in Gettysburg
Even as the Pennsylvania Department of Health has allowed restaurants and gyms to reopen and has reinstated sports activities in county schools, the number of COVID-19 cases in the county continues to grow in record numbers. The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Adams County increased by 15 percent this week, increasing the cases by …
Read moreLast Week Brings Largest Increase in COVID-19 Cases, Deaths, and Hospitalizations to Adams
It’s been a tough 2020 for all of us, and Gettysburg Borough has not had it any easier. The borough has powered through the year, dealing with a huge drop in revenue, a major hit to local businesses, a series of political protests, and difficulties and criticism related to its decisions about the police department. …
Read moreGettysburg Borough Wraps up its Year with a Skimmed Down 2021 Budget
The newly-released Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccine dashboard, which reports the number of vaccinations administered by county, shows that only 336 people have been vaccinated in Adams since the FDA approved the Pfizer vaccine almost three weeks ago. The Department of Health reported last week that 975 doses of the Pfizer vaccine had been delivered …
Dear Friends, It is my pleasure to share Gettysburg Connection’s 2020 annual report with you. I direct this letter to all of you who read the Connection, who subscribe to the Connection, who sponsor the Connection, and who participate with the Connection in so many other ways. I am happy to report that Gettysburg Connection …
As the number of COVID-19 continues to surge, Adams County has achieved the dubious status of having the second highest percent positivity rate – at 26.3 percent – of all 67 Pennsylvania counties. Only Perry County is higher – at 33.1 percent. The positivity rate measures the percent of people tested who have positive results. …
As of today only 975 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have arrived in Adams County and these are being administered to employees at Wellspan Gettysburg Hospital. These doses are all of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and no shipments of the Moderna vaccine have yet been received. The Pfizer vaccine was approved for distribution by the U.S. Food …
Dear Gettysburg Connection Readers, No matter how you are celebrating, I hope you find this 2020 festive season a time of family, caring, sharing, reflection, and renewal. We’d normally be gathering together in joy and laughter, but this year is different. The darkness of the outdoors has moved indoors and the season will long be …
Every year, the Historic Preservation Society of Gettysburg Adams County (HGAC), through its Barn Preservation Project and Grant Program makes grants of money available to owners of historic barns within Adams County. This year, a record setting number of 11 barn owners were able to take advantage of this unique program that helps to extend …
Read moreHGAC Grants Help to Preserve 11 Adams County Barns in 2020
Gettysburg Horse mounted officers escorted Santa Claus through town this evening.
Wellspan Health announced today that the first round of Pfizer COIVD-19 vaccines have arrived at Gettysburg and its six other hospitals and are being administered to front-line staff. Wellspan infectious disease doctor Eugene Curley III said the vaccinations began at 6:00 a.m. this morning and were being given to a wide variety of hospital staff, …
Read moreFirst COIVD-19 Vaccines Administered at Gettysburg Wellspan Hospital
“With the changes we’ve seen, it occurred to me we could use some money from our revolving loan fund to keep some of our restaurants open,” said borough council vice president Wes Heyser as he proposed a new zero-interest program from Gettysburg Borough to help local restaurants. Heyser said restaurants are suffering due to a …
Read moreGettysburg Borough Moves Forward On Emergency Restaurant Zero-Interest Loan Program
The Adams County commissioners today praised the work of county employees for their efforts over the past six months in awarding grants through the Fund for Adams Investment and Recovery (FAIR) program. The FAIR program, which has now awarded all of its allocated funds, was used to distribute money from the Federal CARES Act to …
Read moreAdams Commissioners Praise County Staff and Volunteers as Final FAIR Grants Are Distributed
Adams County Historical Society (ACHS) has launched a $5-million-dollar capital campaign to fund a new 29,000 square foot exhibition complex, scheduled to open by Fall 2022, to be built just north of Gettysburg at 625 Biglerville Rd. The new building will house an exhibit gallery, archives, and an education center. The society has already raised …
Read moreAdams County Historical Society to Build new $5 Million Complex in Cumberland Township
WellSpan Health announced today that seven of its hospitals would be among the first in the state to receive Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines and would serve as distribution centers for immunizations. A Wellspan spokesperson said Good Samaritan Hospital in Lebanon would receive vaccines first, probably tomorrow, and that other hospitals, including Gettysburg, would receive their first …
Read moreGettysburg Hospital to Receive First COVID-19 Vaccines This Week
The Adams County Community Foundation’s (ACCF) 2020 virtual Giving Spree broke new ground in this year of social distancing, as donors nearly doubled the amount they gave in 2019. The giving benefited 95 local nonprofits. The biggest winner was the Adams County Historical Society with over $½ million in gifts. The society is in the …
Read moreACCF Giving Spree Announces Recipients of $2.14 Million in Charitable Donations
Amid an alarming rise in COVID-19 cases and a severe stress on hospitals, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf today issued new mitigation orders and implored Pennsylvanians to step up against the virus by staying home. “Each of the last two days reported the highest number of deaths since the beginning of the pandemic,” said Health Secretary Rachel …
With a round of applause from the Gettysburg Area School District (GASD) school board, current president Kenneth Hassinger was unanimously elected on Monday evening to remain in his position for another year. Al Moyer was unanimously voted to remain as vice president. Solicitor Bob McQuaide was also reappointed for another term and board member Amy …
Read moreGASD School Board Focuses on Athletics; Does not Discuss COVID-19
After a lengthy, careful, and detailed discussion, the Fairfield Area School District (FASD) Board of Directors voted Monday to keep its fifth through twelfth grade students in a 100 percent online environment until January 28. The motion, which passed on a 5 to 4 vote, followed the recommendations of the school administration to keep students …
Read moreFASD Votes to Keep Secondary Grades Online Until January 28
Anthony Aquilina, Executive Vice President at WellSpan Health said yesterday that the number of COVID patients in Wellspan hospitals has increased by over 600 percent over the past few weeks and that things were likely to get a lot worse. “Over the next two weeks, we expect hospital cases to double,” he said. Currently, one …
Read moreLocal Health Crisis Becomes Critical as Cases Spike, Hospitals Fill Up, and Staff Burn Out
If you enjoy this article will you please help the Connection provide more like it by subscribing? Your contribution will help us keep new stories about our children’s education on the front page in 2021. Thanks for your support. YES, I’LL SUPPORT GETTYSBURG CONNECTION’S COVERAGE OF EDUCATION IN ADAMS COUNTY The county’s six school districts …
Read moreCounty School Districts Struggle with COVID, but Remain Mostly Open for Now
The Adams County Commissioners have awarded another $3.7 million in federal grants to over 80 county organizations. The funds come from the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was passed by the U.S. Congress in March, 2020. The $2 trillion economic relief package helps protect the American people from the public …
Read moreFederal Government Supports Adams Organizations with $3.7 Million More in COVID-19 Money
A strong group of four candidates, bringing years of experience in education, service, and business, applied for the Upper Adams School District (UASD) board position being vacated by Elaine Jones. In the interviews the candidates stressed their dedication, their love of learning, and their dedication to the mission of UASD. The temporary position is for …
Read moreUpper Adams School Board Elects Bruce Hollabaugh to Replace Elaine Jones
New Oxford Holiday Hunt, brought to you by the New Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce and presenting sponsor Members 1st Federal Credit Union, officially kicks off on Saturday, December 12. The event features a scavenger hunt, business decorating contest and residential decorating competition. This is the first year for the event, which is similar to …
Read moreNew Oxford Holiday Hunt To Provide Free, Family-Friendly Events
The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Adams and nearby counties has soared over the past two weeks, forcing the Wellspan Health system to close clinics and relocate staff to cope with the influx. Please See our Coronavirus Update Page for Local Conditions In Adams, there were 510 new COVID cases in the past two …
Read moreWellspan Health Adapts as COVID-19 Cases Surge in the Region
The Gettysburg Borough Council has denied a request from the Gettysburg Area Merchants Association (GARMA) to allow them to provide New Year’s Eve fireworks at the Gettysburg rec park. The Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority (GARA), which leases the park from the borough, had already indicated they were not willing to host the fireworks due to …
Read moreGettysburg Borough Nixes New Year’s Fireworks; Will Inspect Tent Structures
Hello, I’m looking to support local enterprises by buying some holiday mailing cards locally. Any thoughts where I might find them? Thanks!
The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Adams County has soared over the past two weeks, bringing the total cases to 2,003. This means that almost two percent of the county has been diagnosed with COVID. There were 510 cases reported in the last two weeks. The last two weeks also brought eight new deaths, …
Read moreAdams Passes 2,000 COVID Cases, With a Quarter of Them in the Past Two Weeks
Dear friend of Gettysburg Connection, Yes, 2020 has been quite a year. From the toll of the coronavirus to an escalated political scene in Gettysburg and an intense presidential election, to the sadness we endure when we see so many businesses shuttered and so many people hungry and homeless, we have endured unprecedented turmoil. Throughout, …
Read moreWill you Support the Connection on #Giving Tuesday?
Noting the urgency of the health crisis, the following statement have been made in recent days by federal, state and local agencies. The Wellspan Health statement about the surge of cases in Gettysburg Hospital is particularly concerning: The U.S. Center for Disease Control: More than 1 million COVID-19 cases were reported in the United States …
All schools in the Upper Adams School District remain open as of today, as the district continues to monitor cases and follow state guidelines Superintendent Wesley Doll said there were currently four COVID cases in the district and that 32 people were currently in quarantine out of a total of 1,700 students in the district. …
The Upper Adams School District School Board heard on Tuesday from administrators in each of their schools about student learning during the pandemic. Overall the administrators reported there had been some decreases in learning from last year and that although these were concerning many students were now improving. Biglerville Elementary School Principal Jamie Kerstetter said …
Read moreUASD Carefully Monitors Student Learning, Finding Some Concerns but Also a Rebound
As sports at the Upper Adams School District (UASD) move indoors, the district is taking extra precautions to keep athletes, coaches, referees, and spectators safe. District Athletic Director Anthony Graham said winter sports practice is beginning now and that competition, should it be allowed, will begin the second week of December. But competition can only …
Read moreUASD Approves Winter Sports Plan, but Competition is on Hold
Upper Adams School District (UASD) school board member Elaine Jones has retired after 16 years of service. The board voted to accept her resignation on Monday. “Thank you so much for your long and steadfast and diligent service. You have really been a role model and I’m going to miss you,” said board member Christopher …
As Thanksgiving 2020 arrives in a year where there are some things we are not completely thankful for, I’d like to hear from each of you about the things you are thankful for. Gratitude is a human emotion that brings people together, provides support for families and communities, and improves our well-being. Gratitude can be …
The Fairfield Area School Board held a “boardshop” on Monday night in which they discussed with district staff members the many issues facing their schools during the recent COVID surge. The importance of keeping on top of the quickly-evolving situation has been made clear as all sixth grade students were sent home between November 12 …
“No Tax Increase! Those are 3 words we love to hear,” said County Commissioner Randy Phiel after the Adams County Commissioners reviewed and tentatively adopted the proposed 2021 budget yesterday. The budget is available for viewing and public comment is welcome. The commissioners expect to vote on the budget at their meeting on December 16. …
Read moreThe Future Is Worrisome, but Adams County Taxes will not Increase in 2021
Expressing reservations about safety, likely turnout, and the difficulty of safely parking cars during the winter months, the Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority (GARA) board of directors declined to host New Year’s Eve Fireworks this year. Board member Jake Schindel, said ACNB had offered to pay for the fireworks with help from the Gettysburg Area Retail …
Read moreGARA Nixes New Year’s Fireworks, Struggles with Vandalism
In a quickly-changing environment in which the state may recommend that schools return to online learning at any moment, the Fairfield Area School District (FASD) has increased its board meetings from twice per month to weekly. “We’re going to have stuff to discuss. Shooting an email is different than discussing it. We need to do …
Read moreFASD School Board Moves to Weekly Meetings in Fast-Changing COVID Environment
The Gettysburg Borough Council voted on Monday to publish for public comment an ordinance designed to protect people on the basis of their sexual orientation. The proposed ordinance prohibits discrimination in employment, public accommodation, housing, and commercial property, establishes a commission to investigate complaints, and creates a mediation remedy for filed complaints. The ordinance has …
A return to daily instruction in the Conewago Valley Intermediate School is still in the books, but has been delayed until at least January 19 due to the recent spike of COVID cases in Adams County, said District Superintendent Christopher Rudisill yesterday. But Rudisill said reopening full time will create a host of difficulties. “The …
Read moreCVSD Remains Focused on Return to Daily Instruction at the Intermediate School
After a summer that brought a consistently small number of new COVID cases, the fall has brought a spike in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths to Adams County. The problem is acute and will probably get worse after the holiday season when people are likely to socialize and spread the virus, and as we head into …
“You only get one shot and you have to make it the most,” Director of Bands Shawn Campopiano told the 52 students in The New Oxford Marching Colonials as they assembled on the New Oxford High School (NOHS) football field before shooting their prize-winning video. The performance, submitted virtually to the 2020 USBands competition, won …
Read moreNew Oxford Marching Colonials Take State, Regional, and National Awards
The Connection will report full election results when they are released by the elections office. County Manager Steve Nevada said he anticipated the results would be made public by the end of the day (Wednesday). “We do not have a specific time as there are still thousands to go,” said Nevada. News Update: Tuesday, 6:45 …
After hearing District Nurse Kristi Ebaugh report that the district had sent home 69 students with “symptoms mimicking COVID” since the start of school, the Fairfield Area School District (FASD) Board of Directors voted to maintain for this semester the current A/B hybrid model in which children at all grade levels come to school only …
Adams County Director of Elections & Voter Registration Angie Crouse said the county would be using three teams of five persons each to count the mail-in and absentee ballots on election day. In each team one person will verify the ballot, the second person will open the outer envelope, the third will open the inner …
Since 1953, Holiday Family Outreach, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization, has provided Christmas toys and food certificates to low-income families in Adams County. This year we are celebrating 67 years of service to the community! We are proud that our administrative cost is only 3% and this is for insurance, printing and postage. We also have …
Read moreHoliday Family Outreach Needs Toys, Hats, and Gloves for Low-Income Families
Please see our 2020 Elections Page Please see our Candidate Profile Page Adams County is hosting contested races for U.S. Congressional Representative in the 13th district between Republican incumbent Dr. John Joyce and Democratic candidate Todd Rowley, as well as between incumbent state senator Doug Mastriano and his challenger Rich Sterner in the 33rd district. …
Read moreRich Sterner Challenges Doug Mastriano in Local State Senate Race [Episode 38]
(Please click on the arrow in the bar above to play the interview) I had the great pleasure this week of talking with Todd Rowley, Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress from the 13th District. I caught up with Rowley from his home in the very western part of his district in Westmoreland County where he …
Read moreDemocratic Candidate Todd Rowley Explains His Politics [Episode 39]
Gettysburg Borough president Jake Schindel began Monday’s council meeting by reminding residents of the importance of wearing face masks. “As we go headlong into flu season we should all be very wary as our numbers move in the wrong direction,” said Schindel. “Gettysburg has done much better than other towns I’ve seen. We just need …
Read moreLGBT Ordinance Moves Forward in Gettysburg * Police Facebook Page Shuts Down * More News
With less than one week left until election day, U.S. Postal Service and local election officials are in agreement that if you still have a mail-in or absentee ballot that you wish to cast in the upcoming general election you should bring it to the Adams County Courthouse in Gettysburg rather than mailing it. You …
Read moreDrop your Mail-in Ballot at the Adams County Courthouse
Gettysburg Borough was recently featured on the cover of the Pennsylvania State Association of Borough s magazine, and praised inside the publication for its forward-thinking response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As restaurants, bars and stores closed, the borough worked with local nonprofit Main Street Gettysburg to create the Gettysburg CARES program to help businesses cope. …
Read moreGettysburg Wins Praise for Its Past COVID Response and Looks Forward to the Holidays
The weekly conflicts between Black Lives Matter demonstrators and armed counter-protestors on the Gettysburg Square has been escalating and frequently turning violent. The Gettysburg Police Department has issued several citations for harassment and vulgar language over the past weeks, and arrested a man last weekend for his involvement in an incident in which Democratic State …
Read moreGlenny and Schindel Featured in Washington Post Article on Gettysburg Political Conflict
Autumn Alleman, Member Services Manager from the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, presented Upper Adams school board member Elaine Jones on Monday evening with a certificate of appreciation for her 16 years of service to the Upper Adams School District (UASD). Alleman said school board members spend “hours and hours away from their family to perform …
Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that the incident occurred on the Gettysburg Square. The incident occurred on Breckenridge St. in Gettysburg. Listen to an interview with candidate Sterner Local candidate for the 33rd State Senate District Rich Sterner has reported on Facebook that he was pushed and injured during a …
Read moreState Senate Candidate Rich Sterner Injured in Gettysburg
November 5, 2020 will mark the tenth anniversary of the Adams County Community Foundation’s annual fall Giving Spree. The spree brings Adams County donors and nonprofits together in a day of giving. “We’ve had some pretty good growth over the past year,” said Community Foundation Chairman Ralph Serpe. Serpe said the “forever” giving options have …
Read moreGiving Spree Adds Endowment Option and Digital Day of Giving 2020
Gettysburg Police Chief Rob Glenny says his office has a “constant flow of work” as it deals with an increase in crimes in the borough ranging from opioid-related DUIs to thefts of political yard signs. Glenny said the number and quality of demonstrations in the Gettysburg square was a problem as election day approaches. “The …
Read moreGettysburg Police Department Copes With Increasing Crime Rates
The Gettysburg Area School District Board of Directors will consider moving district athletics from the York-Adams Interscholastic Athletic Association (YAIAA) conference to the Mid Penn Conference (MPC). YAIAA has 23 schools mostly in the Adams-York region and includes Bermudian Springs, Fairfield, Delone Catholic, New Oxford, Biglerville, and Littlestown. MPC includes 30 schools from as far …
Superintendent Jason Perrin announced on Monday that students at the three elementary schools in the Gettysburg Area School District (GASD) will be moving from their current four day per week schedule to five days per week as of November 9. Perrin said the hybrid model was initially put in place in part to help the …
The Fairfield Area School District Board of Directors is seeking an immediate replacement for current member Greg Murray who is retiring. Murray served the district not only on the board but also on many committees, countless hours as a classroom volunteer, and throughout the district. The board application packet and and procedures can be found …
About 75 people as well as others who joined in the march as it passed through the historic Lincoln Square, united in support of Democratic candidates on Sunday afternoon. U.S. Congressional candidate Todd Rowley (photographed holding the Todd Rowley for Congress signs in the photo gallery) joined in, after hosting campaign events in McConnellsburg and …
Several members of the local community asked the Gettysburg Recreational Authority (GARA) board tonight to consider allowing the skate park to stay open after dark using the lights that are already available nearby. The group noted the park has grown over the past years and that it would be nice to have that growth continue. …
Read moreGARA Considers Nighttime Skating but Asks Users to Police Themselves
New cases in the county have held steady over the past two weeks while new cases in the State have grown by at least 50 percent during the same time period.
The Fairfield Area School District board of directors moved closer last week to using COVID-funds to install permanent cameras in the indoor and outdoor athletic venues. The cameras would allow live streaming of athletic events. Athletic Director Crystal Heller said she had looked into the possibility of live streaming sports events by contacting two companies, …
(Please click on the arrow in the bar above to play the interview) I had the great pleasure this week of talking with Todd Rowley, Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress from the 13th District. I caught up with Rowley from his home in the very western part of his district in Westmoreland County where he …
Read moreDemocratic Candidate Todd Rowley Explains His Politics [Episode 39]
The pandemic has challenged, but not always defeated, the spirit and dedication of thousands of Adams County businesses to serve their customers. For many the pandemic has forced sharp cutbacks in services, changes in procedures and protocols, and led creative owners to think out of the box to keep their businesses afloat. Restaurants The food …
Read moreLocal Businesses, from Roofers to Dentists, Each Cope with COVID in Their Own Way
Please see our 2020 Elections Page Please see our Candidate Profile Page Adams County is hosting contested races for U.S. Congressional Representative in the 13th district between Republican incumbent Dr. John Joyce and Democratic candidate Todd Rowley, as well as between incumbent state senator Doug Mastriano and his challenger Rich Sterner in the 33rd district. …
Read moreRich Sterner Challenges Doug Mastriano in Local State Senate Race [Episode 38]
Please see our election voter guide with FAQ. The staff at the Adams County Elections Office is working hard to keep up with the expected 50,000 ballots that will be cast in the November 3 election, many of which will be mail-in. The office is continuing to send mail-in ballots to voters who have requested …
On June 11th, 2020 the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) released guidance for the Pennsylvania COVID-19 County Relief program. Adams County submitted an application for $9,302,625 in funding on June 15, 2020. On June 24, 2020, the Adams County Commissioners approved a contract with DCED for the full amount. This funding is …
Read moreAdams County Awards $1.36M in COVID-19 Support Grants – More to Come
Gettysburg Borough Council members and employees, representatives of Healthy Adams Bicycle/Pedestrian, Inc. (HABPI), and other interested people gathered today near W. Middle St. on a beautiful fall afternoon to dedicate the blue bicycle bridge that was installed in 2018 to former council president Susan Naugle. Gettysburg Mayor Ted Streeter made the dedication saying the event …
Read moreBlue Bicycle-Pedestrian Bridge in Gettysburg is Dedicated to Susan Naugle
School has restarted at the Fairfield Area School District (FASD) and as of Monday there had been no reported cases of COVID-19. “We have been very lucky. We haven’t had any tests come back positive,” said district superintendent Michael Adamek. “We’ve had some symptoms. We’ve had a few folks go home and be tested and …
Nan Hatzes died this week after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease. I am taking the opportunity this week to repost a podcast I did with her back in May. I thought it was a remarkable interview. She recently published the book she describes in the interview, “The Brooke Books, Volume 1.” It’s an intimate …
Read moreRemembering Nanette Hatzes: The Brooke Books Volume 1 [Episode 37]
The Farm Fresh Farmers Market lucked out this October: There are five Saturdays this month which means there are five more farmers markets before we wrap up the 2020 season. And while there have been a lot of challenges this year, there have been a lot of great things, too! Please help us end the …
Read moreMini Apple Festival at the Adams County Farmers Market
Parklets The Gettysburg Borough Council will continue the pilot parklet project into next year, although it is not yet clear how many of them there will be or which businesses will be using them. Timbrel Wallace, owner of the Lark Gift Shop and Nerd Herd Gifts & Games addressed the council saying “I do hope …
The Gettysburg Borough Council moved closer this week to a final draft of a “Borough of Gettysburg Nondiscrimination and Human Relations Commission Ordinance” which will declare discriminatory acts on the basis of gender preference to be unlawful and create a volunteer commission to investigate and mediate potential violations. Borough Solicitor Harold Eastman said many terms …
Read moreGettysburg Nears Passage of LGBT Non-discrimination Ordinance
Adams County will be mailing its first set of ballots for this fall’s general election over the coming days, and most people who have signed up to vote by mail should receive their ballot within one or two weeks. The ballots are expected to arrive from the state at the courthouse in the next day …
Please see our related story As the pandemic has led people outdoors, the Gettysburg rec park is getting a lot of use. The yells and cheers from children in the park ring through Gettysburg Borough almost every night and music fills the air many Sunday mornings. “The football Generals are practicing and having games. We’re …
Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Davin announced last week that more than 100 state projects have received grants through Pennsylvania’s $10 million Fresh Food Financing Initiative. Six of those projects were in Adams County, which received about $391,000 in total awards. • Mi Campesina Mexican Store, Gettysburg: $17,290 …
The Gettysburg Library has outgrown its current space in the Gettysburg Federal Building at the corner of Baltimore and High streets and is seeking a new location. “We’re considering an option of building in the Gettysburg Rec Park,” said Adams County Library System Executive Director Laura Goss. “There are so many programming opportunities to partner …
Read moreGettysburg Public Library Envisions a New Home in the Rec Park
Gettysburg Borough Council president and Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority (GARA) board member Jake Schindel asked GARA and the Gettysburg community Monday evening to come forward to keep the annual Halloween and Christmas parades going in Gettysburg. Schindel said the 2020 parades are cancelled due to the pandemic and there are no plans for 2021. “The …
Read moreGettysburg Christmas and Halloween Parades, Canceled in 2020, Seek Sponsors in 2021
I am taking the opportunity this week to repost a podcast I did with Adams County visual artist Nanette Hatzes back in May. I thought is was a remarkable interview. Since then there have been some changes to all of our lives, and also, particularly, to Nan’s. Among so many other things, she’s published the …
Read moreNanette Hatzes: The Brooke Books Volume 1 [Episode 36]
Responding to several emails sent to the borough office by S. Howard Ave. resident Frank Gargano, the borough will address traffic issues along W. Middle St. near Howard Avenue. In his communication Gargano said he had observed “speeding in order to beat the lights; yelling and cursing at each other, and non-stop noisy speeding vehicles …
Read moreGettysburg Borough Council Addresses Speeding on W. Middle St.
Gettysburg Police Chief Robert Glenny said the force was taking the first step in obtaining accreditation from the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Committee (PLEAC). by paying a $300 fee to get the process going. “Accreditation is a sought-after thing because it provides standards and then you have to have proof of compliance,” said Glenny. Glenny …
Read moreGettysburg Police Begin Accreditation; Borough Passes on Body Camera Grant
Please see a companion story about college reactions to the virus. Gettysburg College faced the same challenges as hundreds of other colleges and universities across the country when it reopened for a residential semester in the midst of a pandemic, and – unfortunately – experienced pretty much the same outcomes. Despite extensive physical spacing, hygiene, …
Read moreGettysburg College Speaks Out About De-Densification
Gettysburg Area School District Assistant Principal Christine Lay gave a brief report of the first week of school at last night’s school board meeting: “We made it through the first week of school. It was a great success. I’m happy to report that my observations walking through the buildings were that students were excited to …
Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine today stressed the importance for children to have access to healthy foods and safe places to be physically active to help decrease the prevalence of childhood obesity in Pennsylvania. “We know good nutrition from a healthy diet is an important factor in overall health. If children do …
Please see our Candidate Profile Page See A Sample Copy of Your Ballot As election day for the 2020 presidential elections approaches, the Adams County Board of Elections is preparing to handle the large volume of ballots that will be cast. Director of Elections & Voter Registration Angie Crouse is expecting her office will count …
Read more2020 Adams County PA Voter Guide and Election Updates – How to Vote in Adams County
This week I talk with Lynn James, who is Adams County Penn State Extension Office Senior Educator. Lynn’s job is to do research and provide education to the local community about nutritious foods. In this episode James talks about how to find nutritious food and safely preserve the foods you grown or hunt. She also …
More COVID-19 Cases on Gettysburg College Campus Create Complete Lockdown After finding 33 cases on campus in the first two weeks of classes, the college reported in an email to the campus community that it has already found 25 more after testing only 348 students in the past two days. Officials said the majority of …
Read moreMore COVID-19 Cases on Gettysburg College Campus Create Complete Lockdown
Luminest Community Development of Chambersburg Executive Officer Bonnie Zehler reported this week that her organization had received funding to build a low-income town-home project in the Misty Ridge location on the Biglerville Road. “That’s a very exciting piece of news,” said Zehler. The new development, Ridgeview, will have 36 two-and three-bedroom townhouses. There will also …
Read moreNew Affordable Housing Project Planned for Misty Ridge Development
The Gettysburg Borough Council has informed the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 776 (the local police union) that it will furlough Officer Bo Taylor to reduce its police staff to the meet the number of officers budgeted for the 2020 fiscal year. The furlough is required because the borough has been mandated by court order …
Read moreGettysburg Borough Furloughs One Police Officer to Pay for Another Officer’s Reinstatement
[Editor’s Note] The following statement was placed by the Gettysburg Borough Council into its public records last night. The comments referred to in the statement from Gettysburg Times publisher Harry Hartman were published in that paper on August 22, 2020. This Borough Council in a unanimous voice feel compelled to respond to the accusations and …
As the school buses begin to roll again at the Littlestown Area School District (LASD) this week, other students across the county will have to wait to discover what the fall semester has in store for them. All six county school districts as well as the VIDA Charter School are set to reopen with at …
Read moreCounty School Districts Begin to Reopen with Unique Health and Safety Plans
Gettysburg Area School District Assistant Superintendent Christine Lay reported Monday that about 30 percent of families who responded to a recent survey said they would be taking advantage of one of the two online-only options offered by the district rather than sending their children to school. About three-quarters of these families will choose the online …
Although the pandemic will prevent its meeting at the rec park, the health crisis will allow the 30th annual Adams County Heritage Festival to have a new online format this year. The festival will be presented as a month-long collaboration of artists and musicians representing different cultural traditions on its YouTube channel on the Festival …
Read moreHeritage Festival Moves Online During September, Seeks Artistic Contributions
The Gettysburg rec park held a grand opening for the new cycle pump track yesterday. Dozens of kids of all ages enjoyed the event and the track.
Gettysburg Borough Manager Charles Gable reviewed the borough’s budget situation on Monday, saying he expected the borough to be in reasonable financial shape at year’s end but that this does not mean the borough has a “rosy fiscal future.” Gable expressed particular concern about the costs of a potential settlement with a police officer. Gable …
Read moreGettysburg Borough Updates its Financial Projections
Gettysburg College has extensively detailed its comprehensive plans for reopening in a series of town hall meetings that are recorded on the college website. Julie Ramsey, Vice President for College Life and Dean of Students, said the campus had “tried to reimagine almost everything that goes on at Gettysburg College” to prepare for the pandemic. …
Over the past week I asked Adams County lawmakers at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as candidates for elected office, to tell us their opinions about the use of facemasks. Each lawmaker we contacted, with the exception of U.S. Representative John Joyce and State Senator Doug Mastriano, said we should be wearing …
Read moreLocal Lawmakers and Candidates Unite Around the Need for Facemasks
The Mela Kitchen at Jack’s Cider House, located in the former movie theater at the Gettysburg Outlet Mall, will have its grand opening today, Friday August 7 at 4:00 p.m. The Mela Kitchen will join Jack’s Hard Cider under the Atomic Dog, LLC umbrella. As the Italian word for apple, Mela represents a clean and …
Read moreMela Kitchen at Jack’s Hard Cider Opens Today at the Outlet Mall
I’ve become obsessed with trying to figure out exactly what happened on July 4 in the military park. Particularly I’m trying to determine if there were any racist comments made by the monument “defenders.” This is in part because I want to know and in part because it is important to know and in part …
Read moreWhat Happened in the Gettysburg Military Park on July 4, 2020
While every resident of Adams County has been affected by the pandemic, its impact has been particularly acute for members of the local Latino community. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC), while Latino people make up 7.6 percent of Pennsylvania’s population, they account for 11 percent of the state’s COVID-19 deaths. According …
Read moreLocal Latino Community Faces Unique Challenges During COVID-19 Pandemic
Despite concerns expressed by its health and safety experts, the Gettysburg Area School District (GASD) Board of Directors voted Wednesday night to open its three elementary schools under a plan in which the students will be in class four days per week sitting as close as three feet from each other and wearing face masks. …
Read moreGASD to Open with All-Day Face Mask Requirement in Elementary Schools
The Gettysburg Area School District Board of Directors will continue the three hour long discussion they started at their regular meeting on Monday at a special meeting tonight. The topic is the proposed school reopening plan. After extensive discussion with administrators, staff, and parents over the past two weeks School Superintendent Jason Perrin and his …
Read moreGASD School Board Continues Reopening Discussion Tonight
This week’s podcast is a reposting of an interview I did over the winter. It’s relevant now because with the current rains we are getting there are going to be a lot of mosquitoes. Summers In this episode I talk with Stephanie Summers who is Adams County’s Mosquito Borne Disease Control & Conservation Technician. Her …
Read moreIt’s Mosquito Season in Adams County: How to Stay Safe from West Nile Virus [Episode 33]
The Gettysburg Borough Council is close to signing a new 10-year agreement with its cable television and internet service provider, Comcast Cable Communications, LLC, which sells cable TV and internet services under the brand name Xfinity. Gable said the old agreement had expired in February and that the borough was working with other municipalities on …
Read moreGettysburg Borough Council: Human Relations Board * Comcast Agreement
Gettysburg Borough will require the organizers of Friday’s Lincoln Square demonstration to follow rules in its existing special event ordinance. The ordinance requires groups of 30 or more people who are assembling in such a way that “obstructs the movement of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on any street or sidewalk” to have an approved permit. …
Over the July 4 weekend there was a lot of excitement in Gettysburg as hundreds of armed visitors surrounded monuments on the Gettysburg Battlefield. This week I had a chance to talk with an expert on the Civil War and the Gettysburg monuments, Dr. Scott Hancock, Associate Professor of History and Africana Studies at Gettysburg …
Erin Hurd, a 2020 graduate of Biglerville High School, was awarded the Adams County Democratic Committee’s (ACDC) annual scholarship. Marcia Wilson, ACDC chair, presented Erin with a $500.00 check at their July meeting. “Erin has been volunteering with us for months, and with her future plans she is the ideal person to receive this award,” …
Read moreAdams Democrats Award Scholarship To Biglerville Senior Erin Hurd
When Adams County opened into the green phase of the state’s COVID-19 plan on June 12, the change created the likelihood that cases would begin to rise again. The concern will be even greater when schools and colleges reopen next Month. Governor Wolf has sounded warnings as COVID cases rise statewide, but Adams is currently …
Read moreContact Tracing Coming to Adams, But Will it Stop the New Rise in COVID?
The major statistics used to track the rate and severity of COVID-19 infections currently paint a relatively positive picture for Adams County, suggesting the state’s mitigation plans are effective and that it is probably safe to open public schools next month. Although the number of COVID cases in the state and the county have been …
Read moreAdams County Holds Its Own Against COVID-19, Making it Safer for Schools to Open.
A civil war historian from Oklahoma, Dr. Jennifer M. Murray, has written to Gettysburg National Military Park (GNMP) Superintendent Steve Sims to protest the treatment of her advocacy group after they demonstrated in the park on July 18. The letter was cosigned by over 300 other people from around the country and can be viewed …
Officers from the Gettysburg Police were dispatched to the Rite Aid Store at 231 West St., Gettysburg, on Tuesday shortly before 9:00 p.m. where they discovered a robbery that had just occurred. Preliminary investigation revealed that two or three actors entered the establishment armed with pepper spray and physically forced employees to the rear of …
Gettysburg Borough Police were dispatched to a 911 hang-up call in the 100 block of Buford Ave at 12:50 a.m. Tuesday morning. Officers responded and upon investigation located a female victim. The victim reported being assaulted in the vicinity of Pape Alley and Warner Alley on Monday evening at approximately 10:00 p.m. The suspect is …
Read moreGettysburg Police Report Indecent Assault on Buford Avenue
Todd Rowley, Democratic candidate for the U.S. House from Pennsylvania’s 13th Congressional District (PA-13), will be holding a series of town halls between now and November 3. You may register for one or more of the town halls by clicking here. Campaign Email: [email protected] Campaign Manager Email: [email protected] July 2020 Events Monday 7/20/2020 | 7pm-8pm | Adams/Cumberland/Franklin County …
Responding to several near accidents that might have caused injury, The Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority (GARA) Board of Directors is considering a ban on the use of electric bicycles, skateboards, and hoverboards in the park. GARA Executive Officer Erin Peddigree said park guidelines do not allow motorized vehicles, and that after talking with GARA’s insurance …
Read moreGARA: Electric Bike Ban Considered; Skate Park Vandalism; Pump Track Excitement
The Gettysburg Borough Council will continue the temporary parklet and pedlet pilot testing program currently underway on Lincoln Square and further consider allowing alcohol to be served in the parklets. Under the parklet program, some parking spaces are being converted to structures that provide businesses, especially restaurants, with additional outdoor space for patrons. The program …
The Gettysburg Borough Council called for further public discussions about the hundreds of visibly armed people who showed up in the borough and the Gettysburg National Military Park on July 4, supposedly to protect the Confederate monuments. Council President Jake Schindel emphasized the importance of the community having an open dialogue moving forward, and said …
Read moreGettysburg Borough Council Reviews 4th of July Incidents
Citing an “unsettling climb in new COVID-19 cases,” Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf today gave new orders that will close alcohol-only bars and further limit indoor seating in restaurants. “Medical experts looking at the trajectory we are on now are projecting that this new surge could soon eclipse the April peak. With our rapid case increases …
Read moreCiting Dramatic Increase in COVID Cases, Governor Wolf Closes Alcohol-only Bars
A boisterous and sometimes rowdy crowd of citizens gathered in the Gettysburg Middle School auditorium last night as the school board began its discussion of the health and safety plan that will guide how students return to school in August. Superintendent Jason Perrin presented an outline of a proposed plan which will be finalized by …
Read moreGettysburg Area School District Proposes Reopening Plan
Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower Historical Site Superintendent Steven D. Sims has been in his position since January and has learned a lot about the park, mostly during a time of pandemic. In this episode Sims praises the staff, the park, and the borough, and explains many of the current projects the park is …
Read moreNew Gettysburg National Park Superintendent Explains Park Projects [Episode 31]
Hundreds of Black Lives Matters protestors gathered in Gettysburg’s Lincoln Square Friday afternoon to highlight and denounce incidents of police brutality against African-American people. Whereas the protestors had had the square to themselves in their prior two demonstrations earlier this year, they were joined this time by a contingent of motorcycle riders, restaurant diners, as …
Read moreGettysburg Black Lives Matters Protest Creates Tension but No Violence
The U.S. Small Business Administration reported this week that over 1,500 businesses in the Adams/Hanover area were helped by the U.S. Government’s Payroll Protection Program (PPP) that was intended to soften the economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic. About 200 organizations received funds of over $150,000 for a total of $89 million and around 1,300 …
Read moreAdams/Hanover Businesses Receive Over $136 Million In Federal Paycheck Protection Funds
Gettysburg National Military Park Superintendent Steven D. Sims said no laws were broken by armed protestors who gathered at monuments and the Lincoln Cemetery during the July 4 weekend. “It is not illegal for a person to carry a firearm in the park per state law. Firearms, however, are not allowed in park buildings,” said …
Read moreNational Park Service Says No Laws Broken by July 4 Protestors
Home canning season is now upon us! All foods that are low acid, which includes vegetables (except picked products or sauerkraut), meats, soups, and all foods combined with them must be canned under pressure. To assure that your pressure canning gauge is accurate, you need to have it tested annually before you start. Penn State …
Read moreCanner Gauge Testing Offered by Penn State Extension
The Adams County Community Foundation has announced $77,500 in grants from the Community Foundation’s Fund for Adams County. Supported by individuals, families and businesses, this fund is a permanent, growing endowment dedicated to addressing the evolving needs of Adams County. “Our annual Adams County Grants focus on three goals identified by our Board of Directors,” …
Read moreAdams County Community Foundation Awards $75,000 To Improve Lives in Adams County
It’s the July 4 weekend and summer is here in full force. Many tourists are returning to Gettysburg and Adams County and the locals are looking for things to do. It’s an unusual year as many of the summer fairs and festivals have been cancelled due to the coronavirus. The state does not currently allow …
South Street, Gettysburg, located between Baltimore and Washington Streets near Unity Park, will receive a substantial makeover over the next two years including lighting, curbs, sidewalks, and repaving, as well as new storm drains, water and gas lines. The borough will partner with the Gettysburg Municipal Authority, the Gettysburg Borough Storm Water Authority, and Columbia …
Gettysburg Borough plans to change its zoning ordinance, making it possible to improve existing structures that do not currently conform to zoning codes. The changes will primarily address outbuildings, including garages and carriage houses, that currently do not meet property setback requirements and which are therefore unable to be changed under current law. In addition …
Read moreGettysburg to Loosen Zoning Restrictions on Nonconforming Buildings
This Podcast was originally published last summer. But the Farmers Market is now in full swing with enhanced hygiene in place so it seemed like a good to time to present it again. Please wear a mask and social distance when you are at the Farmers Market. The Adams County Farmers Market is at its …
Read moreVisit the Adams County Farmers Market with Reza Djalal [Episode 30]
The Gettysburg Borough Council asked Solicitor Harry Eastman to draft a resolution that would temporarily suspend the current ban on outdoor open containers of alcohol, but would limit their consumption to non-breakable containers that are purchased from Gettysburg establishments. The proposed resolution would only allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages in and near the new …
Read moreGettysburg Proposes Suspending Ban on Outdoor Alcoholic Beverages
Fall classes for Gettysburg College students will begin on August 17 as the fall 2020 semester begins a bit earlier than usual. And the college will be making a number of changes to its schedule and policies to help ensure safety of students, faculty, and staff. “Any return to our residential program will come with …
Hundreds of tourists returned to the streets, restaurants, and shops of Gettysburg last weekend as Adams County moved into the green phase of Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s coronavirus orders. The streets were particularly crowded on Saturday because the Gettysburg Outdoor Antique Show, sponsored by the Gettysburg Area Retail Merchants Association (GARMA), was held that day …
School Superintendent Jason Perrin proposed two possible budgets to the Gettysburg Area School District Board of Directors, one for a .5 percent tax increase in the 2020-21 tax year and one for no tax increase. Perrin said the difference between the two budgets concerned the amount of money needed to be drawn from the school’s …
Gettysburg Rec Park Executive Director Erin Peddigree said that fireworks, sponsored and presented by Destination Gettysburg, will be displayed on July 4 from the Gettysburg Recreational Park football field. The fireworks will start at 9:20 p.m. and last about 20 minutes. Speaking of the fireworks, board member Steve Niebler said “I think it’s going to …
Read moreGettysburg Rec Park Reopens, Prepares for July 4 Fireworks