Charles Stangor
Gettysburg Hospital, often operating on “Divert Status,” sends patients to neighboring hospitals
With the Gettysburg Hospital remaining at over 100 percent capacity due to an influx of primarily unvaccinated COVID patients, many emergency room patients are being diverted to other regional hospitals. “It is likely patients transported via EMS are redirected to other facilities that may have some capacity,” said Wellspan spokesperson Ryan Coyle. “We ask our
History made as first African American becomes Gettysburg Mayor
216 years after it was founded in 1806, the historical site of a major Civil War Battle has inaugurated its first African American mayor. Rita Frealing was sworn in this afternoon as the mayor of the Borough of Gettysburg at the Borough Office Building on E. High St. by outgoing mayor Ted Streeter. Frealing is
2021: The year at the Connection
Read about how small independent local online news startups like Gettysburg Connection are using reader support to provide news to local communities. Happy New Year everyone. I’d like to take this opportunity on the first day of 2022 to reflect for a moment on the state of Gettysburg Connection, with the goal of keeping you
2021 Gettysburg Connection Annual Report
Dear Friends, It is my pleasure to share Gettysburg Connection’s 2021 Annual Report with you. I direct this letter to all of you who read the Connection, who are members or partners of the Connection, who sponsor the Connection, and who participate with the Connection in so many other ways. Thank you. I am happy
Covid tears through Adams as hospital remains taxed
Statistics from the PA Department of Health show dramatic increases in the prevalence of COVID-19 across the state. The number of reported cases was higher on Wednesday than it has been on any day since the start of the pandemic. Data from Adams County show a similar progression, but with an even steeper increase. According
PA Dairymen’s Association milkshake truck stops by Gettysburg
The PA Diarymen’s Association brought its milkshake truck to Kennie’s Market in Gettysburg today and served over 1,700 milkshakes before heading out at about 5:00 p.m. The event was part of a tour of milkshake truck pop-ups across the state that began earlier this year when the PA Farm Show was cancelled. In addition to
Business Profile: Twin Springs Fruit Farm
Four friends, looking to the future and already involved in the Adams County fruit-growing tradition, pooled their knowledge, bought some land, and began a new business forty years ago. Today that business has grown from the initial 20-acre purchase with four employees to 300 acres and as many as 45 full-time workers. The Orrtanna business,
Joan Didion’s death and my own writing
The author Joan Didion died in Manhattan on Thursday at age 87. I was unexpectedly moved by her death and spent the past few days thinking and learning a lot about her. Didion was an inspiration for many writers because she so seemingly naturally excelled at everything related to writing – from novels to journalism
LASD approves mask-optional health and safety plan; discusses financing for building reconstruction
Saying plans were very much open to change, Superintendent Chris Bigger updated the school board on Monday Dec. 13 on the proposed building project for renovations to the high school which would combine it with the middle school. “Where are we headed? It’s still to be determined,” he said. Bigger said bids for the project
Everything you need to know to stay COVID-safe during a second pandemic winter
Jamie Martines of Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Coronavirus cases and hospitalizations are rising, and hospital officials say Pennsylvania could be on course for another difficult winter
Gettysburg Approves 2022 budget with “modest” tax cut
The Gettysburg Borough Council approved its new $6.58 million budget on Monday evening. The budget brings tax relief to the borough’s citizens. Borough Manager Charles Gable said the new property tax rate would be 4.177 mills, which is .232 mills lower than the 2021 rate of 4.409 mills. The council also approved budgets for fire
Gettysburg Hospital starts triage as it is crushed by unvaccinated Covid patients
The WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital is currently caring for 52 Covid patients, which is the highest number since the start of the pandemic. The hospital is already at over 100 percent capacity and the situation is likely to get worse over the next weeks. Across the Wellspan system over 90 percent of these hospitalized Covid patients are
Free vaccine clinic brings out a crowd at the annual Winter Fiesta
The Pennsylvania Department of Health sponsored a free vaccine clinic on Friday evening and, according to an organizer, 77 doses of Covid and flu vaccines were administered, including 28 given to pediatric patients. Parents and children came to the clinic as part of the annual Winter Fiesta held on the Gettysburg College campus. Speaking at
Adams waits on consideration of $20 million in Covid funds
As 2022 rolls in the Adams County Commissioners are in the position of having a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend about $20 million in federal funds provided to them by the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) that was signed into law by President Biden in March. According to County Manager Steve Nevada the county has already
Giving Spree is most successful charity day in the nation
The 2021 Adams County Community Foundation Giving Spree has become the most successful one-day giving event in the nation, bringing in $3.08 million for local charities. The donations, made to 94 nonprofits, came from 2,465 donors and 8,000 contributions. [Please see the complete list of donations here] Based on dollars collected per capita, the event
PA Department of Health Urges Residents to Get Flu Vaccine as the Season Intensifies
Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania Department of Health officials today announced that as of Dec. 7, there have been 5,036 laboratory-confirmed flu cases and two flu-associated deaths statewide. As flu season intensifies, the department urges Pennsylvanians to get their flu vaccine today if they have not already done so. “Flu cases are increasing significantly as we
GASD school board reorganizes, seating three new members
The results of November’s municipal elections have replaced three members of the Gettysburg Area School District Board of Directors. Jeremy Davis, Ryan Morris, and Michelle Smyers are newly-elected members and Kenneth Hassinger was re-elected. Each was elected to a 4-year term. Prior board members Kathleen Adams Pratt and Sylvan Hershey retired from the board and
ACHS Awarded $2 million in state funding
Adams County Historical Society will receive $2 Million RACP Grant to fund museum and history center in Gettysburg; preserve millions of irreplaceable artifacts (Gettysburg, Pa.) — Today, the Adams County Historical Society (ACHS) received a $2 million RACP award (Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program) from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Office of the Budget. These funds add
Holiday Market pops up on a warm December day
After a month off, the Adams County Farmers Market came back to life yesterday with a a crowed and lively mix of food, produce, crafts, music, and more at the market’s site near the old railroad station in Gettysburg. Sorry, your browser doesn’t support embedded videos, but don’t worry, you can download it and watch
COVID, particularly among the unvaccinated, spikes in Adams
Adams County is again experiencing a spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, with the disease occurring primarily among the unvaccinated. There have been over 250 new COVID cases in Adams County over the past week, and Gettysburg Hospital is now caring for 23 patients with 4 of them on ventilators. As a comparison, the number
Garden Club goes green for Saturday’s sale
Dozens of members of the Gettysburg Garden Club are working this week in the firehouse on Stratton St. to create swatches, wreaths, and a wide variety of other decorations for their Annual Greens Sale. The work is specialized, and new members are trained by the more experienced. “We have specialists that teach specialists,” said club
Main Street Gettysburg Sponsors the 2021 Christmas Festival [Episode 58]
The annual Gettysburg Christmas Festival will be held over the next two weekends. There will be dozens of activities and hundreds of people to enjoy them. The festival is sponsored by Main Street Gettysburg and created by dozens of local volunteers with the cooperation of local businesses. In this episode I talk with Main Street’s
A Gettysburg Christmas Festival, 2021
The popular Gettysburg Christmas Festival returns this December. Taking place over two weekends to reduce the crowds, the festival will run Friday through Sunday, Dec. 3-5 and 10-12. “The Christmas Festival has become a part of Gettysburg,” said Jill Sellers, Main Street Gettysburg’s President and CEO. The festival will include ice sculpting, musicians, horse carriages,
GARA reports a healthy year; moves forward on splash park
Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority (GARA) Executive Director Erin Peddigree reported to the borough council about the rec park on Monday evening, saying finances had been improving but that there were still challenges ahead. Peddigree reviewed the many events held at the park including the 4th of July fireworks and said that big projects over the
GARA Reports new income in 2021; Considers a long-range strategic plan
Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority (GARA) Executive Director Erin Peddigree said most of the official sports activities were closing down for the winter months but that there were still many people using the park. She said many new trees and a butterfly garden have been planted and thanked the Girl Scouts and the Green Gathering for
Adams County Farmers Market seeks a new home
The Adams County Farmers Market (ACFM), which is currently located behind the Gettysburg Transfer Station (rabbittransit) between Carlisle and Stratton Streets, is looking for a new home. The move is necessitated by an upcoming development project on the site which will be occurring in the near future. Market Manager Reza Djalal said it was “likely
Gettysburg 64th Annual Dedication Day Weekend
This weekend marked the anniversary of the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg. The Gettysburg National Cemetery is famous throughout the world today as the site of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, delivered at the cemetery’s dedication ceremonies four and a half months after the battle. Numerous events take place each year to commemorate
GASD’s Emergency Response Team and advance preparations may have saved two lives this year
The Gettysburg School District (GASD) emergency response team and its public access defibrillators were used in two situations this year to respond to urgent cardiac arrests. In both cases they may have saved the lives of the victims. On Monday evening, Fire Chief Steve Lord from the Hagerstown Maryland Fire Department honored employees from the school
Soliday, Adams Pratt, and Hershey thanked for their work on the GASD Board
At Monday’s board meeting, Assistant Superintendent Christine Lay thanked outgoing Gettysburg Area School District board members Carrie Soliday, Kathleen Adams Pratt, and Sylvan Hershey for their “dedicated leadership in public education and continuing service for the students, staff, and families and community of the Gettysburg Area School District.” “Your hard work, dedication, and achievement will
Gettysburg Baking Company opens in Biglerville
Owner Sheila Luckenbaugh has expanded the Gettysburg Baking Company from the existing shop on the Gettysburg Square into an extension location at 213 E. York St.in Biglerville. The store is just a few blocks north of the town center. The shop, which currently sells a variety of breads and pastries, as well as coffee, had a
COVID cases decline in Adams but are still higher than other areas
Recent data show that Covid-19 cases in Adams County have fallen by 20 percent in the past two weeks, but that the number of cases per 100,000 remains higher than the U.S. average and many other local regions. The current positive test rate in Adams is 35 positive cases per 100,000 people tested suggesting widespread
Rice Fruit Company’s Apples are “Sweet Natured”
Only a dozen or so miles north of Gettysburg, on Route 34 north of Aspers, sits the site of a long-standing county fixture — The Rice Fruit Company. The busy apple processing plant is located amid a rural landscape surrounded by apple orchards. The Rice family first started packing fruit in 1913. “We can trace
Gettysburg will cut taxes
The Gettysburg Borough Council has completed weeks of budget discussions with a proposal that slightly decreases the tax rate. Borough Manager Charles Gable announced the new property tax rate would be 4.177 mills, which is .232 mills lower than the 2021 rate of 4.409 mills. The occupation tax rate will remain at 30 mills and
GASD moves toward a balanced budget; plans HVAC upgrade at James Getty
The Gettysburg Area School District Board of Directors has approved an engineering study for HVAC reconstruction and a new 100 sq ft. ADA compliant bathroom at James Getty Elementary School. The cost of the 100 square foot bathroom is expected to be $62,000, leading board director Tim Seigman to say the cost seemed too high. “I
Gettysburg Hospital Pediatric Nurse Alison Arrowood wins Nightingale Award
Click here to see Arrowood’s introduction at the awards ceremony. Along with two other winners from across the state, Gettysburg resident Alison Arrowood, RN, Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse, EMT Paramedic, and Nursing Operations Director at WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital, was announced at a virtual gala on Oct. 22 as the Nightingale Award winner in the Nursing
Strong turnout in municipal election shows intense political interest and polarization
Political polarization and strong interest in municipal races were evident yesterday as over 30 percent of registered Adams County voters turned out for a municipal race which normally draws many fewer voters. Over 250 candidates ran for office in this year’s election. The polarization was clear as Gettysburg Borough overwhelmingly supported Democrats while the county
Historical Society presents inaugural “Photo Projection” on the Gettysburg Square
Dozens of people lined the Gettysburg Square last night to view an outdoor “projection” of historic photographs in front of the wall of the ACNB Bank Building in the square. Adams County Historical Society (ACHS) Executive Director Andrew Dalton and historian Tim Smith narrated the program, featuring rare images of the town taken throughout its
GARA hosts first annual Trick and Treat Trail, announces Fireman’s Carnival news
The Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority (GARA) hosted its inaugural Trick or Treat Trail on Saturday as children with costumes and bikes used the pump track and the Biser Trail for exercise, fun, and trick or treating. Executive Director Erin Peddigree said about 150 kids with their families came by during the afternoon to get candy
GASD updates policy on public comments at meetings
Responding in part to the increase in the number of people wishing to address it, the Gettysburg Area School district has proposed changes to its policies about public comments during its meetings. Board President Kenneth Hassinger said the goal was to “put into writing some of the processes we had in place this fall.” Hassinger
Gettysburg Borough Council announces free holiday parking beginning on Thanksgiving Day
The Gettysburg Borough Council discussed ways to make the borough safer last week, including implementing a “Vision Zero” plan that would be used to reduce accidents in the borough. The program includes traffic calming strategies to slow traffic. The borough noted that accident-reduction plans were already in place in the borough and would be part
As traffic increases after the pandemic local stores face supply chain issues and encourage customers to shop early
I took a quick walk around the Gettysburg Square this morning and talked to some shop owners. The responses were similar across the board: The pandemic was tough, but things are getting better. The fly in the ointment right now is keeping the stores stocked. “It was tough for a couple of months, but it’s picking
GASD will move forward on comprehensive planning and budgeting
The Gettysburg Area School District board of directors said they would be working on a comprehensive plan and budgeting issues over the remainder of the school year. Assistant Superintendent Christine Lay said the district was moving forward with a three-year comprehensive plan. A public review of the plan will be held next August and the
Gettysburg Borough hears transit plans from rabbittransit and Adams County
Richard Farr, Executive Director of rabbittransit, presented his organization’s plans for transit service around the Gettysburg area to the borough council last week. Farr said the pandemic had reduced ridership to less than 30% of normal ridership at one point, but that it had increased since then and that service around the Gettysburg area was still
Bigger receives praise from LASD on his departure – but then doesn’t leave
“Educator. Administrator. Communicator. COVID-whisperer. These are just some of the words that have been used to Christopher Bigger, Littlestown Area School District’s Superintendent. In an interview, Mr. Bigger looked back over his six- and one-half years in the district. If there is one hallmark of Bigger’s time at LASD, it would be the increased communication
Family of former GAHS guidance counselor Joseph Schaeffer gives George Washington portrait to Gettysburg Borough
Saying he wanted the borough to have it, the family of Joseph Schaeffer presented Gettysburg Borough with an oil painting of George Washington at last week’s borough council meeting. Schaeffer, who died in 2020, was a longtime Gettysburg Middle School and High School guidance counselor, a founding board member of Gettysburg Dollars for Scholars and
From The Ground keeps Gettysburg looking great
Early on most Monday mornings during the summer months a group of local volunteers gathers in front of the Gettysburg Majestic Theater. They don safety vests and spread out through the borough with brooms and dustpans. The volunteers spend a few hours helping to keep the streets of Gettysburg tidy and then join together at
GASD explores mask mandate challenge during rowdy board meeting
The Gettysburg Area School District Board of Directors voted 7-2 last night to direct its solicitor, Robert McQuaide, to take action to potentially challenge the current mask mandate imposed by the PA Department of Health. The order, released last week by Acting Secretary of Health Alison V. Beam, requires all students to wear face coverings
Ida remnants lead to evacuations and a busy day for emergency management
As over 7 inches of rain fell in some parts of the county over a 24 hour period from Tuesday into Wednesday, the effects of the remnants of hurricane Ida were felt throughout the region. “A lot of people were impacted,” said County Emergency Services Director Warren Bladen. “We did a number of water rescues
As numbers increase, Gettysburg will study walking tours
After hearing concerns from a local business owner about the proliferation of walking tours that are not following borough guidelines, the Gettysburg Borough Council said it will create an ad hoc committee of council members and business owners to study the problem. “There are tour companies out there that are less than professional,” said tour
County proclaims August as Child Support Enforcement Awareness Month
As Adams County Commissioner Marty Qually told county domestic relations employees that “you have one of the most important jobs in the county,” the Adams County Commissioners made August Child Support Awareness Month. Adams County Executive Director of Domestic Relations Kelly Carothers noted the difficulties of operating their office during the pandemic. “The past 17
Redman, Heyser, and Moon elected to Gettysburg Borough Council positions
After hearing short presentations from four candidates for the interim borough council member position that will last until January 3, 2022, the Gettysburg Borough Council elected Nicholas Redman to fill the seat vacated by former council president Jake Schindel. Redman said he had been a resident of Gettysburg for 9 years, 4 of them as
GASD hears public comment; votes against reopening discussion on health and safety plan; considers pandemic funds use
After hearing comment from eight residents during its public comment session, the Gettysburg Area School Board held a short meeting on Monday evening. A recording of the meeting is available here. Board member Katherine Adams Pratt asked the board to reconsider its health and safety plan, which makes face masks optional, in light of recent
Metropolitan Opera Live in HD Season Kicks Off October 9 at the Gettysburg Majestic Theater
The Metropolitan Opera’s Live in HD presentations return to Gettysburg College’s Majestic Theater for the 2021-2022 season. The live presentations kick off Saturday, October 9 at 1 pm and include 10 operas from the Met’s 2021-2022 season. The 2021–22 Live in HD season opens on October 9, 2021, with a revival of Mussorgsky’s monumental Boris
Adams County Adult Correctional Complex avoids COVID cases, moves forward with its mission
Despite being home to over 200 prisoners, the Adams County Adult Correctional Complex (ACACC) has not had a single case of transmitted COVID cases in the prison. That’s is a remarkable achievement, and a testament to the work of its staff, given many similar facilities have suffered major outbreaks requiring forced lockdowns. The facility, located
Schindel receives key to the city
On the occasion of his retirement as president of the Gettysburg Borough Council, Jake Schindel received a key to the city from Mayor Ted Streeter. The council members thanked him for his service with a round of applause. Schindel will be replaced at a special council meeting to be held on August 23 at the
Library not possible in rec park, Gettysburg says
After taking what he called a “deep dive” into the legal possibilities of allowing the Gettysburg Library to relocate into the rec park, solicitor Harry Eastman reported on Monday evening that it was not possible. Saying the rec park was specifically dedicated to outdoor recreation and playground use when it was created 63 years ago,
Gettysburg Borough to Host Public Shredding Event
FREE to Borough Gettysburg Residents; $2 Per Box for Non-Borough Residents As a service for Borough residents and a courtesy for neighboring municipalities, Gettysburg Borough will host a document shredding event on Friday, August 20, at the Borough’s Public Works Building, 457 East Middle Street, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, 17325. Borough residents may participate free of charge,
Watershed Alliance expresses concern about proposed septic system in Hamiltonban
In Pennsylvania, certain very clean, very healthy streams earn a special “Exceptional Value” designation from the state’s Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP). These are the most unspoiled waters in the Commonwealth, and they merit special protection from the PADEP. Out of 59 named streams in Adams County, only three streams or stream segments have received
Casa de Cultura otorga $ 55,500 en becas a 28 estudiantes locales
Read in English Los ganadores de las becas Beatrice and Sigfried Lowenthal Scholarships for First and Second Generation Immigrants y sus familias se reunieron en el pabellón en el campus de Gettysburg College el jueves por la noche para celebrar la entrega de $ 55,500 en becas a 28 estudiantes. El evento, organizado por la
Casa de Cultura Gives $55,500 in scholarships to 28 local students
leer en español Winners of this year’s Beatrice and Sigfried Lowenthal Scholarships for First and Second Generation Immigrants and their families gathered at the pavilion on the Gettysburg College campus on Thursday evening to celebrate the awarding of $55,500 in scholarship money to 28 students. The event, hosted by the college’s Casa de Cultura, included
GASD board responds to acrimonious public comments
A number of people from the Gettysburg Area School District community spoke passionately about various topics including mask requirements, health regulations, curriculum, teachers, and perceived racism within the district during the public comment period at Monday’s board meeting. The meeting was recorded and is available for viewing here. Board members do not respond to individual
Bounty of the County begins tomorrow
The Adams County Fruit Growers Association is again presenting its annual Bounty of the County event that allows restaurant patrons to sample locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables. The event, which features fruits and vegetables from 13 local producers served in nine restaurants begins on Friday, August 6 and continues through Sunday, August 15. Adams County
GASD approves health and safety plan making masks optional
On a 7-1 vote the Gettysburg Area School District approved the current health and safety plan for the district at their board meeting on Monday. The plan makes facemasks optional but recommends that people who are not vaccinated wear them. The approved plan included last-minute changes proposed by board member Mike Dickerson which were discussed
New York developer Tim Harrison purchases the Gettysburg Station Site for $1 million
Another chapter in the long history of the so-called REDDI or Gettysburg Station property, situated in Gettysburg between North Stratton and Carlisle streets near the historic railroad station, was written this summer when Staten Island developer Tim Harrison purchased the 2.4-acre property from the Adams County Industrial Development Authority (ACIDA) for $1 million. The property,
Gettysburg proposes $27 million 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Plan including major street and storm water repairs and a splash pad at the rec park
Saying it was a “mouthdropping number,” Gettysburg Borough Manager Charles Gable outlined a $26.77 million plan to improve and maintain the borough’s infrastructure over the next five years. Gable said funds would come from a variety of organizations but that a major source was expected to be grants. The goal of Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
Gettysburg Borough seeks interim council member
Gettysburg Borough Council at-large member and president Jacob Schindel submitted his resignation to the council on Monday and the council will formally vote to accept the resignation at its business meeting on August 9. The council is seeking qualified candidates who live in the borough to serve on the council until January 2022 when a
Local air quality is unhealthy as upper atmospheric smoke passes by
If you were thinking the sun looked a bit dimmer over the past two days than normal, that the sky looked a bit less blue, and that the air was not all that clean, you weren’t imagining it. A huge cloud of smoke in the upper atmosphere has reduced both visibility and air quality in
@Home in Adams County Coordinator Position Available (25 hours/week, flexible schedule)
This position leads the @Home in Adams County community engagement initiative. @Home is designed to increase access to affordable housing, improve transportation opportunities, and increase the availability of livable wage employment across the county. This position will coordinate the initiative, facilitate community involvement, and ensure that the @Home in Adams County Strategic Plan, a living
Gettysburg renews Steinwehr Ave. business district improvement project for another 7 years
As local business owners expressed enthusiasm but also some concerns, the Gettysburg Borough Council unanimously voted on Monday night to reauthorize the Steinwehr Avenue Heart of Gettysburg Battlefield Business Improvement District (SABID) through 2028. Main Street Gettysburg Executive Officer Jill Sellers said the first seven years of the public-private partnership had involved 70 local businesses
Understanding Your Gettysburg Borough Storm Water Bill [Episode 54]
If you have an average home in the borough, your storm water fee will be $100. If that seems a lot, you might feel a bit better knowing that Gettysburg College is going to receive a bill for about $100,000. The fee is the end result of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of
Gettysburg Bike Week turns 20 and keeps growing
Gettysburg Bike Week celebrated its 20th anniversary rally, cancelled last year because of COVID, at the Allstar Events Complex on Emmittsburg Rd. on Thursday through Sunday. “We had to wait an extra year to celebrate our 20th,” said event coordinator Kelly Shue. “Last year was a nightmare for everyone, but to see the joy on
Gettysburg Celebrates July 4
After more than a year of confinement and concerns about spreading COVID-19, the situation seemed more normal as thousands of people came to the Gettysburg Area Rec Park yesterday to celebrate 245 years of United States independence. On a gorgeous evening, with seasonable weather and low humidity, the rec park provided live music in the
Gettysburg will begin “Trap Neuter and Return” program to stabilize borough’s feral cat population
After hearing from citizens and municipal office holders from Bendersville, Carroll Valley, and Gettysburg describe the effectiveness of the program, the Gettysburg Borough Council will move forward on a trap neuter and return/release (TNR) program to stabilize its feral cat population. The speakers, all of whom had experience with the program said the program is
FASD Returns to in-person meetings, but does not yet plan to record them.
After a year in which school board meetings had been conducted virtually via the Zoom platform, the Fairfield Area School District Board of Directors has returned to in-person meetings. Monday’s meeting was not recorded, and as a result Gettysburg Connection was unable to cover it. The announcement was made in a letter on the school’s
Buzz Jones Jazz Quintet entertains at rec park amphitheater
The Buzz Jones Jazz Quintet played a set in the Gettysburg rec park yesterday afternoon. It was some cool jazz on a hot Sunday afternoon. The concert was part of Music Gettysburg!s annual series. Music Gettysburg! is using the amphitheater while their usual concert locations on the Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary campus are being prepared for
Finances looking up as Gettysburg Borough Council returns to in-person meetings
The Gettysburg Borough Council held its first in-person meeting in the borough office since early 2020 on Monday. The council announced the borough office has now reopened but that it would not always be staffed at the front window. Visitors must dial the extension of the person they wish to meet using the phone in the
GASD closes the 2020 pandemic year with a small tax increase
The Gettysburg Area School District Board of Directors approved the 2021-2022 final budget at their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday. The 2021-2022 Approved Final Budget includes a 0.79% increase in the local real estate tax rate or 0.087 mills. The increase is less than the 3.5% Act 1 index for GASD or 0.3856 mills. The
Opinion: Municipalities should continue to livestream and record their public meetings
When people are faced with stressful situations such as a pandemic, they lose a lot but they also learn something new. The process of adapting to negative events creates positive changes going forward. Over the course of the pandemic, school district and municipal council meetings that were formerly held in person have been moved online,
Keeping Gettysburg Connection Sustainable
One of the most difficult parts of the news business is making it sustainable. In other words, will we still be publishing next year? In the past newspapers were supported primarily by advertising but that money has been snatched away from our communities by Facebook, Google, and the other bigs. Although news sites like ours
GASD Graduates Seniors in Rain-delayed Ceremony
“What an absolutely crazy ride this high school experience has been,” said Gettysburg Area School District Senior Class President Natalie Kloster in her address to her graduating classmates and their parents and supporters at this year’s Gettysburg High School graduation in Warriors Stadium. Kloster said she had doubted at many times in the year that
Mt. Joy denies solar panel application on tie vote [UPDATE]
[THIS STORY WAS UPDATED ON JUNE 4, 2021] After two tie votes by the Mt. Joy township supervisors, the application for from NextEra Energy for a large solar panel array in the township was denied. Under township regulation a decision to approve requires a majority vote. The project, which would have added over 400 acres
Veterans Remembered at Gettysburg Memorial Day Parade and Presentation
As other families picnicked and visited, thousands of veterans, families with children of all ages, and other patriots lined Baltimore Avenue in Gettysburg on a sunny Memorial Day afternoon to watch an enthusiastic parade. A smaller crowd stayed on to hear presentations at the Soldiers’ National Cemetery. The parade included representatives of the guided-missile cruiser
Gettysburg poised to move forward on HABPI Inner Loop Project
After extensive grant writing by Gettysburg Borough and Healthy Adams Bicycle/Pedestrian, Inc.(HABPI), Gettysburg may be in a positive situation regarding the Gettysburg Inner Loop bicycle trail, segment GIL-B2. The borough and HABPI formed a partnership in 2007 to design and build a bicycle/pedestrian system that was safe and ADA mobility welcoming. Most of the west
Ploughman Cider Taproom reopens tomorow with expanded menus
A soft opening last night showed off the new culinary and beverage options at Ploughman Cider Taproom, located on the southwest corner of Gettysburg’s Lincoln Square. The taproom, which has been open for three years, has long been a place for ciders and other local beverages, as well as live music, but there has not
Straban “astonished” about GASD suit
In a press release issued this week Straban Township said it had not expected to be sued by the Gettysburg Area School District. “I’m astonished,” said Tony Sanders, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. “We’ve been working with the district’s solicitor for months in good faith and then this suit comes out of the blue.”
GASD sues Straban Township; candidates for board election announced
As the slate of candidates for the fall election became clear after Tuesday’s primary, the Gettysburg Area School Board made appointments to its current board. Running in the fall election on Nov. 2 will be Jeremy Davis, Kenny Hassinger, Ryan J Morris, Jimmy Phelps, John Ramirez, Michelle Smyers, and Carrie Adams Soliday. Voters will get
LASD announces health and safety plans for the rest of the year and next fall
Summer vacation is arriving quickly and everyone is looking forward to the time when we can all gather without masks. But for Littlestown Area School District students there are still three more weeks of classes before the party can begin. During this week’s work session and regular board meeting of the LASD Board, District Compliance
Rita Frealing Gets to Work on Mayoral Campaign
After winning the Democratic primary over Chad Alan Carr and Kiersten Demps on Tuesday, Rita Frealing is basing her mayoral campaign on the issues of community safety, collaboration, and consensus. “I’m ready to work,” said Frealing in a phone call yesterday. “Everyone will have a voice.” Frealing said the two major responsibilities the mayor was
GASD wrestles with its budget, preparing for a vote on June 7
Gettysburg Area School District staff presented a detailed and comprehensive look at the district’s 2021-22 budget on Monday evening, while proposing a modest 1.2 percent tax increase to reduce the possibility of severe funding difficulties in the future. District Business Manager Belinda Wallen said the parts of the budget the district was able to control
Gettysburg’s finances are improving as downtown revitalization ramps up * Police body cameras are here
With parking revenues reported as being much better than last year, Gettysburg Borough Manager Charles Gable was optimistic about revenue trends in the borough. “The pillow tax is running a little below 2019 levels but the trend lines are good,” he said. Gable said some funds from the American Recovery Plan were expected to arrive
Self inflicted gunshot near Gettysburg Square
Media Release On May 11, 2021 at approx. 1220 AM, Officers of the Gettysburg Police Department located a victim of a self-inflicted gun shot wound in the first block of Chambersburg St. The individual was located in the driver’s seat of a vehicle registered to the victim and the driver had an obvious self-inflicted gunshot
GNMP will Enforce its Ban on Competitive Events Beginning in January * What Hours is the Park Open?
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
Should GASD Raise Taxes? Board Debates the Issue
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
Majestic Theater will reopen on May 21
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 Publishes 55-Page Report on Poverty in Adams County
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
Gettysburg Borough Considers Use of Federal Stimulus Money, Drafts New Policy on Short-Term Rentals
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
GASD Proposes a 1.3 Percent Tax Increase for 2021-2022
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
GARA outlines plans for July 4 fireworks * Reconsiders Again a Public Pool at the Rec Park * Firemans Carnival News
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