Charles Stangor
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
Gettysburg Borough Appoints Initial Human Relations Board * New ACAC Director Checks In
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
Borough Encourages Responses To Survey
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
Gettysburg Borough Council Praises Main Street Director Deb Adamik, Gettysburg Police Force
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
Help Wanted @ Seminary Ridge Museum
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
Vaccine Information Update
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
Democratic Gettysburg Mayoral Primary Candidates Share Their Positions
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
GASD Previews its 2021-2022 Budget * Expects to Keep Current Schedule for Remainder of School Year
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
It’s Mosquito Season in Adams County: How to Stay Safe from West Nile Virus [Episode 49]
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
County Fruit Farmers Crossing their Fingers for Their Apricots and Plums after Last Week’s Cold Snap
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
Adams COVID Cases Continue to Rise as Commissioners Call for Safety and Vaccinations Continue
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
COVID Cases Spike Again in Adams as State Increases Vaccination Availability
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
Gettysburg Borough Proposes Limiting Food Trucks
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
As Gettysburg Ends Live Outdoor Music at Ploughman Taproom, Wenk Will Expand in Biglerville
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
SCCAP Begins Distributing $6.7 Million in Rental Assistance to Adams Landlords and Tenants
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
Mt. Joy Solar Hearing Wrapping Up after a Year of Meetings
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
As Graduation Approaches, GASD Focuses on Helping Students Succeed
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
Huge Field of Adams County Municipal Primary Election Candidates Announced
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
Gettysburg Rec Park Use Expected to Expand in 2021 * Fireworks Planned * Delinquency Continues
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
Gettysburg Will Try to Slow Traffic Entering the Borough on Baltimore Street
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
From Ballads to Showstoppers, GHS Recreates Broadway in “Everything Is”
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
Demanding “Live Learning,” FASD Board Overrules School Administration Preferences
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
GASD Proposes Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Expansion
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
Gettysburg Will Revise Special Events Permitting in Response to Noise Concerns
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