Gettysburg College student Brandon Fey thinks big about composting

fey composting

When students head back to Gettysburg College for the beginning of the fall semester, sophomore Brandon Fey will continue to work on a project he initiated last year to enhance agriculture and the environment in Adams County. The two-phase composting project has the dual goal of enriching the soil, decreasing dangerous landfill waste gases, and

ACCOG: Gettysburg tourism back on track

0 1

Gettysburg has been named the friendliest city in America according to Booking.com and that generosity of spirit transfers to dollars and cents that benefits Adams County residents. “That really speaks to the experiences that Gettysburg provides,” Karl Pietrzak, President of Destination Gettysburg told local leaders at last week’s Adams County Council of Governments (ACCOG) meeting.

Littlestown Mayor James Eline has died; $1.5 million Park construction should begin mid-July

0 16

The Littlestown Borough Council approved five expenditures for the park renovation project at Tuesday’s meeting to facilitate a mid-July start date. The Littlestown Park will feature updated playground equipment for two age-specific play areas, a new octagonal pavilion, pickleball, basketball, and tennis courts, a 1.5-mile trail with exercise stations, and updated restroom facilities. Borough Manager

Adams County Farmers Market in full bloom

0 14

A loaf of sourdough bread, raspberries and blueberries, multi-colored carrots, cinnamon rolls, cherry pie, and an aptly titled book, “Confessions of a Farmers Market Romeo.” Those were my purchases at the Adams County Farmers Market on a recent, desperately hot, Saturday morning at the Gettysburg rec park. The difference in rhubarb grown in Alaska versus

LASD fills leadership positions, approves one percent tax increase

0 11

The Littlestown Area School District approved the appointment of two internal candidates for the position of Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent at the June 17 Board meeting. Dr. Timothy Mitzel will assume the head position and Dr. Judith Berryman will assist him. “I am extremely excited to have both of these individuals here,” Dr. Don Bell,

Littlestown Community Park Renovation to begin next month

0 pdf

The Littlestown Borough voted to award contracts at its June 11 meeting for the Littlestown Community Park renovation scheduled to begin construction in mid-July with a finish date in October. The Borough awarded the contract for the park renovation project to Conewago Enterprises Inc. of Hanover, the low bidder at $1,235,000, and the electrical work

Best selling author Craig Johnson visits PA and MD

0 28

Craig Johnson, author of the Walt Longmire series, recently recalled his first visit to Gettysburg. “I remember seeing the medical kit at one of the museums and it was mostly saws…It was the most horrifying thing I’ve ever seen,” he said. While the Western crime fiction writer spends much of the year in Ucross, Wyoming,

LASD Hires Staff Ahead of Schedule, Plans for Tax Increase

0 27

The Littlestown Area School Board struggled through yet another contentious meeting Monday as tensions surrounded the early renewal of employee contracts for assistant superintendent, business manager, and administrative staff. At issue was the approval of Timothy Mizel as Assistant Superintendent, Thomas Showvaker, as Business Administrator, as well as the Act 93 Agreement that will cover

Preventing Targeted Violence

0 2

On April 10, a Michigan judge ruled that the parents of a child involved in a school shooting would spend 10 to 15 years in prison for their failure to stop the incident from happening. Circuit Court Judge Cheryl Matthews denied the sentence had anything to do with poor parenting but rather was the result

HAPBI works to put more bikes and feet on trails in Adams

0 11

Healthy Adams Bicycle/Pedestrian Inc. (HABPI) Vice President Eric Meyer presented a report to the Adams County Council of Governments last week on what the future might hold for residents who like to cycle, walk, or hike. Formed in 2005, HABPI believes that the development of land today will affect tomorrow. “Part of the key is

Nature ambassadors donate $25K to Strawberry Hill Nature Center

strawberrry hill auction 2024

Strawberry Hill Nature Center is $25,000 richer thanks to the generous support of attendees of the 5th annual Night for Nature dinner and Auction. “We hit our goal of raising $25,000,” said Dan Brannen, executive director, who added that all the proceeds will go toward supporting the environmental education programs. In addition, Gettysburg Green Gathering

Carl Thompson to head LASD Board

0 11

Carl Thompson was elected president of the Littlestown Area School District board unanimously at Monday’s brief special session. Thompson, who has sat on the board since 2013 and was serving as the finance committee board chair, said he feels confident he can help to mend the divide that has erupted since seven new members began

Sullivan resigns as LASD Board President

0 6

Duane Sullivan, Littlestown Area School District (LASD) President, has resigned after board member Brian Lawyer called for a special session to remove him after last Monday’s three-hour board meeting. Interim Superintendent Don Bell said, “Obviously the decision to resign was Mr. Sullivan’s to make. His resignation will be accepted on Monday, and the board will

Littlestown Borough votes to decommission pool

0 6

Littlestown Borough Council voted to decommission the community pool at Tuesday’s meeting, leaving some residents angry and saddened by the decision. “We’ll remember all of you. You will have a legacy for decommissioning the pool,” said long-time resident Darren Sentz. The meeting opened with a statement by President Craid Rosendale that council members should no

Time running out for Littlestown pool

0 2 rotated

With Littlestown Borough meeting poised to vote to decommission the public pool at their meeting tomorrow, Kathleen Ednie and Save the Littlestown Pool followers will present a business plan and ask for more time to finance their project. The council meets in the public library’s meeting room, with a room capacity of 30 and no

LASD Board Leadership questioned

0 5

Littlestown Area School District Board’s leadership was challenged by one of its own at Monday’s meeting. “The board and the community would be better served with different leadership, and I think it’s apparent to anybody who’s been at the meetings,” board member Brian Lawyer said. He is one of only two board members who returned

County Jail begins “Transition to Success” program

police story

The Adams County Adult Correctional Complex (ACACC) will begin a new “Transition to Success” program this summer, with the goal of reducing the recidivism rate at the jail. The program, based on the “Scandinavian Incarceration Model” will be administered by the ACACC Treatment Department, Work Release Department, and other community partners.  The program will be

Littlestown residents question pool decision, water/sewer rate hike

littlestown pd

The conversation grew contentious at times as the Littlestown Borough council members and meeting participants discussed saving the last public pool in Adams County and questioning a proposed water/sewer rate hike. “The borough council has voted in an official act. The pool will not re-open,” Craig Rosendale, Council President, said. He said the pool is

Municipalities urged to update emergency management plans

0 65d8eaa665651 jpg

Just over a year ago, a train derailment near Palestine, Ohio resulted in the emergency evacuation of area residents because of toxic gas released from the site. It involved emergency responses from Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia agencies. “That incident is still open,” said Adams County Department of Emergency Service Director Warren Bladen. Bladen

Committee/Borough members discuss pool

0 65cfbeea53b5d jpg

The Save the Littlestown Pool Committee has about two months to find ways to reclaim the neighborhood park swim center before it is scheduled to be filled in sometime in April, according to Craig Rosendale, President of the Littlestown Borough Council. “We’re going to do what we can, and it’s a lot,” said Committee founder

LASD Budget draws concerns, discussion

0 65c4e84847b0c jpg

With the need for a permanent superintendent and district solicitor, a $57,000,000 construction project underway, and a budget deficit of 1.5 million, the Littlestown Area School Board, with seven new members, has its work cut out. The initial budget presentation, which took place at the recent Finance, Property, and Supply (FPS) Committee meeting, projected revenues

After 58 years, the Littlestown Pool has closed

0 1

The last public pool in Adams County is about to close, and a group of Littlestown residents are trying to save it. “I’m stepping up for this community,” Kathleen Ednie, a two-year Littlestown resident, told the Council. “If we don’t try, we won’t know,” she added. Resident Clifton Biddle said historically, the pool was developed

Senator Mastriano advises ACCOG members of funding opportunities

0 2

Each year, Adams County and its jurisdictions vie for grant money and state funding for various projects. Yesterday, District 33 Senator Doug Mastriano gave those attending the Adams County County of Governments (ACCOG) meeting some advice about getting it. Earlier this month, Mastriano announced a $300,000 grant would be awarded to Conewago Valley Township to

Four percent wage increase for County employees

0 2

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

Seven new faces on the LASD School Board

LASD Board Photo

Seven new faces were added to the Littlestown Area School District (LASD) Board of Directors at the annual reorganization meeting last evening. New member Duane Sullivan was elected president of the board and current member Carl Thompson was elected treasurer. LASD grad Nick Lovell was chosen as vice president of the board. Other new board

GBG Planning Commission ponders building height; New library plans hit snag

0 1

How high is too high? That question was pondered at Monday’s meeting of the Gettysburg Planning Commission, as members reviewed the revised draft of the zoning map to make recommendations to the rezoning staff committee. At issue is the proposed Revitalization District, which would extend between Washington and Stratton Streets with some parts north of

Carroll Valley sees tax rate go up

0 3

While the first tax hike in 12 years barely raised an eyebrow at the Carroll Valley borough council meeting on Monday, zoning ordinances and lot sales guidelines were still the subject of much of the two-and-a-half-hour agenda. The tax hike of .30 mills will raise taxes for the first time in 12 years from 2.45

No tax increase for Adams County

marty

Once again, Adams County looks good as the commissioners were presented Wednesday with a proposed 2024 budget that will not see a tax raise. “In this climate of increased cost, to not increase taxes and yet still provide the levels of service we do is very gratifying,” said Commissioner Randy Phiel. Asked how Adams County

LASD sees major change in leadership

0 2

With the surprise resignation of the school board president, six outgoing board members, and an interim superintendent, Littlestown Area School District enters the final half of the 2023-2024 school year with a new slate of leaders. Dolores Nester, who has served as board president for nine and a half years, submitted her resignation at Monday’s

LASD: Adams County Technical Institute moves toward new location

0

“We can do better.” That was the message the Adams County Technical Institute (ACTI) Administrative Director Shawn Eckenrode gave to the Littlestown Area School District (LASD) Board at Monday’s work session. ACTI is the county’s career and technical center, which has served five of the six school districts since approved by the State Board of

Locals visit Gettysburg housing shelters

0 5

An Adams County housing services walk through the Gettysburg historic district Thursday introduced a group of interested residents to current services for unhoused and displaced persons, as well as those seeking refuge from violence and abuse. The walk was sponsored by South Central Community Action Programs (SCCAP), @Home in Adams County, Gettysburg Combined Area Resources

ACCOG weighs cost of mental health services in schools

Chris Bigger 3

Outgoing Littlestown Area School District Superintendent Christopher Bigger said Thursday that schools are doing their best to handle the increasing problem of mental health issues among their students but cautioned it is not their area of expertise. He was speaking to the Adams County Council of Government members.  The organization provides information of interest to

Gettysburg Planning Commission hosts town hall meeting

0 3 scaled

The Gettysburg Borough Planning Commission hosted a public meeting Wednesday to help residents understand a major project that will update the current zoning regulations, last updated in 2008. About 50 people attended the event, and after a brief presentation, they were encouraged to visit several information centers featuring the current and proposed zoning maps, where

Carroll Valley approves coop; Looks for police officers

081519 1209 CarrollVall1

Carroll Valley Borough Council approved an exception for a couple seeking to protect their chicken coop in the front of their house after several months of discussion, a proposed ordinance amendment, and one final impassioned plea from the coop owner. The motion for the exemption was granted, with only Council President Richard Mathews voting “no.”

Adams helps home buyers

adams county e1673702058807

Adams County home buyers received support Wednesday as the county commissioners approved nearly $325,000 of grant funding to support affordable housing through down payment assistance for qualified individuals. The three-year program, administered through the Adams County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) plans to provide funds for 25 households by 2025. Qualified applicants must work in Adams

As he leaves LASD, Bigger says tax increases are under control

LASD

Superintendent Christopher Bigger gave the Littlestown residents a parting gift at Monday’s board meeting, predicting a 1 to 1.5 percent tax rate in the next three to five years. “We feel really good about that,” he said. The Littlestown Area School District taxes have averaged 2.25 percent over the past four years, in part to

Carroll Valley proposes reducing chicken coop restrictions

0 4

The Carroll Valley Borough Council once again grappled with zoning ordinances about constructing chicken coops and selling lots. Adam and Katlyn Colson approached the borough council in July and asked permission to keep the chicken coop they built in the front of their house because there is no room in the backyard as the ordinance

Adams moves forward on broadband update

adams county seal e1675729402836

With billions of dollars available from federal and state funds for broadband improvement in rural areas, a recent presentation at the Commissioners’ meeting indicates the Adams County Broadband Task Force has the data, expertise, and enthusiasm to move forward to the next stage of securing broadband for unserved and underserved residents. “I want to thank

County honors Library Card Signup Month, Latino Heritage Month, Suicide Awareness Month, and 32nd Annual Heritage Festival

Presentation1

It was a morning for proclamations at Wednesday’s Adams County Commissioners meeting as the commissioners gave tribute to the Adams County Library System, Hispanic Heritage Month, Heritage Festival Day, Suicide Prevention Month, and Hunger Action Month. Laura Goss, Executive Director of the Adams County Library, and Erica Duffy, Development Director, asked Adams County residents to

CYS employees waive preliminary hearing

adams county pa court of common pleas

Two current and one former Adams County Children and Youth Services (ACCYS) employees, each charged with two counts of child endangerment, waived their rights to a preliminary hearing today in the Adams County Court of Common Pleas. Steven Murphy, 63, of Dillsburg, and Sherri DePasqua, 46, of Dillsburg, told the Honorable Judge Mark D. Beauchat

Bigger says farewell to LASD

Chris Bigger 3

Littlestown Area School District Superintendent Chris Bigger spoke with emotion about how hard it will be to leave the community he has served for eight years. “It’s really hard, harder than I thought,” Bigger said. “But it was a calling to try to help more students.” He was referring to his new post as Superintendent

Fifth Annual Overdose Awareness Walk

0 1

Community members gathered in support Thursday Aug. 31 as they participated in the fifth annual Overdose Awareness walk to remember loved ones lost and those who still mourn. Sponsored by the Coalition for Overdose Awareness and Recovery, the group gathered at the Adams County Courthouse and proceeded to the Gettysburg Rec Park, where several speakers

LASD approves 53.5 million-dollar construction project

lasd new school

After five years of discussion and deliberation, the Littlestown Area School Board unanimously approved a $53.5 million project combining the middle and high schools to form a Grade 6 through 12 complex. Construction is planned to start in September and finish at the end of 2025. The design increases the size of the current high

Adams Commissioners approve a facelift for Sachs Covered Bridge’ invite Comcast to upgrade broadband services

commish

More than $15,000 worth of wood, paint, fire retardant, and elbow grease will be applied to Sachs Covered Bridge in early August, thanks to the Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania. Theodore Burr (1771-1822) was an inventor who created the arch truss bridge design, familiarly known today as the Burr truss. The National Society

Adams County Farmers Market excels in its new location

farmers market

The Adam’s County Farmers Market, held Saturday mornings at the Gettysburg rec park, is much more than parsley, peaches, and posies. On a recent visit, one could find all types of fresh produce and fruit, of course, plus offerings of fresh flowers, crafts, meats, honey, and mushrooms. There was also jewelry, games, a live band,

Seven-story mixed-use apartment complex in Gettysburg clears zoning hurdles

train station project

The Gettysburg Zoning Hearing Board approved a height ordinance and three variances sought by developer Tim Harrison at Wednesday’s continuation of a meeting that began in June. The approvals will allow 501 Richardson Acquisition LLC to move one step forward in creating a seven-story 186-unit apartment building, including retail space and a restaurant. Located between

Gettysburg Zoning Hearing Board hears public comments

gettysburg borough council 1

Local residents were given the podium yesterday as the Borough Zoning Hearing Board met to consider three variances on the proposed multi-use, three-building restaurant, apartment building, and retail space on Carlisle and North Stratton Streets. The proposed development, consisting of an 8,000-square-foot retail area, a restaurant, and a 186-unit apartment building, is a 501 Richardson

Carroll Valley passes trailer ordinance

coop

After months of debate and discussion, Carroll Valley passed Ordinance 3-23 regarding trailers at Tuesday’s borough council meeting. Nicknamed the “trailer ordinance,” at issue was the number of trailers that could be parked on a lot and the definition of trailered vehicles versus self-powered recreational vehicles. Section 201 covers the parking and storage of recreational

Braver Angels Gettysburg conference seeks to depolarize the nation

BA

The Governor of Utah, Republican Spencer Cox, received a standing ovation Saturday when he announced a new initiative to more than 700 delegates and speakers nationwide at the Braver Angels convention held at Gettysburg College last week. “I want to thank you for your blood and toil, your labor and sacrifice to try and teach

Adams County assessed property value is close to $10 billion

0 12

Adams County Director of Tax Services Daryl Crum told the commissioners on Wednesday that the total county-wide assessed property value is close to $10 billion. Crum said the county tax base includes 45,131 taxable parcels, of which about 72 percent are homes ( properties with dwellings having less than four units and located on less

Gettysburg most welcoming city in U.S.

ACCOG 1

Gettysburg has just been recognized as the “most welcoming city in the United States” by Booking.com, the third-largest travel website in the world. The honor was announced at Thursday’s Adams County Council of Government (ACCOG) meeting. “This is the result of over 240 million traveler reviews on Booking.com that led to naming Gettysburg at the

Carroll Valley Council explains borough lot sales; honors Patrolman Seth Reed

officer 1

At Tuesday’s meeting, some Carroll Valley Borough council members expressed concerns that residents didn’t get preferential treatment regarding purchasing lots being sold by the borough. “This whole thing is crazy for the people of Carroll Valley,” said council member Kari Buterbaugh. “I’ve been waiting for borough lots which I was told would not come up

Public hearing for Community Development Block Grant program

adams county seal e1675729402836

The Adams County Commissioners held a public hearing prior to their regular meeting yesterday regarding the 2023 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. Applications are available for funds that may be used to benefit a variety of activities, including water and sewer systems, streets, housing rehabilitation, emergency housing assistance, recreation and community facilities, new public

LASD moves forward on 2.75 percent tax increase; High school lunch opportunities upgraded

LASD

The Littlestown Area School District Board of Directors finalized the agenda for their June 19 meeting, including seeking approval of the proposed 2023-2024 school year budget. The proposed budget includes revenues of $37,997,336 and expenditures of $39,168,514, which would pull $1,171,178 from the fund balance. The budget includes a 2.75% local tax increase, with 2.2%

HGAC Barn Art Show and Sale announces prize winners

barn art 2023

PA Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding and his wife, Nina, were among the barn art patrons who perused the collection of fine art pieces and photographs of barns, past and present, at the 15th annual Historic Gettysburg Adams County show and sale that opened with a reception at the Gettysburg G.A.R. Hall Friday. Fifty artists

Sach’s Covered Bridge slated for some TLC

sachs bridge 1

The Adams County Commissioners learned at Wednesday’s meeting that Sach’s Covered Bridge will receive a coat of paint and some fire retardant free of charge. The Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania will perform the work. The Society is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of covered bridges in Pennsylvania. Society president Robert Kuether

LASD Seniors bid farewell to K12 years

lasd grad 1

Bethany Shifflett and Aydan Fitzgerald met in middle school and have been best friends since. Now the two are going their separate ways – Shifflett will stay in the area while Aydan will travel to the next state south. But the Littlestown Area High School seniors said they were not worried about staying in touch,

New tractor purchased by Littlestown FFA

20230508 192302 1

Nearly one million dollars in agriculture and youth grants were awarded recently, making Jesse Brant and the Littlestown Area School District very happy. Last fall, he applied for a grant from the PA Department of Agriculture to purchase a new tractor for the Littlestown FFA. The group received a matching grant of $25,000. The other

Carroll Valley trailer ordinance still undecided

CVArt 1

After months of debate, the Carroll Valley Borough Council is still undecided about the issue of how many trailers can be parked on private properties in the borough. An amendment presented at Tuesday’s meeting was rejected and sent back for further tweaking. It would have permitted storage of three trailered vehicles per lot with a

WellFlight Helicopter serves county residents

wellspan helicopter 1

When Terry Scholle was riding a young mare one day in 2002, he never expected to be airlifted to York Hospital from Mt. Joy. But after an accident with a loose saddle, Scholle fell onto the hard earth and broke seven bones. He doesn’t remember the helicopter ride but is thankful there was one. Now,

Ecker apologizes; Mercy House to reopen; County elections office will move

accog

State Representative Torren Ecker, who was arrested in an alcohol-related crash in the county on April 20, visited the Adams County Council of Governments monthly meeting on Wednesday morning. Addressing what he called “the elephant in the room,” Ecker told the gathered municipal and school district representatives that he apologized for his actions. “I am

The “Living Library” – Volume 1:  Jenine Weaver and Judy Leslie

living library 1

We have much wisdom to gain by learning to understand other people’s cultures and permitting ourselves to accept that there is more than one version of reality. — Louis Menand, Pulitzer Prize-winning author. The YWCA Gettysburg and Adams County Library System provided human books for checkout during National Library Week, April 24 to 29, allowing participants

New LASD board member to be elected May 8

LASD

Some confusion over the wording of a motion to accept a recent resignation from the Littlestown Area School District Board of Directors resulted in procedural scrambling at Monday’s board meeting to allow enough time for a replacement. A motion was made, seconded, and approved to accept the resignation of board member Nicki Kenny “retroactive” to

April is child abuse prevention month

CYS2 1

A proclamation from the Adams County’s Commissioners office proclaimed April as child abuse prevention month and paid tribute to Adams County Children Youth Services (CYS) for their work toward that end. The proclamation highlights the dedicated staff who continually protect children against the pain that plagues many victims of abuse and neglect, frequently at the

26th Annual Land Conservancy Art Auction features area artists

Art Auction 1

More than 250 people attended the opening of the 26th annual Adams County Land Conservancy Art Auction Friday. On display were 127 artworks that had been donated by local artists and collectors. The collection includes watercolors and oil paintings, etchings, wooden bowls, textiles, jewelry, ceramics, photographs, silkscreen, and more. All of the work is for

LASD board focuses on taxes and health

LASD2 e1679756216879

Littlestown Area School District has proposed a 2.75 percent tax increase as part of the 2023-2024 budget. Of the increase, 2.2 percent of the tax increase will fund the new building project, and .55 percent will be used for operational expenses. “We’ve done it with minimal tax raises overall,” Superintendent Bigger said, referring to the

Kenny resigns from LASD board

LASD2 e1679756216879

The Littlestown Area School District Board of DIrectors is looking to fill a temporary board position created by the sudden resignation of Nicki Kenny on March 24. Elected in 2020, Kenny had served only two years out of her four-year term. The board hopes to find a temporary replacement who will fill the vacancy until

LASD approves math program amid controversy

LASD2 e1679756216879

After a month-long debate, Littlestown Area School District’s Board of Directors approved using McGraw Hill’s Reveal Math program for elementary students at their meeting on Monday, with three members voting “no.” Board member Nicki Kenny said she believed more research was needed regarding the success rate of Reveal Math before a decision was made. “I

Council of Governments focuses on cybersecurity

bob gordon

The threat of cyber-attacks loomed large at Thursday’s meeting of the Adams County Council of Governments (ACCOG). “A municipality is an enticing target,” said ACCOG member Ron Harris, who presented information to educate municipal leaders about the many online scams that threaten cybersecurity and outlined best practices that leaders can use to prevent those threats.

Adams awards $5 million for development and safety projects

county1 1

Five million dollars from the Adams Response & Recovery Fund (ARRF) was awarded to 14 projects impacting economic development and public safety priorities at Wednesday’s Adams County Commissioners meeting. Top awards included one million dollars to the East Berlin Area Joint Authority to support regional economic development, $500,000 to Adams County Technical Institute for land

Carroll Valley trailer ordinance may finally see resolution

carrol valley logo 1

After two months of discussion at planning commission meetings, Carroll Valley Borough may be near a resolution to what has become known as the “trailer ordinance.” “I hope to prepare an ordinance draft for the next meeting,” borough manager Dave Hazlett told the Carroll Valley council. At issue is how many non-motored vehicles may be

County Commissioners conserve new properties; honor Land Conservancy and 4H

4h 1

Wednesday was a day to appreciate preserving Adams County’s rural landscape as the commissioners approved the purchase of new land for preservation and honored two conservation agencies at their meeting. The commissioners approved a proposal from Ellen Dayhoff, AG Land Conservation Board Program administrator, to purchase five agricultural conservation easements in Conewago and Union Townships. The

Black Balloon Day memorializes opioid overdose deaths

20230306 163245 5

An archway of purple and black balloons created a solemn memorial for victims of opioid overdose deaths as part of National Black Balloon Day Monday afternoon in Gettysburg’s Lincoln Square. About 50 visitors stopped by, and 25 Naloxone kits and spray applications were distributed to help prevent some of those deaths. Naloxone, a prescription drug

Black Balloon Day remembers those lost to opioid addiction

adams county seal e1675729402836

It’s a sobering thought. According to the Adam’s County Coroner’s Office, 119 people have lost their lives in the county to opioid overdoses since 2015. Lisa Lindsey, data prevention specialist with the Center for Youth and Community Development, told the commissioners on Wednesday morning that the number of deaths in Adams County from overdoses in

LASD discusses Social-Emotional Learning

LASD

Critical Race Theory (CRT) raised its controversial head at the Monday meeting of the Littlestown Area School District (LASD) Board of Supervisors. At issue is the “Reveal Math” program from textbook publisher McGraw Hill, a proposed elementary math curriculum that includes social-emotional learning (SEL) goals. According to the McGraw Hill website, Reveal Math is designed

Commissioners Proclaim Court Reporters Week

20230208 093307 1

The week of Feb. 4 to 11 was proclaimed Court Reporting and Caption Week 2023 by the Adams County Commissioners at its Wednesday meeting. “Court reporting is essential to the health of the judicial system,” said Commissioner James Martin. “I wish there was some way to see how many miles of text these ladies put

New mail-In vote processing machine will save county money

20230208 093121 1

The purchase of a new ballot sorting machine, at a cost of more than $200,000, was approved by the Adams County Board of Commissioners at today’s meeting. “We were given a lump sum by the state to help with the purchase and have utilized that,” said commissioner Randy Phiel. The Agilis Falcon ballot sorting machine

ACCOG elects new officers and shares action priorities

ACCOG1

The Adams County Council of Governments (ACCOG), which includes representatives from boroughs, townships, and school districts around the county who work together to identify, discuss, and study regional issues and opportunities, has elected new officers. Mount Joy Township Supervisor Terry Scholle was elected president and Carroll Valley Mayor Ron Harris was elected vice president. Patricia

Commissioners seek tax collectors; welcome therapy dogs for children

adams county seal e1675729402836

As local townships struggle to find candidates to fill their open tax collection positions, collecting taxes seems to be unappealing as paying them. The problem became more acute last week as the Adams County Board of Commissioners accepted the resignation of tax collectors from Hamiltonban Township and Bendersville Borough . “Small municipalities are having a

Commissioners support highway safety; review candidates for Chief Public Defender

adams county seal e1675729402836

The Adams County Commissioners have approved a program that will provide Adams County Adult Correctional Center referred inmates with online Alcohol Highway Safety School classes. Twelve hours in length, the cost to the County for the classes is $175 per student per month. The classes will be funded by Probation’s 2022-2023 Intermediate Punishment Treatment Program

LASD Approves 2023-24 calendar with early dismissal date

LASD students

School calendars were the topic of conversation at yesterday’s Littlestown Area School District (LASD) Board meeting. Calendar changes are needed to facilitate the upcoming renovation of the middle and high schools, but the district is also looking at potential long-term modifications. The board voted to adopt a one-year 2023-24 calendar in which the school year

Adams improves 911 response system

adams county

The Adams County Commissioners have approved a $46,000 quote from Priority Dispatch Corporation that could improve how 911 calls are processed and ensure that the proper response is given to each emergency. Warren Bladen, Director of Adams County Emergency Management Systems, described the three types of responses to emergency calls – fire, police, and medical

County executives asked to help distribute broadband service surveys

accog

Adams County Economic Development Specialist Harlan Lawson asked for help to distribute a survey that will help accurately pinpoint which areas of the county are unserved or underserved by the internet. “We are trying to fill the gap that exists in internet availability, especially outside of our boroughs,” he told members of the Adams County

Adams County Elections Secure Under Watchful IT Department

ACCOG1

Adams County’s Technology Department Chief Phillip Walter told members of the Adams County Council of Governments (ACCOG) on Wednesday that his department will play a vital role in securing the vote during the upcoming election on Nov. 8. “We train pollsters, teach them how to use software, scanners, and other devices, and what to do