The Gettysburg Borough Council heard a report from members of the Gettysburg branch of the American Exchange Project (AEP) on Monday evening. The project sends high school seniors from around the country on visits to other cities that are different from their own for one or two weeks over the summer. Gettysburg High School chemistry …
“The park looks great, everything is just packed – there are people everywhere,” said Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority (GARA) board member Jimmy Phelps responding to the recent heavy use of the Gettysburg rec park. Board members said they could not recall a time in the last few years where all 5 baseball fields have been …
Adams county has partnered with Franklin and Cumberland counties to commission a large-scale high-speed internet access (“broadband”) feasibility study. The need is critical as a recent state report said 28 percent of households in Adams County had unacceptably slow internet connection speeds, and that rural counties were particularly hard hit. Adams County Board of …
Amanda Berg / For 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 — Doug Mastriano is the projected winner of Pennsylvania’s Republican primary for governor, defeating a crowded field in a …
Gettysburg Code Enforcement Officer Peter Griffioen, who has been in his position since December, said he has recently made patrols on Friday and Saturday evenings to study the many guided walking tours that have started up with the spring weather. Griffioen said he found many of the tour leaders to be in violation of borough …
After a meeting in which several council members said they had made up their minds after hearing from constituents who opposed the idea, the Gettysburg Borough Council voted on Monday against the idea of allowing the outdoor consumption of alcohol. The vote was 4 to 3, with councilmembers Matt Moon, Patti Lawson, and Chad-Alan Carr …
The Adams County Commissioners have proclaimed May 1 – 7, 2022 as Corrections Employee Week. Warden Katy Hileman used the occasion to talk about the role of corrections officers at the Adams County Adult Correctional Complex (ACACC), thanking the employees for their professionalism, integrity, and perseverance in the face of a difficult and at times …
By Kate Huangpu 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 — More than a few things have changed since Pennsylvanians last went to the polls. Your congressional and legislative …
After the Gettysburg Borough Council spent several hours on Monday evening making progress on a number of important decisions, Main Street Gettysburg President Jill Sellers used the public comment period to express disapproval of each of them, accusing the councilmembers of showing a “lack of vision.” Sellers said Main Street Gettysburg was “the economic development …
Gettysburg Borough contracts with a waste hauler to provide both trash removal and recycling services to the residents of the Borough. The previous waste hauling contract expired on March 31, 2022 – with the new contract beginning on April 1, 2022. In anticipation of the contract expiration date, Gettysburg Borough issued a request for proposals …
By Anthony Hennen Pennsylvania voters are less than a month away from the primaries on May 17, and some of the top Republican candidates for governor among a crowded field will appear in a televised debate on Wednesday. As it stands from polls aggregated by Real Clear Politics, the Republican field is led by five candidates: …
The Gettysburg Borough Council said on Monday the temporary parklet program that was created during the pandemic to allow businesses greater access to outdoor areas had served its purpose but was no longer effective or needed. The council will no longer take applications for parklets. “I don’t think they do what we originally thought they …
Responding to a request from a local business to allow outdoor public consumption of alcohol, the Gettysburg Borough Council will draft an ordinance allowing people to drink alcohol outside in the area on and within one block of Lincoln Square. The policy would run for a trial period through New Year’s 2023. Borough Manager Charles …
Pennsylvania’s Farmland Preservation Program announced this month that it has protected 3,528 acres on 40 farms in 19 counties from future development, investing more than $9.7 million in state and county dollars in preserving prime farmland for tomorrow. The investment also leverages $735,170 that will go toward preserving farms on waitlists in six counties. The …
Please note this important announcement from the County:Franklin Township #1 and #2 Polling Places are permanently changed beginning with the May 2022 Primary Election, moving from the Jesus is Lord Ministries to the Cashtown Fire Department, 1111 Old Route 30, Cashtown, pending approval by the Cashtown Fire Department at their public meeting on April 19, …
The Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority (GARA) will purchase a new zero-turn mower, a tractor for dragging baseball fields and snow removal, and a utility vehicle for moving dirt and mulch using $52,000 given to them by the Gettysburg Borough Council. The GARA board of directors authorized Executive Director Erin Peddigree to purchase the equipment on …
By Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA and Ethan Edward Coston 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 — When Democrats head to the polls on May 17 for Pennsylvania’s …
Gettysburg Borough has re-applied for a large grant that if successful would give the town a major facelift. At their meeting on Monday the council added Lincoln Square and portions of Chambersburg St., Carlisle St., and York St. to their Baltimore Street Historic Pathway Revitalization Master Plan. The borough will commit about $451,000 of local …
“We apologize for the rough rollout of the transition,” said Gettysburg Borough Manager Charles Gable, referring to the change in trash haulers from Waste Connections to Waste Management that took place on April 1. “Waste Management did an extremely poor job in communicating with customers. They did not provide clear and consistent direction when customers …
By Angela Couloumbis 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 — By now, most voters have likely heard about the congested, double-digit field of contenders jockeying in this year’s …
Saying all children deserve to have a safe, stable, nurturing home and communities that foster their healthy growth and development, and noting the county’s 1,343 incidents of alleged child abuse or neglect in 2021, the Adams County Commissioners proclaimed April 2022 as Child Abuse and Neglect Protection Month. The proclamation said child abuse prevention is …
Gettysburg Borough will apply for $11.4 million in grant funds for upgrades in stormwater management, pedestrian safety, business and handicap access, and increases in public space to Baltimore St., the Lincoln Square, and areas around it. If received, the grant would create one of the largest capital improvement projects in the borough’s history. The funds …
Gettysburg residents woke up yesterday morning to see their trash receptacles and recycling bins being taken away by the former trash contractor Waste Connections. The move is part of a switchover of contractors in which Waste Management (WM) will be the new provider as of April 1. The contract is for 3 years. The Gettysburg …
The Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority (GARA) Board of Directors has made plans for a fireworks event to be held on July 4. The event is scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m. and extend into the evening. On the agenda are 15 food trucks, bingo sponsored by local fire departments, live music, and of course fireworks. …
Gettysburg Borough reported this week that tax revenues have almost returned to pre-pandemic levels. “The visitation and tourism in Gettysburg have really rebounded quite well in the second half of 2021,” said Borough Manager Charles Gable. Gable said 2022 revenues are also looking good. The borough said an application for zoning changes that requested allowing …
Gettysburg Borough Council President Wesley Heyser said the borough council will take a “first look” at a proposal to allow the public consumption of alcohol in some areas of the borough. The action followed a petition presented to the borough by business owners and local residents to amend the policy on alcohol consumption on public …
Gettysburg Borough Council President Wesley Heyser said that although the borough had routinely run a budget surplus over the past years, there had nevertheless been “significant overruns in personnel spending, significantly in overtime.” “I was shocked when we got to budget season and I realized how much we were going over. I don’t really want …
After hearing comments from borough council members and the public, Planning, Zoning, and Code Enforcement Director Carly Marshall said she would draft an ordinance to create special events as a new zoning usage for borough properties. Marshall said the council would be asked to decide which districts the new ordinance would apply to but that …
The four full-time employees at the Adams County Elections Office have their hands full all year long keeping the elections process running smoothly, but activities switch into high gear between now and May 17 when the 2022 primary election will be held. The list of contested offices this year includes state senator, governor, and lieutenant …
Written by William Hauk – Associate Professor of Economics, University of South Carolina Americans may be tempted to view the war in Ukraine as an unfortunate, but far away, crisis. As an economist, I know the world is too connected for the U.S. to go unaffected. On Feb. 22, 2022, President Joe Biden warned Americans that a Russian …
By Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA This article is part of a yearlong reporting project focused on redistricting and gerrymandering in Pennsylvania. It is made possible by the support of Spotlight PA members and Votebeat, a project focused on election integrity and voting access. HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has selected a new congressional …
Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA This article is part of a yearlong reporting project focused on redistricting and gerrymandering in Pennsylvania. It is made possible by the support of Spotlight PA members and Votebeat, a project focused on election integrity and voting access. HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has selected a new congressional map …
Members of the Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority (GARA) and the Adams County Farmers Market have formed a subcommittee to study and plan for the eventual move of the market to the rec park. Market Manager Reza Djalal said the market was “good through July” at its current site but the trajectory was unknown given uncertainties …
On a divided vote the Gettysburg Borough Council voted on Monday to consider broad zoning changes that would allow special events venues in the Elm St. Overlay District. Voting nay were Chris Berger, Matt Moon, and President Wes Heyser. The vote enables the borough to move forward on consideration of the changes. A pubic hearing …
The borough will hold a mandatory public hearing on Monday, March 28 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss a potential zoning change that would allow vacation rentals as a right in the borough’s institutional zoning districts. The next borough E-Cycling event is scheduled for March 19, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Those wishing to drop off unwanted …
The Gettysburg Area School District Board of Directors heard the results of the official audit of their 2020-21 spending year at their meeting on Monday. The auditor, Krista Gardner from Smith Elliott Kearns & Company, LLC, said her company had reviewed all sections of the school’s finances including federal grants and had found no material …
Adams County announced that this Sunday, Feb. 13, will be the last day for Covid testing at the Adams County Emergency Services Center site east of Gettysburg. Department of Emergency Services Director Warren Bladen said there was not enough demand to keep the site open but that the materials will be left in place and the …
Saying the lack of predictability had been a problem and that the goal was to make the expenses paid to the borough more predictable while also being respectful to the taxpayers, Gettysburg Borough Council President Wes Heyser presented a proposed fixed fee schedule for hosting parades in 2022. The proposed pricing varies on the length …
Adams County expects to receive about $3 million in settlement money from claims against manufacturers and distributors of prescription opioids as the result of a statewide settlement. The money includes about $695,000 the county will receive for dropping its claim and joining the consolidated state suit. County Solicitor Molly Mudd said the funds were expected …
After many years of neglect, the Adams County supervisors have developed a plan to provide assurance for the people who are buried in Oak Lawn Cemetery and their families. The cemetery, located at 1380 Chambersburg St. West of Gettysburg has been in poor repair since at least 2015. “It turned into a bit of a …
Gettysburg Borough Council member Chris Berger said the Gettysburg Municipal Authority (GMA) has authorized a 5 percent rate hike for the sewer portion of their billing beginning in 2022. “It’s our policy longstanding to have alternate rate increases for water and sewer. We like to keep the hikes small and relatively more frequent instead of …
The Adams County Commissioners proclaimed January 2022 as YWCA Hanover Safe Home – Adams County Human Trafficking Awareness Month and thanked the YWCA for the work they do combating human trafficking. The proclamation noted the “inherent worth and value in all human beings regardless of gender, age, race, nationality, and other diversity considerations” and said …
Saying the Gettysburg Recreational Authority was “sitting pretty good going into 2022” with a cash reserve of $123,608, Executive Director Erin Peddigree asked the board to approve a 2022 budget of about $234,000. The budget, substantially similar to the 2021 budget, was unanimously approved by the board. Peddigree said the park had made $700 during …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Gettysburg Borough is advertising its proposed 2022 budget for public comment. Please click here for more information about the budget. Please click here to view the document. The Borough Council intends to enact authorizing legislation setting the tax rate and fee schedule for 2022 at its December 13, 2021 business meeting. Assuming the Borough Council …
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 …
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 …
The Adams County commissioners approved the following recommendations at its meeting on Wednesday morning: Court Administration- $149,978.30 for a 5 year lease with Cisco Systems Capital Corporation for courtroom audio.video equipment Controller’s Office- $28,883.40 for 3 year agreement and implementation with Visual Lease, LLC for software management solution for the County’s real estate and equipment …
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 …
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 …
Colin Deppen 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. Tuesday, Nov. 2 is Election Day in Pennsylvania — and there’s a lot on the ballot. Races for mayor in Harrisburg …
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 …
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 …
Gettysburg Borough has announced that Borough Manager Charles R. Gable has been awarded the prestigious Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs’ Distinguished Service Award. The award, presented at the October Fall Leadership Conference in Erie, recognized Manager Gable’s proactive response to the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic to the municipality and for taking appropriate and proactive …
On a split vote the Adams County Commissioners voted to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the county and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO, District Council 89, (AFSMCE) regarding the County’s COVID-19 Vaccine Incentive. The incentive states in part that “in an effort to reduce the public health risk …
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 …
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 …
First Ward 1 Borough Councilperson Patti Lawson will be holding Coffee with a Councilperson meetings on Monday mornings at 10:00 a.m. at the Ragged Edge Coffee House, 110 Chambersburg St. from Oct. 4 through Nov. 22. Lawson invites borough residents to stop by for a cup of coffee, ask questions, present ideas, or share what’s …
It’s hard to believe our 100% volunteer built and maintained pump track has already been open for a year! During its past year, the track has been enjoyed by many people, both old and young, looking to get outside and unplug from electronics. As GARA celebrates the one-year anniversary of the bicycle pump track, it …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
Thanks to Gettysburg Borough and Community Media of South Central PA, here is a video of last week’s National Night Out. The event, a national community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships, included food trucks, vendors, organization displays, tours of the Gettysburg Borough Building, and more.
(By Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA and Sam Janesch, Mike Wereschagin, and Brad Bumsted of The Caucus) HARRISBURG — Theft charges against a Philadelphia-area Democrat highlight Pennsylvania’s lax rules for reimbursing lawmakers with taxpayer and donor money, two state-run systems with little transparency and even less oversight. Former State Rep. Margo Davidson was charged in …
(By Christen Smith | The Center Square) – In an effort to boost the statewide COVID-19 vaccination rate, the Pennsylvania Department of Health said residents who missed their second dose will soon receive text message reminders to complete the immunization series. Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam said last week federal data shows that about 65% of …
Governor Tom Wolf joined state and local officials to celebrate the 56th anniversary of Medicaid and the 2nd anniversary of Pennsylvania’s new state-based health insurance marketplace, known as Pennie, and to encourage Pennsylvanians to visit pennie.com for affordable coverage options. “Access to quality, affordable health care is a right and I have been fighting to expand health care coverage …
(By Christen Smith | The Center Square) – As the COVID-19 delta variant spikes cases nationwide, one Pennsylvania hospitality trade group signed onto the immunization effort as the state trails its 70% statewide goal. “Remember the shutdowns, the massive layoffs, and business closures? The hospitality industry is starting a slow recovery process and PA Restaurant …
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, …
(By Christen Smith | The Center Square) – Activists with Americans for Prosperity stood across the street from the Macks Trucks plant in Lehigh County where President Joe Biden stumped his multi-trillion infrastructure proposal on Wednesday to protest the “wasteful” spending it contains. “When most folks think of AFP and our activists, they think of …
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 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 …
(By Christen Smith | The Center Square) – Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti said this week Congress should use budget reconciliation to naturalize millions of undocumented immigrants as recognition for their sacrifices during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We already needed to deliver pathways to citizenship as nation, even before the pandemic,” she said during a call with …
(By The Center Square) The share of the Pennsylvania workforce employed by local, state or federal governments was 11.7 percent prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the second lowest percentage among the 50 states, according to a new study from the website 24/7 Wall St. The public-sector workers in Pennsylvania numbered 622,046, based on 2019 data compiled …
(By Jamie Martines and Sarah Anne Hughes | Spotlight PA) HARRISBURG — The Wolf administration on Wednesday released a long-awaited update to Pennsylvania’s decades-old nursing home regulations, acknowledging it must raise low quality care requirements experts have called dangerous. The state currently requires nursing homes to provide residents with only 2.7 hours of direct care …
(By Christen Smith | The Center Square) – Workers with disabilities in Pennsylvania can now earn up to $61,000 annually before losing access to some of their medical assistance benefits. Act 69 became law on July 1 and nearly doubles the $32,000 income cap for the program in an attempt to address widespread unemployment and underemployment …
The Adams County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed July 18 through 24 as “Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week.” Thanking them for the honor, Adams County Prison Warden Katy Hileman said it is a “blessing” to work for her employees. The commissioners also accepted the resignation of Victor Frank from the Adams County Planning Commission …
(By Jamie Martines | Spotlight PA) HARRISBURG — Lawmakers this week will probe whether state agencies had too much leeway in securing emergency contracts during the pandemic, following controversy over a data breach with a vendor hired to administer Pennsylvania’s contact tracing program. Rep. Jason Ortitay (R., Allegheny) on Tuesday will lead a House hearing …
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 …
(By Colin Deppen | Spotlight PA) One of Pennsylvania’s two U.S. Senate seats is up for grabs in 2022 as two-term Republican incumbent Pat Toomey prepares to step aside and the state braces for a particularly high-stakes election year. The Senate opening has drawn plenty of interest from Democrats looking to shore up a narrow …
(By Christen Smith | The Center Square) – A key panel endorsed Pennsylvania’s entry into a carbon emissions reduction program scheduled for early next year, brushing aside concerns from Republican lawmakers that the move would accomplish little other than hurting the state’s economy. The Environmental Quality Board voted 15-4 on Tuesday to adopt the Department …
(By Christen Smith | The Center Square) – Republican lawmakers said Monday they will crowdsource opinions about how best to redraw Pennsylvania’s congressional district map this fall. House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff, R-Bellefonte, told reporters at a news conference in Bucks County that redistricting is “one of the most important processes the legislature will undertake” …
(By Christen Smith | The Center Square) – A Republican senator in Pennsylvania initiated the first steps this week of a forensic election audit, even as the state’s top law enforcement official promised intervention should the effort continue. Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Gettysburg, said in an editorial Wednesday he’s requested information and materials from three counties needed for …
(By Christen Smith | The Center Square) – A WalletHub analysis ranked Pennsylvania’s electricity prices 14th highest in the nation, even as average consumption falls in the bottom half of states. The rankings considered monthly costs for natural gas, home heating oil, motor fuel oil and electricity for all 50 states and the District of Columbia to …
Both of the Adams County State representatives, Torren Ecker and Dan Moul, as well as state senator Doug Mastriano, all Republicans, joined with their majority party in the house and senate last week to pass HB 1300, a bill designed to reform elections in the state and which would also have made it more difficult …
(By Lindsay Weber | Spotlight PA) HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s General Assembly is headed into a long summer recess after a flurry of legislative activity. But several key issues remain unresolved and will have to wait until lawmakers reconvene in the fall. Democrats have indicated they want to see more government spending to address economic fallout …
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 …
Gettysburg Borough Council president Jake Schindel has purchased a house outside the borough and, because council membership requires borough residency, will resign from the council. Schindel said he would tender his resignation on July 12 and expected the council to accept the resignation on July 26. Schindel was originally elected in 2014 as a representative …
(By Natalie Kapustik | The Center Square) – State Sen. Joe Pittman has introduced legislation to support the work and practice of physician assistants in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 397 amends the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act and Senate Bill 398 amends the Medical Practice Act of 1985. He said modernizing these bills will encourage more physician …
(By Lindsay Weber | Spotlight PA) HARRISBURG — Cities and townships hoping to ban plastic bags within their borders may finally have the legal authority to do so in Pennsylvania. When the Republican-controlled legislature passed the state budget last week, it didn’t renew a statewide preemption on single-use plastics, opening the door for cities and …
(By Christen Smith | The Center Square) – Pennsylvania lawmakers opted for a budget Friday that saves most of the state’s $10 billion in tax surplus and federal stimulus as they brace for an unprecedented fiscal cliff when the good fortune “dries up” come 2024. The $40.8 billion spending plan socks away $2.5 billion in unexpected sales …
(By Christen Smith | The Center Square) – A bill banning vaccine passports cleared the state House of Representatives on Wednesday, even though it faces Gov. Tom Wolf’s promise to veto it once it reaches his desk. Senate Bill 618 prevents public entities from requiring proof of vaccination akin to New York’s Excelsior Pass, a mobile …
(By Marie Albiges | Spotlight PA) HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania House passed an election overhaul bill Tuesday that creates stricter voter ID requirements and early voting in 2025, despite opposition from most Democrats and a promised veto from Gov. Tom Wolf. The state Senate is poised to take up the measure in the coming days, …
(By Ted O’Neil | The Center Square) – A new study by the Allegheny Institute for Public Policy shows right-to-work states have fared better than states that lack employee freedom laws when it comes to job losses and recovery during the coronavirus pandemic. The Allegheny Institute is a nonprofit free-market think tank located in Pittsburgh …
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 …
