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Cumberland Township approves proposed 2024 Budget; no increase in current tax rates

December 2, 2023December 1, 2023 by Donate Gardner

At Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors Meeting, David Blocher, Township Manager presented the proposed 2024 budget to the board. The proposal introduced the establishment of an Operating Reserve Fund. Since the Township’s revenue stream is not constant, Blocher explained, the intermittent revenue streams result in current regular, budgeted expenditures outstripping current, regular budgeted revenue in any …

Gettysburg Draft 2024 Budget available for inspection

November 20, 2023 by Community Contributors

Gettysburg Borough Council has been deliberating and developing the Borough’s 2024 budget since October. At the Council’s last business meeting on Monday, November 13, 2023, the Borough Council voted unanimously to advertise the draft 2024 budget with the intent to adopt the 2024 Budget at the Council’s regular business meeting, to be held on Monday, …

Maryland Governor Wes Moore speaks at 22nd annual Blavatt Lecture

November 10, 2023November 4, 2023 by Leon Reed

“The only way things improve,” Maryland Governor Wes Moore told a crowd of several hundred at the Eisenhower Institute’s 22nd Annual Blavatt Lecture, “is when the younger generation pushes us to improve.” Speaking on the topic, “More than Waving a Flag: Redefining American Democracy in a Gen-Z World,” Moore advised younger people, “We can scream …

County proclaims kindness week; seeks new space for veterans memorial

November 1, 2023 by Judith Cameron Seniura

Two stories of lost wallets returned, 50 years apart, bracketed the proclamation of Nov. 11 to 18 as Kindness Week in Adams County at Wednesday’s Commissioners’ meeting. The first story involved a lost wallet in York, PA, on Apr. 10, 2023. Kevin Smith, Executive Vice President of Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC, arrived home from a …

County resident emergency volunteers may receive tax credit

October 19, 2023 by Judith Cameron Seniura

An estimated 850 Adams County volunteer fire and nonprofit emergency medical service providers may be able to see a property tax credit of up to $250 beginning with the 2024 tax year. Passed by the PA state legislature in 2021, this voluntary program is not funded, but “it is certainly appropriate to be involved in …

Adams helps home buyers

October 7, 2023 by Judith Cameron Seniura

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 …

Gettysburg College’s Eisenhower Institute Celebrates Democracy Week

October 2, 2023 by Vincent diFonzo

The Eisenhower Institute (EI) at Gettysburg College held its second annual Democracy Week celebrations with a week full of events and activities aimed at getting young people engaged in the political process, celebrating American democratic values, and reducing political polarization through building bipartisan trust between political adversaries. This year’s theme was “In Democracy We Trust.” …

Cumberland Township approves $75,000 grant to GARA; welcomes new police officer Tim Mayer

September 28, 2023 by Donate Gardner

At their September 26 meeting, the Cumberland Township Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $75,000 grant requested by the Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority (GARA) to fund various park activities in 2024. In addition, it approved the purchase of a truck chassis in the amount of $118,127, as well as other various purchases, rentals, and contractor …

Gettysburg Planning Commission will hold town hall to discuss revised zoning map

September 25, 2023 by Judith Cameron Seniura

The Gettysburg Borough Planning Commission has set Oct. 18 as a tentative date for a town hall meeting to discuss a major rezoning it is considering. The meeting will be held in the Charlie Sterner building at the Gettysburg rec park. SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED The new zoning plan will …

Moms for Liberty: ‘Joyful warriors’ or anti-government conspiracists? The 2-year-old group could have a serious impact on the presidential race

September 20, 2023 by The Conversation

Shauna Shames, Rutgers University SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED Signs in the hallway during the inaugural Moms For Liberty Summit on July 15, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. Octavio Jones/Getty Images Motherhood language and symbolism have been part of every U.S. social movement, from the American Revolution to Prohibition and the fight …

Gettysburg addresses “Ghost Poles”

September 15, 2023 by Charles Stangor

Gettysburg Borough is sending letters of support to Adams County personnel and state legislators regarding the passage of PA House Bill 1519 regarding the repair and replacement of utility poles. Of concern is the increasing number of “ghost” utility poles in the borough. The poles occur when a utility installs a new pole next to …

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

September 15, 2023 by Judith Cameron Seniura

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 …

Tourist business owners request input on oversized vehicle parking; borough discusses sidewalks

September 5, 2023 by Charles Stangor

After hearing councilmembers suggest they may extend the ongoing oversized vehicle parking project after it expires in Nov., owners and representatives of tourist-based businesses asked the borough council to allow them to provide input on the project. Nancie Gudmestad from the Shriver House said it was difficult and confusing to have buses park in the …

Gettysburg will support volunteer firefighters with tax increase

September 5, 2023September 5, 2023 by Charles Stangor

The Gettysburg Borough Council has approved the Gettysburg Fire Department’s request to increase the annual Fire Department Tax from the current .2500 mills to .5000 mills. Assistant Chief Ken Kime said the original rate was set in 2013 when the tax was established. “It will help in balancing future budgets going forward,” said Kime. SPONSORED …

Cumberland Township amends zoning; hosts State Rep. John Joyce

September 12, 2023August 24, 2023 by Donate Gardner

A public hearing was held prior to the Cumberland Township Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday to approve the amendment of various sections of Chapter 27 of the Cumberland Township zoning ordinance. The amendment creates two new overlay districts, consisting of a Neighborhood Multi-Family Overlay Zone and a Mixed Multi-Family Overlay Zones which proscribe criteria …

GMA will change water and sewer rate structures

August 1, 2023 by Charles Stangor

Gettysburg Municipal Authority (GMA) Board of Trustees Chair Dorothy Puhl and Utilities Manager Mark Guise announced at last Monday’s borough council meeting that GMA will change its rate structure for water use beginning in January. Guise said the average user will see an increase of about $20 per quarter as the authority moves from a …

Gettysburg begins major zoning overhaul

July 29, 2023 by Charles Stangor

Between now and the end of the year, the monthly meetings of the Gettysburg Planning Commission will be focused on a major overhaul of the borough’s complicated zoning map. The revisions will be completed with the help of the Pittsburg Construction and Engineering Company Michael Baker International. “The current zoning, from 2008, is outdated,” said …

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

July 27, 2023July 27, 2023 by Judith Cameron Seniura

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 …

Sinnett Elected PA District Attorneys Association President

July 25, 2023 by Charles Stangor

The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) today announced its elected officers for the 2023-24 business year. The election took place during the PDAA’s annual business meeting. President: Adams County District Attorney Brian SinnettVice President: Clinton County District Attorney David Strouse Secretary/Treasurer: Dauphin County District Attorney Francis Chardo SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED …

Gettysburg will provide tour bus parking downtown; will demolish 340 Baltimore St.

July 14, 2023July 13, 2023 by Charles Stangor

At its Monday meeting, the Gettysburg Borough Council approved a resolution adopting a 90-day pilot program for oversized vehicle parking in the borough. The program includes 9 parking spaces approved for tour buses to load, unload, and park. Because, except for the two Long Lane spaces, each oversized vehicle space will take up 3 current …

Gettysburg nixes “Franklin Funnel” but approves making Racehorse Alley one-way

July 22, 2023July 13, 2023 by Charles Stangor

After months of discussion, the Gettysburg Borough Council approved creating a construction design for a project that would make Racehorse Alley run one-way from Washington St. to Buford Ave. The alley currently allows two-way traffic but requires vehicles to drive on private property in order to pass. SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED …

Cumberland approves campground, sets liquor license hearing, for resort on former Boyds Bears site

July 1, 2023June 29, 2023 by Donate Gardner

The Cumberland Township Board of Supervisors approved an application from BR Smith Properties seeking conditional use for a proposed campground in the Mixed Use (MX) zoning district located at 75 Cunningham Road. The site is the former home of Boyds Bears Country Barn, which is being developed into an upscale restaurant, hotel, and campground known …

Gettysburg moves closer to making Racehorse Alley one-way

June 27, 2023 by Charles Stangor

After hearing from proponents of bicycle and pedestrian safety, the Gettysburg Borough Council moved forward on a project (the “Gettysburg Funnel”) that would make Racehorse Alley one-way running east from Buford Ave. to Franklin St. and one-way west from Chambersburg St. to Franklin St. To leave the alley, all traffic would turn toward Chambersburg St. …

Gettysburg most welcoming city in U.S.

July 5, 2023June 23, 2023 by Judith Cameron Seniura

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 …

Cumberland rolls out notification app

June 22, 2023June 20, 2023 by Community Contributors

Cumberland Township has partnered with Savvy Citizen to keep our residents informed! Savvy Citizen is more than a notification system as it allows Cumberland Township to keep residents up-to-date on community events, helpful information, significant meetings, road closures, alerts, and much more. Available on Android, iPhone/iPad, and computers, residents of Cumberland Township can choose to …

Gettysburg Planning Commission gives first approval to Gettysburg Station Project

June 23, 2023June 20, 2023 by Charles Stangor

For more information, please see our accompanying story. The Gettysburg Planning Commission tonight considered, and expressed approval of, a proposed mixed use residential/commercial project next to the Gettysburg Train Station. SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED The proposed project, to be located between Carlisle and Stratton Streets, includes 186 apartments in 3 …

Sach’s Covered Bridge slated for some TLC

June 8, 2023June 7, 2023 by Judith Cameron Seniura

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. SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED …

Cumberland implements digital notification system; accepts resignation of Planning Commissioner and police officer

May 29, 2023 by Donate Gardner

At their May meeting, Cumberland Township Board of Supervisors members unanimously approved the purchase of a Savvy Citizen notification system that will enable township managers and police to alert residents of important events via text or email messages (in addition to a recently established Cumberland Township newsletter, the first of which is set to be …

Carroll Valley trailer ordinance still undecided

May 11, 2023 by Judith Cameron Seniura

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 …

Gettysburg approves event venues at High St. property and other borough areas

May 10, 2023 by Charles Stangor

After over a year of discussion and after having received comments from dozens of community members, the Gettysburg Borough Council voted Monday to allow outdoor events venues, including one to be located at the former Gettysburg Academy building at the corner of W. High and S. Washington streets. The vote was split 4 to 3 …

Cumberland introduces new mental health co-responder

May 1, 2023 by Donate Gardner

At their April Board of Supervisors meeting, Cumberland Township Board members were introduced by MH-IDD Community Liaison Bruce Bartz to the new police co-responder McKenzie Johnson, a mental health clinician assigned to police departments to assist officers during emergency calls, helping to de-escalate crisis situations and connecting individuals to available resources. The crisis intervention co-responder …

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

April 29, 2023April 29, 2023 by Judith Cameron Seniura

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 …

April is child abuse prevention month

April 13, 2023 by Judith Cameron Seniura

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 …

Gettysburg to vote on new zoning ordinances

April 13, 2023 by Charles Stangor

The Gettysburg Borough Council voted on Monday evening to approve two zoning amendments for “publication and intended enactment.” The ordinances will be voted on for final enactment by the council at its May meeting. The first is for a proposal to remove 49 parcels along the NW side of Johns St. and the SE side …

Events venue owner speaks out about zoning

April 12, 2023 by Scott English, Owner 68 W. High St, Gettysburg

Two big concerns that have been expressed about Gettysburg Borough’s proposed draft event venue ordinance seem to be noise and parking. The current Borough ordinances have an entire section devoted to the regulation of noise. It covers a host of noise-producing activities and applies to all properties in the Borough. The Borough ordinances also contain …

Sen Casey attends local ceremony announcing $200 million in federal broadband funds for PA

April 13, 2023April 10, 2023 by Charles Stangor

Representatives of local, state, and federal governments including PA Senator Bob Casey met this morning at the offices of the Adams Economic Alliance (AEA) to announce and celebrate the awarding of $200 million in federal funding to improve broadband access across the state. “This means real change in people’s lives. A student in northern Adams …

Republicans host Marjorie Taylor Greene

April 1, 2023March 31, 2023 by Charles Stangor

Local Republicans hosted national political figure Marjorie Taylor Greene at the Adams County Republican Committee’s Gettysburg office this morning. Greene has been in the area since at least yesterday, speaking with Republicans in Franklin County on Thursday evening. SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED Greene has been the U.S. representative for Georgia’s …

Gettysburg Borough, ignoring planning committee recommendation, moves closer to allowing event venues by right

March 31, 2023March 30, 2023 by Charles Stangor

After over 30 meetings over the past year discussing the issue, the Gettysburg Borough Council is ready to support event venues as a right in the borough. An alternative recommended by the Gettysburg Planning Commission would have been to make events venues a special exception. At Monday’s workshop meeting, 4 of the 7 members said …

Cumberland Township to receive $3,566,262 in grant awards; prepares for campus improvements and busy community season ahead

March 31, 2023March 30, 2023 by Donate Gardner

At their March Board of Supervisors meeting, Cumberland Township Manager David Blocher, reported that the Township was awarded a total of $3,566,262.00 in grant funding which will be earmarked as follows: $1,300,000.00 in grant funding awarded from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) which will be used to support the community with campus improvements. $1,000,000.00 …

Gettysburg seeks input on Racehorse Alley changes

March 30, 2023 by Charles Stangor

Major changes to traffic patterns in the borough are being considered and the public is urged to weigh in on them. The Gettysburg Borough Council continued its discussion of potential changes to Racehorse Alley at Monday’s workshop meeting. SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED The proposed changes are backed by Healthy Adams …

Gettysburg hears call for more murals

March 30, 2023 by Charles Stangor

Adams County Arts Center Executive Director Lisa Cadigan and Jeff Rioux, Director of the Gettysburg College Center for Public Service, called for more murals and other people-oriented art in the borough at Monday’s borough council work session. Cadigan said the Arts Council encouraged creating and maintaining public arts in our area, with the goal of …

Council of Governments focuses on cybersecurity

March 25, 2023 by Judith Cameron Seniura

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

March 23, 2023 by Judith Cameron Seniura

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 …

Gettysburg school board director removed from primary ballot

March 26, 2023March 23, 2023 by Charles Stangor

This story was updated on March 25, 2023 Adams County President Judge Michael A. George has ruled that because she intentionally misstated facts about her real estate holdings and income on the financial statement accompanying her petitions for Gettysburg Area School Board, incumbent board member Amy Beth Hodges may not run as a Republican candidate …

GARA explores improvements to alternative sports park; additional space for little league teams

June 29, 2023March 23, 2023 by Donate Gardner

Two community members, Joshua Kinard and Derek Roden, attended The Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority’s (GARA’s) monthly board meeting on Monday to propose improvements to the Alternative Sports/Skateboarding section of the park. Both representatives are experienced skateboarders who had used the park for many years when they were younger. “There is not much life left in …

Zoning Ordinance Public Hearing – Event Venues – March 27, 2023 – 6:00 p.m. Borough Hall

March 22, 2023March 22, 2023 by Susan Cipperly

The Gettysburg Borough Council has been working for over a year on inserting a new category of “Event Venue” into the zoning ordinance. The owners of 68 W. High Street (as of Dec. 2020) want to have a business that would involve both indoor and outdoor events such as bridal showers and wedding receptions, parties, …

Pa. primary election 2023: A complete guide to the candidates for state Supreme Court

March 21, 2023 by Spotlight PA

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. SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED HARRISBURG — During Pennsylvania’s primary election in May, Democrats and Republicans will …

Scott Harper appointed as Adams County Chief Public Defender

March 20, 2023 by Gettysburg Connection

Scott Harper, former Adams County assistant public defender, has been named Chief Public Defender of Adams County. Harper graduated from Widener University School of Law in 2005 and was in private practice as a trial attorney, serving much of south-central PA. He joined the Adams County Public Defender’s staff in 2021. A former business owner, …

Carroll Valley trailer ordinance may finally see resolution

March 17, 2023March 15, 2023 by Judith Cameron Seniura

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. SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED …

Gettysburg recognizes 20^th anniversary of its official flag; expects more bicycle police patrols

March 14, 2023 by Charles Stangor

Gettysburg Mayor Frealing recognized the 197th anniversary of its founding and honored local resident Bob Mcilhenny for his work in creating the Gettysburg flag 20 years ago at its meeting yesterday. Read our story about the development of the flag here. SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED Frealing declared March as “The …

Gettysburg Considers safety changes to Racehorse Alley; seeks zoning volunteers

March 12, 2023March 11, 2023 by Charles Stangor

Borough Engineer Chad Claybaugh said the borough was working with a traffic consultant to create a design to make Racehorse Alley safer and more accommodating for bicycles and pedestrians. Claybaugh said a number of options were being considered, including the possibility of making the alley one-way between Buford and Washington Streets. The alley is already …

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

March 10, 2023 by Judith Cameron Seniura

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 …

Gettysburg celebrates the 20th anniversary of its flag

March 4, 2023 by Charles Stangor

It was twenty years ago when Gettysburg resident Bob Mcilhenny received a phone call from then borough manager Charlie Sterner. “Sterner said he thought it would be a great idea if we had a town flag,” said Micilhenny. “He called me because I ran a business that fabricated banners and flags.” SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED …

Cumberland Township board of supervisors approves medical marijuana training grant

March 2, 2023March 1, 2023 by Donate Gardner

At their regular monthly meeting yesterday, the Cumberland Township Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $25,000 Medical Marijuana Grant for the Cumberland Township Police Department. The grant had been awarded in December 2022 by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crimes and Delinquency (PCCD) as part of opening funding opportunities to all Pennsylvania municipal police departments to …

Black Balloon Day remembers those lost to opioid addiction

February 25, 2023 by Judith Cameron Seniura

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 …

Gettysburg Planning Commission considers proposed event venue ordinance

February 23, 2023 by Gettysburg Connection

The Gettysburg Planning Commission considered Tuesday evening a proposal from the Borough Council to create an ordinance that would allow event venues in several zoning districts across the borough. The commission acts in an advisory role to the Borough Council and will share its findings with it. SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED …

Gettysburg proposes zoning changes to allow event centers

February 16, 2023 by Charles Stangor

The Gettysburg Borough council has authorized a public hearing to be held on Monday, March 27, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the borough office at 59 E. High St. to consider its proposal to establish and regulate event venues in the borough. The borough has spent many months discussing the new ordinance which arose from …

Gettysburg Tax Collector explains upcoming tax bills

February 13, 2023 by Community Contributors

Gettysburg and Adams county residents will be receiving their annual tax bills in the next few weeks. Gettysburg Tax Collector Lisa Angstadt explains: The Occupation Tax is charged to every Gettysburg borough resident who is currently employed and the amount is based on the occupation reported to the County Tax Services office. If a resident is unemployed or …

Tracking Josh Shapiro’s biggest campaign promises

February 10, 2023 by Spotlight PA

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. SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED Tom Gralish / Philadelphia Inquirer HARRISBURG — Gov. Josh Shapiro made a …

Commissioners Proclaim Court Reporters Week

February 9, 2023 by Judith Cameron Seniura

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

February 8, 2023 by Judith Cameron Seniura

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 …

Democrats sweep special elections, affirming first Pa. House majority in 12 years

February 7, 2023 by Spotlight PA

Stephen Caruso 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. SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED HARRISBURG — Democrats have swept three Allegheny County special elections, cementing their …

Cumberland reorganizes; investigates racist graffiti

February 1, 2023January 31, 2023 by Donate Gardner

At their January Board of Supervisors meeting, the Cumberland Township Board of Supervisors welcomed newly elected Township Manager, David Blocher and appointed the following members to boards and commissions: Planning Commission: Stephen Tallman – Re-appointed SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED Robert J Bunce – New Planning Commission Alternate Kathleen Heidecker – New Planning …

Commissioners seek tax collectors; welcome therapy dogs for children

January 31, 2023 by Judith Cameron Seniura

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 . SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED …

Josh Shapiro sworn in as governor

January 20, 2023January 18, 2023 by Spotlight PA

Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA and Katie Meyer 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. SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED HARRISBURG — In his first moments …

GARA approves Story Walk; considers supporting ACHS bicycle trail

January 15, 2023 by Donate Gardner

The Gettysburg Recreational Authority (GARA) Board of Directors was presented with two proposals requesting GARA’s support. Pedestrian Trail: The Adams County Historical Society (ACHS), together with Healthy Adams Bicycle/Pedestrian, Inc. (HABPI) is planning a new pedestrian trail from the end of the sidewalk on Carlisle Street up to the facilities of the Historical Society. SPONSORED …

Commissioners support highway safety; review candidates for Chief Public Defender

January 14, 2023 by Judith Cameron Seniura

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 …

Gettysburg will keep its Christmas decorations up during January to help visiting film crew

January 12, 2023January 11, 2023 by Charles Stangor

Gettysburg borough will keep its outdoor Christmas displays up, probably until mid-February, at the request of the producers of “The Gettysburg Christmas Story,” which will be shooting in town beginning Wednesday. The borough noted that the Trap, Neuter, and Release program for feral cats has been continued. Residents are encouraged to report cats that need …

Cumberland Township hires new manager

January 11, 2023 by Community Contributors

The Cumberland Township Board of Supervisors announced the hiring of David Blocher as the next Township Manager. Blocher follows Ben Thomas, Jr., who retired at the end of 2022 after twelve years of service with the Township. “After an extensive search, the Board of Supervisors are confident that Dave is the right person for the …

Pamela Cooper-White Speaks on Christian Nationalism

January 8, 2023 by Leon Reed

“Christian Nationalism is a radical, fanatical departure from the teachings of Jesus and any faithful reading of either the Hebrew Bible or the New Testament, and it is also dangerously anti-democratic,” said Orrtanna resident Pamela Cooper-White, speaking on the second anniversary of the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington by …

Mayor Frealing honored by Democratic women

January 5, 2023 by Community Contributors

Gettysburg Mayor Rita Frealing was honored as an outstanding elected Democratic woman at the annual Pennsylvania Democratic Women’s Federation brunch in Harrisburg in November 2022. The organization honors currently elected women from across the Commonwealth who are nominated by their local chapter. Mayor Frealing was nominated by the Adams County Federation of Democratic Women for …

Adams County Commissioners Bid Farewell to Chief Public Defender Kristin Rice; finalize tax-neutral budget

December 15, 2022 by Judith Cameron Seniura

There were multiple moments of applause and a standing ovation on Wednesday morning as the Adams County Commissioners bid farewell to Chief Public Defender Kristin Rice, who is retiring after serving for the past 19 years. “I want to say the last 19 years have been a joy. I’ve felt so supported by my attorneys …

Gettysburg passes 2023 budget with new police offers and no new taxes; eyes storm water repairs

December 15, 2022December 14, 2022 by Charles Stangor

The Gettysburg Borough Council will apply for two major grants related to needed stormwater repairs. Borough Engineer Chad Clabaugh said the grants were directed toward repair of failing stormwater system infrastructure including channel walls on “The Tiber” (Stevens Run). SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED Harbaugh said the Gettysburg Borough Storm Water …

Congress aims to close off presidential election mischief and fraud with simple and bipartisan solutions

December 13, 2022 by The Conversation

Derek T. Muller, University of Iowa SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED Reps. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., center, and Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, right, take cover as protesters disrupt the joint session of Congress to certify the Electoral College vote on Jan. 6, 2021. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED …

Gettysburg Borough moves forward on new ordinances

December 1, 2022 by Charles Stangor

The Gettysburg borough council moved forward on a number of proposed ordinances at its workshop meeting on Monday evening. The council will move forward on a new complaints policy by which the public or others may make complaints about borough staff including members of the police department. The document sets a series of hierarchies for …

Rejecting undated mail ballots disproportionately impacts communities of color in Pa., data shows

December 1, 2022 by Spotlight PA

This article is made possible through Spotlight PA’s collaboration with Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and voting. This article is available for reprint under the terms of Votebeat’s republishing policy. Pennsylvania’s policy of rejecting undated and incorrectly dated absentee and mail ballots is more likely to impact voters from communities with …

Adams improves 911 response system

November 30, 2022 by Judith Cameron Seniura

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 …

Butler Township Receives $1 million Grant to Advance Plans on New Township Facility

November 22, 2022 by Community Contributors

The Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of the Budget has awarded Adams County’s Butler Township $1 million from its Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) to construct a multipurpose municipal complex. Grant funding will be used to advance plans on a new, fully functional township facility where safety and security are a priority. The proposed project will include …

Gettysburg proposed 2023 budget available for public inspection

November 22, 2022 by Community Contributors

The proposed Gettysburg Borough 2023 budget is available on the borough’s website for public viewing and comment. The budget will potentially be approved at the Dec. 12 council meeting. SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED According to the borough, the budget highlighs are: No Tax Increase Two Additional Police Officers Borough-wide Rezoning …

No county tax increases predicted in 2023 as federal Covid-19 funds roll out

November 17, 2022November 17, 2022 by Judith Cameron Seniura

The Adams County commissioners said they projected no tax increases for the 2023 fiscal year. “No tax increase and not cutting services” are solid positives for the budget, said Commissioner Randy Phiel. SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED The county said it had received $10 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act …

Budget; Stormwater expenses; Christmas Festival dominate Gettysburg Borough Council Meeting

November 16, 2022November 15, 2022 by Charles Stangor

Mayor Rita Frealing and the Gettysburg Borough Council last night honored Dave Reese, Parking Meter Maintenance and Laborer, for 41 years of service to the borough. Reese retired on November 2. Frealing said that since 1981 Reese had performed numerous services for the borough, including helping maintain the parking garage and other areas. SPONSORED SPONSORED …

Democracy For America Offers Post-Election Meetup

November 9, 2022 by Community Contributors

Thursday, November 107 pm, YWCA Community Room DFA’s Leon Reed and Professor Char Weise of Gettysburg College will appraise the results (to the extent they are known) of the 2022 elections, considering such issues as election results and trends in Pennsylvania (governor, senator, state legislature); national results and trends (who will or is likely to …

HUD Community Development Block Grant Awarded to Adams County Recipients

November 3, 2022 by Judith Cameron Seniura

The Adams County Commissioners approved the submission of more than $320,000 for the 2022 Community Development Block Grant, awarding funding to Biglerville Borough and Hoffman Homes, as well as covering the county’s administrative fees, at its meeting yesterday. The $100,000 awarded to Biglerville Borough is the second grant in a multi-year project that will replace …

Kiwanis donates $1,000 to GARA for playgrounds

October 29, 2022 by Charles Stangor

At Monday’s board meeting, Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority (GARA) Executive Director Erin Peddigree said the Gettysburg Adams Kiwanis club had donated $1,000 to GARA for playgrounds. In terms of the budget, Peddigree said GARA was “right on track with last year.” SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED Peddigree said baseball and softball …

Adams County Elections Secure Under Watchful IT Department

October 29, 2022October 29, 2022 by Judith Cameron Seniura

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 …

Gettysburg approves holiday parking; moves forward on 2023 budget

December 19, 2022October 27, 2022 by Charles Stangor

The Gettysburg Fall brush pick up will take place from Monday, Nov. 7 through Thursday, Nov. 10. The staff will come by each location two times during the week. Gettysburg Borough has left the free holiday parking hours for 2022 the same as they were last year. SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED …

Gettysburg seeks transparency in employee complaints

October 29, 2022October 27, 2022 by Charles Stangor

Gettysburg Borough will revise its employee complaint processes to make them more streamlined and more transparent. The goal is a standardized set of “progressive disciplinary actions” for potential infractions. The policy would help ensure all relevant parties, including employees, supervisors, and the borough council would be notified of the processes and outcomes of any complaints and …

Commissioners commit $150,000 in hotel tax money for farm center feasibility study

October 22, 2022October 20, 2022 by Judith Cameron Seniura

A feasibility study that may result in a future PA Agricultural Discovery Center in Straban Township was approved by the Adams County Board of Commissioners at its meeting yesterday. As part of the hotel tax fund, $150,000 will be used to hire a yet-as-unknown consultant who will determine the suitability of several county sites for …

Gettysburg discusses policing

October 19, 2022October 15, 2022 by Charles Stangor

Borough Manager Charles Gable said the proposed 2023 budget would include the possibility of hiring an additional 2 full-time police officers. If approved, the officers would cost the borough about $100,000 each. If approved, the new officers would bring the force to a total of 14 full-time officers. SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED …

Adams County Commissioners Recognize Domestic Violence Victims

October 5, 2022 by Judith Cameron Seniura

The national statistics are sobering. One in 4 women and 1 in 10 men experience sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime. Many victims experience concern for their safety, PTSD symptoms, physical injury, and the need to be counseled by by victim services. Showing support for victims of violence, …

Mayor Frealing goes to Washington

October 4, 2022September 30, 2022 by Charles Stangor

Gettysburg Mayor Rita Frealing and nearly 50 other community leaders from across Pennsylvania met with senior White House officials and President Biden yesterday at the Communities in Action: Building a Better Pennsylvania event at the White House. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, Senior Advisor to the President Anita Dunn, Senior Advisor and Director of …

Cumberland supervisors tentatively deny approval of apartment complex

September 28, 2022 by Gettysburg Connection

Cumberland Township Supervisors tentatively denied approval of preliminary plans for a large apartment complex at the site of the closed Gettysburg Country Club at Rt. 30 and Country Club Lane last night. Opponents of the proposed Residences at Willoughby Run, an eight-building complex of 112 apartments, overflowed into the hallway of the meeting room. SPONSORED …

Adams Council of Governments addresses financial ratings, Covid grants, school challenges

September 27, 2022September 26, 2022 by Judith Cameron Seniura

Adams County Treasurer Chris Redding addressed community leaders at the Sep. 22 Adams County Council of Governments (ACCOG) meeting, saying the county’s healthy A2+ rating for financial status reflects a joint effort of community sectors working together in a complex office with many moving parts. Redding said the treasurer’s office works with the 34 township …

Democrats continue supporting their candidates

September 24, 2022September 24, 2022 by Community Contributors

Over 50 demonstrators met on the Gettysburg Square on Friday evening to continue expressing their support for Democratic candidates Josh Shapiro, John Fetterman, and Marty Qually. The demonstrators brought signs and raised their voices in support of abortion rights, voting integrity, democracy, and freedom. SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED The group …

Election 2022: Gubernatorial Race Offers Stark Contrasts in Vision of Future Form and Funding of Pennsylvania Schools

September 23, 2022 by Christopher Fee

PSBA Legislative Report 20 September 2022: Christopher Fee is the Pennsylvania School Board Association (PSBA) Liaison for the Upper Adams School Board. He creates a monthly report on state-wide legislative issues of importance to the board. This is his report from Sep. 20, 2022 SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED In some …

Adams Invites Applications for $5 Million in Covid Grants

September 22, 2022 by Judith Cameron Seniura

Adams County has been given a Covid relief shot in the arm with a $5 million dollar grant that Commissioner Marty Qually called the “most significant grant program in the county’s history.” The Board of Commissioners approved guidelines for applications for the funds at its monthly yesterday. Before submitting projects for consideration, potential applicants can …

Adams County Dems welcome Shapiro

September 17, 2022 by John Messeder

Gubernatorial candidate Attorney General Josh Shapiro visited Gettysburg Saturday afternoon to rally county Democrats for his campaign to win governorship of Pennsylvania in November. More than 150 supporters filled the new county committee headquarters at 52 Chambersburg Street. Outside the venue, a handful of so-called MAGA supporters mounted a mini demonstration touting State Senator Doug …

Gettysburg deals with speeding, car crashes

September 15, 2022 by Charles Stangor

Responding to a noticeable increase in the number of car accidents in the borough as well as repeated complaints about speeding vehicles, the Gettysburg Police Department has set up speed check points at several places. “I’m getting a lot of emails about speeding,” said Mayor Rita Frealing. SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED …

Wolf announces $21.5 million plan to provide universal free school breakfasts

September 14, 2022 by Community Contributors

“It is completely unacceptable for a child to start the day hungry,” said PA Gov. Tom Wolf in a press release on Monday. “I’m taking hunger off the table for Pennsylvania kids by creating the Universal Free Breakfast Program. Regardless of whether or not they qualify for free or reduced meals normally, every student enrolled …

Cumberland Planning Commission recommends rejecting new apartment complex

September 9, 2022 by Gettysburg Connection

Over 40 concerned citizens attended last night’s Cumberland Township Planning Commission Meeting. The evening’s topic was a consideration of “The Residence at Willoughby Run”, a proposed 112 apartment unit on 14.5 acres at the corner of Chambersburg Road and Country Club Lane. SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED SPONSORED The site is controversial …