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Americans’ beliefs about the Constitution and their beliefs about the U.S. government’s relationship to religion have been widely debated in recent years by those concerned about the rise of Christian nationalism, the idea that America should be an overtly Christian, not secular, nation in which a certain interpretation of the Bible holds sway There is

Whether or not a School Resource Officer (SRO) is worth the cost was a matter of debate for the Littlestown School Board members at Monday’s work session. The three-year contract for such an employee would be $411,685, and some members expressed concern that funding this position would result in cutting services in other areas, such

The Historic Preservation Society of Gettysburg – Adams County (HGAC) is excited to once again be offering grants in order to help owners of historic barns maintain and preserve their barns. If you own a barn and want to be considered for a barn preservation grant in 2024, applications are now being accepted for consideration

Ahead of anticipated snow across most of the state tomorrow into Sunday, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) are advising motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm. Additionally, the agencies will implement various speed and vehicle restrictions throughout the storm. PennDOT and PTC crews are actively pre-treating roadways where

The National Weather Service in State College, Pennsylvania has issued a Winter Storm Watch for all of Adams County, including Gettysburg Borough, in effect from Saturday morning (January 6, 2024) through Sunday morning (January 7, 2024). Weather computer model guidance continues to build confidence in a general 3–6 inch snowfall for Gettysburg. The possibility of

Students at Biglerville’s secondary campus will soon be able to use new locker and team rooms that have been under construction since July. Upper Adams School District Superintendent Wesley Doll said at Tuesday’s school board meeting that the final inspection passed and finishing touches were in the works. “[We’re] getting ready to open everything up

The Gettysburg Borough Council unanimously named Matthew Moon its president during the governing body’s biennial reorganization meeting on Tuesday. He succeeds Wesley Heyser, who did not seek re-election. Councilperson Judith Butterfield will support Moon as council vice president. She succeeds Moon, who served as vice president last year. Moon, a Democrat and San Francisco native,

This is my favorite column to write every year! Why, you ask? Well, it’s simply because it is a look back into 2022 to see what was most popular at each branch of the Adams County Library System online through our CloudLibrary Ebook and Eaudio service, as well as the total winner from around the

The United Lutheran Seminary has received a grant of $250,000 from the Lutheran Foundation for Long Term Living (LFLTL) to implement the project: “Aging Grace-Fully: Author Lecture Series.” The project is being funded through LFLTL’s Community Benefit Initiative. The aim of the initiative to encourage programming that enhances the lives of people in a variety

The Adams County Community Foundation has announced $100,000 in grants to local nonprofits through its Adams County Grants program, adding to the $120,000 awarded earlier this year. These grants focus on helping the recipient nonprofits become more effective and build on earlier grants to these organizations. The Community Foundation is committed to supporting key nonprofits

Pennsylvania hired genealogy company Ancestry.com to digitize a sweeping list of historical documents. Now, the company claims it owns those digital copies. by Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA Officials from the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission show Gov. Josh Shapiro the new Pennsylvania State Archives building. Commonwealth Media Services This story first appeared in The

As it has done since 1955, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is tracking Santa today as he leaves the North Pole to travel around the world on his mission to deliver presents to children every year on Christmas Eve. Watch Santa here

Tickets are still available for ‘Wellspan Health presents Dancing with the Local Stars – Tournament of Champions’ on Friday, January 12, at 7 pm at the Majestic Theater, Gettysburg. Produced by and benefitting the YWCA Gettysburg & Adams County and Adams County Arts Council, this 10th anniversary show reunites past champions and choreographers. Champions appearing

In the spirit of gratitude and reflection, the Adams County Library System looks back on a year marked by meaningful achievements and community collaboration. As we prepare to turn the page on 2023, we celebrate the milestones that have shaped our journey and extend our heartfelt appreciation to the invaluable supporters, dedicated volunteers, and steadfast

Governor Josh Shapiro, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, and Pennsylvania State Veterinarian Dr. Alex Hamberg joined Santa Claus and his team of reindeer at HersheyPark today to announce that the reindeer received a clean bill of health and is cleared for special deliveries across Pennsylvania on December 24th. “This magical time of year brings lightness and

The Adams County Community Foundation reported the results of its 2023 Giving Spree at its annual “Big Reveal” yesterday. Over 100 non-profits participated in the day of giving which was held on Nov. 9. The following table represents the total contributions that were for “Today” use, meaning the funds were immediately available to the organizations.

by Erik Gunn, Pennsylvania Capital-StarDecember 15, 2023 After skyrocketing in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and then tempering almost as dramatically a year later, healthcare spending in the U.S. rose just over 4% in 2022, hitting $4.5 trillion, the federal government announced this week. The annual growth in the nation’s healthcare spending appears

Wrestling Bermudian Springs 35, Delone 33 Full results are here. Swimming Gettysburg (girls) 155, Milton Hershey 55Gettysburg (boys) 99, Milton Hershey 68 The Gettysburg girls’ and boys’ swim teams were both triumphant over Milton Hershey on Thursday evening. First-place finishers included Morgan Bishop, Makenna Brainard, Maya Brainard, Claire Jurney, Addy Dunlop, Alex Koufos, Sam Coolbaugh,

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

The Young Marines unit from Gettysburg, PA was one of 28 Young Marines units throughout the United States who traveled to Hawaii this past week to participate in the remembrance ceremonies of the 82nd anniversary of Pearl Harbor. The Young Marines is a national youth organization for boys and girls from age eight through high

Changes to the Gettysburg Borough sign ordinance are on hold. During their meeting on Monday, the council unanimously voted to delay voting on proposed revisions until April 2024.  Councilperson Judie Butterfield was absent. The decision came after several public comments, including from the leaders of four business advocacy groups.  Carrie Stuart of Gettysburg Adams Chamber

The Conewago Valley school board welcomed five new members during its reorganization meeting on Monday evening. David T. Meckley and Meredith Miller (region one), Lindsay Krug (region two), and William Getz and April Swope (region three) were all sworn in as new members. Jeffrey Kindschuh was elected the board president while Eric Flickinger was voted

The Gettysburg Area School District Board of Directors once again named Kenny Hassinger and Michael Dickerson its leaders during their annual reorganization meeting on Monday. Hassinger will serve as president and Dickerson will be vice president. The board first elected Hassinger president in December 2019 and reappointed him in December 2021. The board appointed Dickerson

When Sister Phyllis Simmons died at the Sisters of Mercy Center in Dallas, Pennsylvania, on November 23,  the St. Francis Xavier Catholic community and many throughout Adams County remembered her, mourned, and felt gratitude for her long service to St. Francis Xavier School. Sister Phyllis Simmons arrived at St. Francis Xavier School in 1972, beginning

Originally published by The 19th  At The 19th, we’re committed to publishing journalism that you can trust throughout the critical moments that shape our democracy and our lives. Show your support during our Fall Member Drive, and your donation will be matched. Double your gift today. Thirty years ago today, President Bill Clinton signed the

Five Upper Adams School Board directors with a combined 54 years of service are leaving their positions to make way for the next group of elected representatives. On Tuesday, the district bid farewell to the outgoing board members at their last meeting. Ron Ebbert served 17 years, Chris Fee served 16 years, James Rutkowski served

Originally published by The 19th In September, when billions of dollars in childcare funding were about to expire, a Senate subcommittee convened to discuss solutions. It was there that Sen. John Kennedy laid out the partisan tension at the heart of what’s billed as a bipartisan issue.  He agreed that childcare was an investment in

Gettysburg Area School District leaders are working to enhance emergency communication. District Director of Safety and Security Jim O’Shea told the board on Monday that the administration is slowly rolling out the Raptor Alert System. O’Shea said the phone and computer app will allow staff and administrators to report emergencies in real-time and call 911

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

It’s Thanksgiving 2023, and it’s time to show your gratitude. Expressing gratitude is one of the healthiest things we can do,for ourselves and for others. Please click here to share yours.

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

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

The Bermudian Springs school board said goodbye to outgoing members on Tuesday and prepared to welcome new ones. Heading into the second half of the school year, the board also elected to enroll in a USDA program to reduce school lunch debt. Finance The board held a caucus meeting on Monday evening and a regular

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

The Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority (GARA) is here to stay. At its meeting on Monday, the Gettysburg Borough Council unanimously approved a 25-year lease of the Gettysburg Rec Park between the borough and GARA. The Borough of Gettysburg and Cumberland Township formed GARA in 2013 as an intermunicipal authority with a primary purpose of managing

As a lead-up to the upcoming holiday season in Gettysburg, Destination Gettysburg has announced plans to host a holiday decorating contest. “Gett Merry & Bright” will inspire businesses and residents in the Borough of Gettysburg to get into the holiday spirit. Participants are encouraged to adorn the exterior of their properties with traditional, classic, or

The Harmony Ridge Railroad Club at Cross Keys Village in New Oxford is ready to welcome visitors to the Harmony Ridge Train Room between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. New sections of the impressive displays include a subterranean ride through a coal mine, with genuine PA coal as part of the setting. The train room

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro has recently signed several bills that chip away at Pennsylvania’s five-month-old budget impasse. by Stephen Caruso The exterior of the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg. Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive

Gettysburg Borough Council plans to pass a 2024 budget that includes no property tax increase. The council expects to double the fire tax from 0.25 to 0.5 mills. The fire tax is sent directly to local volunteer fire companies. At their Oct. 30 budget workshop, the council took a deep dive into Police Chief Robert

Dustin Cole, Auburn University Reports of lengthy shipping delays for vessels traveling through the Panama Canal this year have highlighted the critical but often overlooked role that fresh water plays across global supply chains. Drier than normal conditions in Panama, brought on by El Niño, have left the region drought-stricken and water levels in the

Spring 2023 state assessment scores indicate many Biglerville High School students performed well above the state average on Keystone Exams, while PSSA results were a bit of a mixed bag. Upper Adams School District Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Joseph Albin presented the spring 2023 results Tuesday at a school board committee meeting. Albin

“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

An arrowhead with a large G is now the official Gettysburg Warrior logo. At their meeting on Monday, the Gettysburg Area School Board unanimously adopted a resolution laying claim to the symbol the district has used for about a decade. The district created the resolution in response to Gettysbug resident Kierstan Belle’s announcement on Facebook

By Anthony Hennen | The Center Square (The Center Square) — As almost half of all states allow recreational marijuana, it sometimes feels inevitable that Pennsylvania will follow the lead of their neighbors. Wirestock Creators | Shutterstock During a committee hearing, though, opposition remains significant. The House Health Subcommittee on Health Care heard testimony on Wednesday,

‘Tis the season to sign up to ring the bell for the Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle campaign at Gettysburg Walmart.  Ringers are scheduled to ring for a ninety-minute shift on a day between November 24 and December 24 at noon. Sign up online via this link https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0849AEA829A0FBCF8-bell#/ and experience the joy of giving back to your

The Adams County Farmers Market ended its first season at the Gettysburg rec park today. Click on the image to hear Market Manager Reza Djalal describe the year.

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

The Gettysburg Borough Council continues to take a deep dive into its proposed 2024 budget, having spent about 4 hours and 45 minutes on the topic in the past two weeks. The council made no decisions but is leaning towards approving several changes to the Gettysburg Parking department. Parking fees The seven-member body informally agreed

The winners of Tuesday’s Halloween Parade have been announced. A big thank you to all of the sponsors, judges, volunteers, police, security, participants, and everyone elsewho made this night possible! Marching Bands 1st #104 Gettysburg Area Combined 2nd #311 Catoctin High School 3rd #204 Bermudian Springs High School Corporate Float 1st #307 WA Snyder Concrete

At a glorious lunch and early afternoon meeting on Monday in the Grand Ballroom of the Gettysburg Hotel, the Gettysburg-Adams YWCA presented its 22nd Annual Callie Awards. The awards recognize the significant community service of women in Adams County. A large and enthusiastic group was in attendance, including more than a few past recipients. Congratulations

by Jessica Shelleman Two years ago, a colleague and I decided we wanted to form a book club that would focus on titles and discussions surrounding the ideas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our world is beautiful and diverse, filled with a variety of people, each with their own story. We wanted to discover those

Fifteen building trades students from the Adams County Technical Institute (ACTI) spent the day on October 11 at Historic Gettysburg Adams County’s annual Learning Lab. The program is a key component of HGAC’s Investing in Youth Initiative, formed in 2019 to encourage a general appreciation among students for Adams County’s heritage and history. The hands-on

What one Upper Adams school board member characterized as a paperwork error led the board Tuesday to consider hitting pause on supplemental pay for nine teachers. The board in August approved $1,200 stipends to be paid to nine teachers for performing additional work outside their regular contract hours, board Vice President Tom Wilson said at

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

Gettysburg Area School District will soon have an official Warrior logo. At the school board meeting on Monday, Board President Kenny Hassinger announced the board plans to officially adopt the arrowhead logo it has been using for several years at its Nov. 6 meeting.  The resolution was created in response to Kierstan Belle’s announcement on

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.”

Gettysburg Connection apologizes for a misstatement in a recent article about the 2024 Gettysburg Borough budget. In our article from October 12, we erroneously stated that the borough was considering balancing the 2024 budget by potentially hiring only one police officer instead of two. Borough Manager Charles Gable and Police Chief Robert Glenny have confirmed

Robert Goldman, American University The killing of Israeli civilians by Hamas and retaliatory airstrikes on the densely populated Gaza Strip by Israel raises numerous issues under international law. Warring parties are duty-bound to minimize civilian casualties. Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images Indeed, President Joe Biden made express reference to the “laws of war” in comments he made at