Gettysburg Police Department embraces change, prepares for future

Gettysburg Borough Officer-in-Charge Chris Evans and Mayor Rita Frealing

Summer is a season of change for the Gettysburg Borough Police Department. Sgt. Chris Evans, the department’s officer-in-charge, told the borough council during their monthly meeting on Monday July 15 that Officer Austin Kane is the department’s newest addition. Kane graduated from the police academy on June 23, earning the top shooter award. He is

Is ChatGPT making us stupid?

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Aaron French, Kennesaw State University Back in 2008, The Atlantic sparked controversy with a provocative cover story: Is Google Making Us Stupid? Technology is no substitute for independent thought. SvetaZi/Getty Images In that 4,000-word essay, later expanded into a book, author Nicholas Carr suggested the answer was yes, arguing that technology such as search engines

Hollabaugh Bros. Inc announces Annual Peach Festival

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Hollabaugh Bros., Inc. will be hosting their 35th Annual Peach Festival on Saturday, August 9th and Sunday, August 10th between 12-4 p.m. The annual festival is a celebration of all things peach. Visit the “bins” featuring several varieties of white and yellow peaches available for purchase by the pound. Attendees are encouraged to bring their

Planning Commission considers time limits for public comment

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The Gettysburg Planning Commission reviewed updated plans for the Gettysburg Welcome Center and considered whether to adopt guidelines for public comments during their July 2025 meeting. The Commission unanimously approved the updated land use plans for the welcome center, located at 340 Baltimore Street. The plan was previously conditionally approved on May 20, 2024, according

Trump’s AI Action Plan removes ‘red tape’ for AI developers and data centers, punishes states that act alone

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by Paige Gross, Pennsylvania Capital-Star The Trump administration wants to greatly expand the development and use of advanced artificial intelligence, including rolling back environmental rules to spur building of power-thirsty data centers and punishing states that attempt to regulate AI on their own. David Sacks, U.S. President Donald Trump’s “AI and Crypto Czar”, speaks to President Trump

Laughter and suspense land at Totem Pole Playhouse

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There’s an exciting mystery afoot in Caledonia State Park, and it has nothing to do with another sighting of Sasquatch as the Totem Pole Playhouse presents Patrick Barlow’s “The 39 Steps,” a madcap spy thriller inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s suspense film. More than a century ago, Scottish novelist John Buchan created the play’s hero, Richard

Pennsylvania public media organizations brace for loss of federal funding

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by Elena Eisenstadt, Pennsylvania Capital-StarJuly 17, 2025 *This story has been updated at 6:40 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025,  with results of the House vote.* The WITF office in Swatara Township, Dauphin County, outside Harrisburg. (Photo by Tim Lambert/Pennsylvania Capital-Star) Viewers and listeners across Pennsylvania are now seeing and hearing new announcements accompanying their

Local Honor Guard Chaplain Honored with State Award

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Chaplain Dennis Weaver of Ira E. Lady American Legion Post 262 has been named the 2025 Chaplain of the Year by the American Legion Department of Pennsylvania. Weaver received the prestigious award during the Legion’s 105th Annual Convention, held July 17 at the Hilton Hotel in Harrisburg. “I never thought something like this would happen

Federal freeze strains Upper Adams School District budget

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Reeling from federal fund freezes, Upper Adams School District expects to scrounge together enough money to cover vital programs for the next school year, but officials say the future is uncertain. “I learned over the past month never say, ‘seen at all,’ because I’ve been doing this for 20 years now, specifically federal programs for

‘Annabelle’ Haunted Doll Tour Draws Gettysburg Crowds, Ends in Tragedy

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Hundreds of paranormal enthusiasts flocked to Gettysburg this past weekend as the world-famous “Annabelle” haunted doll made a rare public appearance. The event, part of the “Devils on the Run” national tour, was held July 11–13 at Gettysburg’s historic Soldiers’ National Orphanage Homestead, a 19th-century building that once served as a Civil War field hospital.

GARA will host “World of Wonders” Acrobats

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Greetings from the Rec Park!   I can’t believe how fast the summer is going. We are very appreciative of everyone who came out to the park for our July 4th Independence Day celebration. The weather could not have been better. Kudos to Six Whiskey Revival for playing an additional half hour and putting together a

Why do so many American workers feel guilty about taking the vacation they’ve earned?

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Karen Tan, Middle Tennessee State University “My dedication was questioned.” “Managers or upper management have looked down upon taking time off.” “People think that maybe you’re not as invested in the job, that you’re shirking your duties or something.” The U.S. is the only advanced economy that doesn’t legally mandate a minimum number of vacation

Federal freeze threatens key education programs at UASD

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A recent federal funding freeze could jeopardize several educational initiatives in the Upper Adams School District, according to a report from Upper Adams School District (UASD) Assistant Superintendent Joseph Albin. Albins said that on June 30, the Pennsylvania Department of Education was notified by the federal government that funding for Title II, III, and IV

Review: Matt Morris @ Ploughman Cider Taproom

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The first time I saw Matt Morris play, I got him wrong. He stepped up at open mic night at Ploughman’s, and I thought, “Oh man… another damn Dave Matthews.” You know what I mean. Aggressive playing, lots of chukka chukka muted chords, then seven different voicings of a C chord… really percussive. Then comes

Thirteen-Year-Old Cancer Survivor Lochlan Brown Fulfills Dream with Historical Gettysburg Wish

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Thirteen-year-old Lochlan Brown, of Plainville, Massachusetts, received the wish of a lifetime this Fourth of July when he traveled more than 400 miles to experience the history of Gettysburg firsthand. Diagnosed with cancer, Lochlan was granted his dream trip through Make-A-Wish® Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia, in partnership with his home chapter, Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and

Trump administration withholds $230 million for Pennsylvania schools

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by Peter Hall, Pennsylvania Capital-Star Pennsylvania education leaders are scrambling after the Trump Administration said it would withhold more than $230 million in congressionally approved funding for after-school programs, teacher training, literacy, and education for migrant and non-English speaking students. The Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Building pictured on Nov. 25, 2024.(Photo by Shauneen

Bill Moyers’ journalism strengthened democracy by connecting Americans to ideas and each other, in a long and extraordinary career

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Julie Leininger Pycior, Manhattan University “Bill Moyers? He’s spectacular!” George Clooney said – and no wonder. I mentioned this legendary television journalist to the actor and filmmaker after Clooney emerged from the Broadway theater where he just had been portraying another news icon: Edward R. Murrow. Or as the Museum of Broadcast Communications put it

Adams County farms receive over $1.5 million in grants to strengthen local food supply chain

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Four Adams County agricultural businesses have been awarded a combined $1.53 million in state-administered federal grants to modernize their operations and expand their market reach, the Shapiro Administration announced Monday. The funding is part of a broader $21 million investment through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program, a cooperative effort between the Pennsylvania Department

Fishing In the Footsteps of Confederates

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This month marks the 162nd anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. Many history lovers will be flocking to Gettysburg and the surrounding area to experience the many historical sites. One of the favorite attractions is the Gettysburg Trail, which follows the Confederate routes as they spread out to other local communities. While driving the Trail

Karl Held, an artistic visionary and friend to many, dies

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Karl Held refined his artistic craft on Broadway and used his magic to improve his hometown of Gettysburg. Strangers benefited from his work in New York City and Adams County, and close friends cherished his warm embraces and lavish, intimate dinner parties.  “Gettysburg was not always the arts-rich community it is today. We owe a

Gettysburg prepares to hire next Chief

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Gettysburg Borough knows it needs to hire a police chief but how it hires one is currently being ironed out. During their monthly workshop on Monday, the borough council discussed the process and qualifications the next candidate should bring to the job. Civil Service Process Human Resources Coordinator Marie Figueroa-Ocasio told the council that the

Happy Birthday, Ploughman’s Open Mic

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When it comes to playing my guitar and singing, I’m what my grandfather would have called a “ham and egger”. I know ABOUT music, and I’ve been at it for quite a while, learning to play guitar and sing a bit…but, like most things, knowing about it and being able to do it well are

Station Project Shadows Low Income, Senior, Disabled Housing

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The proposed Gettysburg Station Project will be very bad news for residents living north of the main building (tower), which is planned to be 72 ft high by about 130 ft wide (East to West).  Two government subsidized apartment buildings devoted to people of low income, including seniors and disabled persons, lie immediately north of

GARA Board Approves Farmers Market Grant Support Amid Debate Over Lease Terms

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The Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority (GARA) board met Monday evening to discuss park operations, programs, and proposals, with the most contentious issue being a request from the Adams County Farmers Market for a formal three-year commitment to continue hosting the market at the Rec Park. Reza Djalal, representing the market, requested board support for a

Taps Ceremony Expands to Lincoln Cemetery

Solemn Military Bugler Playing Taps at Memorial Day Cemetery Ceremony with Flags Waving in Background

For the ninth consecutive year, the solemn sounds of “Taps” are echoing through Gettysburg National Military Park each evening as part of the One Hundred Nights of Taps program. Traditionally held at the Soldiers’ National Monument, the nightly tribute now takes place at the Pennsylvania Memorial, where it continues to draw volunteer buglers and history

Enslavers’ arrogance aided in the defeat of slavery

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During the 1850s, the southern enslavers were definitely in the driver’s seat as far as the national government was concerned. The decade started off with the Compromise of 1850, which included the Fugitive Slave Act, which made it so easy to kidnap northern African-Americans that it sparked a reverse underground railroad. This was followed by

Cooling centers open, residents asked to conserve, as power outages leave thousands without electricity in sweltering heat

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Please click here for a list of local cooling stations. With temperatures soaring into the upper 90s and more than 7,000 Adams County residents without electricity on Monday evening, emergency cooling centers and water distribution sites have opened to help residents cope with widespread power outages that began Sunday night and continued into Monday. According

“9 to 5” opens at Totem Pole Playhouse

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The Totem Pole Playhouse is shining a neon light on its 75th anniversary season in Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5,” which opened Friday evening in the woods at Caledonia State Park.  Adapted from the 1980 hit movie starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton, the musical — with book by Patricia Resnick and music

Bermudian Springs school board approves 3.6% tax increase

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By Imari Scarbrough The Bermudian Springs school board passed its Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget on Tuesday evening and included a 3.6% tax increase. The board unanimously passed the vote following months of discussion about the need for increased funds while balancing the financial implications for taxpayers, particularly those on fixed incomes. The 3.6% increase is

Photo Gallery: SpiriTrust Hosts ‘The Longest Day’ Walk in Support of Alzheimer’s Awareness

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On July 20, 2025, community members gathered at SpiriTrust Lutheran, The Village at Gettysburg for The Longest Day, a nationwide initiative organized by the Alzheimer’s Association to raise awareness and funds for the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. The event, held annually on the summer solstice, symbolizes the challenging journey faced by individuals living with Alzheimer’s

Upper Adams School Board considers classroom resource policy; moves forward with no tax increase

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Following the adoption of a policy limiting explicit content in library books, the Upper Adams School Board is weighing how to apply the same parameters to classroom resources. On Tuesday, the board broached the first read of Policy 109 regarding classroom materials. Like the library book restrictions approved in February under Policy 109.1, Policy 109

GOP senators warn mega-bill’s new Medicaid cuts will hurt rural hospitals

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by Jennifer Shutt and Shauneen Miranda, Pennsylvania Capital-Star WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Republican leaders expressed confidence Tuesday they’ll be able to tamp down opposition to various elements of the party’s “big, beautiful bill” in time to approve the measure before the Fourth of July, though they acknowledged there’s considerable work left to do.  GOP senators

Gettysburg Station planning review granted time extension

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The Gettysburg Planning Commission hasœ voted unanimously to extend the time period of its review of the Gettysburg Station development plans to September. This was expected and will allow all parties to continue with the technical review and impact studies required for a plan of this scope, borough staff said. If the developer does not

Two-thirds of those in nonpartisan poll view GOP’s tax and spending cut bill unfavorably

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by Jennifer Shutt, Pennsylvania Capital-StarJune 17, 2025 WASHINGTON — Republicans and backers of President Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again platform support the party’s “big, beautiful bill” as passed by the U.S. House, though Americans overall view the legislation unfavorably, according to a poll released Tuesday by the nonpartisan health research organization KFF. The U.S.

An update from GARA

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Greetings from GARA (The Gettysburg Rec Park)!  First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone who came out to our first Memorial Day Weekend music festival. This event exceeded our expectations, and we hope to make this an annual tradition. The six bands provided a lot of energy, and our various food and drink

Juried Art Exhibition shines at new venue

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The 21st Annual Adams County Juried Art Exhibition opened Saturday at a new venue: the Wolf House at United Lutheran Seminary. The highly competitive show, which runs through June 28, features 50 works selected from over 330 submissions by 120 artists from across the region and beyond. Juror Ann Tarantino, a nationally recognized artist known

Slideshow: 2025 Funfest brings out hundreds

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The 2025 Adams County Library System Funfest was held on Friday. Our photographer Jim Bargas was there. Announcements from the library included: The “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” has been changed to “1,000 Things Before Kindergarten.” Children can complete books and activities in the challenge now to reach 1,000.

Smart Steps Toward Addressing Food Insecurity – And Why Adams County Should Speak Up Now

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Pennsylvania is in the midst of a worsening hunger crisis. According to Feeding America, one in 8 people and one in 6 children experience food insecurity across the Commonwealth. In Adams County alone, approximately 11,000 neighbors are currently food insecure, meaning that members of our community are sacrificing food quality, variety, and in more severe

Thousands in Gettysburg join rallies across the country to declare “No Kings”

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In Gettysburg, an estimated 2,000 demonstrators packed Lincoln Square and the surrounding streets this afternoon in the largest turnout yet for the town’s weekly “Rallies for the People.” The local protestors joined a sweeping national mobilization aimed at defending American democracy from what many described as the authoritarian overreach of President Donald Trump. The demonstration

Gettysburg Council denies demolition request for Steinwehr home

Sgt. Christopher Evans, the department's officer-in-charge, delivers his report during Monday's council meeting. Mayor Rita Frealing is also pictured.

A park proposed to be built on Gettysburg’s Steinwehr Avenue is on hold while borough leaders determine if a house can be demolished or moved. After much public comment and deliberation, the borough council unanimously voted to support the Historic Architectural Review Board’s (HARB) decision to deny demolition of a Victorian House at 99 Steinwehr

Sly Stone: influential funk pioneer who embodied the contradictions at the heart of American life

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by Adam Behr, Newcastle University There’s immense variety in popular music careers, even beyond the extremes of one-hit wonders and the long-haulers touring stadiums into their dotage. There are those who embody a specific era, burning briefly and brightly, and those whose legacy spans decades. Sly Stone performing at Woodstock in August 1969. Zuma Press /

Suzanne Vega warms the Gettysburg Majestic Theater  

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Teenagers struggle with a lot of things they don’t understand. It’s part of growing up. One of the most important things is defining oneself. Are you a tough guy or a sensitive poet and thinker? Do you play football or chess? Because it’s not about the thing itself, but how you create your identity. And

2025 Juneteenth celebrations scheduled

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With the help of many people and organizations, Juneteenth will again be celebrated in Gettysburg with two days of events marking the end of slavery in the United States. The festivities will kick off on Saturday, June 21, at 11:45 am on the grounds of the United Lutheran Seminary behind 15 Seminary Ridge. Gettysburg Mayor

Gettysburg School Board appoints member, discusses budget

Kathleen Pratt, Gettysburg Area School Board

The Gettysburg Area School District’s Board of Directors continued its deep dive into the 2025-26 budget on Monday, this time with a new but familiar member at the dias. The board unanimously voted to appoint Kathleen Pratt to a vacancy created when Cynthia Ayers resigned last month. Pratt served on the board from 2017-2021 and

Smart Steps Toward Addressing Food Insecurity – And Why Adams County Should Speak Up Now

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Pennsylvania is in the midst of a worsening hunger crisis. According to Feeding America, one in 8 people and one in 6 children experience food insecurity across the Commonwealth. In Adams County alone, approximately 11,000 neighbors are currently food insecure, meaning that members of our community are sacrificing food quality, variety, and in more severe

Summer Classic Movies Return to Majestic Theater

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Following in the tradition begun by the Majestic’s Founding Executive Director, Jeffrey Gabel, and inspired by the history of Ike and Mamie Eisenhower attending westerns at the Majestic on Wednesdays, the Summer 2025 Classic Movie offerings represent six different decades of American film across various genres. “The Majestic’s Summer Classics bring our community together every

Gettysburg Class of 2025 Commencement celebrates hard work

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More than 250 members of the Gettysburg Class of 2025 marked the end of high school during a sunny ceremony held at the district’s Warrior Stadium on Thursday evening. The evening focused on closing one chapter and opening another while remembering the lessons they learned at Gettysburg Area School District. “Each of us, whether we

“The Marvelous Wonderettes” Rock Totem Pole Playhouse

Katie Sexton Carolyn Anne Miller Jessica Wagner Beth DeMichele in The Marvelus Wonderettes at Totem Pole Playhouse through June 8th

Ominous weather couldn’t dampen the fresh creative energy that sprang to life Friday evening at the Totem Pole Playhouse, where the summer theater opened its 75th anniversary season with Roger Bean’s wildly popular “The Marvelous Wonderettes” — an all-star jukebox musical comedy spanning a decade of 1950-60s classic pop music. Originally produced in 1999 at

Biglerville graduation: Canners take flight

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Like butterflies emerging from their cocoons, the Biglerville High School Class of 2025 took flight Friday surrounded by family, friends and the educators who guided them along the way. A sea of black caps and gowns marked by golden stoles and academic regalia entered the stadium two by two. Jubilant cheers lifted from the bleachers

June 2025 Cultural Arts Calendar        

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Thanks to the contribution of Gail Jones, Gettysburg Connection is pleased to present you with the June 2025 cultural arts calendar. There is certainly a lot to see and do. June 1 – 8 at 2 and 7:30 pm – The Marvelous Wonderettes @ Totem Pole Playhouse              This smash Off-Broadway hit takes you to the

DHS lists Adams and Gettysburg as obstructing federal immigration laws

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President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14287:  Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens on May 5, 2025.  The order required publication of “a list of states and local jurisdictions that obstruct the enforcement of Federal immigration laws (sanctuary jurisdictions).” That list of “Sanctuary Jurisdictions Defying Federal Immigration Law” was published by the Department of Homeland Security

Write-in votes reset Gettysburg Mayoral race

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After a careful canvass of last week’s primary election ballots, the Adams County Office of Elections and Voter Registration has announced the results of the write-in votes. Candidates who received a minimum of 10 write-in votes can be placed on the fall municipal election ballot if they meet the other requirements. The biggest news from

Gettysburg Future in Focus at Workshop Meeting

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The Borough of Gettysburg’s future appearance was the central theme of Tuesday’s council workshop. The governing body discussed the Gettysburg Welcome Center, Gettysburg Connectivity Project, zoning revisions, and a proposed park for Steinwehr Avenue. Gettysburg Welcome Center  Main Street Gettysburg Executive Director Jill Sellers told the council that the Gettysburg Welcome Center is moving forward,

Demonstrations continue in Gettysburg Square

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Once again, some 200 placard-toting demonstrators assembled peacefully on Gettysburg’s Lincoln Square to protest the actions of the administration of Donald Trump. Their signs protested the administration’s actions to silence opposition in the media and the university; its treatment of immigrants and lack of due process; the Trump family’s cryptocurrency endeavors, which they alleged amounted

Remember homeless Pennsylvanian Veterans this Memorial Day

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When I began teaching courses on homelessness and poverty at Gettysburg College more than 20 years ago, I regularly noted to my students that I often found common cause with a wide range of people from across the political spectrum when it came to seeking solutions and providing services for homeless Veterans. While some people

Upper Adams band gets new uniforms

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Members of the Upper Adams marching band kicked off Tuesday’s school board meeting with a performance in their new uniforms, courtesy of funding approved by the board. “I wanted to say a quick thank you to the board for funding for the new uniforms. They are, as you see here, a little bit more modern,

Fairfield School District eyes 2% tax increase

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The Fairfield Area School Board reduced its potential tax increase to 2% during a recent meeting. The board dedicated 1% of that hike to the district’s operational fund and 1% to the proposed future expansion of Adams County Technical Institute (ACTI). This is the second year for the ACTI allocation, similar to other Adams County

Mt. Tabor Hosts Memorial Day Weekend Service

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Mt. Tabor’s annual Memorial Day observance took place on Friday, May 23, 2025, beginning at 6:00 p.m. with a community parade. Fire companies from Bendersville, Biglerville, York Springs, and Mt. Holly participated, along with local Scout troops and community groups. The event was organized by Cathleen Lerew. Wayne Galloway offered the invocation and benediction, and

Freedom Rider and Civil Rights Icon Joan Trumpauer Mulholland to speak in Gettysburg

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The public is invited to an inspiring evening with civil rights legend Joan Trumpauer Mulholland and her son, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Loki Mulholland, on Sunday, June 1, at 7:00 PM at the United Lutheran Seminary Chapel in Gettysburg. The event, sponsored by the Lower Susquehanna Synod of the ELCA, will feature a compelling presentation exploring

Honoring and Reflecting: Biglerville’s Memorial Day Ceremony

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Biglerville’s Memorial Day observance was held yesterday at 3:00 p.m. in the Biglerville Cemetery, located across from Biglerville High School. The event was organized by the Ira E. Lady American Legion Post 262 and led by Commander Rick Pelc. The program featured patriotic songs with audience participation, along with musical performances by The M&M’s, a

5 years after George Floyd’s murder: How the media narrative has changed around the killing and the protests that followed

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Danielle K. Brown, Michigan State University On the evening of May 25, 2020, George Floyd was murdered by police outside a grocery store in Minneapolis. Flowers, painted benches, and handmade memorials surround a mural of George Floyd at George Floyd Square on May 18, 2025. Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images From the outset, the incident

Community Foundation awards scholarships

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On April 30, the Adams County Community Foundation celebrated many high school students who will graduate this spring by awarding over $225,000 in scholarships.  These scholarships help students with their financial needs as they continue their education.  So many bright students are deserving of this assistance.  What a lovely morning it was as parents, students,

HARB hopes to spare house from demo for monument park project

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The Gettysburg Historical Architecture Review Board asked a local business owner to look for alternatives to demolishing a historic home to make way for a “pocket park,” that would feature bronze monuments of the Declaration of Independence and other U.S. founding documents. Jacqueline White, managing director of the Dobbin House Restaurant and Tavern, brought a