News

Plans for a significant expansion of the Adams County Technical Institute (ACTI) took center stage at January’s FASD board meeting, as ACTI Director Shawn Eckenrode outlined growing demand for career and technical education, projected costs for a new facility, and the challenges of finding an appropriate site. Eckenrode told board members that ACTI is turning

Looking for Friday night plans? We have you covered! February 3 at 7:30 pm marks a special event with the Martha Graham Dance Company, the oldest contemporary dance company in the United States. Founded in a small Manhattan studio in 1926 by Martha Graham, this dual centennial celebration honors 100 years of groundbreaking dance. “We

The Adams County Arts Council (ACAC) invites submissions to its 22nd Annual Juried Art Exhibition, which will be held June 5-29, 2026 at the Arts Education Center, 125 S. Washington Street, Gettysburg, PA. Any person over the age of 18 is eligible to submit work for consideration by Juror, Philip Lindsey. Lindsey is an accomplished

I recently came across a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson that says, “Don’t go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path…and leave a trail”. Those words ring true for Healthy Adams Bicycle/Pedestrian, Inc. (HABPI) as we look ahead to what’s in store for 2026. We recently kicked off a feasibility

By Dan Moul When the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announced it would not renew the lease for South Mountain Golf Course (SMGC), located on state-owned land in Michaux State Forest, it became clear the George family, which had operated the golf course for 60 years would be forced to close at

David M. Rubenstein, renowned investor, philanthropist, historian and civic leader, will serve as the featured speaker for the 24th annual Blavatt Lecture, hosted by the Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College, on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m. in Masters Hall’s Mara Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public. Rubenstein’s lecture, “The Declaration

Winter weather can be beautiful – but it can also be risky if you’re not prepared. To help you stay safe and enjoy the season, Dr. Jessica Riley, WellSpan York Hospital medical director of emergency medicine, shared expert tips on how to stay healthy during cold weather, including how to shovel safely and what to

Gettysburg Area School District’s Board of Directors covered a broad agenda on Tuesday that included Adams County Technical Institute, the annual audit, proposed upgrades to the District Administration Building, and a team room for Warrior Stadium. ACTI ACTI Executive Director Shawn Eckenrode told the board that the school continues to work towards expansion so it

Gettysburg Borough officials are urging residents to prepare now for Winter Storm Fern, a significant winter weather system being monitored by the National Weather Service (NWS) and Gettysburg Borough that is expected to impact the region this weekend into early next week. Storm Timing and Impacts According to the latest National Weather Service forecasts and

The Littlestown Area School District Board opened its meeting yesterday with updates on academic and extracurricular activities. High school students reported success at recent Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) competitions and fundraising efforts, while middle school representatives highlighted spirit week activities, reward programs, and an upcoming winter dance. School administrators noted strong attendance during

Service to the community remains a cornerstone of the Gardners Community Troop 75, according to Scoutmaster Bill Walmer, who says the troop’s recent projects reflect how Scouting extends far beyond weekly meetings and campouts. Walmer, a former Troop 75 Scout himself, was inspired to become a leader by his father, Chuck, who served as an

By Imari Scarbrough The Bermudian Springs school board filled two vacant board positions during its meeting on Tuesday evening but announced another position has opened. The board accepted a resignation from former treasurer Ruth Griffie effective Jan. 13. The board packet included a resignation letter from Griffie, which did not provide details about the reason

The Gettysburg Community Theatre opened its 18th season Friday evening with a bold and beautiful production of “Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical” — the stage show based on Dahl’s beloved novel about a brilliant young girl with telekinetic powers who confronts the bullies in her world.  With music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and book by Dennis Kelly,

By Bradley R. Hoch Newly discovered documents show that one of the earliest successful insanity pleas was in Adams County, and it may have been presented by Thaddeus Stevens. In some biographies, Stevens has been incorrectly credited with presenting an unsuccessful insanity plea in the James Hunter case of 1817. But now it turns out

The Gettysburg Heritage Center will extend its winter operating hours over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. Typically open Fridays and Saturdays during the winter months, the Center will also be open on Sunday and Monday to accommodate the holiday weekend. As always, Adams County residents receive complimentary admission. “This is a great opportunity to avoid

by J. Patrick Coolican, Minnesota ReformerJanuary 16, 2026 A federal judge gave a significant victory to Minnesota protesters and observers of federal officers Friday, granting a preliminary injunction preventing the officers from retaliating against demonstrators. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez prevents the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Gettysburg Borough Council approved the inter-municipal transfer of a restaurant liquor license to 29 North Washington Street during its regular business meeting Monday night, following a public hearing earlier in the evening. The license, Restaurant Liquor License R-16082 (LID 68412), is being transferred from its former approved location at 70 Presidential Circle in Straban Township

The PA Ag Discovery Center is one step closer to construction, having completed due diligence and settled on a 25 acre site in Mount Joy Township for its agricultural educational destination. Located on Gettysburg Village Drive adjacent to and south of the Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg, the facility will complement existing amenities and create a

The Historic Preservation Society of Gettysburg – Adams County (HGAC) is pleased to announce that in 2025 alone, it awarded $30,000 in barn preservation grants to owners of six historic barns within Adams County. The barns are located all across the county, from Fairfield to Littlestown to New Oxford to Abbottstown to Biglerville. The preservation

It’s cold. It gets dark early. The battlefield is quiet. So what else is there to do in winter but share your opinion—especially about something that truly matters? Welcome to the first-ever Gettysburg Connection Winter Readers’ Poll. This year, we’re laser-focused on the basics, and so we’re asking the timeless question: Who makes Adams County’s

Most visits by US Presidents to Ireland have been ‘Irish vote’-related or homecoming trips to ancestral roots. Trips by Kennedy, Reagan, Obama, Clinton and Biden are cases in point. The visit in late August 1962 of Gettysburg’s most famous resident, former President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, was of another hue altogether. Eisenhower visited the town of

If it’s still feeling dark to you in the mornings and evenings these days, you’re not imagining it. Since the winter solstice on December 21,the daylight has been increasing, but through January the change is barely perceptible, and doesn’t occur evenly in the morning and evening. Around the solstices, the Sun’s apparent path along the

by Max Nesterak, Madison McVan and Alyssa Chen, Minnesota Reformer January 7, 2026 An ICE officer fatally shot a woman driving an SUV through her car window in south Minneapolis on Wednesday morning. The deadly confrontation immediately ratcheted up the intensity of what was already a brutal crackdown on Minnesota and its immigrants by the

by Ian Karbal, Pennsylvania Capital-StarJanuary 6, 2026 Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation is largely falling along partisan lines when it comes to the Trump Administration’s move to take Venezuela’s president into custody – with notable exceptions. Smoke is seen over buildings after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard on Jan. 3, 2026 in Caracas, Venezuela. According to

The decisions the Gettysburg Area School Board made last year are not necessarily final. During Monday’s meeting, the current board discussed whether to remove a viewing platform and roof access path from a Warrior Stadium Team Room. The $2.1 million team room, including the platform and access path, was approved on Oct. 6 despite the

Gettysburg, PA — The Gettysburg YMCA, in partnership with the Adams County Arts Council, is proud to present the return of this, Dancing With the Local Stars, on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM at Gettysburg College’s Majestic Theater. This high-energy community celebration features local “Stars” paired with their “Pros” for an unforgettable evening of performance, friendly competition, and

WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital welcomed its first baby of 2026 at 3:46 p.m. on January 2. Baby Evelyn Rayne Ellis was born weighing 8 pounds, 13.5 ounces and measuring 20 inches long. Her parents, Claudia and James Ellis of Biglerville, are celebrating the new arrival along with big sister Eowyn. Hospital staff reported that both mother

The Adams County Farmers Market (ACFM) has officially opened its vendor application for the 2026 season, inviting farmers, growers, food producers, bakers, artisans, makers, and more to apply for the upcoming market season. Entering its fourth year at the Gettysburg Rec Park, ACFM continues to grow as an agritourism destination and community hub, welcoming approximately

Nick Lovell, a fifth-generation Adams County native, local small business owner, and President of the Littlestown Area Board of School Directors, announced at a campaign event today that he is running as a Republican to represent the 91st District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The 91st District seat, which covers most of Adams County,

Christ Lutheran Church, at 30 Chambersburg Street in Gettysburg, welcomed the New Year with a family-friendly open house on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025. The celebration ran from 7 to 10 p.m. and drew parishioners, neighbors, volunteers, and community members for an evening of music, activities, and fellowship. Guests enjoyed free live entertainment, light

Thanks to our amazing reporters and staff, we have published over 1,000 stories this year. Thanks to our sponsors and members, it was all possible. Thanks to everyone, and Happy 2026

January 2 from 5-7 pm – First Friday Art Exhibition and Reception @ Adams County Arts Center   Stop by to meet artists Doreen Lakiewicz and Lynn James and view their art while enjoying some free refreshments and convivial conversation. Free admission. www.adamsarts.org January 2 at 7 pm – Poetry First Friday @Ragged Edge Coffeehouse                    

Schmuck Lumber Ace Hardware is happy to announce the opening of its new greenhouse addition for the Gettysburg communities. It aims to provide local gardeners, homeowners, and plant enthusiasts with an expanded selection of plants, gardening supplies, and seasonal essentials. The new greenhouse continues to show Schmuck Lumber Ace Hardware’s commitment to serving the Gettysburg

On December 18, 2025, the Commonwealth Financing Authority awarded $500,000 in Statewide Local Share Account (LSA) Program funds to the Adams County Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) for renovations of its Brighter Tomorrows Center. “The Brighter Tomorrows Center will allow us to provide more children and families with the resourcesand care they deserve,” said Elida Murray,

McSherrystown Borough Council voted unanimously to adopt the borough’s 2026 budget with no tax increase during its Dec. 10 meeting, highlighting fiscal stability and continuity of services for the coming year. Council members expressed appreciation to borough staff, particularly finance staff, for successfully preparing a balanced budget while maintaining existing services. The vote to adopt

Andrew Latham, Macalester College President Donald Trump is reportedly setting his sights on a Christmas peace deal in the Ukraine-Russia war. British and German troops observe a temporary truce on Christmas Day 1914. Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix via Getty Images The timing is apt. Every December, political leaders reach instinctively for the language of goodwill. Meanwhile, diplomats

District administrators devoted a substantial portion of the Littlestown Area School Board meeting on Monday, Dec. 8 to academic performance, instructional strategies, and student support initiatives, before the board moved into procedural business and a technology presentation later in the evening. In his administrative report, High School Principal Nathan Becker highlighted recent assessment data showing

Traffic impacts — not votes — dominated Monday’s Gettysburg Borough Planning Commission meeting, as members dissected a revised traffic impact study for the proposed Gettysburg Station development at 108 N. Stratton Street and debated whether new traffic controls are warranted near the Borough Square and surrounding residential streets. Borough Engineer Chad Clabaugh told the commission

State and local officials gathered on Lincoln Square this morning to announce that Gettysburg has been officially redesignated as a Pennsylvania Main Street community, a milestone that will strengthen downtown revitalization while preserving the borough’s historic character. The designation was announced by Rick Siger, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, who

The Gettysburg Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) voted unanimously Tuesday night to recommend the creation of a new Seminary Ridge Historic District, a move aimed at extending historic protections to one of the borough’s most prominent and currently unprotected gateways. The new district would include the Lutheran Theological Seminary campus and surrounding properties along Route

The new Gettysburg Area School District Board of Directors expanded its leadership team on Monday by appointing committee chairs. Tim Seigman will serve as the district’s representative on the Adams County Technical Institute (ACTI) Joint Operating Committee. Justine Sieg, who joined the board earlier this month, will serve as the alternate member. ACTI’s Joint Operating

Healthy Adams County and the Gettysburg Area School District joined with the Gettysburg Presbyterian Church tonight for Bring Light to the Night, a Glow Walk centered on connection, compassion, and shared hope during one of the year’s most emotionally challenging seasons. As participants moved quietly around Lincoln Square and back to the church, glow sticks

Gettysburg Planning Commission Chair Charles Strauss said the borough’s newly adopted zoning ordinance represents a long-overdue effort to protect residential neighborhoods, simplify decades of amendments, and provide clearer guidance for future development. “One idea was to protect the residential districts,” Strauss said. “We did some work to remove uses in the R-1 and the R-2

“Love Came Gently” to the Gettysburg community on the twelfth day before Christmas as the Gettysburg Civic Chorus presented its traditional streaming Christmas concert live at the Gettysburg Area Middle School. On Saturday afternoon, the auditorium filled with enchanted friends and family who came to celebrate the spirit of the season with likely the longest-standing music

The Adams County Office for Aging, Inc. (ACOFA) next fundraising event will be its December Fundraiser Extravaganza is ongoing in December, raising raise funds to meet the essential needs of older adults in our community. Our goal is to raise $6,200 in 31 days, which is 10% of the monthly cost to keep our Personal

The November 6, 2025 Adams County Community Foundation Giving Spree saw donors making larger gifts to a greater number of nonprofits than in prior years. In total, $4,342,196 was donated to 100 nonprofits. Of that, $1,261,600 was donated as “forever gifts,” adding to endowments to benefit the nonprofits designated by the donors. This year, 2,700

The Memorial Church of the Prince of Peace, Gettysburg’s Episcopal parish, will present the traditional Christmastime Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13 at the church, 20 West High Street, Gettysburg. Everyone is welcome; free off-street parking is available in the rear of the church, and a reception with

The St. James Early Learning Center at St. James Lutheran Church in Gettysburg is celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2026 and on January 1 kicked off a year-long fundraising campaign https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z2WK/campaign/C-16537 with a goal of raising $35,000 to equip the center with new bookshelves, tables, chairs, rugs, and large toys. Organizers say the campaign will

The Gettysburg Department has announced it has arrested a subject in Thursday’s hit and run accident on the intersection of E. Broadway and Harrisburg Street (Old Harrisburg Rd) . A female subject was struck while crossing Harrisburg Street in the crosswalk by a blue sedan, possibly a Ford Focus or Fiesta, which immediately fled the

“Disney’s Alice in Wonderland jr.” — Gettysburg Community Theatre’s 2025 Penguin Project show — lit its stage with sentiment as bright as the Gettysburg Christmas Festival happening a block away in Lincoln Square this weekend. Directed by Chad-Alan Carr assisted by Kevin Foster, a troupe of special needs actors (some as young as 10) and

Adams County Housing Authority (ACHA) is seeking new landlords to participate in the housing choice voucher program and is offering signing bonuses. The housing choice voucher (HCV) program is the federal government’s major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market.

St. James Lutheran Church welcomed families from Adams County on Saturday, December 6, 2025, for its annual Breakfast with Santa, part of the Gettysburg Christmas Festival. The free event was open to the public, and church members volunteered to serve a hot meal featuring pancakes, eggs, sausage, and assorted juices. The festive breakfast also included

Alice Broadway will lead the Gettysburg Area School District Board of Directors for the next year. The board unanimously voted on Monday for Broadway to replace Kenny Hassinger, whose term ended this year. Broadway moved to Gettysburg in 2010 when she enrolled in Gettysburg College. She served on the board in 2019 before beginning a

At its latest work session on Nov. 24, the Gettysburg Borough Council began preparations for rebidding the borough’s waste-hauling contract, a process complicated by past service issues and the challenges of switching haulers. Council President Matt Moon said the borough must finalize specifications soon, as the current Waste Management contract expires March 31. Staff outlined

The downtown streets of Historic Gettysburg are decked out handsomely in anticipation of the Gettysburg Christmas Festival, an annual three-day celebration that drew 15,000 visitors last year to “the Boro’s” small-town charm.   But even before the lovely tree lighting ceremony this Friday (12/5) in Lincoln Square kicks off, or before Santa, carolers, reindeer and a

Ivis García, Texas A&M University Picture this: You’re looking to buy a place to live, and you have two options. Option A is a beautiful home in California near good schools and job opportunities. But it goes for nearly a million dollars – the median California home sells for US$906,500 – and you’d be paying

The Straban Township Board of Supervisors passed its 2026 budget and discussed land development business at its final meeting of 2025. They voted unanimously to pass the budget for 2026. Supervisor Fred Kammerer summarized the budget as “No new taxes. It’s available if anybody wants to look at it any time.” During the public comment

Local residents are encouraging the Gettysburg Borough Council to delay its vote on the proposed comprehensive zoning ordinance update until after the first of the year when new councilmembers are seated, and to limit building heights to 48 feet in the revitalization district West of Carlisle St, as proposed by the Planning Committee. Gettysburg Connection

The sweet smell of gingerbread will be wafting through the halls at the Arts Education Center, 125 S. Washington St., Gettysburg, when the Adams County Arts Council opens its doors for the 16th Annual Gingerbread Celebration & Holiday Market. Sponsored by Kennie’s Markets, Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium, and RE/MAX of Gettysburg –

As volunteers lifted crates of milk, apples, potatoes, and other Pennsylvania-grown foods at the Gettysburg Rec Park on Wednesday, two top state officials joined them — underscoring what they said is a rapidly growing need for food assistance among military families. Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding and Pennsylvania Air National Guard Chief of Staff

On Baltimore Street in Gettysburg, in a compact studio that hums with the quiet energy of craft, Body and Soul Silversmith is introducing something both intimate and extraordinary. The shop’s new Touched™ collection transforms a loved one’s actual fingerprint into a fine-silver pendant, preserving a moment of human connection in metal meant to last generations.