Gettysburg Majestic Cancels Classic Movie Showing through the End of the Year

Gettysburg College’s Majestic Theater has canceled all remaining classic films scheduled as part of the Celebrating 95 Years of Majestic Movies Series. This action is taken out of an abundance of caution in light of rising COVID-19 case numbers in Adams County and Pennsylvania, and increased gathering restrictions announced by the Pennsylvania Department of Health

National, State, and Local Health Agencies Urge People to Stay Home and Practice Health Safety on Thanksgiving

Noting the urgency of the health crisis, the following statement have been made in recent days by federal, state and local agencies. The Wellspan Health statement about the surge of cases in Gettysburg Hospital is particularly concerning: The U.S. Center for Disease Control: More than 1 million COVID-19 cases were reported in the United States

Laurel Holthause Wins Weekly Photo Contest

This week’s winner of the Gettysburg Connection photo contest is Laurel Holthause for her photo of an attentive kitten in an antique window. It’s a great moment and a well-crafted snap. Congrats to Laurel! Please check out all of the past winners, and send us your pics! Gift certificates awarded for monthly winners thanks to

Upper Adams Schools Cope with COVID

All schools in the Upper Adams School District remain open as of today, as the district continues to monitor cases and follow state guidelines Superintendent Wesley Doll said there were currently four COVID cases in the district and that 32 people were currently in quarantine out of a total of 1,700 students in the district.

UASD Carefully Monitors Student Learning, Finding Some Concerns but Also a Rebound

The Upper Adams School District School Board heard on Tuesday from administrators in each of their schools about student learning during the pandemic.  Overall the administrators reported there had been some decreases in learning from last year and that although these were concerning many students were now improving. Biglerville Elementary School Principal Jamie Kerstetter said

Chamber Honors Business Leaders and Updates its Board

The Gettysburg Adams Chamber of Commerce honored business leaders at their 101st annual award ceremony on Thursday, and named four new people to their executive board. The award winners were: Darlene Resh – Community Educator of the Year Bethany Austin – Classroom Educator of the Year (10:50) Graphics Universal Incorporated – Family Owned Business of

UASD Approves Winter Sports Plan, but Competition is on Hold

As sports at the Upper Adams School District (UASD) move indoors, the district is taking extra precautions to keep athletes, coaches, referees, and spectators safe. District Athletic Director Anthony Graham said winter sports practice is beginning now and that competition, should it be allowed, will begin the second week of December.  But competition can only

UASD accepts Resignation of Longtime Board Member Elaine Jones; Makes Plans to Sell the Bendersville Elementary School Building

Upper Adams School District (UASD) school board member Elaine Jones has retired after 16 years of service. The board voted to accept her resignation on Monday. “Thank you so much for your long and steadfast and diligent service.  You have really been a role model and I’m going to miss you,” said board member Christopher

Thanks and Gratitude 2020

As Thanksgiving 2020 arrives in a year where there are some things we are not completely thankful for, I’d like to hear from each of you about the things you are thankful for. Gratitude is a human emotion that brings people together, provides support for families and communities, and improves our well-being. Gratitude can be

As High School Closes and Sixth Graders Return, FASD Teachers and Staff Scramble to Cope with Escalating COVID Cases

The Fairfield Area School Board held a “boardshop” on Monday night in which they discussed with district staff members the many issues facing their schools during the recent COVID surge. The importance of keeping on top of the quickly-evolving situation has been made clear as all sixth grade students were sent home between November 12

Remembrance Day Illumination is Cancelled

Gettysburg, Pa. (Nov. 18, 2020)—The Gettysburg Foundation has announced the 18th AnnualRemembrance Day Illumination event on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, is canceled. The Remembrance Day Illumination, a commemoration of the Gettysburg NationalCemetery dedication in Nov. 1863, will not be rescheduled. This year’s commemoration will feature a virtual tribute with a reading of the fallen that

Gettysburg College to Bring Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors Back to Campus in February.

Saying the college has “an unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and community,” President Bob Iuliano announced today that that the college’s current plans are to “open at limited residential capacity, utilizing primarily single bedrooms, and to invite the sophomore, junior, and senior classes back to campus for the

LASD Faces Pandemic Choices, Honors Students

Superintendent Christopher Bigger said that the Littlestown Area School District is handling the COVID-19 pandemic well, but told school board members on Monday evening to prepare for anything. “I do want to thank the administrative team for finding ways to stay open,” Bigger said. “It’s easy to throw in the towel. It’s easy to say,

GARA Nixes New Year’s Fireworks, Struggles with Vandalism

Expressing reservations about safety, likely turnout, and the difficulty of safely parking cars during the winter months, the Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority (GARA) board of directors declined to host New Year’s Eve Fireworks this year. Board member Jake Schindel, said ACNB had offered to pay for the fireworks with help from the Gettysburg Area Retail

Meghan O’Brien Wins Weekly Photo Contest

This week’s winner of the Gettysburg Connection photo contest is Meghan O’Brien for her photo of Angela Sontheimer’s dog Birdie. Birdie loves to play ball and almost has this one in her mouth — but not quite yet. Congrats to Meghan! Please check out all of the past winners, and send us your pics! Gift

Arts Council Gingerbread Celebration Goes Virtual

The Adams County Art Council’s 14th Annual Gingerbread Celebration, sponsored by Kennie’s Markets, moves online this year with several great ways to get into the holiday spirit! Schools, nonprofits, businesses, and amateur bakers may enter a gingerbread house and compete to win top prizes of $500, with $200 to the runners-up.  Businesses compete for the

Gettysburg Borough Passes Police Cooperation Ordinance, Prepares for Vote on Non-discrimination Ordinance and 2021 Budget; Fires Set at Rec Park

The Gettysburg Borough Council voted on Monday to publish for public comment an ordinance designed to protect people on the basis of their sexual orientation. The proposed ordinance prohibits discrimination in employment, public accommodation, housing, and commercial property, establishes a commission to investigate complaints, and creates a mediation remedy for filed complaints. The ordinance has

Gettysburg Heritage Center Offers Veterans, Adams County Residents, and Hanover Residents Complimentary Admission on Veterans Day

Veterans, as well as Adams County, PA residents & Hanover, PA residents are invited to enjoy complimentary admission to the Gettysburg Heritage Center on Wednesday, November 11, 2020.  The museum is open to visitors from 11 am – 5 pm, with the last entrance into the exhibit area at 4:00 pm.  The invitation allows for

Susan Henry Wins Weekly Photo Contest

This week’s winner of the Gettysburg Connection photo contest is Susan Henry for her “Gourd Dance at The Gleaning Project: Amazing colors and markings..” Congrats to Susan! Please check out all of the past winners, and send us your pics! Gift certificates awarded for monthly winners thanks to the Adams County Arts Council.

Slideshow: Adams County Community Foundation Giving Spree Raises $2.1 Million for Local Nonprofits

While others donated online from their computers, members of local non-profits lined the driveway at the Gettysburg High School on a warm November afternoon yesterday to thank people dropping off their donations at the tenth annual Adams County Community Foundation Giving Spree. “This year’s virtual event once again demonstrated the generosity of this community. Through

Election Day was a Great Success

The Adams County Board of Elections is happy to report that Election Day was a great success, with a record-breaking 77.73% voter turnout.  Elections Director Angie Crouse and her dedicated staff worked around the clock to facilitate in-person voting while the Board of Elections and other County staff diligently counted mail-in and absentee ballots beginning

Republicans Sweep In a “Pristine” Adams County Election

After two long days of counting, Adams County election officials this afternoon announced the results of the 2020 general election. It was an important contest in which over 77 percent of registered Adams County voters cast a ballot, and in which Republicans won every race. Overall 56,007 ballots were cast of which 18,766 were mail-in  

Big Hill Ciderworks Opens Taphouse on Orchard in Gardners

By 2013, Ben Kishbaugh and Troy Lehman had grown tired of the Detroit auto industry where they were working together. They wanted to create their own business that focused on top-tier customer service and meeting the needs of their customers, both wholesale and retail. And they each had dreams of owning and operating a farm. Leaving

First-ever CURBSIDE GIVING Giving Spree Will Be Thursday Evening

Every year the Adams County Community Foundation Giving Spree attracts thousands of generous Adams Countians to a day-long celebration of community philanthropy. This year, out of an abundance of caution during the pandemic, donors are completing their Giving Spree gifts online, through the mail, and, for the first time, participating in “curbside giving” on the

Gettysburg Connection Seeks $2,500 To Expand its Education Reporting in the Time of COVID-19

Over the past decades our country has seen many news organizations decline or close because they were too dependent on advertisers. At Gettysburg Connection we do it differently. We are of the community, and by the community. We are independent of any corporate interests. The Connection relies on contributions from people like you to power

Faced with Dozens of Potential COVID cases, Fairfield School Board Votes to Continue Every Other Day Schooling

After hearing  District Nurse Kristi Ebaugh report that the district had sent home 69 students with “symptoms mimicking COVID” since the start of school, the Fairfield Area School District (FASD) Board of Directors voted to maintain for this semester the current A/B hybrid model in which children at all grade levels come to school only

Celebrate 95 Years of Majestic Movies with Classic Films

Classic movies from the Majestic Theater’s 95 years of history will be shown weekends in November and December on the big screen in the theater’s historic auditorium in celebration of the Majestic’s 95th birthday. Tickets are limited to 100 per showing and public health procedures will be in place. Advanced ticket purchase is strongly recommended.

2020 Election: Adams County PA Candidate Profiles

Gettysburg Connection asked each of the local candidates running for office in the November 3, 2020 general election to answer a short questionnaire about their qualifications for office. Below are the responses we received. Despite multiple attempts to reach them, we have not heard from incumbent candidates John Joyce, Doug Mastriano, or Torren Ecker. Dan

Rich Sterner Challenges Doug Mastriano in Local State Senate Race [Episode 38]

Please see our 2020 Elections Page Please see our Candidate Profile Page Adams County is hosting contested races for U.S. Congressional Representative in the 13th district between Republican incumbent Dr. John Joyce and Democratic candidate Todd Rowley, as well as between incumbent state senator Doug Mastriano and his challenger Rich Sterner in the 33rd district.

Despite COVID, Gettysburg will Trick or Treat

Gettysburg Mayor Ted Streeter announced on Tuesday that trick or treating will go forward in Gettysburg on Halloween evening, Sat, October 31, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. “If you don’t feel comfortable, just turn off your porch lights.  Next year will be better,” said Streeter. “If you’re a gift giver, I strongly recommend that you

LGBT Ordinance Moves Forward in Gettysburg * Police Facebook Page Shuts Down * More News

Gettysburg Borough president Jake Schindel began Monday’s council meeting by reminding residents of the importance of wearing face masks. “As we go headlong into flu season we should all be very wary as our numbers move in the wrong direction,” said Schindel. “Gettysburg has done much better than other towns I’ve seen. We just need

Drop your Mail-in Ballot at the Adams County Courthouse

With less than one week left until election day, U.S. Postal Service and local election officials are in agreement that if you still have a mail-in or absentee ballot that you wish to cast in the upcoming general election you should bring it to the Adams County Courthouse in Gettysburg rather than mailing it. You

Palma Imbro Wins Weekly Photo Contest

This week’s winner of the Gettysburg Connection photo contest is Palma Imbro for the lovely and vibrant “My Fall Photo from Boyer’s Nursery.” Congrats to Palma! Please check out all of the past winners, and send us your pics! Gift certificates awarded for monthly winners thanks to the Adams County Arts Council.

Adams County Elections Office Provides Voting Updates

The Adams County elections office is working hard to process the many mail-in ballots that are being cast in the 2020 general election and to prepare for election day on November 3. “The County fully anticipates a strong turnout this election cycle, and voters should rest assured that everything will go smoothly thanks to the

Support the Gettysburg Majestic Theater During Its Gift Match Crowdfunding Campaign

Although though the Majestic has been closed since March due to the pandemic, it has been emboldened to launch an on-line fundraising campaign because the theater received a spectacular birthday gift.  The J. William Warehime Foundation of Hanover, PA has awarded the Majestic a $100,000 matching grant to start a dedicated endowment fund for the

Gettysburg Borough Leaf Pickup Begins Monday

November 2nd- December 31st, 2020 The Public Works crew has begun street sweeping leaves along the curbs. Beginning next week November 2nd, 2020 we will go around town collecting leaf piles. Please place the piles of leaves along the curb (not in the street) or along the alley. Please do not mix in brush with leaves. Leaf

Upper Adams Reports Two COVID-19 Cases

Upper Adams School District (UASD) reported its first two cases of COVID, one at Biglerville Elementary School on November 23 and one at the middle school on Tuesday. The announcements came in letters sent to the parents and did not indicate whether the cases where students, faculty, or other staff. All UASD schools are remaining

Gettysburg Wins Praise for Its Past COVID Response and Looks Forward to the Holidays

Gettysburg Borough was recently featured on the cover of the Pennsylvania State Association of Borough s magazine, and praised inside the publication for its forward-thinking response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As restaurants, bars and stores closed, the borough worked with local nonprofit Main Street Gettysburg to create the Gettysburg CARES program to help businesses cope.

Gettysburg College Professor McKinley Melton Speaks on Diversity and Spoken-Word Poetry

Gettysburg College Professor Dr. McKinley Melton presented his work-in-progress poetry project in an online presentation on October 2, 2020. The project focused primarily on African American poets who performed spoken word pieces. “Spoken word poetry is an understudied field, and I am interested in thinking through the ways that Black poets in the contemporary moment

Glenny and Schindel Featured in Washington Post Article on Gettysburg Political Conflict

The weekly conflicts between Black Lives Matter demonstrators and armed counter-protestors on the Gettysburg Square has been escalating and frequently turning violent. The Gettysburg Police Department has issued several citations for harassment and vulgar language over the past weeks, and arrested a man last weekend for his involvement in an incident in which Democratic State

Please Support The Connection: $50/year or $5/month goes farther than you think

Support the Connection by Becoming a Subscriber All Gettysburg Connection content is always free of charge to everyone, but perhaps you would like to contribute to our mission. Your contribution will help us create more stories covering more aspects of Adams County and develop more new features. Your contribution supports Gettysburg Connection’s mission to provide

Dinosaurs are Coming To Biglerville this Halloween

Because of the pandemic many businesses and communities have been forced to re-think their ways of providing families with children a way to enjoy themselves while staying safe. Enter the “Jurassic Wonder Dinosaur Drive Thru” by Theodore Productions. It is an animatronic dinosaur expo event that allows children and adults to see what a real

Main Street Gettysburg Seeks Office Administrator

Main Street Gettysburg is seeking a part-time (28 hours per week) Office Administrator to handle general operations of a small non-profit in Gettysburg. Duties include overseeing technology, website, communications, grant administration, special community programs, meeting, events, and fundraising administration. We are looking for an independent individual with strong communications skills who enjoys contributing to the

Three More COVID Cases in Conewago Valley School District

Conewago Valley School District Principal Christopher Rudisill announced today the district had learned of three new confirmed cases of COVID-19 at New Oxford High School. Rudisill said that as of this time the school will remain open pending an investigation by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Rudisill also said the following: The individuals who have

The York And Adams County Drug And Alcohol Commission Host a Free Community Narcan Distribution Educational Presentation

Join the York and Adam County Drug and Alcohol Commission in their free community Narcan distribution presentation. The presentation will prepare you to respond in an opioid overdose emergency. Presentations will take place in York County and Adams County. The Adams County event will be on October 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at

Salvation Army Seeks Holiday Bell-Ringers

The Salvation Army needs volunteers to ring bells November 27 through December 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Gettysburg Walmart and on November 27, 28, and 29 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Showers Tree farm in Aspers.  Each time slot is 90 minutes long.  There is seating beside each kettle.

UASD Begins Planning for a Fuller Return to School; Board Member Elaine Jones Thanked for 16 Years of Service

Autumn Alleman, Member Services Manager from the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, presented Upper Adams school board member Elaine Jones on Monday evening with a certificate of appreciation for her 16 years of service to the Upper Adams School District (UASD). Alleman said school board members spend “hours and hours away from their family to perform

State Senate Candidate Rich Sterner Injured in Gettysburg

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that the incident occurred on the Gettysburg Square. The incident occurred on Breckenridge St. in Gettysburg. Listen to an interview with candidate Sterner Local candidate for the 33rd State Senate District Rich Sterner has reported on Facebook that he was pushed and injured during a

Giving Spree Adds Endowment Option and Digital Day of Giving 2020

November 5, 2020 will mark the tenth anniversary of the Adams County Community Foundation’s annual fall Giving Spree. The spree brings Adams County donors and nonprofits together in a day of giving. “We’ve had some pretty good growth over the past year,” said Community Foundation Chairman Ralph Serpe. Serpe said the “forever” giving options have

Gettysburg Police Department Copes With Increasing Crime Rates

Gettysburg Police Chief Rob Glenny says his office has a “constant flow of work” as it deals with an increase in crimes in the borough ranging from opioid-related DUIs to thefts of political yard signs. Glenny said the number and quality of demonstrations in the Gettysburg square was a problem as election day approaches. “The

Fairfield Inn Reopens as Mansion House 1757

The Mansion House 1757, located at 15 W. Main St. in Fairfield, and previously called the Fairfield Inn, has reopened under the ownership of Cindy and George Keeney. The couple bought the property in June 2020. The property was originally named the Mansion House when it was built in 1757.  The Mansion House houses a

GASD To Consider Leaving the YAIAA Conference

The Gettysburg Area School District Board of Directors will consider moving district athletics from the York-Adams Interscholastic Athletic Association (YAIAA) conference to the Mid Penn Conference (MPC). YAIAA has 23 schools mostly in the Adams-York region and includes Bermudian Springs, Fairfield, Delone Catholic, New Oxford, Biglerville, and Littlestown. MPC includes 30 schools from as far

Join a Virtual Sleep Presentation On November 10

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the importance of a proper sleep schedule and how to achieve that. With the help from the Clinical Care Coordinator of Wellspan, Rebecca Senft, you can have all your questions about sleep disorders, sleep testing, and good sleep hygiene answered. Registration is required and can be done

Fairfield Schools Seek Board Member

The Fairfield Area School District Board of Directors is seeking an immediate replacement for current member Greg Murray who is retiring. Murray served the district not only on the board but also on many committees, countless hours as a classroom volunteer, and throughout the district. The board application packet and and procedures can be found

Democrats March in Gettysburg for Their Candidates

About 75 people as well as others who joined in the march as it passed through the historic Lincoln Square, united in support of Democratic candidates on Sunday afternoon. U.S. Congressional candidate Todd Rowley (photographed holding the Todd Rowley for Congress signs in the photo gallery) joined in, after hosting campaign events in McConnellsburg and

FASD May use COVID Funds to Livestream Athletics

The Fairfield Area School District board of directors moved closer last week to using COVID-funds to install permanent cameras in the indoor and outdoor athletic venues. The cameras would allow live streaming of athletic events. Athletic Director Crystal Heller said she had looked into the possibility of live streaming sports events by contacting two companies,

Gettysburg College Students Favor Biden, But Not all Will Vote

The COVID-19 health crisis is making the 2020 general election look very different than it has in past election years for Americans. These changes are also affecting Gettysburg College students, many of whom are not currently on campus and many of whom are voting for the first time. Informal polling on Facebook, made up primarily

2021 Adams County PA Municipal Election Information

voting sign

2021 Adams County PA Municipal Election Information The Connection reports on local candidates and voting procedures for municipal, state, and federal elections. Oct 18: Last day to register before the November election Oct 26: Last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot Nov. 2: Last day to receive mail-in and civilian absentee ballots (must

Local Businesses, from Roofers to Dentists, Each Cope with COVID in Their Own Way

The pandemic has challenged, but not always defeated, the spirit and dedication of thousands of Adams County businesses to serve their customers.  For many the pandemic has forced sharp cutbacks in services, changes in procedures and protocols, and led creative owners to think out of the box to keep their businesses afloat. Restaurants The food

Despite COVID, Gettysburg will Trick or Treat

Gettysburg Mayor Ted Streeter announced on Tuesday that trick or treating will go forward in Gettysburg on Halloween evening, Sat, October 31, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. “If you don’t feel comfortable, just turn off your porch lights.  Next year will be better,” said Streeter. “If you’re a gift giver, I strongly recommend that you

Gingerbread Holiday Tradition Goes Online

A much loved Gettysburg holiday tradition continues this year in a new virtual format. Entry forms are now available for the Adams County Arts Council’s 11th Annual Gingerbread Celebration, sponsored by Kennie’s Markets. It will be held online at www.adamsarts.org on December 4-6. Thanks to an anonymous donor, an additional $1,000 has again been added to the cash

Rich Sterner Challenges Doug Mastriano in Local State Senate Race [Episode 38]

Please see our 2020 Elections Page Please see our Candidate Profile Page Adams County is hosting contested races for U.S. Congressional Representative in the 13th district between Republican incumbent Dr. John Joyce and Democratic candidate Todd Rowley, as well as between incumbent state senator Doug Mastriano and his challenger Rich Sterner in the 33rd district.

Don’t Miss the Masked Party at Battlefield Harley

The Adams County Arts Council’s outdoor Halloween Costume Party will be held on Friday, October 30th, 7 pm-11pm, at the Battlefield Harley Davidson grounds, 21 Cavalry Field Rd., Gettysburg. The event, chaired by Arts Council board member Jill Rakowicz, includes dance music by ProForm DJs, costume contest and prizes, raffles, small games of chance, Uncle Moe’s, 3

Join The Virtual Concert by Music Gettysburg to Celebrate 250 Years of Beethoven

In celebration of Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birthday, Music, Gettysburg ! is presenting virtually four new pieces by one of our favorite composers. In the past few years we’ve been able to present several works by Hollis Thoms, a Maryland resident and strong Music, Gettysburg! supporter, including works composed for the Schola Cantorum of Gettysburg. He