News

On July 4 a large contingency of armed individuals gathered in the Gettysburg National Military Park (GNMP), supposedly to prevent the burning of a U.S. flag and to protect the confederate monuments. The presence of this armed group caused concern among many local residents, and on July 5 a new activist group was founded to

Gettysburg Borough Manager Charles Gable reviewed the borough’s budget situation on Monday, saying he expected the borough to be in reasonable financial shape at year’s end but that this does not mean the borough has a “rosy fiscal future.” Gable expressed particular concern about the costs of a potential settlement with a police officer. Gable

Main Street Gettysburg CEO Deb Adamik said the Long, Long, Long, Long Dinner Party scheduled for October has been cancelled.  Adamik said the festival relied in large part on volunteers and that “a lot of our older volunteers are not feeling safe.” Adamik said she was hoping the dinner might be rescheduled in the spring.

According to the National Park Service, The Gettysburg National Military Park (GNMP) is the home to 1,328 monuments that mark historical moments that occurred at one of the largest turning points in the history of the United States.  Tourists from around the world visit the park and these monuments to learn about the battle, the

This weeks’ winner of the Gettysburg Connection photo contest is David A. Simons, for his  photo of a civil war soldier preparing for deployment.  Congrats to David! Please check out all of the past winners, and send us your pics! Gift certificates awarded monthly thanks to the Adams County Arts Council.

Over the past week I asked Adams County lawmakers at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as candidates for elected office, to tell us their opinions about the use of facemasks.  Each lawmaker we contacted, with the exception of U.S. Representative John Joyce and State Senator Doug Mastriano, said we should be wearing

The Mela Kitchen at Jack’s Cider House, located in the former movie theater at the Gettysburg Outlet Mall, will have its grand opening today, Friday August 7 at 4:00 p.m. The Mela Kitchen will join Jack’s Hard Cider under the Atomic Dog, LLC umbrella.  As the Italian word for apple, Mela represents a clean and

I’ve become obsessed with trying to figure out exactly what happened on July 4 in the military park. Particularly I’m trying to determine if there were any racist comments made by the monument “defenders.” This is in part because I want to know and in part because it is important to know and in part

While every resident of Adams County has been affected by the pandemic, its impact has been particularly acute for members of the local Latino community. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC), while Latino people make up 7.6 percent of Pennsylvania’s population, they account for 11 percent of the state’s COVID-19 deaths. According

The Gettysburg Area School District Board of Directors will continue the three hour long discussion they started at their regular meeting on Monday at a special meeting tonight. The topic is the proposed school reopening plan. After extensive discussion with administrators, staff, and parents over the past two weeks School Superintendent Jason Perrin and his

Adams County Head Start is currently accepting applications for the 2020-2021 program year.   If eligible, your family will receive over $10,000 in educational, health, nutritional and dental services at no cost to you!  Head Start is designed to service 3, 4 and 5 year old children who come from income eligible families or who have

Thank you for what you do and for keeping people updated on what’s going on in and around our most favorite vacation spot. You have lots of fans here in Canada. We are a group of Civil War reenactors who participate in numerous battles throughout the Eastern United States. We also recently honored some 40,000

The Planning Food Events for Non-Profits with COVID-19 in Mind webinar will discuss the most recent guidance from Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Restaurant Association, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidance to help you plan for resumption of activities related to food and food service. Participants will have

The Land Conservancy of Adams County will celebrate its 25th anniversary of working to preserve Adams County’s rural lands and character with a “socially distant” summer picnic set for Sunday, August 16 at the Adams County Agricultural and Natural Resources Building, 670 Old Harrisburg Road, Gettysburg. Masks will be required, and guests will be expected

WellSpan Health announced today that it has been awarded a $2.2 million grant, the second largest grant in WellSpan history, to improve access to dental services for vulnerable, underserved and rural populations across southcentral Pennsylvania. “WellSpan is always striving to find a better way to serve our communities and adopt new ways of delivering healthcare

The 13th Annual Harvest Day Festival & Parade scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2020 has been cancelled after extensive discussion and consideration. Many factors went into the decision to cancel the event, with the safety and well-being of all involved being the top priority. The New Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce plans to a host

The Gleaning Project, South Central Pennsylvania’s collaborative, nonprofit effort to reduce food loss on local farms, is sponsoring its 4th Annual Penny Per Pound Glean-A-Mania Fundraiser. Individuals and organizations are asked to commit to donating one or more pennies for each pound of food the project is able to glean between August 8 and 14,

While most Gettysburg families would consider summer to be a fun and eventful season, many are now restricted to their homes or in limited contact with others due to the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis. As the pandemic continues, many of the numerous summer activities and programs meant to entertain and educate local children are no

The Adams County Arts Council, 125 South Washington Street, will be showcasing the artwork of Dr. Lisa McCleod-Simmons, Loy Elliott and James Rowland on Friday, August 7th from 5-7:30 p.m. for a First Friday Public Reception.  The shows will remain on display through August 24.   The reception is free and open to the public. The

Reviving a traditional way of seeing movies – from your car — USA Drive-Ins, a division of Harena Data, will be showing movies this Friday and Saturday at the Gettysburg Outlet Shoppes. The schedule is: Friday, July 31: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Saturday, Aug. 1: Raiders of the Lost Ark Just drive into the outlet

Singing is an important part of life in Adams County. Whether at a church, public business, or auditorium, many residents have either enjoyed or participated in local performances crafted by many of the county’s local choir and concert groups.  For residents like Marilyn Fitzgerald, being a member of a group like the Gettysburg Choral Society,

A dark substance seen on the Arkansas Memorial that some believed to be an act of vandalism is a biological cleaning solution, the Gettysburg National Military Park staff confirmed in a press release. The confusion began when park visitors saw a dark-colored foreign substance on the memorial on July 22. Some posted photos on social

Eisenhower National Historic Site will not be hosting the onsite living history encampment or USO Dance as part of World War II Weekend this year, and will transition to a digital platform due to social distancing recommendations and restrictions by the state and local public health authorities. The event, originally set for September 19-20, typically

The Adams County Library System is looking for original stories, in Spanish or English, from children in preschool through 12th grade. The theme is “My COVID-19 Kindness.” Five awards will be given, one in each of the following age ranges: Preschool Kindergarten – Grade 2 Grades 3 – 5 Grades 6 – 8 Grades 9

New Hope Ministries is offering food, rent assistance, and employment resources to help recently unemployed and underemployed adults in northern Adams County.  New Hope staff and volunteers can assist with emergency needs including food, rent, mortgage assistance, utility assistance, and help with finding a job for Adams County residents living in rural communities north of

Erin Hurd, a 2020 graduate of Biglerville High School, was awarded the Adams County Democratic Committee’s (ACDC) annual scholarship. Marcia Wilson, ACDC chair, presented Erin with a $500.00 check at their July meeting. “Erin has been volunteering with us for months, and with her future plans she is the ideal person to receive this award,”

A civil war historian from Oklahoma, Dr. Jennifer M. Murray, has written to Gettysburg National Military Park (GNMP) Superintendent Steve Sims to protest the treatment of her advocacy group after they demonstrated in the park on July 18. The letter was cosigned by over 300 other people from around the country and can be viewed

Gettysburg Borough Police were dispatched to a 911 hang-up call in the 100 block of Buford Ave at 12:50 a.m. Tuesday morning.  Officers responded and upon investigation located a female victim.  The victim reported being assaulted in the vicinity of Pape Alley and Warner Alley on Monday evening at approximately 10:00 p.m. The suspect is

This weeks’ winner of the Gettysburg Connection photo contest is Brenda Glass, for her fiery photo of a battlefield monument. I chose the photo because it so well captured the heat of the moment — both the controversy about the battlefield monuments and the heat wave. Congrats to Brenda! Please check out all of the

This week’s challenge is for explorers of all ages. Here is the challenge: If you drive by at exactly 8:00 p.m. you’ll hear a beautiful cacophony from these bells. But where are they? Answer correctly by Friday to send a $20 donation to SCCAP. Email: ACE@gettysburgconnection.org Or text your answer to 442.269.4185 Answer to last

Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine and Education Secretary Pedro Rivera today jointly announced updated guidance to help Pre-K to 12 schools prepare to reopen and safely educate students for in-person learning. Each school entity will determine if classes resume in person at school buildings, remotely or a combination of both options “Our

The Gettysburg Borough Council called for further public discussions about the hundreds of visibly armed people who showed up in the borough and the Gettysburg National Military Park on July 4, supposedly to protect the Confederate monuments. Council President Jake Schindel emphasized the importance of the community having an open dialogue moving forward, and said

Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Eisenhower National Historic Site will be increasing access and services. The National Park Service (NPS) is working service-wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a

Hundreds of Black Lives Matters protestors gathered in Gettysburg’s Lincoln Square Friday afternoon to highlight and denounce incidents of police brutality against African-American people. Whereas the protestors had had the square to themselves in their prior two demonstrations earlier this year, they were joined this time by a contingent of motorcycle riders, restaurant diners, as

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early March, many aspects of everyday life in Adams County have changed. Businesses have shut down or limited their hours, residents have been instructed to wear face masks and observe social distancing guidelines, and schools have remained closed. Because of this, the ability to access food can

The U.S. Small Business Administration reported this week that over 1,500 businesses in the Adams/Hanover area were helped by the U.S. Government’s Payroll Protection Program (PPP) that was intended to soften the economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic. About 200 organizations received funds of over $150,000 for a total of $89 million and around 1,300

A local contingent of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) advocacy group will hold its third rally of the year in the Lincoln Square at 5:00 p.m. on Friday July 10. “We will be demanding that Black Lives Matter and will once again bring out people who demand inclusion, equality, equity, human rights, ending of systemic

The pandemic has claimed another fall tradition in Gettysburg — the sounds of football games being played in Musselman Stadium at Gettysburg College. The Centennial Conference in which Gettysburg College participates announced yesterday that it will suspend its Fall 2020 sports schedule including the entire football season. The conference said it would reevaluate this decision

The YWCA Gettysburg & Adams County’s Advocacy Committee is developing a pilot for a Children’s Diversity Read Aloud program at the two YWCA Childcare Centers, 909 and Adams Commerce Center. Childcare field trips and activities are now limited due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, Executive Director Dotty Dalphon and Child Enrichment Program

Gettysburg National Military Park Superintendent Steven D. Sims said no laws were broken by armed protestors who gathered at monuments and the Lincoln Cemetery during the July 4 weekend.  “It is not illegal for a person to carry a firearm in the park per state law.  Firearms, however, are not allowed in park buildings,” said

The University of Pennsylvania is looking for young women who are interested in participating in a research study about women’s health. The study involves a one-time group session that lasts 1.5 hours, participating in a focus group, and completing questionnaires. Participants will receive a $50 gift card for their time. The university is looking for

Hundreds of members of various militia groups and organizations, many armed with pistols and rifles, gathered in the Gettysburg National Military Park on Saturday July 4. The groups, which included members with Confederate flags, converged in increasing numbers throughout the day, gathering at monuments on West Confederate Avenue and the National Cemetery. Many of the

Friday, July 3, 2020, will mark the return to Gettysburg of monthly First Friday activities and another opportunity to support the many stores and restaurants that participate.   First Friday is sponsored by the Gettysburg Area Retail Merchants Association (GARMA) Most Gettysburg shops and restaurants are open and welcome you this evening.  There will also

Home canning season is now upon us! All foods that are low acid, which includes vegetables (except picked products or sauerkraut), meats, soups, and all foods combined with them must be canned under pressure.  To assure that your pressure canning gauge is accurate, you need to have it tested annually before you start. Penn State

The Adams County Community Foundation has announced  $77,500 in grants from the Community Foundation’s Fund for Adams County. Supported by individuals, families and businesses, this fund is a permanent, growing endowment dedicated to addressing the evolving needs of Adams County. “Our annual Adams County Grants focus on three goals identified by our Board of Directors,”

With only a few exceptions, Gettysburg National Military Park (GNMP) is completely open to visitors over the Independence Day weekend.  The exceptions are the three observation towers and the observation level at the Pennsylvania Memorial which remain closed due to social distancing concerns. The Visitors Center and the Spangler Farm are also open. Social media

Central Pennsylvania families at home can join a free summer program called “Summer STEM Adventure!” on July 1st. In a recent statement, radio station WITF announced that their program is partnering with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Intermediate Units (IUs) 12, 13 and 15 in order to provide a summer camp that sparks interest

The Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority and Destination Gettysburg will be presenting a fireworks show on Saturday July 4 from 9:00 p.m. to 9:20 p.m. at the Gettysburg Rec Park. During this time of pandemic it is important to safely enjoy the show by wearing face coverings and practicing social distancing. The weather is calling for

Gettysburg Borough has begun constructing the first “parklet” on Lincoln Square. So far there is only a wood floor. When completed, the parklets will be used for outdoor seating and merchandise displays, providing extra space for businesses to operate. Read More about Parklets The parklets will be rented by the businesses that use them. It

The Adams County Board of Commissioners have changed their scheduled public meetings to every other week from every week.   The new dates for 202 are: July 1, 15, 29  August 12, 26 September 9, 23  October 7, 21 November 5, 18 December 2, 16, 30 The Adams County Board of Commissioners, the Adams County Salary

It’s the July 4 weekend and summer is here in full force. Many tourists are returning to Gettysburg and Adams County and the locals are looking for things to do. It’s an unusual year as many of the summer fairs and festivals have been cancelled due to the coronavirus. The state does not currently allow

The Sterilis Needle Disposal Program, a new way to offer safe disposal of needles to community residents, has been established in Adams County, according to an announcement from local program Healthy Adams County. The program was created as a result of several community organizations and various donations, as well as grant funding. It is the

The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center will open from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, as a way to recognize the 157th anniversary of the historic Battle of Gettysburg. “This year, the first day of the three-day battle anniversary falls on a Wednesday. We know many people will be

Gettysburg Borough will be coordinating with regional public safety agencies after several social posts referenced burning the American flag on the July 4th weekend. The event, said to be taking place at the Gettysburg National Cemetery. has attracted the attention of the criminal intelligence sections of the public safety agencies. Workers are evaluating the social

South Street, Gettysburg, located between Baltimore and Washington Streets near Unity Park, will receive a substantial makeover over the next two years including lighting, curbs, sidewalks, and repaving, as well as new storm drains, water and gas lines. The borough will partner with the Gettysburg Municipal Authority, the Gettysburg Borough Storm Water Authority, and Columbia

The Gettysburg Borough Council asked Solicitor Harry Eastman to draft a resolution that would temporarily suspend the current ban on outdoor open containers of alcohol, but would limit their consumption to non-breakable containers that are purchased from Gettysburg establishments. The proposed resolution would only allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages in and near the new

Fall classes for Gettysburg College students will begin on August 17 as the fall 2020 semester begins a bit earlier than usual. And the college will be making a number of changes to its schedule and policies to help ensure safety of students, faculty, and staff. “Any return to our residential program will come with

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Society will be gifting $4,000 to the COVID-19 Relief  Recovery Fund, the Adams County Community Foundation announced today. Individual members of the Eisenhower Society have contributed an additional $4,000. The Community Foundation is tracking the shifting needs created by the pandemic and related economic downturn in order to deploy grants from

The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, home of the Gettysburg Cyclorama and the Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War, will reopen its doors to the public on Thursday, June 25. The Museum & Visitor Center has been closed since March 17, to comply with state and health mandates to slow the

The Gettysburg Foundation will open the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital on Friday, June 26, 2020. The site will be open to visitors on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. through Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020. Admission to the site is included with the purchase of a ticket to the Gettysburg

More than 4,000 close contacts of COVID-19 cases have been identified and monitored to date throughout Pennsylvania, according to an announcement from the state’s Department of Health. The discoveries are due to the work of 500 trained contact tracers throughout Pennsylvania, including 130 state health nurses, as well as additional support from the six county

Hundreds of tourists returned to the streets, restaurants, and shops of Gettysburg last weekend as Adams County moved into the green phase of Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s coronavirus orders. The streets were particularly crowded on Saturday because the Gettysburg Outdoor Antique Show, sponsored by the Gettysburg Area Retail Merchants Association (GARMA), was held that day

Music, Gettysburg! is presenting two outdoor concerts this summer in Schmucker Grove at the corner of Springs Avenue and Seminary Ridge on the United Lutheran Seminary’s Gettysburg campus.  On Sunday, July 12 at 6 PM, “Dearest Home” will begin performing traditional Appalachian music as well as authentic Civil War Era Music, including Abolitionist songs that

The Adams County Community Foundation has announced its second annual grants from The Fund for Littlestown, a memorial fund created by the late Dick Selby.  The grants were made possible by The Bernard, Mary and Richard Selby Family Memorial Fund.  The Fund will provide charitable support for unmet community needs in Littlestown for generations to

School Superintendent Jason Perrin proposed two possible budgets to the Gettysburg Area School District Board of Directors, one for a .5 percent tax increase in the 2020-21 tax year and one for no tax increase. Perrin said the difference between the two budgets concerned the amount of money needed to be drawn from the school’s

Gettysburg Rec Park Executive Director Erin Peddigree said that fireworks, sponsored and presented by Destination Gettysburg, will be displayed on July 4 from the Gettysburg Recreational Park football field. The fireworks will start at 9:20 p.m. and last about 20 minutes. Speaking of the fireworks, board member Steve Niebler said “I think it’s going to

Gettysburg National Military Park began to increase access and services on June 12, following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities. The decision was made in response to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s move to Phase Green for Adams County, which will include Licensed