Coronavirus Updates: What is Open at Gettysburg Military National Park?

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Gettysburg National Military Park is following national and state guidelines as the state of Pennsylvania uses a phase approach to reopen businesses, organizations, and events, Here is the latest information we are aware of (Please leave a comment for questions, updates, or clarifications) Park grounds, roads, trails, and parking areas: OPEN Licensed Battlefield Guides: OPEN

Battlefield Guides Go Back to Work but Visitor Center Remains Closed

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Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Gettysburg National Military Park is 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 phased

Wellspan Pharmacy Team Donates Customized Face Masks to Fairfield Area High School Seniors

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Looking for a way of supporting senior students at nearby Fairfield Area High School during the COVID-19 pandemic, the WellSpan Pharmacy in Fairfield has donated customized face masks to members of this year’s class for their upcoming graduation ceremony. Maddi Holmberg, an officer of Fairfield Area High School’s 2020 senior class, models the custom face

Carr Wins National Theater Award

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Gettysburg Community Theatre Founding Executive/Artistic Director Chad-Alan Carr has been honored with the Shining Star Award by the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT). Carr The 2020 AACT National Awards will be presented at an awards ceremony during the AACTFest 2021 National Festival in Louisville, Kentucky, June 14–19, 2021. The AACT Shining Star award recognizes

Jalbert Steps Down from Bakewell Farm

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After founding the local nonprofit Bakewell Farm (BWF) in 2016 to bring bread-centric knowledge and activities to the Adams County community, local baker and musician Marc Jalbert is stepping down from its board of directors on June 1. Jalbert “I’m more comfortable working as a solo,” said Jalbert. “I thought BWF would be in better

GARA Considers Hosting Fireworks on July 4

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The Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority (GARA) is considering the possibility of having a fireworks display in the rec park on July 4th, but delayed a final decision due to the health issues that might be involved. “People would really appreciate an opportunity to get out and think about other things,” said board member Robin Fitzpatrick.

Gettysburg Foundation President Moen to Step Down

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Gettysburg Foundation President and CEO Matthew C. Moen, Ph.D., is stepping down from his position effective July 31, 2020. The Gettysburg Foundation Board of Directors was notified of his decision late last week. “Pandemics have a way of rearranging life priorities, both professionally and personally,” said Moen. “I spent thirty-one years in higher education and

Cheery Birds have landed at the Connection!

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Our Adams County nonprofits are struggling because of COVID-19. For some, there is an increased demand for services due to the health and economic impact. Others are unable to run the programs that support their operations. Together, let’s support local nonprofits, show community spirit, & have FUN!   Cheery Birds, small wooden birds, are flocking

Homemade Tortillas for Sale to Support a Friend

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My friend Maricella lost her job two months ago. She is helping make ends meet by selling her homemade tortillas. They are delivered warm to me 1-3 times a week and are completely delicious. If you’d like a dozen or perhaps more, please text or call me at 717 752-5475. $8.00 per dozen. Hugh Matthews

Adams County Will Move to Yellow Stage Next Friday, Allowing Hundreds of Stores and Businesses to Reopen

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Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced today that 12 more counties would be moved to the yellow phase of the state’s reopening plan beginning Friday, May 22. Adams county was included in the list.   General changes that will begin next Friday include: The stay-at-home order will be lifted, but people are still encouraged to wear

Gettysburg Foundation Appoints Five New Members to Board of Directors and New Chair of the Board

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At its May meeting, the Gettysburg Foundation Board of Directors welcomed five new Directors, honored three Directors with emeritus status and approved the appointment of its new board chair.   Joining the Foundation’s Board of Directors for a three-year term are Cynthia Hill; Thavolia Glymph, Ph.D.; Hal Kushner, M.D.; Richard Morin and Charles ‘Cliff’ Bream.

Pennyslvania State Publishes List of Exempted Businesses, Updates the List, and Provides an Explanation

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The Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) has provided a list of the 56 Adams County businesses that were granted exceptions and placed on the state’s list of life sustaining businesses. The DCED also explained the procedure used to classify businesses. According to DCED, all Pennsylvania businesses were initially classified using industry sectors

Gettysburg Borough Council News and Announcements

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Facing a severe revenue shortfall, discussion at the Gettysburg Borough Council meeting on Monday focused primarily on financial difficulties. But a number of other decisions and announcements relevant to borough residents were also made. Social Distancing and Cooperation Borough President Jake Schindel reminded residents of the importance of wearing face masks and social distancing. Schindel

Wellspan Wins Sepsis Control Award

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WellSpan Health has received the 2019 John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Award, recognizing its innovative Sepsis Central Alert Team. The team earned the award as an example of successful system changes or interventions that make care safer or advocate on a patient’s behalf. Begun in 2017, the team is a group of registered

Gettysburg Foundation President Muses about Gettysburg and COVID-19: Plus Reagan, Near, Bates, Guthrie, Lincoln, Mandela & Princess Diana

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This blog post, penned by local resident and Gettysburg Foundation President Matthew Moen, originally appeared on the Gettysburg Foundation Website. Many thanks to the Foundation for so graciously sharing with us. Ghost tours have long been a cottage industry in Gettysburg, and for once, the supernatural hits the mark. COVID-19 has turned a tourist town

Republican Legislators Ask Governor Wolf to Reopen Adams County

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Adams County Republican politicians wrote Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf yesterday asking him to immediately move Adams County from a red to a yellow stage designation. The change, which has already been made for 37 other counties, would allow some non-essential businesses to reopen. The letter, posted on Mastriano’s Facebook page, was signed by state representatives

Governor Opens 13 More Counties but Adams is Not Included

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Pennsylvania Governor Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today moved 13 more Pennsylvania’s counties from “red” to “yellow” status, allowing businesses with in-person operations and childcare facilities to reopen on May 15. Adams was not included in the list. The counties to be opened are in western Pennsylvania, including the Pittsburgh region. Allegheny,

Adams County Arts Council Participates in Giving Tuesday and Prepares for the Future

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The Adams County Arts Council (ACAC) seeks assistance to continue fostering meaningful and creative connections in the face of COVID-19 by participating in #GivingTuesdayNow. #GivingTuesdayNow is a new global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5, 2020—in addition to the regularly scheduled Dec 1, 2020 #GivingTuesday—as an emergency response to

WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital Earns an “A” in Safety

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WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital has earned an A safety grade from Leapfrog, an independent national watchdog organization, in its spring report. “Ensuring that our patients receive excellent care in all circumstances is the top priority of our hospital team,” said Jane Hyde, senior vice president of WellSpan Health and president, WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital. “Achieving an A

County Emergency Management Vehicles Converge on the Hospital to Support Essential Workers

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Vehicles from about 30 local Emergency Management System (EMS) units drove by the Wellspan Gettysburg Hospital yesterday to show thanks for essential hospital workers. Over 90 hospital workers greeted the parade of fire trucks, ambulances, and police cruisers by clapping, cheering, and sometimes crying as they rolled by. “When we were pulling in the amount

Gettysburg Connection Participates in National Campaign Supporting Local News

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Gettysburg Connection is excited to be participating in #GivingNewsday, a campaign to bring neighbors together to subscribe, give, and otherwise support our newsroom’s coverage, especially during the health crisis. Gettysburg Connection is working tirelessly to provide essential coverage to keep Adams County safe and informed. The workload required to accurately and completely report on the

Gov. Wolf Calls for Mandated Race and Ethnicity Data Collection and Increased Testing Amid COVID-19

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On a call today with reporters and Lt. Gov. John Fetterman about the newly formed Health Disparity Task Force, Governor Tom Wolf called for COVID-19 health care providers and medical facilities conducting tests to follow the Department of Health’s mandate to include race and ethnicity data in demographics provided to the department with COVID-19 test

Governor Wolf Announces Reopening of Limited Outdoor Recreational Activities on Friday

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To ensure that Pennsylvanians have opportunities to safely enjoy outdoor recreation as a way to maintain positive physical and mental health, and in keeping with the commonwealth’s stay-at-home orders to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Governor Tom Wolf today announced that the Wolf Administration is lifting some restrictions on businesses related to certain outdoor activities.

Unemployment Claims in Adams County Soar Due to COVID-19

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The Adams County workforce has been significantly impacted by the coronavirus shutdown with almost ten times as many workers receiving unemployment benefits now than before the health crisis began. Statistics gathered by the Pennsylvania State Center for Workforce Information and Analysis show that in early March, 599 people (about 1% of the total county labor

How To Vote by Mail in Pennsylvania

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For the first time this year all Pennsylvanians can vote by mail. With the COVID-19 virus striking us during the primary season it is good to have this option. There is no way of knowing that it will be safe to go to the polls on June 2nd. All you need to do is fill

Local Teenagers’ Homemade COVID-19 Facemasks Go Viral

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Photos Courtesy of Ashlee Kunkel Gettysburg 13-year olds Natalee Kunkel and Mirena Kahn are overwhelmed with so many orders for their homemade facemasks they have temporarily closed up their Facebook shop. “We have over 1,000 orders, and the kids have only made about half of them,” said Natalee’s mother Ashlee Kunkel. “They have a lot

Freezes Create Uncertainty for County Fruit Farmers

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  ​Cold morning temperatures this week caused damage to some apple, peach, and pear orchards in the county. Penn State Extension researcher Melanie Schupp said she had examined the flowers of several varieties and recorded the elevation in several blocks. “Fruitlet death was evident by browning of the ovules. Some orchards in the region have

Gettysburg Borough Council to Hold Online Meeting on April 27

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The Gettysburg Borough Council will hold a special meeting using Zoom on Monday, April 27, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. The special meeting will be broadcast via live streaming by Community Media, www.communitymedia.net, as well as via the “Gettysburg Borough” Facebook page and the “Gettysburg Boro Police Department” Facebook page. Gettysburg Borough residents and/or taxpayers of

HBO Series “We’re Here,” Filmed in Gettysburg Last Summer, to Stream for Free on Thursday

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The first episode of the six-part unscripted Home Box Office series “We’re Here,” filmed in Gettysburg last summer, will air on Thursday April 23, at 9:00 p.m. In Episode 1, former RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants Bob the Drag Queen, Eureka O’Hara, and Shangela Laquifa Wadley arrive in Gettysburg to stage a one-night-only drag show featuring

Gettysburg Police Chief Updates COVID-19 Activities in the Borough

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Gettysburg Police Chief Robert Glenny began his presentation at the borough’s COVID-19 Pandemic Emergency Task Force meeting on Thursday by thanking borough members for the “Incredible amount of support we’ve been shown. We very much appreciate that,” said Glenny. Glenny said residents have “really been doing their part.” Asked about personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies,

Gov. Wolf Announces Nearly $16 Million in Funding for Pennsylvania Food Banks

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Governor Tom Wolf today announced nearly $16 million in funding for Pennsylvania food banks, which are providing critical assistance to Pennsylvanians during the COVID-19 health crisis. “COVID-19 has caused severe economic stress for many Pennsylvanians, and as a result our food banks have been working in overdrive with unprecedented demand,” Wolf said. “We’re proud of

Adams County Court System Operating Under Emergency Procedures

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The Fifty-first Pennsylvania Judicial District, which includes Adams County, is operating under emergency court orders, at least until May 1, 2020. The guidelines have created many procedural changes and are leading to fewer cases being heard in the county. Most hearings originally scheduled for April have been moved until May or June. District Court Administrator

PA Health Secretary Requires Workers and Customers at Essential Businesses to Wear Face Masks

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Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Rachel Levine today required all employees and customers at essential businesses to wear face masks, and also created other protections for employees. Levine also ordered meetings for essential businesses to be conducted online and that appropriate social distancing and hygiene measures be enforced. “This order provides critical protections for the workers

Gettysburg Rising Kicks off $2,500 Campaign for Help Those in Need Due to COVID-19

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Dear Friends, Leon Reed did an outstanding job at Gettysburg Rising’s April meeting informing us about the struggles of people who are economically disadvantaged in Adams county and highlighting how the problem is being magnified during the coronivirus pandemic. After his presentation, we had a group brainstorm about ways we can help. Please click here

WellSpan Health Asks Patients and Visitors to Wear Face Coverings

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Following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, WellSpan requests that patients and visitors wear a protective face covering when visiting any WellSpan facility. Hand-made fabric masks and other face coverings can help slow the spread of COVID-19. By covering your face, you help to stop

Salvation Army Makes Food Delivery to SCCAP

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The Salvation Army today sent a truck with eleven pallets of canned goods from Philadelphia to help restock SCCAP’s food pantry. PHOTO COURTESY OF MARY SMITH According to Gettysburg Area Salvation Army chair Amy Smith, there were eleven pallets on the truck, with foods including peanut butter, cereal, dry pasta, canned fruit, canned soups, cookies,

WellSpan Health joins 100 Million Mask Challenge

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    WellSpan Health today announced it is joining the 100 Million Mask Challenge, an initiative launched by the American Hospital Association to help meet growing demand for masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. “As we prepare for the expected increase in COVID-19 patients in our community and hospitals, the safety of our caregivers is critically

Governor Wolf Outlines Likely Next Steps in the Coronavirus Crisis and Thanks Pennsylvanians for Their Sacrifices

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Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf updated the public on Pennsylvania’s response to the 2019 novel coronavirus today. The following are his prepared remarks: “My fellow Pennsylvanians, thank you for joining me. I want to talk with you about where we are with this pandemic and where we hope to be. “Each day we face a new

Unemployment Benefits Begin Next Week; Eligible Claimants To Get an Extra $600

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Governor Tom Wolf announced today the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) is implementing new federal unemployment compensation benefits provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The COVID-19 relief package temporarily provides an additional $600 per week, makes self-employed, independent contractors and gig workers eligible for benefits and extends unemployment compensation

Adams County Prison Remains Vigilant and Virus Free

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Because the possibilities for social distancing are limited in a prison, officials at the Adams County Adult Correctional Facility are being vigilant to avoid a COVID-19 contamination. The effort is being led by prison Warden Katy Hileman. “So far we do not have any presumed positive or confirmed positive staff members or inmates,” said Hileman.

PA Department of Corrections Establishes Temporary Program to Reprieve Sentences of Incarceration

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Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf today ordered Department of Corrections officials to establish a Temporary Program to Reprieve Sentences of Incarceration to help aid the department in the transfer of qualifying individuals to community corrections facilities or home confinement amid the COVID-19 pandemic.   The Wolf Administration continues to take every possible action – and asks

SCCAP Struggles to Find Food for its Food Pantry

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South Central Pennsylvania Community Action Programs (SCCAP) CEO Megan Shreve reported yesterday that the organization was having trouble getting enough food for its pantry.   . “On Tuesday when we went to place our order through the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank they were short on food,” said Shreve. “The order we typically get is significantly

Adams County Reports First Coronavirus Death

The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported today there has now been one death from COVID-19 in Adams County. According to Adams County Coroner Pat Felix the death occurred in a nursing home and the deceased was an elderly male with underlying medical conditions. It is unknown at this point if there are currently any COVID-19

PA Schools Close For the Rest of the Academic Year

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As the number of COVID-19 cases in the state increased by almost 2,000 since yesterday, Governor Tom Wolf today announced that all schools will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 academic year. The decision applies to all public K-12 schools, brick and mortar and cyber charter schools, private and parochial schools, career and

WellSpan’s Non-Emergency Care COVID-19 Clinic in Gettysburg Has Moved to N. Fifth Street

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Wellspan Health announced today a new non-emergency health treatment location for patients who are either confirmed or suspected by a healthcare provider to have COVID-19. The new location is at the WellSpan Digestive Health practice at 37 N. Fifth Street in Gettysburg. The previous clinic location at the WellSpan Adams Health Center on V-Twin Drive

Governor Wolf Orders Flags to Half-Staff to Honor COVID-19 Victims

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As the number of Pennsylvania COVID-19 deaths increased 240, Governor Tom Wolf ordered commonwealth flags on all commonwealth facilities, public buildings and grounds fly at half-staff until further notice to honor the victims of the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic. “Too many Pennsylvanians have lost their lives to COVID-19, and, unfortunately, many more will die,” said

Wellspan Prepares for Increases in COVID-19 Cases Through Testing, Technology, and Increased Hospital Capacity

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As the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 increased to 25 in Adams County and 12,980 in the state, Wellspan Health today announced plans to double the number of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds at its acute care hospitals in anticipation of a significant increase in COVID-19 patients in the coming weeks. “WellSpan is leading

Ag Center Buildings and Grounds Remain Closed; Summer Community Gardens in Doubt

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The Adams County Conservation District has closed the Adams County Agricultural and Natural Resources Center (Ag Center) and grounds to the public until at least April 10.   USDA customers are by appointment only. The District is still answering phones and emails, receiving plans, and processing permits, but the staff is operating remotely.  Community gardening, native

Adams County COVID-19 Cases Double in Two Days: New Count is 18

Adams County saw another large jump in COVID-19 cases today, increasing to 18. Just two days ago, on Tuesday, the count was only nine. COVID-19 Testing Station at Gettysburg Hospital The Pennsylvania state total again increased by 20 percent to 7,016. Residents in the state remain under a stay-at-home order that will continue until at

Gettysburg Borough Launches COVID-19 Pandemic Emergency Taskforce: First Meeting to be Held Tomorrow

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Gettysburg Borough has launched an aggressive effort to manage current challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The taskforce will also work to anticipate and plan for future threats of the pandemic. “In this time of uncertainty, Gettysburg Borough has assembled local and county leaders to address the needs and concerns of the Borough’s residents”, said

Pennsylvania Reports Almost 700 More Confirmed COVID-19 Cases; Governor Closes Schools Indefinitely

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Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine announced today that all Pennsylvania schools will remain closed until further notice. This announcement comes as the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PDOH) confirmed 693 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 4,087. The increase was the largest since coronavirus cases have been reported

WellSpan Health Opens Two COVID-19 Treatment Locations in Adams County

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WellSpan Health announced it has opened care locations across southcentral Pennsylvania dedicated solely to providing non-emergency care for COVID-19 patients. Patients in Adams County who have no emergent health needs and are either confirmed or suspected by a healthcare provider to have COVID-19 can visit either: WellSpan Adams Health Center, 40 V-Twin Drive, Gettysburg. This

Confirmed COVID-19 Cases Pass 300 Statewide; Over Half Are Between 19 and 49

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The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PDOH) today confirmed 643 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 3,394. The department also reported four new deaths.   PDOH said over half of the coronavirus cases have been among young and middle-aged Pennsylvanians, giving the following age breakdown of those who have tested positive: Less than

All Gettysburg National Park Buildings, Restrooms, and Observation Towers Are Closed

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The 40th New York infantry monument on a foggy day. NPS Photo Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site, in response to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Executive Order to close all non-life sustaining operations to curb the spread of COVID-19, is announcing that all park buildings, restrooms, observation towers, and the Pennsylvania Memorial observation level will

County Emergency Management Center Moves to Level 3 and Prepares for Coronavirus

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Adams County Emergency Services Center Director Warren Bladen said the system is now at Level 3. Level 3 is a “situational awareness posture where we gather information on COVID-19 and communicate with agencies such as the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the county’s first

Adams County Organizations Work Together To Combat Coronavirus

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A community conference call on Tuesday brought a dozen Adams County for-profit and non-profit organizations together to share their activities during the coronavirus era. The call was representative of many ways the county is serving the community. The call was initiated by Ralph M. Serpe, representing the Adams County Community Foundation. “We are grateful to

Governor Wolf Announces Financial Assistance for Small Businesses

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Governor Tom Wolf has announced that new funding is available to help small businesses impacted by the coronavirus through a new program under the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority’s (PIDA) Small Business First Fund, the COVID-19 Working Capital Access Program (CWCA).   The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) recently authorized the transfer of $40 million to the Small

Gettysburg Hospital Responds to Questions about Coronavirus Preparedness

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Gettysburg Connection recently asked Will Lavery, Manager of Public Relations and Communications at WellSpan Health, to comment on Gettysburg Hospital’s readiness for an expected increase in coronavirus cases in the county. Lavery took time out of his busy schedule to answer them for us. Here are his responses. Lavery asked us to remind the community

Kennie’s Market Adds Senior Hours and Keeps Stocks up

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Kennie’s Gettysburg Store Manager, Nathaniel Brusby, said Kennie’s markets have added a senior hour every day between 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. “The time is for seniors, but we’re not policing,” said Brusby. “We’re pretty good in terms of stock. We’re working to maintain our supplies. We have limits on a few items, but we’re

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