News

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

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

Senator Doug Mastriano is calling on Met-Ed and its parent company, FirstEnergy, to take immediate action in response to recent power outages that left many Franklin and Adams County residents without electricity for days. In a strongly worded public statement and formal letter to FirstEnergy CEO Brian X. Tierney, Mastriano criticized the utility provider for

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The “Give the Shirt Off Your Back” free shopping event returned to Arendtsville yesterday, drawing over 140 visitors to the Arendtsville Fire Department. The event continues today from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Organizer April Jones emphasized that the event is open to all. Shoppers found a wide range of free items, including men’s, women’s,

by Peter Hall, Pennsylvania Capital-StarJune 20, 2025 Cyclists riding on Pennsylvania highways have no obligation to pull off the road to get out of the way of faster traffic, the state Supreme Court ruled this week. The decision reinforces the right of bikers to use the road just like other vehicles.  The Pennsylvania Supreme Court

After two failed rounds of voting, the Gettysburg Area School District Board of Directors had to phone a friend to pass its 2025-26 budget. District residents will incur a 1% property tax increase, which will be solely used to fund the future expansion of Adams County Technical Institute. The board considered two options: a budget

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

Red, White, and Blueberry time at Hollabaugh’s! Hollabaugh Bros., Inc. will be hosting their 70th Anniversary Blueberry Festival on Saturday, July 12th and Sunday, July 13th between 12-4 p.m. to celebrate the bounty of blueberries on the farm! The annual festival features two afternoons of family fun, including live music by local artist Austin Rife,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jadey O’Regan, University of Sydney Brian Wilson, leader, songwriter and producer of the Beach Boys, has passed away at age 82. The Beach Boys in 1962 in Los Angeles, California. Brian Wilson is on the left. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images He leaves behind a legacy of beautiful, joyous, bittersweet and enduring music, crafted over a

The Adams County Farmers Market is holding its 4th annual Farmers Market Fairy Festival on Saturday June 14, 2025, from 8am-1pm at the Gettysburg Rec Park. The Adams County Farmers Market is excited to be once again hosting its annual Farmers Market Fairy Festival on Saturday, June 14th, 2025 from 8am to 1pm, at the

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

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

Vivid rainbow banners on the exterior of the community theater on York Street shout out to Pride Month as summer stumbles its way into historic Gettysburg. Inside, Gettysburg Community Theatre’s “Pippin” — with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Roger O. Hirson — leaps into a circus-inspired evening of song and dance

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

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

The Gettysburg Area School District’s (GASD) Seamless Summer Food Service Program will return this summer, providing free breakfast and lunch to children throughout the community.  The program will run Monday through Thursday from June 16 through Aug. 7 at Gettysburg Area Middle School, located at 37 Lefever St., Gettysburg, PA 17325. Meals are free to

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

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

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

This story was originally reported by Jasmine Mithani and Mel Leonor Barclay of The 19th. Meet Jasmine and Mel and read more of their reporting on gender, politics and policy. Over the last four decades, the United States has built a web of federal policies and funding to address domestic and intimate partner violence, a

At its May 28 meeting, the Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority (GARA) board discussed financial performance, recent and upcoming events, and long-term planning efforts for park facilities and infrastructure. GARA finished the first third of the year with a net income of $20,118. Through April, total income was $106,648 while expenses stood at $86,585—figures nearly on

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

Mark Finlayson, Florida International University and Azwad Anjum Islam, Florida International University It is not often that cold, hard facts determine what people care most about and what they believe. Instead, it is the power and familiarity of a well-told story that reigns supreme. Whether it’s a heartfelt anecdote, a personal testimony or a meme

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Gettysburg Civic Chorus will present its spring concerts Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 at 3:00 p.m. at the Gettysburg Area Middle School Auditorium, 37 Lefever Street, Gettysburg. The theme “Love Will Keep Us Together” will feature songs from the 60’s and 70’s including (in addition to the concert theme) Ain’t No Mountain

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

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

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

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

by Peter Hall, Pennsylvania Capital-StarMay 21, 2025 A network of food banks and charitable organizations that distributes food from the U.S.Department of Agriculture (USDA) to low-income seniors called on Congress to preserve funding for the program in the upcoming federal budget. (USDA Photo by Lance Cheung.) Pennsylvania is the fourth-largest recipient of aid under the

Historic Gettysburg Adams County honored the recipients for its Barn of the Year and Historic House awards at its recent 2025 Annual Dinner, held this year at the historic Beech Springs Farm barn in Orrtanna. HGAC President Bernie Mazer and Vice President Greg Kaufmann welcomed the 80 members and guests gathered for the event and

Republican and Democratic voters in Adams County School Districts made their choices on a cool spring day Tuesday, narrowing crowded fields in several competitive school board races. With primary ballots now counted, the top four candidates from each party will advance to the general election this fall. Please find detailed results of all races here.

Mr. Ed’s Elephant Museum and Candy Emporium, a beloved roadside attraction along Route 30 between Gettysburg and Chambersburg, celebrated its 50th anniversary in colorful style today. Surrounded by about 100 friends and supporters, the family-owned business unveiled a vibrant 28-foot-long hand-painted mural that tells the story of its founder, Edwin Gotwalt – affectionately known as

The Gettysburg Area School District Board of Directors continues to examine how much of a tax increase is appropriate. After about an hour of discussion during Monday’s meeting, the board directed Business Manager Belinda Wallen to return on June 2 with two proposals–one showing a 1.5% increase and another showing a 1% increase. The board

The Lincoln Cemetery Project Association invites the public to attend its annual Memorial Day Program on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Lincoln Cemetery, located at the corner of Lincoln Lane and Long Lane in Gettysburg. The event, traditionally held the day before the official Memorial Day holiday, is scheduled to complement the

Pennsylvanians will head to the polls today to vote in judicial and municipal races. Here’s everything you need to know. by Elizabeth Estrada of Spotlight PA Matt Smith / For Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in

The 1st Annual Bruce Hollabaugh 5K Memorial Run, held on April 13, 2025, at Hollabaugh Bros., raised $19,769 for the Bruce A. Hollabaugh Memorial Endowment Fund, established by Bruce’s parents, Brad & Kay Hollabaugh. Managed by the Adams County Community Foundation, the fund will benefit the charities and community initiatives for which Bruce cared deeply

On April 22, 2025, the Fairfield Lions Club celebrated its 80th Anniversary at the District 14C Zone Social 1B at the Fairfield Fire Hall. Along with Fairfield Lions Club members were Lions and Leos from other Zone 14C clubs. Entertainment was provided by Thaddeus Stevens (portrayed by Ross Hetrick), who shared events from his life

Personnel issues dominated the Gettysburg Borough Council’s May business meeting. The evening began with Mayor Rita Frealing and Police Chief Robert Glenny honoring Officer Dennis Bievenour, who retired in February. Bievenour joined the force in 2008 and served as a patrol officer, detective, master patrol officer, and intelligence officer. “Dennis gained the admiration of his

by Jennifer Shutt, Pennsylvania Capital-Star WASHINGTON — U.S. House Republicans plan to debate and approve the three final pieces of their “big, beautiful bill” in committee this week, including the tax measure, major spending cuts to Medicaid that will change how states run the program, and an agriculture bill. The U.S. House will begin debate

Carmen M. Nanko-Fernández, Catholic Theological Union The world of sport is “a constellation of many stars,” Pope Francis told La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian daily sports newspaper, during a wide-ranging interview in January 2021. Players observe a minute of silence in memory of Pope Francis before the Spanish league soccer match between Real Madrid

Gettysburg Borough Council wants its residents to talk trees. During their recent workshop, the council discussed a proposed revision to its Shade Tree Ordinance, which would allow the Shade Tree Commission to plant trees on private property with the owners’ consent. Commission Member Susan Naugle said the approach would help the borough add trees to

The Upper Adams Canner Funds is taking steps to become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the hopes that it will be able to support the school district in a bigger way. Tom Wilson, former school board member and current president of the Canner Funds, addressed the school board’s business and operations committee Tuesday. “We see the

Maureen K. Day, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences Shortly after 6 P.M. in Rome, the longed-for sight appeared above the Sistine Chapel: white smoke. Over the course of a day and a half, the more than 130 members of the College of Cardinals had come to a decision on who should lead

After about a year of consideration, the Gettysburg Planning Commission voted unanimously to advance their recommendations for the repeal and rewrite of the borough’s zoning code.  The Borough Council will take up the project at their workshop at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, beginning the third and final phase of the rewrite project.  The Council

A Gettysburg Area School District board member who believes the realities of the position conflict with the pledge she made to voters has resigned. “Upon taking this position, I made promises to many voters that I would not, under any condition, vote to raise taxes,” Cynthia Ayers wrote in a letter dated April 22. “I

Pennsylvania’s deep and lasting connection with Ireland stretches back to the 17th century, shaping the state’s history through waves of immigration, political involvement, business, and cultural life. The first major group of Irish immigrants to Pennsylvania were the Scots-Irish, or Ulster-Scots—Presbyterians who fled religious persecution in Ireland. Welcomed by William Penn’s “oasis of religious tolerance,”

Pennsylvania’s current laws regarding legal notices require that boroughs, townships, school districts, and the county itself post public notices of their meetings, hearings, budget negotiations, contract requests, and other information in local print newspapers (the law defines these newspapers as “newspapers of general circulation”). Digital publications, such as Gettysburg Connection, are not allowed to be