News

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

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

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

After almost six years at the helm of the Gettysburg Borough Police Department, Chief Robert Glenny is pursuing another opportunity. Mechanicsburg Borough Council will vote Tuesday on hiring Glenny to lead their department for an annual salary of $121,000. Glenny agreed to speak to the Connection about his move after it became public through an

Kirby Farah, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences Mexicans representing indigenous soldiers and the French army re-enact the battle of Puebla during Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Mexico City. AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo Many Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo, but how many actually know the story of the holiday? Contrary to popular belief, Cinco

Volunteers at the 12th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser served up delicious soups and a strong sense of community on Friday. The event, held in the Gettysburg College Union Building Ballroom, welcomed attendees between 4 and 7 p.m. Hosted by The Gleaning Project—a nonprofit initiative of South Central Community Action Programs (SCCAP)—the fundraiser supports efforts to

Josh Shepperd, University of Colorado Boulder The Trump administration’s drive to slash government spending on everything from the arts to cancer research also includes efforts to carry through on the Republican Party’s long-standing goal of ending federal funding for NPR, the nation’s public radio network, and PBS, its television counterpart. Cast members of the children’s

A growing series of weekly rallies on Lincoln Square, launched by the Adams County Democratic Committee and supported by local grassroots groups, has drawn hundreds of residents and out-of-town visitors to peacefully express concerns about national policies and show support for democratic values and marginalized communities. The rallies, which organizers have deliberately called “Rallies for

Taxes are by far the largest source of revenue for the federal government. While the government does receive revenue from several other sources, those revenues are dwarfed by how much citizens collectively pay in taxes. The average taxpayer in Pennsylvania paid $15,998 in federal income taxes in 2024, $1,768 less than the national average. Would

Local residents gathered Sunday, April 27, at the Peace Light Memorial to protest staffing cuts at Gettysburg National Military Park (GNMP) and across the National Park Service (NPS). Organized by Gettysburg Rising, the demonstration highlighted the economic and cultural importance of national parks. According to organizers, park visitor spending at GNMP totaled $54.8 million in

Due to mounting safety concerns, Gettysburg Borough officials have announced an immediate change to traffic patterns along North Washington Street, where a major infrastructure replacement project is underway. The borough initially planned to keep one lane open during the second phase of the construction to minimize disruption to residents, businesses, and visitors. However, repeated incidents

The sun broke through the rain clouds Saturday afternoon to shine a light toward the second opening night of Gettysburg Community Theatre’s “Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS,” directed by GCT alumni Jessi Gillingham. Imagination soared as a large cast of excited young thespians strutted their talent in the classic tale of Mowgli, a human boy

Jeffrey Fields, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences Negotiators from Iran and the United States are set to meet again in Oman on April 26, 2025, prompting hopes the two countries might be moving, albeit tentatively, toward a new nuclear accord. The front pages of Iran’s newspapers in a sidewalk newsstand in Tehran,

Upper Adams School Board on Tuesday unanimously voted to hire its new superintendent, Todd Dishong. Through his 26 years in education, Dishong has served in numerous roles from kindergarten through 12th grade levels, according to a news release from the district. He has worked as a classroom teacher, coach, a principal at all levels, and

First responders will share their expertise with Adams County business owners and employees at the second annual “To The Rescue Starts With You” emergency preparedness event on May 1. Destination Gettysburg will bring together officials from Gettysburg Borough police, fire, and parking departments; Adams Regional EMS, and National Park Service law enforcement at the Gettysburg

by Tom Allwein Autism Acceptance Month is here again. I have changed it from awareness to acceptance since, by now, most people are aware of autism, and I believe now what society needs to do is accept it. The concept of “you meet one person with autism, you have met one person with autism,” sums

The People’s Town Hall committee is excited to announce that, due to the overwhelming response of The People, we have been able to secure a much larger venue for this event. The People’s Town Hall will still take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, but the new location is The Barn Resort, 75 Cunningham Rd,

Tenor James Carpenter will join The Gettysburg Choral Society and perform “The Children of the Battlefield” in a pair of free concerts entitled “God Bless the U.S.A.” to be held on Friday, May 23rd at 7:00 P.M. in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Hanover, PA, and on Sunday, May 25th at 3:00 P.M. in Gettysburg’s United

The Gettysburg Planning Commission voted to hold a special meeting on May 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the Borough building in hopes of finalizing their recommendations for the rewrite of the borough’s zoning ordinance. The ordinance will then pass to the Borough Council, which will make the final decisions about the content of the ordinance.

Forever Love Rescue, a volunteer-powered nonprofit located at 39 Queen St. just off Steinwehr Ave. Avenue in Gettysburg brought in $4,625 in donations as it welcomed visitors to a grand reopening on Saturday. The mission of the non-profit is to find homes for cats who need them and reduce the feral cat population through its

by Mathew Schmalz, College of the Holy Cross Pope Francis, the Catholic Church’s first Latin American pontiff, has died, the Vatican announced on April 21, 2025. He was 88. Francis had served as pope for 12 eventful years, after being elected on March 13, 2013 after the surprise resignation of Benedict XVI. Prior to becoming

  The Conewago Valley school board narrowly voted to send the Conewago Township Elementary School additions and renovations out to project for bid, also barely passing the proposed 2025-26 budget. The board voted 5-4 to move forward with sending the CTE project out to bid following a lengthy presentation from the architectural design firm, Crabtree,

Greetings from the Rec Park and the Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority! This spring, I had the honor of speaking before the Council of Governments (COG) of Adams County. Many local leaders—representing municipalities, county government, law enforcement, and school districts—were surprised to learn just how many events and programs take place at our community’s recreation jewel.

Upper Adams School District is preparing to welcome a new superintendent. After months of searching, the school board will hold a special meeting April 22 to vote upon the hire of Todd Dishong, the district announced in a statement Wednesday. Dishong is assistant superintendent at Waynesboro Area School District, according to Upper Adams Interim Superintendent

The Butler Township Board of Supervisors broke ground today on a new 8,400 square foot municipal complex at 344 Arendtsville Road. The new complex will house township administration offices, public meeting spaces, and a covered maintenance garage. It will replace the current municipal office on Table Rock Road and the current maintenance building. The new

A recently released report through the Pennsylvania Department of Community Development (DCED) showed that spending by out-of-town visitors to Adams County, Pa., set a record in 2023, the most recent year of data available. The study conducted by Tourism Economics on behalf of DCED reported that visitors in 2023 spent $786 million in 2023 —