Opinion

June has come and gone as Pride Month, and this past weekend we marked America 250. Looking back, I find myself thinking of what this community built together this year. On behalf of the board of Gettysburg Pride, I want to say something simple and heartfelt: Thank you, Gettysburg! Ten weeks before this year’s festival,

The time is long since passed for a reckoning – with the bloated, out-of-control defense budget. Even at the height of the Cold War, DoD spending was always a matter of intense debate and DoD always had to make tradeoffs. You want nuclear weapons? Great, that will let us reduce conventional forces. Even during President

The election of Zohan Mamdani as New York City’s first Muslim Asian American mayor has the radical right clutching their pearls. Social Democrats winning Democratic congressional primaries since then has sparked even more plotzing among Fox News viewers and Trump Party (a.k.a. the former Republican Party) loyalists. Those on the right claim falsely that Social

WE PEOPLE who care about preserving the future historic integrity of Gettysburg are now at a crossroads.  Here is the simple question under consideration.  Do you support ‘Contemporary Design’ or ‘Historic Design’ for new buildings and additions to existing buildings within the Gettysburg Historic District?  Currently, buried deep within the bowels of the Gettysburg Code

Madam President, There is a festering decay bordering on corruption eating away at UASD and it started with a disciplinary action over two years ago. Dr. Wesley Doll was the Superintendent when this disciplinary incident happened.  The district hired outside counsel to investigate this incident, which found the district’s actions were validated but within months

I’m old enough to remember when Trump promised to “drain the swamp” in his first term. I remember a MAGA relative of mine endorsing that promise. I thought she was, perhaps, naïve, but agreed with the laudable goal. As a retired attorney, I like evidence and facts. Let’s review those in relation to Trump’s promise

Hate crimes and gun violence are back in the news recently with the deadly shooting at a mosque in San Diego. Whether the target is religious, ethnic, racial or marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+, the use of a firearm makes the attacks significantly more deadly. Unfortunately, violent extremists often have no difficulty obtaining lethal weapons in

The purpose of this letter is to generate meaningful public participation toward amending what I believe are two grossly inappropriate provisions in Chapter 11, subsection 11.110 of the Gettysburg Historic District Ordinance. This ordinance, currently under review by the Gettysburg Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB), will be an item for discussion and consideration at their

Ten or twelve years ago, I was in a Virginia Beach hotel ballroom listening to a young female professor explain the “browning” of America.” This concept states that coming demographic changes will result in whites becoming the nation’s new minority. This would change future political outcomes, potentially in favor of Democrats. “This will NOT go

In 1946, when the US Public Health Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were created, life expectancy was about 66 years. Thirty four out of 1,000 children born in 1946 were expected to die before their first birthday — most from communicable diseases. Since that time the nation embarked on a

Given the Trump Administration’s deep desire to look good, I was amazed that the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) recently released the first report ever on residential utility disconnections. Why? Because the report does not shine a positive light on Trump’s argument that the economy is strong, and on his claims that the high cost

Gettysburg residents are being misled—plain and simple. The images presented of the proposed Station Project and the “transit station” on North Stratton Street distort scale and perspective to make an overbuilt project look small, open, and compatible with its surroundings. It is not. These visuals are not honest representations; they are marketing tools, a carefully

This June, the current teachers’ contract at the Upper Adams School District expires. As both a parent and taxpayer in the district, I am writing to inform the community, pledge my support to the teachers, and state my hopes for a quick and fair resolution to the negotiations. As a parent, I have seen firsthand

St. James Lutheran Church in Gettysburg welcomes people of every sexual orientation and gender identity. We publicly affirmed this welcome by becoming a Reconciling in Christ church in January 2016. Our pastors and congregation live this welcome. With that in mind, we offer this response to the recent statement by State Sen. Doug Mastriano. Our

It was the second year of the Clinton Presidency, a sweltering summer, when in the month of July 1994, I visited to the town of Gettysburg and its famous Civil War battle site. It was a time when the ‘Washington Consensus’ was at its peak.  The Soviet Union and the communist regimes of Eastern Europe

I have had the privilege of getting to know Kathleen Pratt over the past few years, since moving to the area. Watching her run a fair and honest campaign for the school board, ultimately getting the most votes of any candidate, was inspiring. She is now running to represent the 91st district as a State Representative

DFA, Patricia Shoap  If you’re like me, you probably haven’t given much thought to the unitary executive theory.  It sounds like an obscure intellectual think-tank idea.  But hear me out.  This seemingly opaque theory helps explain some important developments in our country.  Like the willingness of the Republicans in Congress to surrender powers to the

Recent comments by John Rice, a member of the Borough Planning Commission, regarding the Gettysburg Station project are concerning. While the project is currently under review, Mr. Rice described it as essentially inevitable—suggesting it is a “done deal” and that “the train has left the station.” That characterization is simply not accurate. By Mr. Rice’s

Col. Nathan Jessup’s line “You can’t handle the truth!” from “A Few Good Men,” is one of my favorite movie quotes. Who other than Jack Nicholson could deliver such a line? It makes me ponder “How much truth can my fellow Americans and I handle?” Truth has always been hard to find, particularly in politics.

Many people in the county are wondering what is going on with the Gettysburg Station project and how the plans are progressing.  On Tuesday evening, the Borough Planning Commission hosted a presentation by the project developer and a couple of his main assistants.  This is what was discussed. After three years since the basic plan

In light of the recent situation involving the arrest of Mayor Chad Carr and the appointment of a new mayor, it is reasonable for the public to question what vetting and oversight exist for those placed in positions of authority within our borough. In the most recent mayoral election, a key distinction between incumbent Rita

Gettysburg has been the subject of public notoriety in the past year, most recently with the resignation of the newly elected Mayor due to criminal charges by the State Police. For TV, press, and social media, this will be a recurring topic.  The same exposure happened when the Borough Manager was charged with a DUI

Military operations are intended to support national strategic purposes.  In the case of Epic Fury, the administration has not communicated clearly to the nation what that purpose is.  In fact, since the start several purposes have been proffered, resulting in confusion as to why the nation is attacking Iran.  An argument can be made that

I feel very fortunate that I’ve reached the age where I qualify for Medicare.  Although Medicare can be improved upon, with a monthly amount taken out of our Social Security payments and an additional monthly fee for each of our Medigap supplemental plan G policies, our total annual costs out-of-pocket is $8653.92 assuming we each

Few people would argue that the Ayatollah was not a brutal dictator who repressed his people and supported terrorism. The people of Iran are undoubtedly better off without him. Or are they? To evaluate the long-term results, it is necessary to consider: (a) whether this will improve the lives of the Iranian people; (b) whether

To the Editor, I would like to applaud the work that Tara Zimmerman and Rachel Hastie, Gettysburg Area School District (GASD) Family Navigators do for our community. In addition to their regular duties helping families navigate educational, mental health and community services, they have been hosting the series “Coffee and Conversation.” The almost monthly event

Editor’s Note: This is a transcript of a presentation by Rachel Elliott during the public comment period at this week’s Upper Adams School Board meeting I want to start off by giving my thanks and great appreciation to Shelley Hobbs, Joe Albin, and Courtney McCreary. Their input into the grants, budget, and curriculum are invaluable

For almost a decade, over 6,000 Pennsylvania volunteers, led by Fair Districts PA and their allies, have been doing the hard, unglamorous work democracy demands. Collectively, they have sustained a statewide, citizen-led effort to reform the redistricting process and end the gerrymandering, legislative hyper-partisanship and dysfunction that has increasingly failed to meet the mounting challenges

All across the state, residents and businesses have been facing rising electricity and utility bills. One thing that can help Pennsylvanians save money is improving energy efficiency, so that they’re not paying for energy they don’t need. And as an added bonus, increasing energy efficiency can help protect our environment and health at the same

After years of writing columns mainly about environmentalism or gun sense, today I need to address what makes it possible to work together on either topic. Without a system based on the rule of law, the work we do to save lives through environmental and gun sense policy and legislation goes for nothing. We are

The news this morning wasn’t good. Climate regulations rolled back, nuclear arms tests, ICE controversies, Epstein files. That’s to say nothing of the blatant “slap in the face” delivered to America by the nefarious Bad Bunny. We can go round and round concerning what can be done at this critical juncture in American history, but

With the “Economy and Affordability” top issues for Americans, it’s appropriate to give President Trump a grade on the economy Hint: it won’t be the A plus plus he gives himself. A January 2026 AP poll shows only 37 percent of Americans approve of President Trump’s handling of the economy, down from 40 percent earlier

In moments when our system of government seems to be unraveling, it is natural to let anxiety and fear for the future take over. Don’t be scared—be prepared! History has shown us that when the state infrastructure starts to fall apart, it is local communities that quietly hold life together. It begins by strengthening the

Violence is taking place in our streets as citizens protest the actions of masked government agents. We tend to quickly take sides. Some support the agents; some support the protesters. Positions harden. We feel justified becoming more conservative or more liberal. We no longer seek facts and truth. We just know we’re right. The agents

Two recent pro football incidents demonstrated how screwed up our priorities are in punishing bad behavior. Steelers’ wide receiver DK Metcalf was suspended for two games without pay in December after a physical confrontation with a fan. In January, wide receiver Alec Pierce was ejected from the Colts’ season finale for accidentally “bumping” a field

Americans can be very generous.  Here in Gettysburg, our community gave $4.3 million in our local Spending Spree this year.  Many of us engage in additional charitable giving at the end of each year.  But we can only do so much on an individual basis.  For example, it is estimated that for every meal donated

When Adm. Alvin Holsey relinquished his command Dec. 12, , it was amid growing criticism of attacks that began on his watch. Since the first U.S. strike on an alleged drug smuggler in September, the United States has carried out over 21 attacks in international waters, killing at least 81 people. The Department of Defense disclosed recently that the first

Jermaine Fowler, author, historian and founder of Humanity Archive, helped me realize two important thoughts for this moment in U.S. political history. 1. President Trump is temporary, but legislators’ voting records are permanent. 2. Love him or despise him, Trump changed our lives and the way we view government. Trump follows the well-worn playbook of

“If you build it, they will come.” This is an often quoted line from an old movie. But it isn’t always true. State College used to look very much like Gettysburg with 2-3 story buildings. In 2010 their Planning Commission voted 5-2 against an 8 story apartment building. Quoting from the website StateCollege.com, Charles Gable, who

In April 1775, Lexington and Concord Massachusetts, saw the beginning of the Revolutionary War between the thirteen colonies and Great Britain.  Concord Bridge witnessed “The shot heard round the world”.  These battles were smaller and of less duration than Gettysburg, but of great significance to American history.  In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted,

During the 2026 budget presentation, Gettysburg Borough Manager Charles Gable shared a chart showing annual surpluses or deficits from 2016 through 2024.  The Borough recorded surpluses in eight of those nine years, resulting in a combined positive balance of $2.8 million.  In simple terms, revenues exceeded expenses in nearly every year during that period. A

It is difficult to imagine what the organizers of the cemetery dedication expected when they belatedly invited President Lincoln to make “a few appropriate remarks.”  After all, Lincoln’s reputation as an orator was primarily based on his political debates during his campaign for the White House. However, if they did think about it, a few

The “Big Beautiful Bill” has negatively impacted Medicaid and SNAP benefits, harmed national and state economies, and increased pressure on state budgets across the country.    I discuss here the additional pain and hardship that would affect people who can only afford health insurance thanks to Enhanced Health Insurance Tax Subsidies (EHITS), subsidies designed to

Every November 19th is a big day here in Gettysburg as we observe Dedication Day. This is a series of events preceded by the Remembrance Day Parade the Saturday before, and including Wednesday’s wreath-laying ritual, Naturalization ceremony, keynote speaker, recitation of the Gettysburg Address, and lighting of luminaria, culminating with the Gettysburg College Fortenbaugh Lecture

Upper Adams has long been known for its close-knit community and commitment to helping every child succeed. Now, we have the opportunity to strengthen that legacy with a Dual Language Immersion program beginning in kindergarten. Extensive research shows that students in dual language programs not only close the achievement gap but often outperform their peers

By Mike Mathis, Fairfield There’s a lot of discussion about what the ‘Founders’ intended in the Constitution.  E.g. just what is ‘freedom of speech’, ‘the right to bear arms’.  I would suggest a look at the Preamble for guidance: “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish

Showing Up For Our School Board Two “Get to Know the School Board Candidates,” forums were held this fall, one at the college and the other at the seminary.  Given the importance of the GASD school board elections, you would assume all of the candidates would show up. But three of the eight candidates not

The Adams County Community Foundation traces its beginning to 1985 when the Rotary Club of Gettysburg established a charitable organization to build a permanent charitable endowment and promote philanthropy in Adams County.  From that very humble beginning we now have an organization that manages 350 charitable funds, a community grant program that awards grants to

I am writing to urge Adams County citizens to vote on November 4  for Paul Royer for Judge. I served as Adams County’s Chief Public Defender until my retirement at the end of 2022. Paul worked for me as an Assistant PD for two years, giving up a more lucrative position with a local law firm to

I am writing to express my strong support for my friend Rita Frealing, candidate for Mayor ofGettysburg. I’ve known Rita since our early days reporting news for WHP-TV, serving central Pennsylvania. Shewas an inspired journalist who covered many areas, including city, county, and state politics. Ritagathered, wrote, and delivered her stories with confidence, accuracy, and

By Richard Barvainis The Gettysburg Borough Council is considering adoption of a new zoning ordinance (set of regulations) covering the entire borough, and will be holding a hearing on October 27 for public input on the plan. There are several important changes relative to the current ordinance, one of which has potentially far-reaching consequences for

In September, Gettysburg Borough Council discussed the proposed Rezoning ordinance. Mr. Moon stated that Borough population decreased between the 2010 and 2020 census – implying that our population is declining so we need to attract more people. The 2020 Census was lower due to Covid and the fact that students were not here.  Gettysburg is

On November 4th, 2025, the residents of the Upper Adams School District will have the opportunity to vote for four new members of the School Board of Directors. You will find 7 candidates listed on the ballot for those 4 positions. Deb Steckler, Eric Markle, John Lindemulder, Kay Hollabaugh, and Rachel Elliot have all committed

The recent area shootings of seven police officers, four of whom died, attest to the somber reality that our brave public servants protect us at the risk of their own lives on a daily basis.  Here in our community, the Gettysburg Police Department deserves much credit for their professionalism and dedication to keeping us safe. 

In the coming weeks, voters in the Gettysburg Area School District (GASD) will elect new School Directors in a highly important general election. I humbly ask for your support for a group of community-minded leaders who possess the experience and dedication needed to navigate the challenges ahead. For the four four-year positions please consider:Julieta Booz,

You may recall that Rita Frealing narrowly lost the Democratic primary, but overwhelming won the write-in Republican vote, which qualifies her to run on the Republican ticket.  She could have quit at that point, but Rita is not a person who backs down in the face of adversity or challenge.  Regardless of ticket, Rita has

Adams County is at a crossroads.  According to the Adams County Community Foundation, 50 percent of all scholarship applicants from 2025 planned to pursue tech, trade and certificate programs. Adams County Technical School does an amazing job preparing our students for a career in technical fields.  However, the school’s space has quickly become too small

In just a few weeks, new School Directors will be named in a very important general election. For Upper Adams School District, my name will appear on the ballot along with four other candidates whom I highly recommend.  But first I want to acknowledge the dedication and service of three directors who have chosen not

I’ve heard people, who should know better, argue you must show I.D. to receive utility service, but you don’t have to show I.D. to vote. Receiving electricity or cable is a privilege for those who can afford it. Voting is a constitutional right. Therefore, we put as few roadblocks as possible in the way of

On Nov 4, voters in Upper Adams School District will have the opportunity to elect four candidates for Upper Adams school board.  Here is a sampling, in the order they will appear on ballots, of what five bipartisan candidates supported by bipartisan community members think about school board membership: Kay Hollabaugh – Will provide the

What has happened to our country? A high-school honors student, Nory Sontay Ramos, and her mother, Estela Ramos Baten, were deported on July 4 to Guatemala after a routine immigration appointment. They had an asylum case pending in our country because Estela had been threatened by a Guatemalan gang before they came to the United

Though I relocated to Littlestown in 2017, my relationships extend throughout Adams County. I’ve met remarkable people whose warmth, resilience, and vision affirm that moving here was one of my greatest gifts. Chad-Alan Carr, a name many know as the Founding Executive/Artistic Director of Gettysburg Community Theatre and as a Borough Council member, is one

Our society and form of government is based on free speech, be it in writing or orally.  That right is enshrined in the First Amendment along with the rights of free exercise of religion, freedom of the press, and the right of the people to peacefully assemble.  We enjoy the right to speak our mind,

I have written before about the dangers created when Congress abdicates its duties and responsibilities under the Constitution to the executive branch. Article I of the Constitution gives “pride of place” to the structure and authorities of Congress, reflecting what I believe was the Founders’ clear intent to give priority to that branch of government

Not long ago, I saw a t-shirt that read, “They didn’t burn witches, they burned women.” Strip people of their humanity, and you can do a lot of bad things to them because they are “vermin” and “the worst of the worst”. Under the cover of dehumanizing labels, this administration is justifying violence, cruelty, and

President Trump’s big budget bill includes big, bad news for those of us concerned about gun safety, deaths and violence in our country. The new law repealed a $200 tax on firearm silencers and short-barrel rifles, which was originally enacted by the 1934 National Firearms Act (NFA) and re-codified in 1968. The tax cut totals

Straban Township lacks vision. When the Board of Supervisors approved the Adams Miller Solar Project, an expert pointed out deficiencies in the plans. Even our Town Solicitor admitted that the plans were not the most thorough ever submitted. Now, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has given the developer a deadline to address or fix

A mattress TV ad shows a reprehensible person being asked by an onlooker “How do you sleep at night?” The accused claim to sleep all night long on one of the company’s mattresses. Cute, but it made me think. “How do Republican legislators who voted for tax breaks for the wealthy, but large social spending

The following is a statement made to the Gettysburg Planning Commission at its July 21 meeting. To the Planning Commission: During the year that the Planning Commission was revising the Rezoning document, I provided public comments that usually included a map or two.  During my 5 minutes, the image was shown on the screen so

I just read the Gettysburg Connection article, “Planning Commission considers time limits for public comment.”  While public officials may terminate comments that are obscene, exceed the allotted time limit, or lack decorum, they may not censor speech based on its viewpoint. It’s concerning when I see many local governing boards restricting public comment in ways

The US Constitution is revered as an inspired work that not only has endured since New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify in June 1788, but also because serious people over the centuries staked their honor on its words. It should surprise no one that the Constitution’s first article addresses the legislative branch and

When political rhetoric targets the “deep state” and promises to dismantle the federal bureaucracy, it often sounds abstract. But for millions of Americans, the civil service isn’t an abstract concept; it’s the bedrock of essential services, from veterans’ benefits to environmental protection. And as I’ve recently discovered, gutting these vital agencies, particularly those like the

What has happened to our compassion for others in America?  I remember as a youth of the 60s a TV commercial showing a ship unloading huge white bags with the word “CARE” on the outside.  Here, the United States was giving of its bounty to other countries so that others would not starve.  I remember

Rarely had a trial attracted such drama, amusement and frenzy as the 1920s Scopes Trial. Few had ever produced more column inches.  July 21st marks the centenary of the end of the trial. It created a storm. The trial involved the prosecution of a Dayton, Tennessee teacher, John Scopes, for breaching the Butler Act, prohibiting

The Adams County Food Policy Council (ACFPC) would like to publicly thank Representative Dan Moul for his support of the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program. On June 3rd of this year, we wrote about smart steps to address food insecurity in Adams County, and we urged constituents to call their representatives. On July 1st,

by Rev. Andrew R. Geib The past two weeks have been some of the more difficult I’ve had in my nearly ten years of being a pastor.  A brief text from Shirley Sanders last Tuesday afternoon, turned phone call, broke the news that one of our long-time Boy Scouts here at St. James had died

My partner and I recently spent five days in Gettysburg, our first visit, which we much enjoyed. However, one painful memory is of the excessive motorcycle ‘cruising’ back and forth, up and down the streets, around and around the traffic circle in the main square, and on many of the roads we traveled all throughout

Fortunately, we rarely see local law officials do anything to be accused of being a “disgrace to their badges.” The exception occurred on June 14 when Adams County Sheriff James Muller posted on Facebook a photo of a white pickup labeled “The All New Dodge Ram Protester Edition.” The front of the truck was drenched

A system of checks and balances has been critical to the success of the United States Government for 250 years. “Ambition must be made to counteract ambition,” James Madison stated, and thus the separation of powers was built into the U.S. Constitution. Our system was designed to protect us from any branch of the government

By Save Historic Gettysburg Inc. In a recent letter, Gettysburg Borough Council President Matt Moon presented a history and defense of the Gettysburg Station Project.  There are a number of inaccuracies in the article that we feel need to be addressed.  After explaining the history of the project and commenting on current public resistance to

By Save Historic Gettysburg Inc Gettysburg Station is the largest, most complex project the Borough has ever had to review, with the most potential impacts.  Given widespread concern and opposition to the project, it is important that Council representatives present accurate information to the public. We were not surprised, but were greatly dismayed by inaccuracies in

Flag Day, celebrated annually on June 14, recognizes the adoption of the U.S. flag on June 14, 1777, by the Second Continental Congress.  President Woodrow Wilson, in 1916, first formally recognized the day, and in 1949, Congress officially established June 14 as Flag Day.  Traditionally, the special day is celebrated with parades and other patriotic

During a recent town hall meeting, Iowa Senator Joni Ernst let slip the radical right’s thinking toward this country’s social safety net. Congressional Republicans want to decimate spending on the poor and elderly by supporting Trump’s mega-spending bill that gives tax breaks to billionaires and balloons the national debt while robbing millions of health care

Driving or walking around Gettysburg in 2025, one does not have to go far before they will see a yard sign that reads “STOP THE STATION,” or “SAVE HISTORIC GETTYSBURG.” If you were new to town, you might find these signs alarming. So, what is it all about? This has to do with a proposed

The straight facts of a veteran’s life don’t always tell the whole story.  On Memorial Day, I always think of my father, Gayle Smith, who was an ambulance driver during World War II.  After the war Gayle followed his father’s footsteps as a college professor, teaching English at the University of Maryland when he wasn’t