04/17/2026
TGIF April 17, 2026 by Randy Phiel, Commissioner
Congratulations 193rd District State Representative Cathy Wallen
With 193rd District State Representative Torren Ecker becoming an Adams County Judge, Ecker’s Chief of Staff, Cathy Wallen, put her hat in the ring and won the special election. The 193rd District generally covers eastern and northern Adams County and a small portion of Cumberland County. Currently, Cathy is unopposed on the upcoming republican primary ballot. Obviously, from her prior role, Representative Wallen knows the district and its residents very well.
Last Monday at noon, Adams County Treasurer Crissy Redding and I had the pleasure of attending the swearing in ceremony for Representative Wallen, in the well of the House floor, at the beginning of the House session. The ceremony was well done and very poignant. As a sidenote, Crissy and I both concurred that the House of Representatives Chamber is simply magnificent with architecture, crafted wood, windows, paintings, and gold leaf. This Board has had an excellent working relationship with our new Adam County Representative in her prior role and knows that she will be a great representative for us! We wish Cathy the best in her new role!
Two New Election Districts & Polls In Straban
At Wednesday’s public meeting, acting upon a recommendation from Elections Director Angie Crouse, and after review by Solicitor Molly R. Mudd, the Adams County Board of Commissioners, sitting as the Board of Elections, authorized the posting of a notice for the establishment of a new polling place located at Freedom Valley Church, 3185 York Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325. This polling place will serve voters in the newly created Straban Township Districts 3 & 4 beginning the May 19, 2026, Primary Election.
It was determined by the Board and the County Election Office that with the rapid residential growth and development in Straban, these two new polls were needed to serve our residents given present and future growth effectively and efficiently. Pursuant to 25 P.S. 2726, the notice shall be posted for a period of 5 days at the County’s Department of Emergency Services Building, the site of the existing polling locations for Straban Township Districts 1 & 2. All residents that live in Straban 3 & 4 will be notified of their change in polling places.
2026 Adams County Conservation District Envirothon
On April 9th, the Adams County Conservation District held the 40th Adams County Envirothon. The Envirothon is a contest to test high school and middle school students’ knowledge of natural resources as well as promote environmental stewardship. The Envirothon’s goal is to provide future generations with the ability to address the complex natural resource concerns facing today's world, and the challenges of the future, as well as introduce students to the job opportunities and career paths that exist in the environmental field. The Adams County Conservation District hosted 148 students from all six of Adams County’s public-school districts and Saint Francis Xavier Catholic School. The students were tested on their knowledge of Forestry, Wildlife, Aquatics, Soils, and a Current Issue this year of Non-Point Source Pollution that begins at home. All 3 Adams County Commissioners attended to present the awards. The winning team of the high school Envirothon were the Bobcats from Littlestown. The winners of the middle school Envirothon were the New Oxidizers from New Oxford.
Also, the Conservation District recognized Matt Kern, Service Forester at the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources with the Conservation Stewardship Award for his efforts to conserve, protect and enhance natural resources in Adams County. Matt has assisted local landowners by helping them manage their forested lands and coordinating tree planting projects. He has also provided educational programs including overseeing the Forestry Station at Adams County Envirothon for the past 20 years. Thank you & congratulations Matt!
Spring Black Fly Suppression On Conewago Creek In Adams County
For all you folks that live along Conewago Creek in the eastern and northern sections of Adams County, you can hopefully put away your fly swatters. An aerial black fly (gnat) suppression operation took place yesterday, on the Juniata River, Aughwick Creek, Conewago Creek, Conodoguinet Creek, Sherman Creek, Swatara Creek and Tuscarora Creek. This operation began in Adams County at 7:00AM, working upriver to finish in Huntingdon County. Besides Adams County, the aerial application included flights in Cumberland, Dauphin, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, Lebanon, and York Counties. The helicopter used is a Bell OH58 A+ with tail number N655HA and is white with red, blue and grey striping.
Helicopter Applicators Inc. dispensed Vectobac 12AS, which is a Bti product manufactured by Valent Biosciences. Bti is short for Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis, which is a bacterial larvicide, not a chemical, and is the only product used in Pennsylvania's waterways for black fly suppression. Vectobac 12AS is a thick liquid that is brown in color when dispensed from the helicopter. The helicopter flies at tree top level and releases the Vectobac at various predetermined positions on each stream. If you have any questions regarding these operations or the Program in general, please contact 717-265-4834 or email [email protected].
Oak Lawn Beautification Day This Sunday
Calling all volunteers for Spring Oak Lawn Volunteer Beautification Day this Sunday from 11-3. Bring your gloves, rakes, shovels, digging bars, wheelbarrows, w**d whackers, leaf blowers and lawn mowers, and help keep Oak Lawn Cemetery a dignified final resting place for our veterans, families, friends, and neighbors. Lunch and beverages are provided. With a forecast of possible rain, the rain date is next Sunday. If unsure of status due to weather, you are welcome to call me on Sunday at 717-253-2330 and it will also be posted by Cindy on Facebook.
A shoutout to all the volunteers who have done a commendable job of maintaining Oak Lawn at reasonable level awaiting the non-profit Oak Lawn Foundation to take over management as soon as appropriate, ending a tragic community saga that began 11 years ago. We welcome 30 Gettysburg College fraternity members to help with this community project and thank them for their service to our community. We also thank Kevin Moul & The Fire Store for sponsoring lunch for the volunteers! For more information on this and other volunteer activities at Oak Lawn, contact Oak Lawn Volunteer Coordinator Cindy Shultz at [email protected]
Glass Recycling Now At Rescue Mission 6 Days A Week
Glass re-cycling has now moved from the Adams County Department of Emergency Services on a limited drop-off basis, to the Adams County Rescue Mission 8-8 Monday – Saturday. We are hopeful this transition results in even more glass being re-cycled in Adams County.
Kite Day At Hamiltonban Park
Beware of flying objects on Saturday, May 2nd as Kite Day is happening at Hamiltonban’s Community Park from 10AM-1PM. The address of the park is 4020 Bullfrog Road, Fairfield PA. For all you kite aficionados, competitive kite expert Joe Whitmore will be attending and doing demonstrations. The event is locally sponsored by Adams County Conservation District staffer Ricky Whitmore and his father. There will be demonstrations, contests, and refreshments. Even if you don’t go fly a kite, it sounds like a great spectator opportunity as well. Wishing you sunshine and gentle breezes!
Staff First Aid & CPR Classes
The Boards first responsibility is always the health, safety and welfare of our residents and staff! At Wednesday’s public meeting the Board approved Addendum #1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Adams Regional Emergency Medical Services (“AREMS”) for provision of trainers to instruct first aid and CPR classes for any departments in need of these trainings. This Addendum extends the term of the Agreement for an additional two (2) years, commencing on April 15, 2026, and terminating April 14, 2028. The County shall pay AREMS $25.00 per individual who undergoes the training. We appreciate AREMS providing this service to our staff. You just never know when you may need this training, and it becomes priceless!
April Commissioner Proclamations & Two Retirements
April is a busy month for many worthy groups to be recognized and receive proclamations for their efforts in improving and maintaining the quality of life in Adams County. At the April 1 public meeting, we recognized Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month, and Adams County Library System National Library Week 2026. At Wednesday’s meeting, we recognized National Public Safety Communicators Week, National Medicine Take Back & Victim Witness Week.
At Wednesday’s meeting we also had the privilege of recognizing two outstanding long-term team members for their combined 68 years of dedicated service to the residents of Adams County. Nancy Moser, Administrative Support Coordinator (who I also refer to as the “Courthouse Mayor”), with 38 years of service, and Jolene Snyder, Deputy Treasurer, a steady anchor in the Treasurer’s with 30 years of service. Please join me in wishing these ladies the best in retirement.
Adams County Earth Day Extravaganza April 23
Head on over to the Adams County Ag Center on Thursday April 23rd, from 3-7 for interactive displays, workshops, music and food trucks celebrating Conservation District Week in Pennsylvania. As a conservation board director Commissioner Martin will be sharing remarks on Adams County Conservation District history and Commissioner Qually will be speaking about Penn State Extension. Note: I plan to just sit back and listen! Workshops include Rain Barrels, Streamside Trees, Skunks and Carnivorous Plants. Displays include Stream Table, Groundwater Model, Soil Pit, Animal & Insect Embassadors, Rainfall Simulator, Fly Casting, Games & Giveaways. The Antietam Dairy & Tacos Monarca will be providing nourishment.
The End
250 Years Of Adams County Industry & Innovation: Today, 11:30 -2:00, Beyond The Battle. For information adamsalliance.org
Revolution On The Ridge – It Runs In The Family: From William to Rufus Dawes. Today, 3:30, at the Seminary Ridge Lydia Zeigler Clare Education Center. seminaryridgemuseum.org
Gettysburg Sports Card & TCG Show: Today 9-3. Eisenhower Center Emmitsburg Road. Free admission and parking.
Celebrate Success: Sponsored by the Focus Foundation at Gettysburg Rec Park this Saturday 11-3. A celebration recognizing successes, business ventures, talents and accomplishments of adults with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities. Food trucks, live music, 25 vendors, art raffles, mini horses and games. A free, family friendly event open to public.
The Jersey Beach Boys: At the Totem Pole, 2PM, this Saturday & Sunday. A high energy concert celebrating the timeless sounds of two of America’s most iconic musical legacies – the Beach Boys & Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Sounds like great entertainment to me! On Thursday, Katie Deal & The Real Deal Nashville Band Women Of Country Tribute also at 2PM. $49-$56. salesforce-sites.com
LCAC Live Art Auction: Sunday at Borough BBQ, 15 York Street. Admission includes BBQ buffet, non-alcoholic beverages and your bidding paddle. $15 in advance and $20 at door. Register by calling 717-334-2828 lcacpreserveadams,org
Living Library Kick-off: Monday, Gettysburg Library, 5-6PM. Registration required.
Patriotic Pictures: Adams County Library (Gettysburg), this Tuesday from 5-8. See a patriotic themed documentary movie and then hang around for group discussion. Bring a snack and beverage. Sounds like a nice Tuesday evening event!
Mission Of Mercy Sporting Clay Shoot: Next Saturday at Orvis Hill Country Shooting grounds at 9AM. Light breakfast, shooting competition and then lunch followed by bourbon and ci**rs. All proceeds benefit Mission of Mercy’s mobile medical and dental clinic. www.amissionofmercy.org
No matter what you do, get out there and experience all the historical, recreational, agricultural, natural and cultural opportunities that beautiful Adams County has to offer!
Randy L. Phiel
Adams County Commissioner, Chairman
111-117 Baltimore Street
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325
