(3/2023) At the Public Officials Luncheon at the 2023 Pennsylvania Farm Show attended by the Commissioners, it was very welcome news to learn that Adams County’s own, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, was asked to stay in that position under the in-coming Shapiro administration. As confirmed by Secretary Redding’s and Governor Shapiro’s remarks during the event, it would be an understatement to say that we in Adams County are thrilled Secretary Redding accepted the position.

Russell is a valued friend to many in Adams County, and symbolizes what effective administration, stellar service to community, and non-partisanship look like during these all too prevalent partisan times. This is why Russell Redding has been asked by both Republican and Democratic administrations to stay on board and do the important work for Pennsylvania agriculture. With that all being fact - just make sure when you see Russel’s wife Nina around Adams County – you give her a big thank you for pausing retirement and letting Russel stay on and continue doing great work!

Adams County Children and Youth Services has recently connected with Keystone Pet Enhanced Therapy Services (KPETS), a local company who has helped hundreds of organizations in the community with animal assisted therapy at no cost. They have assisted schools, centers, and social service agencies to bring therapy pets into their buildings and they help to engage and support children and families in situations that may be stressful.

Many counties throughout PA have used therapy dogs either in the courtrooms or in the waiting areas. This has been a very successful practice as court days can be anxiety producing for young children. Adams County Children & Youth has had a therapy pet in their waiting area in the past, and it was a wonderful addition to Juvenile Court days as both children and parents enjoyed visiting with the dog, sitting near the dog, and having a sense of comfort and calming just being in his presence and waiting for court to begin. In the upcoming weeks, Children & Youth Services will be engaging with KPETS to schedule and coordinate their services on court days in the upcoming months.

Most Adams Countians are aware of the tragic Oak Lawn Cemetery saga. Subdivision, a zoning change and then sale, for a currently unused western portion of Oak Lawn Cemetery, are the last hurdles to overcome that would allow a funding infusion for a non-profit board to sustain Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens. Cumberland Twp. has approved the subdivision and has held a hearing on the zoning matter. Pending all final approvals, the parcel will be marketed by Adams County exclusively to entities that would be atheistically and operationally appropriate at that location beside the cemetery. A respected independent appraiser is doing a valuation of the property to establish value. The Oak Lawn Cemetery saga has drug on for years and caused heartbreak and anguish for our residents.

After multiple attempts to resolve the private property situation, Adams County was finally obligated by default to take over the cemetery from the private absentee ownership when all other efforts failed to establish a path forward. We are very optimistic that this is the beginning to the end of a very tragic chapter in our community history. While the County has taken over being a caretaker until the cemetery can be turned over to the non-profit, the core foundation of that very capable non-profit has already committed to the effort and is standing by ready to engage in sustaining and re-vitalizing Oak Lawn. The sale of the parcel should give the non-profit initial operating funds while both a business and operational model are being implemented, to again serve our community in a responsible and dignified manner!

As reported previously Adams County has been chosen by the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association as the preferred location for the Pennsylvania AG Discovery Center. Last Fall, after vetting several other surrounding counties, Adams County emerged as the preferred choice. Given the importance of agriculture as a major economic engine for Adams County, in October the Board of Commissioners agreed to fund the centers $150,000 feasibility study, through an approved memorandum of understanding, with the Adams County Industrial Authority. The feasibility consultants Gallagher Design have been chosen and have recently been in Adams County doing field work. This is not a project that is going to happen expeditiously; but is a project that should have a long-lasting impact for both Adams County & Pennsylvania, by honoring our agrarian heritage and educating our residents and visitors to the importance of agriculture in our county, region, and state.

The Adams County Agricultural Land Preservation Board was established to administer the Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program for the County. The program purchases agricultural conservation easements on behalf of Adams County, which restrict and limit the conversion of farmland to non-agricultural use. We want to thank the following individuals for their willingness to serve on the Adams County Ag Land Preservation Board. Farmer board members Craig Yingling, Dave Wenk, Sidney Kuhn, and Doyle Waybright all have agreed to re-appointment for a 3-year term. Dave Yingling was appointed as Chairman and Dave Wenk as Vice-Chairman.

The Office of Planning and Development is encouraging all Adams County residents and visitors to take part in a survey effort as we work to update the Heritage Component of the County Comprehensive Plan. This plan element will be focused on protecting, preserving, and promoting the county’s numerous historic resources. These assets include our significant historic buildings, structures, landscapes, and more. Through this survey effort, we are looking to capture the public’s general perception of historic preservation, what subjects in County history people are knowledgeable of, and what they would like to learn more about.

Additionally, we are interested in discovering what types of preservation activities and initiatives that individuals would be interested in. The results from the survey will ultimately assist us in developing goals, objectives, and strategies that will guide us in future historic preservation efforts throughout Adams County. The project website and public survey can be accessed through the County website homepage or at www.adams-county-heritage-plan-adamsgis.hub.arcgis.com/. If needed, paper copies of the survey can be acquired by contacting the County Planning Office at 717-337-9824.

In our continuing effort to further better internet service in Adams County, the public survey for the Broadband Community Assessment recently concluded. This survey effort has been very successful and will contribute valuable information to the study. Currently over 2,500 responses from households and businesses have been collected throughout Adams County! The large number of responses will assist us in determining which specific areas of the county need faster, more reliable internet service. Thank you to all who have taken the time to complete a survey for your home or business. We continue to encourage residents to check the Broadband Initiative website at https://arcg.is/0SW8Ge within the coming months to stay up to date on the County’s progress.

Folks who read the Gettysburg Times saw a recent article regarding the offensive graffiti on the county owned John Eisenhower "Iron Bridge" off Red Rock Road in Cumberland Township. Adams County Maintenance responded to initially mitigate the vandalism - with further mitigation anticipated. This unique and significant historic bridge, built in 1886, utilized metal pipe and struts throughout the bridge, with distinctive unique castings. The bridge on Water Works Road, has been restored in place and is now restricted to pedestrians and bicycles. At the beginning of this Board’s tenure in 2012, the bridge was completely closed due to deteriorated unsafe decking.

By the end of that first year in 2012, Adams County, Cumberland Township and a private donor collaborated to return the decking to an appropriate use level for pedestrians and bikers. The recent article resulted in an anonymous donor contributing $5000 toward the preservation and repair of the John Eisenhower & Sachs Mill Bridges. These bridges are certainly iconic structures and community treasurers as well as a wonderful routes to walk, run or bike! If you have any information regarding damage or vandalism to these bridges, please contact Cumberland Twp Police at 717-334-6485.

As always, 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!