(9/2017) Have you asked yourself recently what you can do with the old TV's and computer equipment you have sitting in the corner of your garage? I know I have asked myself that question with two TVs in my garage awaiting their fate. Adams County, in partnership with the Adams County Council of Governments and Adams County Office of Planning, will be sponsoring a TV & Computer Re-cycling Event on Saturday, September 9th, from 10-2, at the Adams County Emergency Services Facility, 230 Greenmayer Lane behind the prison. To participate you must pre-register and this opportunity is open only to Adams County residents. This is exclusively for residents, business/commercial items will not be accepted. You can pre-register by contacting the Adams County Planning Office at 717-337-9827. There will be a charge for CR Tube TV's at $25 and CR Tube Computer Monitor at $10. Other permitted items, free of charge Towers, Laptops, LCD/Flatscreen, TV/Monitor’s, TV Remotes, Keyboards, Mouse, Personal-Sized Hard Drive/Printer/Scanner/Router/Modem/Server, Wires, Cables, Small Circuit Boards, CDs, Tapes, Disks, UPS and Joysticks. No other items will be accepted. Payment is by CASH ONLY the day of the event. Participants are encouraged to complete registration as soon as possible, as there is a limit to the total number of items that can be accepted!! The registration deadline is Wednesday, September 6, 2017. Registration may end sooner if total items allowable is reached prior to September 6. The event will be staffed with volunteers from Adams County staff, Adams County Planning, and Adams County Council of Governments; as well as other members of the community that support environmentally responsible re-cycling. Don't delay - call and pre-register now!

Who is that guy with the glasses, beard and camera with the New York accent that seems to be everywhere with his camera and is active in so many community events and organizations? If you said Carroll Valley Mayor Ron Harris - you would be correct. On Tuesday, July 22nd, Ron was honored by his peers in Erie receiving the Pennsylvania State Mayor of the Year Award. Many of us in Adams County and Northern Maryland echo this recognition for Mayor Harris. Whether it is taking pictures at too many events to even mention, serving on the county radio committee, facilatating the Boroughs Association meetings, serving as President of Community TV, being the active mayor of Carroll Valley or advocating for the community at large, Ron defines the term "dedicated public servant." Congratulations Ron, we appreciate everything you do for our community!

The Adams County Volunteer Emergency Services Association (ACVESA) recently completed the task of erecting their Fire Tower Training Prop at the Department of Emergency Services Complex. The tower stands 40 feet tall and is equipped with features such as, a maze, a rappelling station, and an attic simulator. Our local fire service volunteers will now be able to conduct engine company, truck company, and rescue training without the need to travel outside of Adams County. The Prop was manufactured by American Fire Training Systems of Lemont, Illinois, and the foundation work was completed by Conewago Contractors. Congratulations to ACVESA for completing this important training tool. Thank you for your valued and critical service to our community.

The completion of this fire training prop along with the current on-going construction of the new Adams County Law Enforcement Firearms Training Range are two significant training additions for Adams County Emergency responders! It was a long-time coming but the bulldozers are making headway at the new Adams County Firearms Training Range beside the 911 Center. The contractor has estimated it will take 2-3 months to complete the project which involves storm water management initiatives along with normal excavation. The three large berms at the front and sides were groomed by heavy equipment and grass matting has just been placed on them. Once the excavation is done the plan is to build a memorial flag plaza, storage/range master observation building and a small pavilion. The land is being leased by the county for $1 to the Adams County Law Enforcement Association and the entire construction project is being done through a public/private partnership at no cost to county taxpayers. While the bulk of the money has been raised there is a need for additional funds and donations to complete the project. Approximately 86 individuals and organizations have so far contributed approximately $100,000 to support this project. The goal is to raise $30,000 additional for final construction, structures and on-going maintenance. To make a contribution or for more information you may contact Capital Campaign Co-chairs Sheriff Jim Muller or Commissioner Randy Phiel. Donations can be made to the Adams County Law Enforcement Association Range Project, 1935 Mummasburg Road, Gettysburg PA 17325.

Adams County residents need to be aware that West Nile Virus is being detected this summer in mosquitos across Adams County. Katie Seymore, Mosquito Borne Disease/Conservation Technician for the Adams County Conservation District, received notification from the PA DEP that mosquito samples collected on August 4th and 8-10 were tested and returned positive for West Nile virus. Samples taken were from the Conewago Township, Bonneauville Boro, Carroll Valley Boro, Gettysburg Boro, Littlestown Boro, and Union Twp. These positive tests should make every Adams County property owner more conscious of mosquito breeding areas on their property. Mosquito's breed in swampy areas and stagnant water in puddles, old tires, buckets, garbage cans, and any other receptacles that hold stagnant water. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Katie Seymore, Adams County Conservation District, 670 Old Harrisburg Road, Suite 201 Gettysburg, PA 17325 (717) 334-0636 ext. 3049. For more information on mosquitoes and West Nile Virus, please visit the county website at http://www.adamscounty.us/Dept/Conservation/Pages/West-Nile-Virus.aspx or the state DEP website at http://www.westnile.state.pa.us/index.html.

Adams County farm markets are bursting at the seams with Adams County produce. I now have one batch of Adams County ripe peaches in the fridge ready to eat and one batch on the counter ripening at all times. Fresh peaches never last long enough for me. Cherries, corn and watermelon and finally local tomatoes currently round out our kitchen counter. It is hard to believe that Apple Harvest Festival is just around the corner. No matter what you do get out there and experience all the historical, recreational, agricultural, natural and cultural activities that beautiful Adams County has to offer.