(1/2021) It seems like Adams County and most of the country is currently locked in the grip of escalating COVID-19 numbers. The long-awaited vaccine is starting to arrive; but is still possibly months away for many residents. Last month Governor Wolf ordered additional initiatives to flatten the spike that include banning any K-12 school extracurricular activities including games or practices.

Inside dining at bars and restaurants is once again prohibited at least until January 4. Outside dining and take out is not affected. There is no doubt that more of us are now experiencing positive test results and exposures much closer to our inner circle of families, friends, and co-workers than we did for the past eight months. Both the County & Courts are closely following this situation and have taken the following steps to reduce exposure and illness. These protocols that follow below, will remain into effect until further notice.

All Adams County office business is by appointment, phone, or internet only. These include the Courthouse, Human Services Building, Department of Emergency Services, Adams County Adult Correctional Facility, and the Adams County Conservation District Building on Old Harrisburg Road. A list of office phone numbers will be on the door of each building so that clients may call the desired office to check availability or schedule an appointment.

The Adams County Court of Common Pleas has adopted an Emergency Order similar to the order issued in the spring which prohibits in-person court filings at all Court filing offices with the exception of emergency pleadings. When possible, and unless otherwise required by interests of justice, court proceedings will be conducted by advanced technology systems. Allowed judicial proceedings will be limited to the parties and their counsel. Arrangements to observe allowable court proceedings by the media and the public must be done electronically through arrangements with the Court Administrator at least one business day prior to the proceeding. The November 30, 2020 criminal trial term was cancelled. The Law Library is closed except by appointment. All Magisterial District Courts shall remain open to the public Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.. All in-person weddings at the Courthouse are cancelled through January 31.

As of Friday, November 20, the Adams County Department of Emergency Services (ACDES) building is closed to the public until further notice. All meetings and trainings on the lower level of the building are temporarily suspended. The upper level housing the 911 Center has been closed to the public. For questions or information please contact Adams County Department of Emergency Services Director, Warren Bladen.

The Adams County Adult Correctional Facility has been closed and will remain closed to the public until further notice.

All County and Court staff who are able to work from home, in collaboration and consultation with their supervisor, are directed to work from home to reduce COVID exposure.

All staff remaining in county facilities are directed to refrain from all unnecessary and casual contact with other staff to reduce exposure. There are numerous methods of electronic communication available to staff to accomplish this beneficial exposure reduction objective.

It has been stressed over and over that properly wearing a mask, correctly washing your hands, wiping surfaces, avoiding close and casual contact, and using electronic and tele-communication when possible, both at work and home, help to reduce exposure and illness. As painful and difficult as it may be to avoid, family gatherings around the table are also super spreaders. Please make smart decisions based on what is best for you, your family, friends, co-workers, and your community!

The Adams County FAIR (CARES) Program wrapped up with final approvals at the December 16th Commissioner’s Meeting. The Community Evaluation Team presented their final recommendations to the Adams County Board of Commissioners at that meeting. It is anticipated that all of the funds given to Adams County from the federal government will be encumbered and fully distributed by the end of December.

While this $9.3M has had a positive impact on our community, we know there is still significant need out there with businesses and organizations trying to weather this storm. Adams County Planning staff and the Community Evaluation Team have worked diligently to process 221 applications to get these funds to 198 qualified applicants complying with state and federal guidelines. The county was very aware that all fund dispersals must have the ability to stand up and pass state and federal audits. We will continue to monitor federal and state legislation to stay abreast of any additional funding programs that may benefit our Adams County community. A huge shout out to Adams County Planning, GMS Consulting and the volunteer Community Evaluation Team for their professionalism, dedication, civic engagement, and diligence in this significant undertaking for our community.

Attention Fire Companies and Emergency Service organizations! The Office of the Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner will begin accepting applications for the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program on December 11. The deadline is January 25, 2021. Written instructions, guidelines and applications for the 2020-2021 program are now available on www.osfc.pa.gov. All fire companies, emergency medical services and volunteer rescue squads qualify for this grant.

New for 2021 and 2022, funds may be used to supplement operational expenses incurred by the lack of opportunities for fundraising and the inability to generate revenue due to compliance with measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As always traditional categories allow funding to be used for such projects as construction and/or renovation of the fire company or EMS facilities, equipment, debt reduction, training, and recruitment and retention, including volunteer firefighter length-of-service award programs and programs for minors.

It is really easy to become overwhelmed with negativity in these trying times. One step forward and two steps back, too many times, can test your mettle. This is especially true during this holiday season, which is normally full of traditions and anticipation. Focusing on what we have to be thankful for may take a bit more concentration these days; but I can guarantee you it will be worth the effort. Your bright spot may be family, friends, co-workers, a quality workplace, a beautiful landscape, serving others less fortunate, a spectacular sunset, sharing a meal, a favorite pet, or a wonderful community. After watching the Governor’s most recent announcement banning inside food and beverage, I staved off the urge to be negative and frustrated and began to mentally tick off the many things that I have to be thankful for. Give it a try. It may just make these COVID-19 dynamics somewhat less impacting.

With the Governor’s renewed directive, we are again in a situation where many local restaurants, bars, winery’s, and distillery’s desperately need your support more than ever. They are back to outside dining and take-out in harsh winter conditions. Some establishments are barely hanging on. Please give special consideration to patronizing these businesses.

No matter what you do get out there and experience all the historic, recreational, agricultural, natural, and cultural opportunities that beautiful Adams County has to offer!