Nicholas DiGregory The thirteenth day of August 2016 was the epitome of a sweltering summer day in North Central Maryland. As early as ten o’clock in the morning, the temperature had reached 90 degrees and was still climbing. By noon, the thermometers came to rest at 95 degrees, although weather services stated that the high…

A total of twenty-eight babies, fourteen girls and fourteen boys, participated in the show, judged by Larry Dougherty, Ashley Haines, and Annabelle Moffitt. The youngest baby was two-week-old Carson Lingg, son of Emily and Danny Lingg of Thurmont. Jeffrey Petko (twenty-three-month-old son) and Madeline Petko (five-month-old daughter) of Josh and Jenny Petko, traveled the farthest…

Denny Black You may not be aware that a new bird-like species was recently discovered. You can only see one during the baseball season each year when it migrates out of winter hiding into every minor and major league ballpark in America. When spotted, it is almost always a male of the species in the…

by Christine Schoene Maccabee John Muir, Nature’s Visionary The above quote was part of John Muir’s impassioned invitation to President Roosevelt and Vice President Howard Taft to join him in Yosemite and camp out under the stars. Together, they talked about protecting the giant redwoods from timbering, as well as preserving the ecological wonders only…

James Rada, Jr. Looking better than ever, Paul’s Pit Stop on South Seton Avenue in Emmitsburg reopened on Monday, August 8, 2016. A fire last December had destroyed some of the six second-floor apartments and closed the liquor store. Neeta Pansuriya, the owner of the store, said that she smelled smoke upstairs and dialed 911.…

James Rada, Jr. For twenty-five years, Catoctin Mountain Trains and Hobbies was a local fixture in downtown Thurmont. People came from all over to get just the right car for their train gardens. As popular as the store was, it was busiest around Christmas time. Paul and Marcia Johnson owned the store, but when they…

The Catoctin Area Civitan Club hosted a Police Appreciation Night at the Thurmont Main Street Center on August 15, 2016. Being a police officer today is a daunting job. Those that choose this career dedicate themselves to serving their community and to helping others; their commitment and professionalism is to be commended. Sincere gratitude is…

The Thurmont Lions Club is now accepting nominations for the 2016 Volunteer of the Year. Nominate an individual(s) who is/are making a difference in the lives of others. Please nominate those deserving individuals for the goodwill and volunteer services they give to help their community. The volunteer service work must be done in the area…

James Rada, Jr. The Emmitsburg town council meeting room was filled to capacity on August 11, 2016, as citizens sought for a way to band together to fight Emmitsburg’s crime problem. “Since I moved here, I’ve noticed the quality of life dropping and crime increasing,” one of the group’s founders, Elizabeth Buckman, told the group.…

A Mission Team of seven teenagers and four adults from Graceham Moravian Church recently joined with 385 other teens and adults from twelve different states for a week of service in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. All of the participants were housed at River Road Middle School during the week of June 19-25, 2016, participating in…

The Town of Thurmont is partnering with the Catoctin Mountain Park on the Gateway Trail project. The Gateway Trail links the Thurmont Memorial Park, the Trolley Trail, and the Thurmont Community Park to the trailhead located at the Lewis Area on West Main Street. Until further acquisition can be obtained by the Town of Thurmont,…

James Rada, Jr. The Roddy Road Covered Bridge had barely reopened after an accident in May caused significant damage to the roof and beams, when another truck crashed through the bridge in June, carrying part of it away. The bridge has been closed since June, as county officials have worked to secure a contractor to…

The congregation of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Creagerstown wishes to announce the appointment of Wayne Blaser as interim pastor (pictured right). He is an ordained Presbyterian minister. Pastor Wayne was born in the Philadelphia area and was educated in the Princeton Seminary. He graduated in 1973. His first charge was in Hagerstown, where he…

The 60th annual Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show will be held at Catoctin High School on September 9, 10, and 11, 2016. Entry of exhibits will take place on Thursday evening, September 8, from 6:00-9:00 p.m., as well as on Friday, September 9, from 8:30-11:30 a.m., in the new gymnasium and in the agriculture department…

This coming October, the Thurmont Lions Club (TLC) will be celebrating its 87th anniversary of service to the Thurmont community. Lions Clubs International, the parent organization for TLC, is the largest volunteer service organization in the world, with over 1.4 million members and a motto of “We Serve.” There are a number of service programs…

For many cancer patients, getting to and from treatment is one of their toughest challenges. The American Cancer Society needs volunteer drivers in Frederick County to help provide transportation for people in your community. Through the simple gift of a lift in your car, you can help carry patients one step further on the road…

Theresa Dardanell Hundreds of colorful school supplies filled the basement of Graceham Moravian Church on Monday, August 8, 2016. The Catoctin Community School Supply Drive, coordinated by Jen and Laura Harbaugh, collected donations from churches, organizations, and individuals from Emmitsburg, Thurmont, Lewistown, Sabillasville, and Rocky Ridge. Volunteers from Harriet Chapel and Graceham Moravian Church, along…

Theresa Dardanell Summer is not officially over, but students returned to school on Monday, August 22. They were greeted by many new staff members, who joined the teachers, administrators, and support staff at the local schools. Lewistown Elementary welcomed Belinda Pippin, Assistant Principal; Julie Ferguson, Therapist; Erin Stup, Special Education Teacher; Molly Howser and Marsha…

When you think of a volunteer fire department, the first thing that comes to mind is the serious nature of the firefighter’s job and all the dedicated volunteers who take on this responsibility. However, that’s only one side of the story. The other side of the story: Volunteers of all ages come together to work…

by “My Father’s Son” Around eight o’clock on August 27, 1925, Doctor Morris A. Birely was ushered by Lester Unger across the street from his home to the Thurmont house of Peter N. Hammaker at 26 North Church Street. Unger, employee and backyard-neighbor of Hammaker, had recognized the sound of an automobile motor running inside…