The railroad put Thurmont on the map and gave the town its name. When the golden age of rail travel passed, Thurmont eventually lost its rail service. “I remember when the trains started slowing down, and then one day, there were no trains,” Mayor John Kinnaird said at the grand opening of Maryland Transload Logistics…

Frederick Health, the largest healthcare provider in Frederick County, is pleased to announce the groundbreaking of a new, top-of-the-line facility in Emmitsburg. This facility—which will be built and operated in partnership with Mount St. Mary’s University—will provide award-winning local care to residents of the area, as well as staff and students of the university. This…

Part Two Terry Pryor In the 1990s, the United States Marine Corps tested the usefulness of commercial off-the-shelf skateboards during urban combat military exercises in a program called Urban Warrior ‘99. Their special purpose was “for maneuvering inside buildings in order to detect tripwires and sniper fire.” Yes, size matters. Most boards are about 7¼…

Emmitsburg Mayor Don Briggs Lots of things to unwrap in our town Christmas stocking for 2022. To add to the Christmas decorations adorning the square are the new façade improvements on the building on the northwest corner. From the impetus of becoming a state-recognized sustainable community leading to downtown upgrades, now the properties on three…

by James Rada, Jr. Thurmont Commissioners May Adjust Colorfest Fees The Thurmont Mayor and Commissioners reviewed the costs and revenues the town incurred during the 2021 Colorfest. The town had $25,707 deficit, which was the greatest loss since 2014. The town works to balance the income it receives from permits and fines against the costs…

Woodsboro Burgess Heath Barnes My hope is that each of you had a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday. December 4 and 5 was an exciting weekend in Woodsboro with the annual Holiday Bazaar at the Woodsboro Lutheran Church on December 4, and a visit from Santa on December 5. Santa made his rounds all…

Blair Garrett From humble beginnings to a 50-year business, Beard’s Trash Service in Thurmont celebrates a huge milestone. The desire to make a successful business that your family can inherit is not uncommon. However, the ability to make it a reality is a whole different story. Beard’s Trash Service is a family-owned business that epitomizes…

James Rada, Jr. Catoctin High School (CHS) recognized its graduates who have gone on to find success post-high school during its 6th Annual Distinguished Graduates Induction Ceremony in November 2021. Principal Jennifer Clements told the audience, “Catoctin High School is a place of deep roots and strong traditions. Our history is so rich because of…

A ribbon-cutting was held on Saturday, December 11, at 11:00 a.m. at Catoctin’s Closet, located at 12 East Main Street in Thurmont. Catoctin’s Closet is a retail store with handmade gifts and goodies by local artists and crafters, along with commercial products for the home and clothing. Thurmont welcomes Catoctin’s Closet!

At the October 2021 monthly meeting of the Vigilant Hose Company, the membership voted upon a recommendation from the organization’s board of directors to pay off the remaining mortgage on the fire station, located at 25 W. Main Street, and the balance remaining on the loan for its recently purchased Engine 61. The total debt…

During the year 2022, the Emmitsburg Council of Churches (ECC) will proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, share in ecumenical fellowship, and serve the community and world. In their regular service, sessions, and classes, members of the ECC will proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.  The Gospel (Good News) tells each person of…

Over 600 wreaths were delivered to the Thurmont American Legion on the afternoon of December 16 by Wreaths Across America. The wreaths were placed on Veterans’ graves at Weller Cemetery and Blue Ridge Cemetery the following Saturday, December 18. The wreaths were purchased by the Thurmont Lions Club and were placed by Thurmont Scouts. Thanks…

Like everyone else whose Thurmont history contains memories of Albert and Beulah Zentz and their family, we have all wondered what would happen to the old barn. I am delighted to share the word that it will not be demolished. Doug, from Playground Specialists Inc., was quite thrilled to impart this information, as he, too,…

Program Provides $5 Million for Outdoor Recreation Statewide in Fiscal 2022 The Board of Public Works today approved the last of 31 community parks and playground projects for this fiscal year, totaling $5 million in grants for new and upgraded outdoor facilities in communities across Maryland. Governor Larry Hogan’s Fiscal Year 2022 Budget included funding…

The Thurmont Grange #409 recently presented dictionaries to all third-grade students at Lewistown Elementary School. This is a community service project called “Words for Thirds” and all of the third grade students in the Catoctin feeder system have also received dictionaries (Sabillasville, Lewistown, Thurmont, and Emmitsburg Elementary Schools). The Grange is an agricultural organization, which…

Ryan Tokar, Thurmont Little League There is no such thing as a quiet offseason at Thurmont Little League (TLL), and this year has been no exception. The board of directors has stayed busy with big plans for the upcoming season. When the fall season ended, the league immediately began work on its typical offseason activities,…

Last year, a local group of players and coaches from Thurmont Little League (TLL) teamed up to plan the baseball trip of a lifetime to participate in the prestigious Cooperstown Dreams Park Tournament in Cooperstown, New York. This tournament is well-known nationwide and attracts hundreds of youth baseball teams each summer. However, as was the…

Blair Garrett After nearly two years without a consistent schedule, high school sports are officially back on track. Catoctin High School athletes have had to navigate abridged seasons and restrictions, cutting down opportunities for student athletes to compete since the spring season of 2020. Some students have missed out on half of their high school…

written by James Rada, Jr. A new serial fiction story for your enjoyment 5: Home Fire Burning Paul Cresap woke with his head throbbing and someone pounding on the door. He tried to open his eyes, but they were crusted over. He rubbed his eyelashes to break up the crust. Even then, he would have…

by Valerie Nusbaum NO HAPPILY EVER AFTER THIS MONTH – Val’s mom is in hospital