Community News

Catoctin Banner editor James Rada Jr. won an award for his column writing at the the Maryland-Delaware-DC Press (MDDC) Association on May 8. Rada is also a columnist for the Frederick News-Post, writing a weekly history column called “Frederick County Rewind.” His column “Thurmont Cat Lady lived in a bus” won 2nd place in the…

Tara Miller Nominated by Linda Reed by Alisha Yocum With her warm smile and welcoming demeanor, it is easy to see how Tara Miller is making an impact on the community. Over the years, Miller has worked in a variety of careers, including serving as a kindergarten teacher and working in both a veterinary clinic…

The Fort Ritchie Community Center recently hosted a Fun Run/Walk along with a Health & Wellness on May 16.  The 5K winners were: 1st Place—Dave and Rosie Lehr (center), 2nd Place—James Summers (left), and 3rd Place—Dean Petersen (right).

VFW John R. Webb Post 3285 conducted its 2026 VFW National Day of Service by participating in a stream cleanup on May 9 (pictured above) with The City of Frederick Sustainability Department. The group collected 1,500-plus pounds of trash from the Rock Creek stream in Frederick. A team of 34 volunteers came together to make…

Nicholas Miller (pictured right) of Thurmont was recognized for academic excellence during Hamilton College’s annual Class & Charter Day ceremony on May 12. Miller received The Holbrook Prize in Biology, an award presented to seniors who achieve the strongest academic records in six biology courses. The honor is one of several academic and scholarly achievement…

By Alisha Yocum Richard Troxell grew up in Thurmont before attending the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, where he graduated and went on to build a career as a tenor opera singer performing around the world. Troxell, who had recently finished his role as Dr. Caius in Falstaff in Philadelphia, was back in Thurmont…