A Big Day for the Town of Woodsboro

It was a beautiful day in Woodsboro as residents gathered for the long-awaited ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Town Hall. Excitement filled the air as the town officially opened the doors to its very first municipal building—a milestone many years in the making.

Burgess Heath Barnes led the ceremony, alongside Woodsboro Commissioners John Cutshall, Bill Rittelmeyer, Jesse Case, and Denise Hahn, with town staff and community members joining in the celebration.

The event began with a prayer by Donald Beyer, Chaplain for the Woodsboro American Legion, followed by remarks from town historian C. Dahl Drenning, a fifth-generation descendant of Joseph Wood, the town’s founder in 1786. Drenning shared reflections on Woodsboro’s rich history, noting that the original plaque signed by Joseph Wood now hangs proudly in the new building as a reminder of the town’s roots. Woodsboro was later incorporated in 1929.

Burgess Barnes recounted the history of the town offices, which once operated from a small room at the sewage and water plant before moving to the Woodsboro Fire Hall Event Complex. When that building was sold, the town relocated to a construction trailer—originally intended as a temporary solution, but used for the next eight years.

The idea for a permanent Town Hall first emerged years ago, when Town Clerk Mary Rice proposed purchasing a lot under then-Burgess William Rittelmeyer. Although the initial plan fell through, a second opportunity arose when businessowner Jennifer Ryan sold a different lot back to the town at the original price she paid, allowing the concept of a Town Hall to take shape.

Sanbower Builders was awarded the construction bid, but funding remained a major hurdle. Barnes credited the town’s success to nearly $660,000 in grants, made possible through support from former Governor Larry Hogan, Delegate Jesse Pippy, former State Senator Michael Hough, and Maryland’s 2024 Program Open Space.

Barnes also praised the hard work of Rice and the town staff. “Thank you to the citizens of Woodsboro,” Barnes said. “This is your building to be proud of. We hope to have this building around for many years to come.”

Many local and state officials attended to offer proclamations and congratulations, including Frederick County Councilman Mason Carter, Frederick County Commissioner Brad Young, Delegate Jesse Pippy, Senator William Folden, and representatives from the offices of County Executive Jessica Fitzwater and from the office of Congresswoman April McClain Delaney.

“This is a wonderful example of collaboration between the state, county, and local partners,” said Senator Folden. “I will continue to champion these types of outcomes.”

A special thanks was extended to the local businesses and community members who contributed to the project: Hartzler Funeral Homes, Kinnaird Memorials, Old Towne Restaurant, Outdoor Solutions, PVI Furniture, Jennifer Ryan, Donald and Peggy Trimmer, Trout’s Market, Woodsboro Bank, and Woodsboro Craftsman.

As Commissioner Brad Young said, “This is a permanent home and a symbol of civic pride for generations to come.” Congratulations to the Town of Woodsboro on the opening of your first Town Hall!

Town of Woodsboro celebrates the opening of its first Town Hall. Staff member Mary Rice and Burgess Heath Barnes cut the ribbon.

Senator William Folden speaks to the community members gathered at the celebration.