Submitted by Joan Bittner Fry Recently, while browsing in one of my favorite thrift shops, I found a 2007 cookbook. The cover signified that it was written in celebration of the 275th Anniversary of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Creagerstown. Along with the wonderful recipes, there was the following interesting story about a flagon, a […]
The following are the statuses of new businesses and developments coming to Emmitsburg from the town planner’s report: Federal Stone (Creamery Road, east side of U.S. 15) — Under construction. Recent activities include installation of overhead doors and storefront windows, framing of interior office walls, and completion of most of the concrete slabs and masonry […]
Alisha Yocum Thurmont resident, Lousie Schafer, had an idea to inspire kindness throughout the town of Thurmont, her idea being to spread kindness and joy through rock painting and creating several “Be Kind” rock gardens throughout the town of Thurmont. With Kindness Day approaching on February 17, Schafer approached the town with her idea to […]
Each year, The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) holds an annual event to recognize the accomplishments of those who advocate on behalf of rural communities in Maryland. “It was a true privilege to meet and honor our Rural Community Advocates, each of whom exemplifies the spirit of service and dedication. Their work uplifts entire communities and […]
Lion Ruth Heaney Here is a trivia question: How many national parks are in the United States with “national parks” in their title? Answer: There are 63 national parks with “national parks” in their titles. Here is another trivia question: How many national park sites are in the United States? Answer: There are 433 national […]
Members of Squadron 239 Sons of the American Legion in Cascade visited Heroes Ridge at Raven Rock to present a donation to Operation Second Chance on Saturday, January 10. Squadron 239 is very active in the community, annually raising more than $50,000 to donate to Veterans and various community organizations. To raise this money, the […]
Inspired by Lousie and the “Be Kind, Inspire Thurmont” campaign, The Catoctin Banner will be doing random acts of kindness (RAOK) throughout the month of February. If you are the recipient of one of our RAOK, we simply ask that you pay it forward and complete an act of kindness for someone else. Our goal […]
Controversial Dollar General Approved for Site Near Fort Ritchie Challenged In Ongoing Court Appeals Geraldine Otremba, Cascade Resident, on Behalf of the Committee to Protect Our Mountain Background In August 2022, the Washington County Zoning Board voted 4-1 to approve a new Dollar General Market at 14413 McAfee Hill Road, granting to Outdoor Contractors Inc. […]
The Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) has announced a grant-funding opportunity, the Maryland Value-Added Producer Matching Grant (MVAPG), to encourage Maryland’s agricultural producers to engage in value-added activities and pursue financial support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Value-Added Producer Grants Program (USDA-VAPG). The USDA-VAPG is a highly competitive nationwide grant program […]
July 11, 1936 – December 29, 2024 Harold “Dick” Bittner of Thurmont died December 29, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born at home on July 11, 1936, in Lantz (now Sabillasville), Maryland, to the late Harold A. and Helen E. (Miller) Bittner. He was 88. He is survived by his […]
Submitted by Joan Bittner Fry Excerpted from a 1979 article in The Record Herald, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. Nearly four decades ago (before 1979), an innocent–looking radio shop in Waynesboro turned out to be the front for the leader of a gang of bank robbers. It put the town of Waynesboro in the headlines and cost the […]
Richard D. L. Fulton The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad (or more simply referred to as being the B&O) traces its origins back to Baltimore’s economic struggles, which the port city had faced in the mid-to-late 1820s. Prior to that time, the port city had thrived on engaging in exporting and importing, actually since the founding […]
Alisha Yocum Each year, Frederick County Public Schools holds a celebration to honor students who exemplify the leadership and character traits shown by Martin Luther King, Jr. Those characteristics include responsibility, caring, fairness, trustworthiness, citizenship, and respect. King was a visionary leader whose unwavering commitment to justice and equality shaped the course of history. The […]
Thurmont’s Masonic Lodge Offering Three Scholarship Awards Since 1995, Thurmont Masons have awarded scholarships worth over $100,000 to area students! Scholarships are available to all graduating high school level seniors from a Maryland State accredited public, private, and/or homeschool program who reside within the Catoctin High School district boundaries, as per the Frederick County Public […]
by Daniel Hoyle, CHS Student Writer Moving to Frederick CountyI was born in Westminster, a short 40-minute drive from Thurmont. I lived in Hampstead for the majority of my formative years. While the distance between the two may appear short, the cultures between the two couldn’t be more different to me. My grandparents own the […]
Alisha Yocum All the schools in the Catoctin High School (CHS) feeder pattern came together for a Community Night on January 28 at CHS. This annual tradition is supported by the Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTOs) of CHS, Emmitsburg Elementary, Sabillasville Environmental School, Thurmont Middle, Thurmont Primary, and Thurmont Elementary. During the event, […]
A serial fiction story for your enjoyment written by James Rada, Jr. THE CLASS OF ‘16 3: The First To Fall Brian Peyton’s eyes followed his former classmate, Thomas Hardcastle, as he hurried from the 10-year reunion of the Catoctin High School Class of 2016. Thomas’ complexion was pale, and Brian couldn’t help but wonder […]
by Mitchell Tester, College Student It’s cold out tonight. I open the slide door, and the frigid air hits me as I walk out my back door, telescope in hand. I make my way over to the table and set down the piece of equipment. I adjust it up to what appears as a bright […]
Love and Money by Tricia Bush, CPA, CFP®, Partner, Bestgate Advisors February is the month of love, a time when hearts and chocolates take center stage. But amidst the romance, there’s one topic that often gets overlooked: Money. For many couples, money can be a source of tension, misunderstandings, and even conflict. However, it can […]
February 1925, 100 Years Ago Warrant 2 Years Old Causes Arrest After a search extending for nearly two years, James Spear, about 30, formerly a Frederick lunchroom proprietor, was arrested on Saturday by County Constable Charles W. Smith on a warrant charging him with assault with intent to kill. The charge against Spear is the […]
By James Rada, Jr. Famous Inventor Dies in Waynesboro Peter Geiser could have been the patron saint of farmers in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. He made farmers’ lives easier and brought prosperity to Waynesboro. When Geiser died in 1901, both mourned his passing. “In the home from which he often looked over the town he had done […]
MICHEL TESTER Love is a Verb I LOVE YOU. Three powerful words. Yet, the truth is, they are just that, words, unless they are followed up by actions. Love is a verb. It requires doing. The fact is that nothing truly worth having is ever without effort and sacrifice. There are many types of love. […]
Maxine Troxell Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Goulash recipe is a classic meal that has been passed down through generations. There’s nothing quite like a big pot of grandma’s goulash simmering on the stove on a cold winter evening. The rich, hearty flavors are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. And best of all, this dish is […]
by Buck Reed The Pleasures of Pickling Pickling likely originated in 2400 BCE in Mesopotamia using vegetables stored in vinegar. Making vinegar itself can be considered a culinary art form, but using it to flavor and preserve a food product would be considered the masterpiece. I actually feel bad for people who do not eat […]
by Richard D. L. Fulton Cpl. Kenneth H. McGrew Saved by a Harmonica Kenneth McGrew (pictured right) of Woodsboro was born on October 12, 1924, in Fairpoint, Ohio, to parents Pinkney Ellis and Etta Mae Hepner McGrew. He died at age 85 on October 20, 2009, at the Glade Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in […]