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…

The Thurmont Grange #409 held its annual Community Citizen and Grange Membership Awards Dinner on Monday, April 13. In addition to recognizing Grangers who have reached milestones in their years of membership, the Grange honors an individual or group that strives to make a difference by giving back to our community. This year, Vickie Grinder,…

by Thomas Minnick Have you ever considered being a part of something that is bigger than any of us? Something that makes a true difference in our community and people’s lives. Being a member of Guardian Hose Company is not just about answering emergency calls and participating in fundraising events; it is about being a…

by Richard Troxell As America celebrates 250 years, here in Thurmont on Saturday, June 6, we celebrate the Bicentennial of Apples Church and the Community. What better way to celebrate 200 years of the Apples Church Stone Sanctuary than by having an old-fashioned Heritage Day Celebration followed by a concert at 6:30 p.m., “The Voices…

Emmitsburg Community Heritage Day is a cherished event for residents and visitors alike. For some, the day’s highlight is the mouthwatering chicken BBQ, while others look forward to the early morning breakfast at the Vigilant Hose Company Activities Building. Children and grandchildren enjoy activities like the raw egg toss, pie eating contests, and a full…

by Geraldine OtrembaCascade Resident, on Behalf of the Committee to Protect Our Mountain The Washington County Planning Commission held a public hearing on Monday, April 6, at 6:00 p.m. on a proposed Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) that would prohibit small box variety stores in the County’s Rural Village zone within 1,000 feet of a property…

Nominations for the 2026 Wertheimer Fellow for Excellence in Volunteerism and Youth in Action Awards will be accepted May 1 through May 31 The Community Foundation of Frederick County is inviting the community to help shine a light on those who quietly make a difference. Throughout the month of May, nominations will be accepted for…

by Eric Wargotz, MD, FCAP MedChi President – The Maryland State Medical Society In rural parts of the state, including Western Maryland, patients face a persistent reality: the health care they access is often determined by geography, not by medical need. Some patients in rural communities must travel more than an hour just to see…

The Frederick County Fire & Rescue Museum, located at 300B South Seton Avenue in Emmitsburg, will open for the 2026 season on Saturday, April 11. The collection on display includes several pieces of apparatus and equipment from the early days of firefighting in Frederick County. The collection also includes some motorized apparatus, such as the…

Alisha Yocum Emmitsburg Elementary School (EES), in partnership with Helping Hands and Caring Hearts (HHCH), recently hosted a community event aimed at connecting local families with essential resources. From food, hygiene items, clothes, and toys, the volunteers were ready to help meet the needs of Emmitsburg families. Mary Beth Smith, the new principal at EES,…

by Geraldine Otremba, Cascade Resident, on Behalf of the Committee to Protect Our Mountain Cascade resident Danielle Durning—only after making inquiries—was advised by Planning Department staff that her Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) application related to the proposed Dollar General Mart at 14413 McAfee Hill Road is scheduled for a public hearing before the Washington County…

Alisha Yocum It was a beautiful day at the Catoctin Fish and Game Protective Association grounds on March 21, where everything centered around turkey hunting. Hosted by the Monocacy Valley Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), the annual Jake’s Day event brings together youth, ages 6–17, interested in or wanting to learn more…

Emma Barber, a student at Mother Seton School in Emmitsburg, created a lemonade stand to raise funds for the Thurmont Food Bank. Her grandmother lives near the food bank, and they noticed the long lines of people seeking food. Emma decided to help, and her hard work brought in $50.00 to be used to purchase…

The Thurmont Lions Club’s sandwich sales are back! The Thurmont Lions Club began its sandwich sales 24 years ago. The first two years were conducted out of the Lions Club trailer, next to Bell Hill Farm fruit stand. Beginning with the third year, the owner of Bell Hill retired, and the club was allowed to…

Piper Seiss of Thurmont is a new junior member of the American Angus Association®, reports Mark McCully, CEO of the national organization with headquarters in Saint Joseph, Missouri. Junior members of the Association are eligible to register cattle in the American Angus Association, participate in programs conducted by the National Junior Angus Association, and take…