Community News
New Catoctin High School Distinguished Graduates Inducted at 10th Annual Ceremony
Zo Wetzel, CHS Student Catoctin High School (CHS) Class of 2026 was invited to witness the 10th Annual Distinguished Graduates Induction Ceremony on November 25, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. The event—presented by the Catoctin High School Distinguished Graduate Organization—serves to honor CHS graduates who have found success in the following areas: arts and humanities, athletics,…
Chester Stull Celebrates 85th Birthday
A lifetime resident of Thurmont, Chester Stull (pictured above, sitting, and right) celebrated his 85th birthday on December 27, 2025, at the Thurmont Senior Center. The celebration featured a lively 1950s sock hop. It was attended by many family members and friends, including numerous nieces and nephews, local friends, and his sister, Shirley. Happy Birthday,…
Remembering Two Remarkable Teachers:
by Joan Bittner Fry Mr. Billy R. Hodge, Sr., passed away October 11, 2025, at the age of 94. He was born in Ashland, West Virginia, and after graduating from Elkhorn High School in 1948, he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education from Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina. Early on, Billy…
Sharing Thanks and a Table: Community Gathers for Thanksgiving Meal
Alisha Yocum Volunteers once again gathered at the Vigilant Hose Company Activities Building in Emmitsburg on Thanksgiving Day to serve up a free meal, with all the holiday fixings, to anyone in the community. Seton Center, a nonprofit whose mission is to offer resources for emergency support services and skill development, catalyzing systemic change for…
Thurmont Lion’s Club 2026 American Heritage, Preservation and Patriotism Essay Contest
The Thurmont Lions Club and the Lions Clubs of District 22-W know how important it is to share our American Heritage and how to use that knowledge to inspire volunteerism. July 4, 2026, marks 250 years of American independence from Great Britain since July 4, 1776. As we reflect and celebrate this important milestone for…
Simmers Annexation Approved Again
James Rada Jr. In what has been a contentious development project and annexation process, the Thurmont Mayor and Board of Commissioners approved the annexation of the 16.7-acre Simmers property for the development of 61 single-family homes after a public hearing. The parcel is currently zoned for agricultural use. Following the end of the public hearing…
Honoring Thurmont Veterans Through Wreaths Across America
Alisha Yocum Sheetz, along with the partnership of Thurmont American Legion and the Thurmont Lions Club, came together to honor and remember Veterans through the annual Wreaths Across America program in December. Over 5,200 locations nationally gathered to lay fresh evergreen wreaths at the headstones of U.S. Veterans. “For the past two years, I have…
A Sacred Gift: Mother Seton School Celebrates Completion of St. Joseph’s Chapel
Alisha Yocum The bell of the newly completed St. Joseph’s Chapel rang out through the crisp December air on December 3, as Mother Seton School (MSS) in Emmitsburg celebrated the chapel’s completion with Mass and a dedication ceremony. The latest addition to the school was made possible through the donation of TJ and Donna (Fitzgerald)…
Town of Emmitsburg Gives Donation to Food Bank
The Town of Emmitsburg donated $2,304 to the Emmitsburg Food Bank from registration fees collected during the Turkey Trot in November. This is the largest donation made to an organization to date and the town is excited to keep growing the event to raise even more money in the future. Jessica Housaman (Town Employee), Julie…
Thurmont Makes Large Donation to Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund
Alisha Yocum One might be hard-pressed to find another small town that rallies with such strong support for a great cause. From pink house lights to community members and businesses sporting pink shirts and displays, it is clear that Thurmont is on a mission to help fight breast cancer. At a recent Town of Thurmont…
