Town Hall Reports
by James Rada, Jr. Thurmont Rezoning Hearing Held The Thurmont Mayor and Commissioners recently held a public hearing about a rezoning request from property owners of 13 properties in town, and some that town staff identified that needed to be compatible with their zoning. Town Planner Kelly Duty reviewed the properties with the Thurmont Mayor…
From the Mayor
ThurmontMayor John Kinnaird As I write this article, we are in the beginning stages of our first major snowstorm of the year, and probably our biggest storm in several years. It looks like we may be headed into an exceptionally cold and snowy winter. There are steps we should all take when faced with this…
Town Hall Report
by James Rada, Jr. Thurmont Impact Fees May Be Raised The Town of Thurmont is considering raising its impact fees paid for new construction in town by 2.81 percent. They are paid for water, wastewater, roads, and parks. The fees currently total $23,320. If the increase is approved, the fees will total $23,965. The commissioners…
From the Mayor
THURMONT Mayor John Kinnaird Karen and I hope that everyone had a very Merry Christmas with family and friends, and that the New Year brings good health and happiness. The New Year is traditionally a time when we make resolutions about changing things in our lives, like losing weight, spending more time with our family,…
Emmitsburg New Business and Development Briefs
The following are the statuses of new businesses and development coming to Emmitsburg from the town planner’s report: Federal Stone (Creamery Road, east side of U.S. 15) — As-builts for water, sewer, lighting, and landscaping were received and are being reviewed. The town engineer inspected the property on December 2, 2025. Creamery Court Extension (Creamery…
Town Hall Reports
Thurmont Swearing In and New Liaison Assignments The winners of the Thurmont town election were sworn in during a recent town meeting, bringing a new face to the Thurmont Board of Commissioners. Incumbent Mayor John Kinnaird, incumbent Commissioner Wayne Hooper, and new Commissioner Chris Stouter were officially sworn in on November 1 and ceremonially sworn…
From the Mayor
THURMONT Mayor John Kinnaird First, I want to thank everyone who voted for me and for your continued support. My thoughts after the election are that we, as a community, can continue to work toward our common goal of making Thurmont the best it can be, and I look forward to playing a part in…
BusinessBriefs
Emmitsburg New Business and Development Briefs The following are the status of new businesses and development coming to Emmitsburg from the town planner’s report: Federal Stone (Creamery Road, east side of U.S. 15) — Awaiting as-builts for water, sewer, lighting, and landscaping for bond release. The grand opening was October 12, 2025. Creamery Court Extension…
Lincoln Avenue Traffic in Emmitsburg Should Get Safer and Slower
James Rada, Jr. Changes are coming to Lincoln Avenue in Emmitsburg that should, expectantly, slow the traffic on the street, increasing the safety and usability of the street. This would hopefully make it user-friendly for bicyclists and pedestrians, too. The big problem with the street is that it is used as an alternative to avoid…
Town Hall Reports
by James Rada, Jr. Thurmont Colorfest Fees Continue Being Discussed The Thurmont Mayor and Commissioners continue to talk about how to set fees related to Colorfest. After approving a 20 percent increase in permit fees, eliminating the yard sale permit, and increasing the town portion of the parking fee—from $4.00 per car to $6.00 per…
From the Mayor
THURMONT Mayor John Kinnaird Here we are in fall, with the beautiful foliage brightening our view. If you haven’t had a chance to get out and enjoy the colors, be sure to do so soon. Colorfest has come and gone, and we just had Halloween in the Park. Colorfest had a great crowd on Saturday,…
BusinessBriefs
Emmitsburg New Business and Development Briefs 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) — An occupancy permit has been issued. Received as-builts for stormwater. Awaiting as-builts for water, sewer, lighting, and landscaping. The grand opening…
DePaul Street Project Completed and Celebrated
A ribbon-cutting was held on October 11 to celebrate the completion of the DePaul Street waterline, sewer, and street improvements project in Emmitsburg. Town staff and residents along DePaul Street celebrated the completed project with coffee and donuts, provided by Mayor Frank Davis, who thanked the residents for their patience and understanding throughout the project.…
Town Hall Report
by James Rada, Jr. Thurmont Town Election at the End of October The Town of Thurmont will hold its town election on October 28 from 7 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Guardian Hose Activities Building at 123 East Main Street. The positions of mayor and two commissioners are open. They are currently held by…
From the Mayor
THURMONT Mayor John Kinnaird Here we are at the end of September already! Schools are back in session, and autumn is coming fast. With the changing season will come the nice cooler temperatures, colorful leaves, and fall events. We just celebrated the 69th Annual Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show, and I am looking forward to…
BusinessBriefs
Emmitsburg New Business and Development Briefs 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) — An occupancy permit has been issued. Awaiting as-builts. Grand opening is scheduled for October 12, 2025. Creamery Court Extension (Creamery Court)…
Local Private School Gets New Name
Alisha Yocum In 2023, Chesterton Academy of the Annunciation opened in Emmitsburg, offering a private Catholic school option for high school students. Originally operating under the Chesterton Schools Network, this spring, the school became an independent school in order to gain more curricular autonomy. The school recently selected a new name, Annunciation High School. Kristin…
VFW Post 6658, Emmitsburg
“The Patriot’s Pen” Essay Contest Each year, the VFW Post 6658 Auxiliary in Emmitsburg sponsors a contest, titled “The Patriot’s Pen,” which is open to students in grades 6 through 8. Students are required to do a typed essay of 300-400 words based on the theme: “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our…
Town Hall Report
by James Rada, Jr. Thurmont Gold Star Families Memorial Considered The Mayor and Commissioners of Thurmont are considering placing a Gold Star Families Memorial in Memorial Park. Gold Star families are families who have lost a loved one in one of the country’s military conflicts. “You have a lot here that would make this a…
From the Mayor
THURMONT Mayor John Kinnaird Kids are back in school, so please be aware of them going to and coming from school. This means kids crossing streets without looking both ways and sometimes riding their bikes in travel lanes or darting out from between cars. If we all pay attention, we can make sure our kids…
