Ghosts of Frederick County
by Richard D. L. Fulton The boundaries which divide Life from Death are at best shadowy and vague. Who shall say where the one ends, and where the other begins? – Edgar Allen Poe Ghost and spirit stories and ghostly hauntings are as old as civilization itself, with virtually every culture on Earth having stories…
From the Mayor
ThurmontMayor John Kinnaird Here we are heading into October. Where has the year gone? School is back in session, Labor Day has passed, cooler days are here, and the leaves will soon be changing. One of the best things about living in this area is the experience of enjoying four distinctive seasons and the wonderful…
Town Hall Report
by James Rada, Jr. Thurmont Flood Mitigation Project Approved The Thurmont Mayor and Commissioners voted to approve funding for the Emmitsburg Road Flood Mitigation Project. The project will see the installation of two stormwater management facilities and a large culvert under Emmitsburg Road. The town had applied for a grant through the Maryland Water Infrastructure…
From the Mayor
ThurmontMayor John Kinnaird School is back in session. Please be aware of children crossing the streets and intersections, because they may not be watching for traffic as they should. Children will be walking, riding bikes, and possibly riding scooters. Also, keep in mind Maryland laws regarding passing school buses. In almost every instance, when a…
The King’s Gambit
James Rada, Jr. 9: Emmitsburg Lou Preston’s hand trembled slightly as he lifted the receiver and dialed the Gettysburg Police. His voice felt small in the quiet kitchen, white walls humming with the hum of the refrigerator. He reported the break-in at his house, every word careful and measured. A half hour later, an officer…
From the Mayor
ThurmontMayor John Kinnaird This year, the Town of Thurmont celebrates its 275th anniversary; and, yes, we are 25 years older than the United States of America. Way back in 1751, our forefathers decided to settle here because of the running streams, ample wildlife, and rich soils. After several years, the community adopted the name Mechanicstown…
Town Hall Report - Emmitsburg
by James Rada, Jr. Emmitsburg . Town Moving Toward Property Purchase The Emmitsburg Board of Commissioners recently approved a resolution to make an application of the Strategic Demolition Fund to get funds to purchase 304 East Main Street. The property has been considered an eyesore on East Main Street for years, detracting from the town’s…
Town Hall Report
by James Rada, Jr. Thurmont Changes to Municipal Parking Lot Plan Economic Development Manager Vickie Grinder provided updates on some issues that had arisen with the plan to make improvements to the municipal parking lot. The engineer working on the original plan left out stormwater management from the plan, which will add $75,000-$100,000 to the…
From the Mayor
ThurmontMayor John Kinnaird I just returned from the Maryland Municipal League (MML) Conference in Ocean City. The MML offers municipal leaders and staff members dozens of courses and seminars on topics of interest to our communities. I attended seminars on Policing-Immigration-Community Trust, De-Escalation of Confrontational Situations, Stretching Revenues, 2026 Legislative Recap, 2026 Federal Briefing, Maryland…
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: Christ Community Church (Creamery Road) — Awaiting the submission of updated improvement plans. The developer is also going to submit an updated grading plan for the Emmitsburg Planning Commission to review. Emmit Ridge — The developer is…
Emmitsburg Holds Community Garden Party and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
A Community Garden Party and Ribbon Cutting was held at the Emmitsburg Community Garden on Saturday, May 30, at 9:00 a.m. The event celebrated the second round of improvements to the garden. Light refreshments were provided. The Green Team hosted a seed-planting activity. The project was funded by a $13,000 Sustainable Maryland grant. The grant…
From the Mayor
ThurmontMayor John Kinnaird I was in the medical lab one day last week getting my monthly bloodwork. I need to go regularly to make sure the chemotherapy drugs I am taking don’t damage my kidneys. While I was there, I heard a technician ask another patient about their bad sunburn. The patient said that they…
Town Hall Report
by James Rada, Jr. Thurmont Thurmont Approves FY2027 Budget The Thurmont Mayor and Board of Commissioners approved the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The budget includes a $6 million general fund, a $12.2 million electric fund budget, a $2 million sewer fund budget, and a $1.2 million water fund budget. The town’s tax rate will remain…
Town Hall Report
by James Rada, Jr. Thurmont Sidewalk Work Ongoing The Town of Thurmont began a comprehensive sidewalk replacement project on April 14. The project, funded by a Community Development Block Grant and Maryland Highway User Revenues, will remove and replace the sidewalks on Lombard Street, Walnut Street, and Carroll Street. While the work is underway, parking…
From the Mayor
ThurmontMayor John Kinnaird This year, the United States is celebrating its 250th anniversary. I expect that there will be lots of opportunities to celebrate this milestone accomplishment! Interestingly, here in Thurmont, we are also celebrating a special anniversary. This year will be the 275th anniversary of the founding of our community by settlers from Pennsylvania.…
A Stitch in Time: Sew n’ Place Makes a Home in Emmitsburg
Emmitsburg’s newest business is bringing excitement for local quilters and crafters alike. Sew n’ Place, which opened in March at 101 Silo Hill Road (near Jubilee Foods), offers sewing machine sales and repair, along with a wide selection of fabric, thread, and accessories for sewing enthusiasts. The shop is owned by Michael and Hether Sneeringer,…
Town Hall Report
by James Rada, Jr. Thurmont Emmitsburg Road Flood Mitigation Project On Hold Unless a significant grant can be found to help pay for the Emmitsburg Road Flood Mitigation Project, it has been tabled. The Thurmont Mayor and Commissioners discussed the project during a recent town meeting. The project has been planned, and the needed property…
From the Mayor
ThurmontMayor John Kinnaird After record-breaking cold temperatures, snow that wouldn’t melt, and crazy storms, we are hopefully in store for some nice spring weather. Currently, the Maryland State Highway Administration is working to repave Emmitsburg Road from North Church Street to just past Eyler Road. Be careful when driving in the area, and watch for…
Mother Seton Student Raises Fund for the Thurmont Food Bank
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…
Town Hall Report
by James Rada, Jr. Thurmont Charter Review Committee Established The Thurmont Mayor and Commissioners passed a resolution to establish a charter review committee, which will review the current town charter and make recommendations to the mayor and commissioners of suggested changes by September 1, 2027. The mayor and commissioners also approved the following residents to…
