(8/2020) NFA campus shut down until October

National Emergency Training Center resident courses for the National Fire Academy (NFA) have been suspended, and classes canceled through at least October 2.

This action taken by the center is the result of concerns regarding the COVID pandemic, including issues such as maintaining social distancing and non-essential travel. Regarding the any relevant updates or changes, NFA staff reported, "We continue to evaluate the national situation and will provide regular updates."

The NFA continues to offer online training. For online training options, visit the NFA web site (usfa.fema.gov).

University campus to open

Mount Saint Mary's University will open for classes commencing this month, with the first day of classes to be held on August 24.

According to information posted by the Mount, occupancy of the residence halls will take place in phases to limit the number of people on campus at one time. Students will only be able to move in during their assigned times and can only bring one helper each. Students and helpers must always wear a face covering.

Although in-person classes will resume for the first portion of the fall semester, on-line (virtual) classes will resume after Thanksgiving, and final exams will be held virtually. For a complete semester move-in and course schedule, visit the university website (msmc.edu).

Town may post Rainbow riprap

Town staff will be investigating whether or not signage should be posted at Rainbow Lake warning people not to walk on the riprap. Riprap is a barrier comprised of rocks and boulders intended to protect embankments along lakes and rivers from erosion.

The issue was brought before the town at the council's July 13 meeting, when Commissioner Joe Ritz said concerns came to his attention regarding the safety of people walking on the rocks, and the possibility that a person could slip on the rip-rap into one of the holes and injure their ankles.

Joe Ritz asked if the holes in the rip-rap could be filled, but Town Manager Cathy Willets said anything used to fill in the gaps and holes would be subject to being washed out, but that continued walking on the stones could also loosen them and cause them to fall into the water, defeating the purpose of having them.

Instead, she said signage could be an option warning visitor to not walk on the rocks, adding that she would send town staff to the lake to see what they suggest. There is presently no such signage at the lake.

Myers park dedication planned

Dedication ceremonies to be held in conjunction with renaming Emmitsburg's Community Park in honor of former Mayor E. Eugene Myers will be held September 12.

The dedication date and referring to the former major as "E. Eugene Myers," were both approved by the family, Commissioner Frank Davis said. "The (Myers) family is very much appreciative of what we are doing."

Town Manager Cathy Willets asked if the date could be made tentative, given the ongoing COVID issues, but Davis stated he doubted if more than 30 to 40 people would attend, which would stay within the COVID guidelines, adding, "We can work around it (COVID restrictions)."

Time and specifics for the September 12 have not as yet been worked-out or released.

The council voted unanimously at their June 1 meeting to pursue the proposal to rename Community Park in honor of former town mayor and active town resident who helped develop the park.