(2/2021) Board approves KIA dedications
The Thurmont commissioners approved at their January 12 meeting the concept of dedicating town-owned bridges in honor of veteran Thurmont soldiers that have been killed-in-action. The topic had been originally introduced at their November 24 meeting.
The consensus was based on the understanding that the town would not fund such efforts, and that it would remain the responsibility of the entity seeking such a designation. However, in this case, the dedications were being sought by the American Legion.
American Legion Post 168 member Gary Spegal had presented the legion’s proposal at the November meeting, and then updated his request at the January 12 meeting.
Specifically, Spegal has been seeking approval to dedicate two bridges which include the Frederick Road Bridge, by Community Park, and the Moser Road Bridge in the vicinity of the library, in memory of United States Marine Corps Sergeant Woodrow Franklin Carbaugh, killed in action on June 5, 1968, and Marine Private First-Class Charles Robert Pittinger, killed in action on November 17, 1969. Carbaugh was a 1965 graduate of Catoctin High School (CHS). Pittinger was a 1967 graduate of CHS.
Additionally, a third individual, Marine Lance Corporal James Higgins, killed in Iraq, could be a candidate and thus subject of a bridge dedication, but it has yet to be determined in which community he was actually a resident. He was also a graduate of CHS,
Memorial signage would be placed at each end of the bridges that would be earmarked for a dedication.
The commissioners previously stated they supported such an effort, but that they needed assurance that any individuals who were to be so-recognized - actually resided within the town boundaries,
COVID-19 concerns addressed
Effective as of January 12, in-person attendance of the town meetings has been suspended due to the increase in coronavirus cases. The commissioners are also no longer participating in town meetings in-person and are now conducting the meetings remotely via Zoom.
Commissioner Hooper requested residents at the commissioners’ January 5 meeting to support local businesses during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Commissioner Hooper stated, "Please do patronize our businesses … local restaurants (and other businesses) … because people are scared. They’re not going out … for good reason … and we need to make sure our local businesses stay afloat."
He said that hopefully the coronavirus pandemic will pass, and that people will be able to get more vaccine shots… "and maybe it will make a difference," adding, "Hopefully (2021) is going to be a good one."
Commissioner Buehrer emphasized that people still need to protect themselves during the pandemic. "The numbers are not looking good with this COVID, so we’ve got to maintain this discipline until we’ve got this thing eradicated," he stated.
"I’m just asking our citizens to be diligent and respectful towards one another, and to follow the protocol," Buehrer said.
New officer joins Thurmont police
A new Thurmont police officer was sworn-in at the commissioners’ January 12 meeting.
Officer Michael Weaver was given the oath-of-office by Commissioner Hamrick, on behalf of Mayor Kinnaird, who was attending the meeting remotely.
Weaver is a resident of Thurmont, having moved into town in 1998 when he was hired by the Frederick City Police Department. Prior to that, he attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he received his degree in criminology.
Officer Weaver stated, "I’ve already been with the department for a few days and so far, it’s going very well, … it’s a little change from Frederick, but I like it … The chief really stressed to me the community policing aspect of it (the duties) and I’m looking forward to that."
