Smithsburg to discontinue community newsletter

The town of Smithsburg is preparing to discontinue its Trumpet newsletter in favor of a new town website.

The Trumpet, which is delivered door-to-door, was started about 25 years ago, said Mayor Mildred "Mickey" Myers.

The newsletter initially included the minutes from the Smithsburg Town Council, Myers said. At that time, few people came to council meetings and the Trumpet was sent out to keep people informed on town issues, Myers said.

Now the town has a new website and the information that was in the Trumpet will be included on it, town officials said at a Smithsburg Town Council meeting Tuesday night.

The website, www.townofsmithsburg.org, was started about a month ago, said Myers.

The last Trumpet will be in December, she said.

Through the website, town residents can sign up for alerts to emergencies like water-line breaks, town officials said.

Council members on Tuesday night discussed using the alerts to inform people when new information is added to the website, such as council minutes.