Hancock

Cost of sewer service may rise HANCOCK - Hancock Mayor Daniel A. Murphy on Wednesday told the Town Council and residents that customers of the town's sewer service may be paying an additional $30 a year on their bills under a proposal before state lawmakers. Gov. Robert Ehrlich has proposed a charge of $2.50 a month on sewer bills statewide, with the revenue going toward the cleanup of the Chesapeake Bay. The money generated would help municipalities pay for a program that would reduce the amount of nutrient pollution that runs from sewer systems into the bay. Murphy received an update on the fee proposal and other state issues that may affect Hancock at a meeting in Annapolis.

Mayor: Daniel A. Murphy, 301-678-6635 Town Council: - Maurice "Rusty" Wheeler, 301-678-6055 - Randy Pittman, 301-678-5396 - Robert Anthony McCusker, 301-678-7345 - Sinclair Hamilton, 301-678-5719 The Town Council meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. Town Hall: 301-678-5622 Town manager: David Smith

Parish marks 175th anniversary The last day of the old year is the first day of a celebration marking the 175th anniversary of St. Thomas' Episcopal Parish. The church building is one of the few in Washington County that is original, having been in continual use for worship since 1835. It was closed for awhile during the Civil War, when it became a field hospital and headquarters for Union troops occupying the town. After the occupation ended, the church was reopened, restored and with only a few changes to its exterior and interior, is still the same as it was originally.