Snow Removal

By LISA GRAYBEAL Staff Writer, Waynesboro WAYNESBORO, Pa. - Nearly 30 residents and business owners along Main Street told the Waynesboro Council Wednesday night that the new no parking ordinance for snow emergencies is leaving them out in the cold. Council President Kinney Stouffer read a petition presented by the group that calls for changes to the ordinance that prohibits parking from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. every day, all year around. "We understand the problem with snow removal, but this isn't the answer," said group spokesman Ron Stitely, who lives on North Grant Street.

Commissioners meet in Keedysville The Washington County Commissioners held the second half of their weekly meeting in Keedysville Tuesday night. The meeting was part of the commissioners' effort to meet in the county's municipalities several times per year. County to request bids for Virginia Avenue sewer work The county commissioners agreed Tuesday to send out a request for bids on a project to replace several hundred feet of sewer line beneath Virginia Avenue.

Aurand appointed to fill Town Council seat The Smithsburg Town Council on Tuesday voted to appoint Shirley Aurand to complete the remainder of former Councilman Jake Johnson's term in office. Aurand was sworn into office Tuesday. Johnson resigned in December, citing "increasing family commitments and responsibilities" as the reason for his resignation. His four-year term was slated to end in May 2004. "I am honored to accept this position ... I hope to serve the residents of Smithsburg to the best of my ability," said Aurand, who has lived in the town since 1973.

tammyb@herald-mail.com Area road crews were out in full force Monday in a Herculean attempt to remove the 2 feet - and sometimes more - of snow dumped on the Tri-State area over the weekend. More than 235 government and contract workers were attempting to clear roads from Jefferson County in West Virginia to Fulton County, Pa. And they were planning to be back on the job today. County Highway Department Director Ted Wolford said 85 full-time workers were manning 32 county trucks, and 18 private contractors were helping to clear Washington County roads.

Residents of North Gate Townehomes in Hagerstown want the city either to begin plowing snow and collecting trash in their community or give them a tax rebate equal to the amount they are paying to have those services performed privately, Julie Donat, president of the North Gate community association, told City Council members Tuesday. The request sparked a discussion among council members about requirements for new developments. Councilman Lewis C. Metzner said the situation in North Gate exists because the developer put in cul-de-sacs that don't meet city street standards.

Smithsburg considers snow plans By ANDREW SCHOTZ andrews@herald-mail.com The Town of Smithsburg is considering three plans to remove snow next winter, ranging from do-it-yourself to full-service for downtown parking spaces. The Town Council on Tuesday debated the pros, cons and fairness of each proposal, but made no decisions. Councilmen Charlie Slick and Jake Johnson said there's no point in rushing into a policy when the snow season is ending. Public Works Director Bill Loughridge recommended that the town plow snow from traffic lanes, but that residents and business owners clear their own parking spaces and mailboxes.

New town officials take oath of office CLEAR SPRING - A few words were spoken, right hands were raised, pie and cookies were served Monday evening, and Clear Spring now has a new vice mayor and councilman. Steve Blickenstaff took his oath of office as vice mayor with his family looking on. Stewart Brennan began a new term as councilman, having served before in the 1980s. Dennis Weaver, Washington County Circuit Clerk, took care of the swearing-in duties and had each town officer sign the official county registry.

By TERRY TALBERT Staff Writer Hagerstown Mayor Steven T. Sager listed administration accomplishments in an upbeat State of the City address at the Day's Inn on the Dual Highway Tuesday morning. Sager also made it clear that areas of disagreement remain between city and Washington County governments, especially over what he called the "county water and sewer debt fiasco. " Sager said the local economy has experienced "a phenomenal growth rate" in the past several years.

The Hagerstown City Council has spent more than $100,000 in unexpected outlays in the past two weeks. Between the financially troubled Hagerstown Ice & Sports Complex and a study to examine the feasibility of a Civil War museum in downtown Hagerstown, the council has approved $108,764 in previously unexpected spending. In addition, council members agreed Tuesday to give the Community Free Clinic $15,000, which also had not been budgeted. A vote on the contribution is expected Aug. 24. These new expenses are being covered by unspent money from last year's budget and money set aside in the current budget for unexpected projects, city officials say. When the mayor and City Council members were formulating the current budget earlier this year they spent hours discussing how to limit expenses and increase revenues in what was generally considered a tight budget year.