Town Limits

Here are some of the calls we have received lately: "A South County resident sits in her house and writes to this newspaper saying there should be no houses on our land, just cows and crops. If she doesn't like houses, why is she living in one instead of out in a cow pasture or corn field?" - Washington County "This is to the person who stole our Tigger Christmas decoration on Friday, Dec. 29. I sure hope that you enjoy the decoration and am sorry that you could not afford to go and buy one for yourself.

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.

BOONSBORO - A mobile home park could be coming to an area just outside of Boonsboro's town limits after a land developer claimed town officials reneged on a plan for annexation. Monument Gateway could accommodate 80 to 90 homes, developer Todd Easterday said Sunday. Boonsboro Town Manager Debbie Smith dismissed a roadside advertisement for the park as "a sign to show his displeasure. " As of late last week, no plans had been submitted for the property near Alt. U.S. 40 and Md. 67, said Mike Thompson, Washington County's director of planning.

CLEAR SPRING - Being useful to the community they live in was what prompted both candidates to file for town office in the upcoming election. "I want to do anything that is good for the town," said Stewart Brennan, the sole candidate for the open council seat. Brennan, 86, served on town council from 1983-86. Born and raised in the Clear Spring area, Brennan never stopped doing things for the town even after he went out of office. "The people who are in are doing a good job," he said.

Aleshire addresses town council BOONSBORO - Hagers-town City Councilman and Washington County Commission candidate Kristin B. Aleshire spoke at Monday's Boonsboro town meeting. He listed a few ideas he had for ways county government could work with town councils. Aleshire said he would like county commissioners to have an annual review of the top five issues each of the towns have. "It's important that the county commissioners know what the towns' needs are," he said.

Councilman Eichelberger announces resignation SHARPSBURG - Sharpsburg Town Councilman J.W. Eichelberger announced his resignation from the council at Monday's night meeting, saying he's moving outside of the town limits. Eichelberger's resignation is effective Sept. 1. Eichelberger nominated town resident Bryan Gabriel to fill his position, which the Town Council approved with no opposing votes. Councilman Russ Weaver abstained from the vote, saying he didn't know Gabriel and would have preferred to sit down and speak with him. He said his abstention had nothing to do with Eichelberger's choice for a replacement.

SMITHSBURG - Smithsburg Emergency Medical Services responded to 95 calls in April, bringing the 2006 total to 373 calls - an increase of 109 calls compared to this time last year, according to Capt. James Ulrich. Of the 95 calls for April, 19 were within town limits. Mutual-aid responses included 12 to Frederick County, nine to Hagerstown and two to Franklin County, Pa. Seven calls each were to the Leitersburg and Cascade areas, and another five were in the Mount Aetna area.