Washington County Courthouse

The County Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a $72,428.25 change order in the Washington County Courthouse security upgrades project. The money will pay to remove security panels in the holding cell area, install conduits for security cameras and replace the ceiling panels. The project includes the construction of a sally port for prisoner drop-off and security cameras throughout the courthouse, as well as other security enhancements. A recent cost estimate for the project by Bushey Feight Morin Architects Inc. totaled more than $900,000.

Ragland-Lowman Cheree Nicole Lowman and Robert Ragland III were married Saturday, Aug. 4, 2007, at Calvary Temple in Williamsport. The bride is the daughter of Marshall and Trisha Lowman of Hagerstown. She is a 2003 graduate of Washington County Technical High School and North Hagerstown High School. She is employed with the Arc of Washington County with the Individual and Family Support Services department. She plans to pursue a degree in human service and social work in the spring.

HAGERSTOWN - After dating for the last two years, Funkstown residents Chris Schultz and Kim Lushbaugh said they decided to tie the knot during a Valentine's Day ceremony at the Washington County Circuit Courthouse in Hagerstown. Schultz and Lushbaugh were among 12 couples who paid $85 each to exchange vows at the courthouse and alter their lives for, as the adage says, better or worse. "It's a lot better than spending thousands of dollars on a wedding," Lushbaugh said. "He's stuck with me. We might as well make it legal.

Workers on Thursday were relocating a utility line next to the Washington County Circuit Court Annex in Hagerstown, said Joseph Kroboth, Washington County director of public works. Kroboth said the lines have to be moved to provide power for an elevator inside the building. The job is expected to be finished in the spring.

A number of observances are planned around Washington County for the Memorial Day holiday. Today · Rose Hill Cemetery at South Potomac Street and Memorial Boulevard in Hagerstown will host a special Memorial Day service at 9:30 a.m. AMVETS Post 10 will perform full military honors, and a bagpiper will provide music. A historical interpretation of the Civil War will be presented by members of the Stone Mountain Raiders. Following the Memorial Day service, a cannon will be fired.

HAGERSTOWN - Despite the occasional belligerent defendant and threatening letters directed at him, Washington County Circuit Judge John H. McDowell said he feels safe and secure at work. But the Washington County Courthouse, as it stands, is not safe enough for Sheriff Doug Mullendore. Mullendore and county officials are working toward installing additional security devices, but dealing with a historic structure and satisfying the city fire marshal has proved difficult, said Gary Rohrer, Washington County's director of special projects.

A bank has purchased approximately 220 acres known as Mount Aetna Farms, off Robinwood Drive, just outside the City of Hagerstown. Auctioneer David S. Fox, chairman of Go Industry Michael Fox International, said Mercantile Safe Deposit and Trust purchased the property in a foreclosure sale for $9 million. The auction was held Wednesday on the front steps of the Washington County Courthouse in Hagerstown. About 20 people gathered for the auction. Michael G. Gallerizzo, an attorney representing Mercantile, said the property would end up in the hands of Osprey I LLC. No information was available Wednesday about plans for the property.

A bank has purchased approximately 220 acres known as Mount Aetna Farms, off Robinwood Drive, just outside the City of Hagerstown. Auctioneer David S. Fox, chairman of Go Industry Michael Fox International, said Mercantile Safe Deposit and Trust purchased the property in a foreclosure sale for $9 million. The auction was held Wednesday on the front steps of the Washington County Courthouse in Hagerstown. About 20 people gathered for the auction. Michael G. Gallerizzo, an attorney representing Mercantile, said the property would end up in the hands of Osprey I LLC. No information was available Wednesday about plans for the property.