COUNTY CONNECTION An Inside Perspective of What’s Going On In Washington County, Maryland ISSUE: 11 DATE: July 29, 2022
IN THIS ISSUE... • • • • • • • •
County Commissioner Meetings Preservation Award Ice Cream Trail Discover Books New Park Equipment Permits & Inspections County Cleanups New Businesses
Save The Date Public Safety Training Center Ribbon Cutting & Open House Mark your calendars for the Public Safety Training Center's Ribbon Cutting and Open House on September 20, 2022. The Training Center is located at 18350 Public Safety Place, Hagerstown, MD. More details will be provided closer to the event date.
Business News Hagerstown Regional Airport Celebrates 10 Years with Allegiant Air In May, Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) celebrated 10 years of partnership with Allegiant Air. The first official Allegiant flight arrived at HGR from Orlando/Sanford International Airport on May 25, 2012. Since this flight, Hagerstown Regional Airport has provided service to a combined total of 386,869 passengers. The partnership remains strong with hopes of future destinations to come.
Updated Quarterly
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Washington County, MD Board of County Commissioners
The five-member Washington County Board of Commissioners is the county’s elected governing body. The board meets almost every week, on Tuesdays, in the Washington County Administration Complex at 100 W. Washington St., Hagerstown, MD. Meeting times will vary. The agenda for each meeting is sent out electronically and posted on the County’s website the Friday before the scheduled meeting. For more information on the County Commissioners and/ or receive information on up-coming meetings, please subscribe to our mailing list or visit www.washco-md.net.
JEFFREY A. “JEFF” CLINE
PRESIDENT P: 240-313-2208 | jcline@washco-md.net
RANDALL E. “RANDY” WAGNER
COMMISSIONER P: 240-313-2207 | rwagner@washco-md.net Updated Quarterly
TERRY L. BAKER
VICE-PRESIDENT P: 240-313-2205 | tebaker@washco-md.net
WAYNE K. KEEFER
COMMISSIONER P: 240-313-2209 | wkeefer@washco-md.net
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CHARLES A. “CHARLIE” BURKETT, JR COMMISSIONER P: 240-313-2206 | cburkett@washco-md.net
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Remembrance In The Park Event September 13, 2022, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
The Washington County Office of Emergency Management invites you to attend the annual “Remembrance in the Park” memorial ceremony in the Washington County Emergency Services Tribute Gardens at Hagerstown City Park. This ceremony is a time to honor those who currently serve, or have served, in the military, law enforcement, and emergency services and the citizens who volunteer to keep the community a safer and more prepared place in which to live. The memorial ceremony will also honor our fallen heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty to keep our community safe and protect the citizens of Washington County, Maryland. This event is sponsored by the Washington County Emergency Corps, Washington County Board of County Commissioners, and the City of Hagerstown.
Thank you to all who participated and submitted a dedication. We received 37 brick dedications for this year. These bricks will be laid in the Emergency Services Memorial Walk of Honor located in Hagerstown City Park. The revealing will be held during the Remembrance in the Park ceremony on Sept. 13, 2022
Please RSVP by visiting https://www.washco-md. net/news/youre-invited-2022-remembrance-in-thepark/.
Preservation Award Washington County receives MD Preservation Award Washington County Government received a Maryland Preservation Award for Outstanding Stewardship by a Government Agency for the Claggett’s Mill Bridges by the Maryland Historical Trust on Thursday, May 19, 2022. The ceremony included awards given to Lantz Construction Company dba Building Systems as the general contractor, and Gruber-Latimer Restoration as the subcontractor responsible for the stone masonry repairs to the three-arch bridge, and one-arch bridge separated less than 100 feet apart. The Claggett’s Mill Bridges were built in 1840 and 1841 and have been identified as national historic structures. The bridge rehabilitation was a federal aid project designed by KCI Technologies, Inc., and managed by the Washington County Division of Engineering with oversight by the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration. Updated Quarterly
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“This marks the 10th stone arch bridge rehabilitation project in Washington County over the last 20 years” Scott Hobbs, Director, Washington County Division of Engineering
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2022 Washington County Ice Cream Trail The Washington County Ice Cream Trail has been launched! If you have not already started your journey to the14 different locallyowned ice cream shops, it is not too late! At each location, you will receive a stamp on your Ice Cream Trail Map. Once you have completed the trail, send us a picture of your completed map with all 14 stamps and tag or email us: Facebook: @WashingtonCountyMD Facebook Group: facebook.com/ groups/washcoicecreamtrail Instagram: @washingtoncomd
Each person that submits a completed map will get a FREE Ice Cream Trail t-shirt and be entered into a raffle. Multiple winners will be selected to receive prizes. The last day to enter the raffle will be the last day of summer, September 22, 2022. To download the 2022 Ice Cream Map please visit https://www.washco-md. net/wp-content/uploads/2022-Ice-Cream-Trail_Print.pdf or scan the QR code.
Email: pr@washco-md.net Mail: 100 W. Washington Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740, Suite 1401 #washcoicecreamtrail
Celebrating Dairy Month in Washington County, Maryland Did you know? There are 103 dairy operations in Washington County, Maryland. With a wide variety of cattle breeds and over 13,000 cows, our County boasts the largest number of dairy farms in the state of Maryland! Varieties of cattle include; Holstein, Guernsey, Jersey, Ayrshire, Red and White Holstein, Milking Shorthorn and Brown Swiss. The health benefits and goodness of our local milk go into many products like cheese, butter, yogurt, buttermilk, cream cheese, an assortment of milk flavors and of course, ice c eam. Dairy Month (June 2022) - In celebration of Dairy Month in Washington County, the Board of County Commissioners presented a proclamation to Emily D. Stiles, Washington County Dairy Princess and to special guest Molly from Deliteful Dairy. Let’s raise our glasses of milk and thank the Washington County Dairy Farmers in our community!
Updated Quarterly
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Building Safety Month (May 2022) The
Washington
County
Commissioners proclaimed
Board
May
2022
of
County
as
“Building
Safety Month” in Washington County and urged all citizens to join them in recognizing and participating in the special observance. A proclamation was presented by Commissioner Wayne
Keefer
on
behalf
of
the
Board of County Commissioners.
National Public Works Week (May 15-21, 2022) The
Washington
County
Board
of
County
Commissioners proclaimed May 15-21, 2022, as “National Public Work Week” in Washington County and urged all citizens to join them in recognizing and participating in the special observance. A proclamation was presented by Commissioner President Jeff Cline on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners.
Discover Books The Washington County Department of Solid Waste & Recycling has partnered with Discover Books to provide citizens with a free book recycling service. This partnership will help to recycle unwanted books, support local libraries, provide books to low-income families, and keep items out of our local landfill. Drop-off bins have been placed in two locations within Washington County: 40 West Landfill (12630 Earth Care Rd, Hagerstown, MD) and Greensburg Convenience Center (13125 Bikle Rd, Smithsburg, MD). The following types of books are not accepted: - Water damaged (or any liquid staining) - Magazines, calendars, or games - Missing pages - Torn spines - Incomplete sets
Updated Quarterly
- Encyclopedia sets - Writing that obscures text - Workbooks that have any writing - Books with a foul or strong oder - Books with missing accessories
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- International editions - Advance Readers Copy - Instruction copy, examination copy, annotated instructor editions, books that have review copy, sample copy, etc.
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Washington County Public Safety Awards Hosted By The Washington County Chamber
T
he 6th Annual Washington County Public Safety Awards, hosted by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, took place
in June honoring the men and women of public service. Many individuals from the Division of Emergency Services, Sheriff’s Department, Volunteer Companies and municipal public service agencies were awarded for their bravery and heroic deeds and accomplishments. We are very proud of our public safety employees and agencies in Washington County that continue to keep us safe and respond to emergency incidents in and around the community. For more information on the awards winners, please visit: https://bit.ly/6thPSA
The Washington County Board of County Commissioners recognized May 15-21, 2022, as “Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week” in Washington County and urged all citizens to join them in recognizing and participating in the special observance. A proclamation was presented by Commissioner President Jeff Cline on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners.
Thank you to the Cadets that worked at the Public Safety Training Center pulling weeds, mowing, weed eating and doing exterior clean up. These young men did a great job and we appreciate their hard work! Updated Quarterly
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New Playground Equipment New playground equipment has been installed at Camp Harding Park (13029 Pectonville Road, Big Pool, MD 21711). Be sure to plan a visit soon. You should also take advantage of the other amenities Camp Harding Park has to offer, including: Softball fields
Canoing
Tennis court
Monarch Butterfly Station
Basketball court Boat ramp Fishing
New Park Equipment Reminder... If you have not already visited Clear Spring Park, Chestnut Grove Park, Marty Snook Park, and/or Pen Mar Park, we recommend you do as these parks received upgrades in the Spring.
Washington County Recreation Youth Summer Camps The Washington County Recreation Department holds Youth Summer Camps in different locations throughout the County. The Washington County Recreation Department continues to hold Youth Summer Camps at four (4) different locations throughout Washington County. Staff are doing a tremendous job with conducting creative activities to keep campers engaged and happy. The four locations that the Summer Camps are held are: Marty Snook Park, Maugansville Elementary School, Rockland Woods Elementary School and Williamsport Elementary School. Activities that the youth participate in during Summer Camp are crafts, outdoor exercises including swimming, sports, team-building, S.T.E.M. projects, nature walks, exploring and so much more! The Recreation Department continues to offer affordable programs for youth and for adults during the summer and will be launching fall programs and activities very soon.
Updated Quarterly
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2021 Building Code Review Committee It is anticipated the State of Maryland will adopt the Maryland Building Performance Standards (MBPS) to become effective September 2022. Local jurisdictions are required to adopt the MBPS with local amendments as needed to fit the needs of the jurisdiction within 12 months of state adoption. The Board of County Commissioners has recently approved the formation of the 2021 Building Code Review committee. The Committee will consist of various government, design, and construction
representatives. The purpose of the review is to consider safety, consistency, common sense, and customer service across agencies as it relates to Washington County. The committee will provide review of the state adopted codes and provide recommendations to the Commissioners for final approval. The local amendments will be the result of the work of this committee. The goal is to complete the process for adoption and implementation by July 2023.
Residential Temporary Certificate of Occupancy Policy Beginning June 1, 2022, the Division of Permits and Inspections will allow residential projects to request and receive a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO). This will permit residential projects to obtain occupancy prior to receiving all final inspection approvals due to extenuating circumstances such as material shortages, weather, paving, grading, and other issues as determined by the Director/Code Official as meeting the intent of the policy.
Staff Receive ICC Certifications Two members of the Division of Permits and Inspections staff received International Code Council (ICC) certifications. Gretchen Devore received the ICC Permit Technician certification and Jason Kendall obtained the ICC Residential Building Inspector certification. Updated Quarterly
As with commercial projects, residential projects must have received all required inspections. A list of outstanding items to be approved shall be compiled. A written/email request is required to be submitted to the Director/Code Official requesting a TCO be issued for the project. The request must include the building permit number, address of the project, the reason for the request, the estimated time of completion, and the list of outstanding items to be completed. Time approval is normally issued in 30day increments. A $75.00 TCO request fee is required to be submitted at the time of the request submittal. Contact the Administrative Assistant to arrange payment of the fee. Allow 24 hours for review and approval/denial of the TCO request. Any denial will receive a written response indicating the reason for the denial. This policy may be amended, suspended, or revoked at any time.
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Clean County Cleanups with Environmental Management Stormwater Management
T
he Stormwater Management team continues to organize and participate in Clean County Cleanup days. The above photo shows some litter collected at the Dargan Bend Boat Ramp. The trailer provided was filled to the brim with litter that was removed from the area - 1,420 pounds of trash to be exact! More Cleanup events will take place around the county. Be sure to follow our social media accounts for upcoming events.
County Staff Participated in Earth Day Cleanup and Tree Planting
T
o celebrate Earth Day, Washington County staff members participated in a cleanup and tree planting event on April 22. Volunteers collected 480 pounds of trash during the event. We encourage all citizens to do their part by picking up litter, recycling and/or planting a tree to help our environment and to keep Washington County beautiful for future generations.
Preservation Month in Washington County - Historic Preservation The Board of County Commissioners presented a proclamation and proclaimed May as Preservation Month in Washington County. Historic Preservation is an effective tool for managing growth and sustainable development, revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering local pride and maintaining community character while enhancing livability. The Board of County Commissioners also awarded local citizens at the 42nd Annual John Frye Historic Preservation Awards Ceremony. The recipients were recognized for their dedication and commitment to preserving and protecting the history of Washington County through historic rehabilitation, restoration, infill, letters, and advocacy.
Updated Quarterly
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2022 WINGS & WHEELS EXPO SEPTEMBER 10, 2022 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The Hagerstown Aviation Museum invites you to the 2022 Wings & Wheels Expo. Come see a large display of warbirds, modern aircraft, classic cars, trucks, RC model aircraft, airplane rides, music and local businesses. This community event is a great day for the family to visit the airport and learn more about Hagerstown’s aviation past, present and future. Bring the family out to climb aboard the Hagerstown Aviation Museum’s historic Fairchild C-82 and C-119 Flying Boxcars, C-123K Provider, and PT-26 WWII trainer aircraft. See exhibits and other museum aircraft such as the 1928 Kreider Reisner KR31 biplane, 1943 Fairchild PT-19 WWII Trainer, Fairchild 22, Fairchild 24, all built in Hagerstown. Visitors can step back in time and experience a memorable flight in the Hagerstown Aviation Museum’s 1943 Fairchild PT-19 Primary Trainer! Thousands of allied pilots earned their wings during WWII in this historic aircraft built by Fairchild Aircraft seventy years ago in Hagerstown, Maryland. By making just a $200 donation, visitors can experience the thrill of open cockpit flying! Flights are first come, first served, and weather permitting. Sign up for PT-19 rides at the museum gift shop in the Dome Hangar. The Expo will include a cruise-in of antique and classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles! Owners can bring their vehicle for $10 registration, and the first 200 vehicles receive a custom dash plaque! $5 per person suggested donation. Your donations will support future museum events and help rehabilitate the museum’s new home in the original 1943 Fairchild Aircraft Flight Test Hangar, also known as the Dome Hangar. Learn more about this historic building and its future at Wings & Wheels. Lunch and ice cream will be available from local vendors. You can also purchase museum merchandise, toys, books, DVDs, hats, and t-shirts. For more details, please visit: www.WingsandWheelsExpo.com
Black Rock Golf Course 2022 Frequent Player Card Special Hurry! While supplies last, 2022 Frequent Player Cards are ONLY $50.00 starting August 1, 2022. With a Frequent Player Card, not only do you get to play at a discounted rate each time you visit, but you also get 10% off on professional shop merchandise! Range balls are also included with a round of golf when using your card. Black Rock Golf Course only has 50 cards left in stock to sell so be sure to purchase yours today! For more information about Black Rock Golf Course or Frequent Player Cards, visit www.blackrockgolfcourse.com
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Business Ribbon Cuttings & Grand Openings
Hub Bubbles (June 30) Ritchie Revival (June 24) Vibez Lounge (June 21) Elwood Staffing (June 21) Fahrney Keedy Home & Village (June 16) Groundbreaking celebration; construction of 36 Independent Living Cottages and Storm Water Retention Pond Project. Grocery Outlet (June 16) Two Men And a Truck (June 16) Black Rock Barbecue (June 10) Slam the Weight (June 7) Horizon Goodwill Industries (June 1) Island Twist Juice Bar (May 31) Mamma’s Biscuits (new culinary incubator, built by Fletcher Incubator + Labs at Hagerstown Community College) (May 26) Mid-Atlantic Veterinary Hospital (Grand Re-opening) (May 21) The Foundry (May 20) A Class Hair Studios & A Class Barbers (May 19) Get Right Barbershop (May 13) Lotus Moon Café (May 13) Still Smokin’ BBQ (May 13) Cindy’s Old Thyme Country (May 13) IKO Roofing Northeast, Inc. (May 12) UScellular – ANW Wireless North Hagerstown MD (May 10) The Arc of Washington County, Inc. (May 10) The Circuit Court’s Help Center (May 6) Boonsboro Farmers Market (Seasonal Grand Opening) (May 4) Zach Greenlee’s Fireside Restaurant & Lounge (May 3) Planet Fitness (Grand Re-opening) (April 21) Guitar Center (April 21) GMG Home Healthcare (April 12)
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Washington County Congratulations Washington County superintendent Boyd Michael has retired after a 43-year career with the public school system. His last day was June 30, 2022. Thank you for your many years of service to Washington County and for providing education excellence to the students and educators in our county.
Congratulations to 4 Star for celebrating their 32nd Anniversary (May 23, 2022)
Congratulations to Brethren Mutual Insurance Company for celebrating 125 years of business (May 12, 2022)
Congratulation to class CO22-02H State Correction Academy (May 11, 2022)
Congratulations to Direct Mail Processors, Inc. Hagerstown for celebrating its 30th anniversary (April 13, 2022)
Congratulations to Elizabeth McDonald for being Awarded Teacher of the Year by the Maryland State Board ( May 24, 2022)
Congratulations to Maryland Watch Works for celebrating their 2nd anniversary (April 20, 2022)
Congratulations to TG Designs Florist & Garden Center for their 25th anniversary (May 2, 2022)
Congratulations to Tri-County Council for Western Maryland’s for celebrating their 50th Anniversary (May 11)
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Thank you...
From John M. Martirano, Esq. County Administrator
"First, I want to personally express my thanks and appreciation to our County staff for their hard work and dedication and for the services they provide on a daily basis to the citizens of our County. During the past few months, the County has had the privilege of celebrating the opening of many new local businesses, and there are more celebrations to come, including the opening and ribbon cutting for the new Public Safety Training Center on Sharpsburg Pike. As we enter the second half of 2022, I encourage you to visit and enjoy one of Washington County’s beautiful parks or participate in an activity Washington County has to offer. Travel along the Ice Cream Trail, play a round a golf at Black Rock Golf Course, take a trip from Hagerstown Regional Airport, or participate in a Countysponsored recreational program to name just a few. Also, be sure to mark your calendars for the Remembrance in the Park event scheduled for September 13th. Take good care, be safe and enjoy the rest of the summer." Updated Quarterly
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