Town looks to replace pumping station

Emmitsburg town staff is looking to solicit federal funds in order to construct a new pump station. The current pump station was built in 1964 and was last rehabbed in 1985, marking its current lifespan at 54 years; which unfortunately has really begun to show. In January of this year, pump #2 was not operational due to an inoperable valve, and in April the pump station’s pumps stopped, causing sanitary overflow.

The impacts of a failure in the pumping station are numerous and include overflow into creeks and streams, severe sewer backups and the use of tankers to manually haul the wastewater to the Waster Water Treatment Plant; all costly to the town. Additionally, The Maryland Department of the Environment issues fines from $1,000-$32,500 per day for failure to upkeep equipment within the pump station.

The town has already been fined $4,000 in 2010 and 2011, $5,600 in 2012 and will more than likely be fined this year for the most recent overflows.

The estimated cost of replacing/constructing a new pump station is between $2.5 million - $3 million. This estimate would include the cost of engineering and construction. Town Manager Cathy Willets informed the Board that Emmitsburg could potentially receive more grant funding through USDA due to the seriousness of this project. She asked that the Board allow town staff to begin moving forward with the grant process as well as seeking additional federal funding. The Board unanimously approved town staff to move forward with solicitation for grant funding.

Emmitsburg High School Alumni Banquet

The Emmitsburg High School 94th annual Alumni Banquet will be held on Saturday, October 20th. All graduates of Emmitsburg High School and all who attended the school at some time are invited. They are asked to seek out classmates and encourage them to attend. Graduation is not a requirement. Teachers of the Emmitsburg School are also invited.

The event will be held at the Emmitsburg Ambulance Center, 17701 Creamery Road in Emmitsburg. Social Hour will begin at 4 p.m., followed by dinner at 5:30 p.m.. The cost for the dinner is $25. Honored class photos will be taken after the meeting.

Anyone that has not received an invitation and would like to attend may call Sam Valentine at 301-447-2507 or e-mail csamv46@gmail.com.

Patriot’s Pen essay contest

Each year the VFW Post 6658 Auxiliary sponsors a contest titled "The Patriot’s Pen," which is open to students in grades 6 through 8. Students are required to do a typed essay of 300-400 words based on the theme "Why I Honor the American Flag". Monetary prizes are given the winners on local, state and national levels. Judging is based on knowledge of theme, theme development and clarity of ideas.

If interested please contact Annette Wivell at 301-447-3475 for an entry form. Entry deadline to VFW Post 6658, Emmitsburg, MD is October 31.