Mayor Pro-tem elected

The Thurmont Board of Commissioners voted to appoint a Mayor Pro-tem during the January Town Board of Commissioners meeting. The role of Mayor Pro-tem is to serve as the presiding officer during Board of Commissioners meeting exclusively; the appointed Commissioner does not have the authority of the Mayor outside of the meetings. The Pro-tem takes the place of the Mayor if he should be sick or otherwise incapacitated for an extended period of time.

Commissioner Bill Buehrer served in this position for the past four years, and was nominated again this year. However, Commissioner Wes Hamrick, who has not served in this role yet, was also nominated and ultimately received the unanimous vote. He will serve as Mayor Pro-tem for the next term. "I know you’ll do a great job," said Mayor Kinnaird in response to Hamrick’s appointment.

Board discusses potential County CIP’s

During the January 9 Town meeting, Commissioners discussed prospective Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) for the upcoming fiscal year. Last year was the first year Thurmont participated, and was fortunate enough to receive a $100,000 budget line item for the Moser Road sidewalk project. This project replaced the sidewalks from Frederick Road to the Thurmont Regional Library.

Thurmont’s Chief Administrative Officer, Jim Humerick, noted that the Frederick Road Bridge is in need of some repair. An inspection was completed last year and the estimated cost for the repair to the bridge is $32,000. Some of the work to this bridge can be completed in house, but Humerick still recommended submitting the project for county assistance.

Mayor John Kinnaird made mention of Carroll Street improvements that could be made. Carroll Street is in desperate need of new blacktop, and seeing as this road provides heavy truck access to Route 15, it could pose as a good possibility for county funding. Commissioner Martin Burns cited concern that Carroll Street improvements may appear as a town municipal problem, and the county may view this as lacking interest outside Thurmont. Instead, Burns suggested the Board consider finishing the curb and gutter in front of the Library. As it stands right now, without the curb and gutter, the project appears unfinished, and even though this may not be a financially large project, it may be worthwhile.

Nu-Way Cleaners comes to Thurmont

On January 20 a ribbon cutting was held for the newest business in Thurmont, Nu-Way Cleaners. Located at 12 East Main Street beside Thurmont Bar & Grill, Nu-Way Cleaners offers home pick-up and drop-off service along with an onsite seamstress. Nu-Way Cleaners is offering a January through March Special: 3 for 2 Special on any dry cleaning. The least expensive item is free. This special does not apply to rush orders, leather, or household items. They can be reached at 240-288-7163 for pick-up, delivery, or for questions on alterations and repair. Nu-Way Cleaners currently has locations at Ft. Detrick, and in Greencastle, Chambersburg, Carlisle, and two locations in Waynesboro. Thurmont is proud to have their business now located in town.