Washington County Government has restructured several County divisions by reassigning staff from the Division of Plan Review & Permitting to the following divisions:
- Permits & Inspection (formerly Division of Construction)
- Engineering
- Planning & Zoning
The restructuring streamlines planning, zoning, engineering, permitting, inspection, and construction services currently offered by the County.
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Restoration Efforts Lead to Workforce Development Initiative |
MDPSCS has partnered with the Town of Williamsport News to help repair the gravesites that were recently vandalized and to also restore headstones that are over a hundred years old. Several members of local delegation and a local Boy Scout troop were also in attendance at this ceremony.
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Washington County Government attended the 2021 MACo Conference in Ocean City. Several commissioners and staff were in attendance and the Public Relations staff participated in a panel presentation on Crisis Communications. |
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BOOSTER SHOTS
**As Meritus Health is in the initial days of all three boosters being available, be prepared to wait in line if you are coming in during these first few days/weeks. Vaccine staff is working as efficiently as possible to get you through the process. Thank you for your patience. **
Booster Update:
New approvals on vaccine boosters for adults mean the following for the Meritus COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Robinwood Professional Center and the mobile clinics out in the community.
Moderna booster
- At least six months after the second dose
- 65 and older OR
- 18-64 and EITHER at high risk for severe COVID-19 OR frequent exposure due to home or work environment
Pfizer booster
- Identical to Moderna criteria above
J&J booster
- At least two months after the initial shot
- 18 and older
Walk-in days/hours, community clinic locations, and details on receiving booster doses of a different vaccine product than originally given available online HERE.
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PROJECT SPOTLIGHT: HAGERSTOWN CROSSROADS AT I-81 |
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Location: Wright Road (I-81 and I-70 Crossroads) |
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Washington County continues to experience explosive economic growth. In September, members from the Washington County Government joined Penzance to celebrate the groundbreaking of Hagerstown Crossroads at I-81, an 825,000 square foot building built on speculation. Spec building occurs when a developer sees enough strength in the community’s resources, assets, and geographic location to embark on a massive construction project before securing a tenant to ensure their multi-million-dollar investments are ready to produce income.
Building on speculation sends a powerful signal to developers across the globe that the Washington County area is the place to be now and going into the future. Some communities are proud to have one speculative development occur every few years while Washington County has currently seen the investment of THIRTEEN of these projects since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The citizens of Washington County should be very proud to be taking part in the economic revitalization of their community.
The development site for Hagerstown Crossroads at I-81 is along Wright Road at the intersection of Interstates 81 and 70 in Hagerstown. Washington County Government, in conjunction with the developer and funded entirely by federal grants, will be realigning Wright Road to increase the number of access points to the site to allow for approved connectivity to Interstates 81 and 70, which are less than one mile away.
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Grand Opening for Marty's Mythical Woods |
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the completion of Marty's Mythical Woods! Members from Marty Snook's family were in attendance to help with cutting the ribbon. A special thank you to the amazing Parks crew for pulling this project together, and to Jason Stone of Chain Effect for his beautiful wood carvings. This all-natural play area is unique to the area and is sure to bring excitement to kids of all ages.
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Additional pickleball courts have been throughout Washington County! The County has received increased interest in pickleball and to accommodate the sport, lines have been added to the tennis courts at the following parks:
- Regional Park
- Clear Spring Park
- Pleasant Valley Park
- Chestnut Grove Park
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TURKEY TROT 5K - Thursday, November 25th at 9:00 a.m. |
The 21st Annual Turkey Trot 5K will take place on Thanksgiving Day, November 25th at 9:00 a.m. at Hagerstown Community College, located at 11400 Robinwood Drive in Hagerstown. Make a commitment to your health and join this great event and support the HCC Athletics programs. The course is a 3.1 mile loop style course on HCC's campus including paved roadways with a short segment of gravel road and ending inside the ARCC on a mondo surface. The cost is $25 per participant.
There will also be the Mashed Potato Kid’s Race and offering the Pooch Pack making this a dog-friendly race.
As part of the Turkey Trot, Hagerstown Community College is proud to announce its annual food drive. All Turkey Trot participants are asked to bring canned/nonperishable goods with them on Thanksgiving morning. The items will be donated to local food banks. Also, representatives from the "Toys for Tots" program will be onsite to collect new, unwrapped toys. For every food/toy item donated you will receive a ticket to be entered into your choice of prize bundle options. Winning tickets will be drawn after the start of the race. Please think of those in need during the holiday season and help us reach our goals.
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INTRO TO ROLLER SKATING
Begins October 26th
(Dates vary based on location)
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This is an introduction to roller skating that focuses on the fundamentals of roller skating and teaches youth how to skate in a fun and safe environment. There are two locations for these classes: Starland Roller Rink and Turner's Skate Palace. The dates of classes vary with location. This program is hosted by Washington County Recreation Department and you can register by clicking on the photo above. |
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CHILDREN'S AGILITY & GYMNASTICS PROGRAMS
Begins November 8th
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A transitional program for children learning to engage with a group and participate in activities. These classes will have a combination of physical activities, including tumbling, jumping, hanging, and climbing to build your child's agility, flexibility, balance, and confidence. All while having fun.
3 Age-appropriate Programs:
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Tumbling Tots: 3 to 5 year-olds – Parent/Child Program
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Little Ninjas: 3 to 5 year-olds – Parent participation
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New Moves: 3 to 6 year-olds
Times vary based on program choice. Click the photo to register.
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HOLIDAY PHONE CALLS FROM THE NORTH POLE |
FREE for ages 3-6 years old on Tuesday, December 14th, and Wednesday, December 15th. Schedule your phone calls from Santa, Mrs.Claus, and their Elves. Click the photo above to sign-up and learn more. |
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New winter recreation and fitness programs will be released in our Winter Issue! Stay tuned for activities and events for the 2022 new year! Click on the photo above to learn about programming and opportunities with Washington County Parks and Recreation. |
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Online Sales and Telework Opportunities Grant Program - JUST A FEW MORE DAYS TO APPLY! |
The Department of Business Development announced on October 4, 2021, applications for the Online Sales and Telework Opportunities Grant Program had been reopened. This grant program is intended to assist businesses in setting up an online sales framework and offer employees telework opportunities.
Application acceptance closes at 2:00 p.m. EST, Tuesday, November 2, 2021. Read more here.
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Opening of CBES at Hagerstown Community College |
The Department of Business Development recently toured the newly renovated David W. Fletcher Incubator and Labs at Hagerstown Community College. The new incubator/accelerator is dubbed CBES, the Center for Business and Entrepreneurial Studies, and is already accepting applications from entrepreneurs across the country.
The CBES will serve as the hub for the reinvigorated entrepreneurial ecosystem in Washington County, by creating affordable space, mentorship from local flourishing businesses, and by providing the resources to guide new businesses to a successful start. Washington County, MD would like to extend a warm welcome to the new director of the CBES, Justina Shaw, who will lead HCC’s new facility as it becomes an integral part of the local business community.
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2021-2022 Farm of the Year |
Congratulations to Ivy Hill Farm for being named as the 2021-2022 Washington County Farm of the Year! The Farm of the Year program recognizes a Washington County farm that showcases excellence in agriculture and promotes a greater understanding of the challenges faced by today’s farmers. Production, conservation, preservation, community involvement, and dedication to farming and agriculture, are the gold standard for this award. Applications are accepted annually from August to September and after judging, the winner is announced in October.
The 2021-2022 Farm of the Year, Ivy Hill Farm is located on a 57-acre rolling hillside farm located in Smithsburg. The Martin Family has been operating in the Smithsburg community since 1850. Steve and Karen Martin own and operate Ivy Hill Farm featuring 42 acres of fruit production growing apples, peaches, cherries, plums, and another 28 acres dedicated to the greenhouses, producing tomatoes, squash, green beans, and sweet corn. The Ivy Hill Farm Stand is a “must visit” for everyone including jams, jellies, apple cider farm-raised products. Sons Justin and Tim Martin represent the 7th generation tied to Ivy Hill Orchard along with the eighth generation growing up in the business.
Steve and Karen Martin have dedicated their lives to the development and education of agricultural youth including 4-H and FFA, to the advancement of the fruit industry and continue to be intertwined with the Smithsburg community.
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Washington County is rich in agricultural land. Farmers in our county make the food, fiber, and fuel that we all use daily. The Faces of Farming Campaign will feature two local farmers each month and provide a brief snapshot of what they produce and why they love their jobs. Faces of Farming can be seen on the county website, Facebook page, and the AG App.
Lewis Orchard and Litton’s Berries and Produce will be the first featured local farms and will be debuted at the November 2, 2021 Board of County Commissioners meeting. Thank a Farmer if you ate food today.
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Download the Ag App today! The Washington County Agritourism App is free to download and features all Washington County agricultural producers and businesses that offer products, experiences, and fun things to do. Support the local movement by eating fresh, shopping small, and buying local. Each time you make a purchase at a farm or agribusiness, you are supporting a local farm family.
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Ribbon Cuttings & Grand Openings |
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Antietam Wealth Management
1459 Potomac Avenue
Hagerstown, MD
Horizon Goodwill - South End
1101 Maryland Avenue
Hagerstown, MD
Center for Business & Entrepreneurial Studies (CBES)
20140 Scholar Drive
Hagerstown, MD
Dixie Eatery
4 North Main Street
Smithsburg, MD
JP Mino Coffee II
Hagerstown Premium Outlets (Food Court)
Hagerstown, MD
Penny Mart
101 E Washington Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Artist's Palette Hair Salon & Gallery
2 West Water Street
Smithsburg, MD
The Smithsburg Studio
2 West Water Street
Smithsburg, MD
Charlie and Sam's Bakeshop & Cafe
22 N Mulberry Street
Hagerstown, MD
Ice Cream Shop
96 W Washington Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Veterans Restoration
28 S Potomac St, Suite 308
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Hagerstown Crossroads at I-81 Penzance
Wright Road (intersection of I-81 and I-70)
Nathan's Ridge
323 & 325 N. Potomac Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Forever Mine Diamonds
Valley Mall
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Inspire Detailing
415 S. Conococheague Street, Suite 400
Williamsport, MD
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Leave YOUR Legacy - Public Safety Training Center Fundraising Campaign |
The Division of Emergency Services is currently seeking sponsors for the new Washington County Public Safety Training Center. Show your support to the men and women of public safety by supporting this new state-of-the-art training facility.
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9/11 Remembrance Ceremony |
Washington County Government commemorated the 20th anniversary of 9/11 at Hagerstown Regional Airport. This ceremony honored the lives lost and the American heroism on that tragic day 20 years ago. |
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The Washington County Board of County Commissioners, County Administrator, and staff presented transportation priorities for Washington County, MD at the 2021 MDOT CTP Tour Meeting. |
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County Engineers of Maryland Conference |
Several Washington County staff members attended the County Engineers of Maryland Conference in Ocean City. Doug Levine serves as President of this organization and Andrew Eshleman delivered a presentation during the conference. Zane Rowe, Dave Mason, Mel Fraley, and Mark Bradshaw were also in attendance representing Washington County, MD. |
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Washington County Government is hiring! |
Washington County Human Resources invites those seeking employment to visit www.washco-md.net/jobs. The County has various job openings where you could find your future career! We are offering both full-time and part-time opportunities across different departments and divisions.
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Public Hearing: Black Rock PUD |
The Department of Planning and Zoning announces the Board of County Commissioners public hearing originally scheduled for Tuesday, September 28, 2021, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. at Kepler Theater. The public hearing is in regards to a major change request (RZ-21-003) for the Black Rock PUD.
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PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING |
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We want to know YOUR fall activities. If you are a business, club, or organization planning fall activities, please let us know! Complete the form by clicking HERE to be added to our Community Events Calendar. *Disclaimer: Activities must be taking place in Washington County, MD.
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The Board of County Commissioners recognized the Department of Public Relations & Marketing for receiving an Emmy award in partnership with HighRock and the Washington County Health Department for the Covid-19 awareness Threads of Hope campaign video Grandma's House.
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Language Translation on Website |
The Washington County Government website now offers a Google Translator. This means a translator plugin was installed on www.washco-md.net so our citizens can view all pages in their preferred language at the click of a button. This translator function is located in the top right corner of every page on the site.
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Washington County Government and Board of Elections had over 60 participants for the 2021 Day of Caring held on Thursday, September 16, 2021. Scattered among 6 different worksites, employees enjoyed a day giving back to our community. |
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Clothing Donation Drop-Off |
There are several drop-off bins and everything dropped off here will stay in our local communities to help others. Remember this next time you’re cleaning out!
Location: Forty West Landfill
12630 Earth Care Road
Hagerstown, MD 21740
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The Board of County Commissioners holds public meetings on Tuesdays usually at 10:00 AM. All meetings can be viewed on Washington County Government Facebook page and YouTube channel. Citizens are welcome to participate in person.
The meeting schedule can be located here.
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Sign-Up for Email Notifications |
Stay informed with what's happening around the County.
Click here to sign-up for email notifications and choose what information you would like to receive. Your email address will be kept strictly confidential. |
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Download the Wash Co Govt App! |
Get the latest updates at your fingertips by downloading the Washington County Government App on your smartphone.
The app can be downloaded by iPhone users on the App Store and Android users on Google Play.
Download today and find local events and the latest news from Washington County Government.
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Washington County Government Offices Closed |
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HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT (HGR) |
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Dates Extended for Flights to St. Pete/Clearwater, Florida |
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Allegiant has extended the dates of flights offered from Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) to St. Pete-Clearwater, FL (PIE) from November 18, 2021 - May 15, 2022. Flights are available for booking at allegiantair.com.
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WASHINGTON COUNTY GOVERNMENT |
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