The Frederick County Council voted for the approval of the Sugarloaf Treasured Landscape Management Plan on Tuesday, passing the plan to preserve Sugarloaf Mountain and surrounding land, but pushed back a decision on development restrictions in the area to the council that will take office in December, following the November elections (according to a report by Jack Hogan of the Frederick News Post).

The Washington Post reports that the Frederick County Council rejected a last minute compromise, 4-3, that could lead to further conflict between county officials and the property owner. Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner expressed disapproval of the compromise at the meeting, while County Councilmember Kai Hagan, who proposed the compromis, referred to it as “an effort to advance the strongest plan we can get”.


The Frederick County Council unanimously voted to postpone its decision on a plan to preserve Sugarloaf Mountain and its surrounding area during its meeting on Tuesday, October 18th. The vote on the Sugarloaf Treasured Landscape Management Plan will now take place on October 25th.

Original report: Stronghold,  a non-profit corporation organized in 1946 by the late Gordon Strong, owns and operates the Sugarloaf mountain property “for the public’s enjoyment and education in an appreciation of natural beauty.” The Frederick County Council is scheduled to vote in today’s meeting (October 18th) on whether to approve the Sugarloaf Treasured Landscape Management Plan that includes standards for development in the plan area and prohibits certain uses, including carnivals, shooting ranges and landfills, per the Frederick News Post.


Field of Screams, now in its 22nd year in business, was recently voted as the #1 spot in USA Today’s 10 Best Haunted Attractions in the country. Located in Olney, this Hollywood-level production includes well-trained actors and an intense fright experience with decor and props not seen outside the movie industry.

Enter a horrifically terrifying world beyond imagination at the Fields of Screams in Olney, Maryland. A good walk through the woods on The Haunted Trail and Trail of Terror leaves visitors scurrying away. Along their journey, guests are welcomed into thirteen haunted houses, where they might find anything from dead bodies to hillbillies and butchers. Enjoy Body Bean Bag Pumpkin Toss, Zombie Brain Smash, and other Carnival Town Games for a thrilling, competitive experience.


The 2022 Election for 2 Poolesville Town Commissioners will be held on Tuesday, November 8, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM at Poolesville Town Hall. Additional information on the election can be found below:

Residents qualify to vote in the Poolesville Town elections through registration with the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors of Elections. If you have recently relocated within Poolesville’s corporate limits, please ensure that you have changed your address with the county.


10/19 Update: The Frederick County Council unanimously voted to postpone its decision on a plan to preserve Sugarloaf Mountain and its surrounding area during its meeting on Tuesday, October 18th. The vote on the Sugarloaf Treasured Landscape Management Plan will now take place on October 25th.

Stronghold,  a non-profit corporation organized in 1946 by the late Gordon Strong, owns and operates the Sugarloaf mountain property “for the public’s enjoyment and education in an appreciation of natural beauty.” The Frederick County Council is scheduled to vote in today’s meeting (October 18th) on whether to approve the Sugarloaf Treasured Landscape Management Plan that includes standards for development in the plan area and prohibits certain uses, including carnivals, shooting ranges and landfills, per the Frederick News Post.


Professor and folklore enthusiast Christine Rai will lead a hair-raising outdoor walking tour through the center of Poolesville, and tell the tales of dark histories and chilling hauntings associated with some of our oldest historic buildings. This walking ghost tour throughout Downtown Poolesville will take participants for an approximate 1 mile walk, standing for the duration of the tour.

Early tours (6:00 – 7:00 pm) are family-friendly, and end back at the John Poole House, where a bonfire and hot cider will be waiting. Later tours (8:00 – 9:15 pm) are even spookier and also end with a bonfire and cider at the John Poole House. These tours are for adults and children ages 15 and up. Tickets must be purchased in advance and go for $10 for children 5-11 and $20 for adults (children under 5 are free). The ghost tours have sold out in the past, so make sure to get a ticket while you can! Space is limited. All ticket sales support the preservation efforts and educational programs of Historic Medley District.


Poolesville High School, the only whole school magnet in Montgomery County, was ranked as the “Best Public High School in Maryland” by Niche– a rankings and review resource that provides information on K-12 schools, colleges, cities, neighborhoods, and companies across the United States.

The core of the school building was built in 1911 as an elementary school, and as of 1912 the school was the only consolidated (middle and high school) in Montgomery County. The current school building dates back to 1953 but has had over 22 additions made since then, with the last major revision happening in 1978. John Pool Middle School was built in 1997, separating the two schools that were together for nearly a century.


The Maryland Board of Public Works in Annapolis approved more than $10 million in grants and loans today to reduce water pollution and flooding risks, including a project in Poolesville. The board is composed of Governor Larry Hogan, Treasurer Dereck E. Davis and Comptroller Peter Franchot. Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford chaired the meeting. “These are smart investments to advance our Chesapeake Bay goals, protect public health and reduce flooding risks to Maryland communities,” said Maryland Environment Secretary Horacio Tablada.

The Poolesville Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhanced Nutrient Removal Refinement project was one of the projects approved earlier this month. “A $7,065,360 Bay Restoration Fund grant to the Town of Poolesville will help fund the planning, design and construction of denitrification filters and related equipment at the Poolesville Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project will allow the plant to consistently reduce its nitrogen discharge by 62.5 percent and its phosphorus discharge by 85 percent, significantly reducing the amount of nutrients discharged to Seneca Creek and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay. Excessive amounts of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus lead to lowered levels of oxygen needed to support aquatic life in waterways, including the Chesapeake Bay. Enhanced Nutrient Removal upgrades of wastewater treatment plants are a critical component of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay restoration plan.”


Thomas “Tad” Bodmer of Poolesville has been recognized by the Maryland Department of Resources as the new state record holder Atlantic Division for albacore, or long-fin tuna (Thunnus alalunga), with his 77-pound catch. Bodmer, a recent convert to saltwater fishing, was aboard the charter Top Dog on September 20 as Captain Ryan Knapp and First Mate Josh were preparing to head back to shore after a slow fishing day.

In a matter of minutes, three different lines went out simultaneously. The trio scrambled to pick up rods. “It was chaos,” Bodmer said. “I would get my fish close and then it would run back out. It took 25 minutes to get it.” Bodmer landed the record albacore trolling a naked ballyhoo bait. The crew knew they had a big albacore but didn’t think it was a record-breaking catch until it was officially weighed. “All these people came out of the woodwork with cameras,” Bodner said. “I was like a deer in headlights.”


Skatepark design professionals from Pillar Skateparks will be holding a design meeting for an expansion of current Poolesville park at 19710 Wootton Avenue. They will be presenting some concept designs and receiving input from the skater community. “This is a great time to be involved and give your input. All ages welcome! The meeting will be held at Town Hall on Wednesday, October 5th, 6:00 PM. Come be part of the fun!!”

The Poolesville Skatepark, constructed in 2010, is open to the public at no cost. Poolesville area youth worked with park planners to create the design depicted below. The park is open daily from 7:30 to dusk. During inclimate weather, the park will be closed.


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