Their efforts were stopped only when Commissioner Kai Hagen left the meeting. “Well, you are done for today because you won’t have a quorum to make anymore votes,” Hagen said before leaving the meeting after asking Commissioners John Thompson Jr. and David Gray a dozen times in a 45-minute period not to make decisions on the plan without all of the commissioners present.

“I’m going to beg you to just hold off till all five of us are here,” Hagen asked repeatedly. “There’s no reason in causing more large gyrations and conniptions and shivers down people’s spines and what not in Thurmont over a decision we’re » full story

Restaurants and bars are noticing a decline in business since the Maryland Clean Indoor Act took effect Feb. 1. The smoking ban, as it is often called, bans smoking in all public places, including restaurants and bars.

Business owners in the town of Emmitsburg notice an even greater decline. Only one mile separates them from Pennsylvania, where there is no smoking ban.

Larry Shriner, owner of One More Tavern in Emmitsburg, recognized a negative impact. A small establishment, One More Tavern serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and 95 percent of its patrons are smokers. “People are » full story