Christopher B. Shank

Twelve candidates have filed to run for the five seats on the Hagerstown City Council, including former Republican State Sen. Donald F. Munson and former Washington County Board of Commissioners member Kristin B. Aleshire. Republican Mayor Robert E....

Money and marriage are on the minds of Washington County’s state lawmakers heading to Annapolis. So are foreclosed properties, virtual schools, petition privacy, parole and probation violators, and Washington County’s proposed senior center....

Adding to the bill Del. LeRoy E. Myers Jr., R-Washington/Allegany, wants to expand a proposed amendment to Washington County’s gaming law. On Wednesday, Washington County’s delegation discussed a draft bill that would add new financial...

The Washington County Restaurant & Beverage Association wants to tighten the limit on how many liquor licenses may be issued in the county. The association has proposed changing the county's law so that one license would be allowed per 3,500 people in an...

Gov. Martin O'Malley's plan to shift teacher pension costs to local jurisdictions is expected to cost Washington County about $2.5 million, according to budget figures released Wednesday. O'Malley said the state is offering other "fiscal relief" measures...

Three candidates for Maryland's 6th District seat in Congress will lead dual lives for the next three months — state legislator and federal campaigner. For state Sen. Robert J. Garagiola, state Sen. David R. Brinkley and state Del. Kathryn L....

After reading two weeks ago that Brenda Cole faced eviction from the Dual Highway home she shared with her daughter, who was fatally shot there, an anonymous benefactor has handed over a check to cover her back rent. “One of my neighbors paid my...

Civil War Rail Trail could benefit all residents of county To the editor: Sen. Christopher Shank provides opinion without knowing the facts regarding the proposed Civil War Rail Trail from Hagerstown to Weverton. He believes it will increase...

Election board members approved On Friday, the Maryland Senate approved a list of appointments that included three Washington County Board of Elections members. Tammy E. Downin, Carroll H. Earp and Bruce F. Field’s four-year terms on the board are...

Four Washington County high school students had supporting roles in keeping the wheels of state government turning in recent weeks. Each spent two weeks as a Maryland General Assembly page. Valerie Downs of Williamsport, a senior home-schooled through...

Maryland The Maryland General Assembly’s 2012 session begins Jan. 11 and ends April 9. Information about the General Assembly, including the status of bills, can be found at http://mlis.state.md.us. Sen. George C. Edwards R-Garrett/Allegany/...

Whew, what a week. First, my Frosty the Snowman costume gets trashed, then the 6th District congressional race gets even more trashed before it even starts. Really, what was that? I know there'd been what the weather forecasters call an "upper atmosphere...