by Geoff Fox
As we enter into 2025, let us take a look back to some of the stories that graced the Hancock News over the course of the last 365 days…
January
The first snowfall of 2024 lays a few inches of snow on the Hancock area. It was one of the first measurable snows in about two years.
Pennsylvania State Police arrest a Clear Spring man and Warfordsburg woman on multiple drug charges.
Gary Allan Godlove, 29, of Hancock, is arrested by Frederick County, Md., Sheriff’s Office in connection to a fatal hit and run accident that killed a Berkeley Springs man.
Meritus Health opens a new primary care center in Hancock at 357 North Pennsylvania Avenue.
A January 11 fire off Western Pike destroys a family’s residence.
A January 20 fire destroys a Flintstone home.
Rev. Jack Lombardi, Pastor of St. Peter’s and St. Patrick’s Catholic Churches, releases his newest book Paradoxes & Parables: Metanoia Messages to Enlighten a Weary World.
February
Hancock Senior Center closed briefly during a retirement transition. The site would reopen, but closures would continue over the course of the year.
Jeanne Ward releases a book, This Man Called Bunk, about her grandfather and what might have happened to him after he disappeared in 1926.
A CSX train derails in Paw Paw. No injuries were reported.
Derelict properties remain on town officials’ radar as property owners point out issues with a few buildings, including 144 West Main Street.
Architect Bruno Reich makes a presentation to town officials with plans for the town’s Public Works building at 317 and 319 East Main Street.
A February 13 power outage in Hancock gives town officials a wake up about the need for back up generators to run the town’s water and wastewater system.
March
Despite being considered as an early voting location being considered for the town, Hancock is not given an early voting site, drawing criticism from Commissioner Wayne Keefer and Town Manager Mike Faith.
The bathroom building in Widmeyer Park is demolished.
Kevin Younker donates his mother Faye Younker’s collection of clippings and articles pertaining to Hancock history to the Hancock Library.
A 19-year old Warfordsburg man is killed in a March 5 accident in Fulton County. Hunter M. Shetter was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident and was ejected from the vehicle.
Mother Nature said winter wasn’t over yet for Hancock as snow fell on the area in mid March.
A building at 55 West Main Street collapses, drawing first responders from around the area including one from Montgomery County. It was feared there might be a person inside, but crews did not find anyone on site.
April
A grant is approved for new Hancock Police Department vehicles and equipment. The town would purchase five vehicles for the police department.
Town officials approve $600K to build a new splash pad in Widmeyer Park.
A Good Friday tradition continued in Hancock as church members carried a wooden cross from Widmeyer Park to St. Peter’s Catholic Church in the annual Cross Walk.
Demolition begins on the collapsed building at 55 West Main Street.
Traffic downtown has been restricted at times to accommodate the work, which is being done by a contractor hired by the property owner.
People head out in various locations to watch for a total eclipse.
Firefighters from around the region respond to a large woods fire west of Hancock on National Pike.
May
Country Scents Candles, Game Cave, Timeless Baby Boutique, and Atlantic Off-road & Performance hold their grand opening at 109 West Main Street.
New pamphlets are printed and distributed throughout town at local businesses as a guide for visitors to Hancock.
Everett J. Allen is found guilty in the 2021 murder of his roommate Eddie Wayne Smith.
The demolition and removal of debris from 55 West Main Street is complete.
Maryland State Highway Administration begins work on the U.S. 522 bridge over Interstate 70. The work is still ongoing as we enter into 2025.
Bailey Lynch is sworn in as the newest officer of the Hancock Police Department. Lynch gives the town five full time officers.
After 40 years on Pennsylvania Avenue, The Hancock News moves to its new offices located at 105 West Main Street.
Ethan McAllister is named valedictorian at Southern Fulton High School. Sandra Stotler is salutatorian.
Haylee Penwell is Hancock High School’s valedictorian and Amy Davis is salutatorian.
Two new digital speed signs are placed on High Street and Main Street. The digital signs have been randomly placed throughout town where speed has been an issue.
June
Town and county officials break ground in Widmeyer Park for the new splash pad.
Town officials propose park pavilion roof replacement under Project Open Space program. The program would have $52,219 coming to the town and the total cost of the project being $65,800 total.
State Senator Mike McKay presents town officials a check for $75K for the Hancock Downtown Revitalization Project.
U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) and his wife are involved in a vehicle crash on Interstate 70 in the Hancock area. The Fettermans and the driver of the vehicle they hit are transported to the hospital in Berkeley Springs.
Hancock Lions Lioness Club celebrates their 10th anniversary.
A possible MARC Train extension to Western Maryland is put on hold due to funding issues and the collapse of the Key Bridge in Baltimore.
The Hancock News moves from its Pennsylvania Avenue location to new offices downtown.
Hancock officials approve zoning for a cannabis processing facility at 246 North Pennsylvania Avenue, formerly the Hancock Antique Mall.
July
Hancock Middle-Senior High School receives grant funding to be designated as a Community School.
The first of five new Hancock Police SUVs start patroling the streets of Hancock.
Long time Hancock High School Athletic Director and Coach Bill Sterner is inducted into the Washington County Sports Hall of Fame.
Hancock is officially in a drought area with high temperatures and little to no rain.
A discarded cigarette ignites a fire that destroys a mobile home east of Hancock on Orchard Ridge Road.
Firefighters battle a house fire on White Oak Ridge. The fire was deemed accidental from an electrical failure.
After a 10-year hiatus, cheerleading comes back to Hancock High School.
August
Hancock receives $49K in Project Open Space money to upgrade the steps at Joseph Hancock Park.
National Night Out goes off with a bang as rain threatens the event. Rain does come, but doesn’t dampen the spirits of folks as the fireworks still go off to the delight of everyone.
Remnants of Hurricane Debby hit the Hancock area with a tornado warning issued for the area. Various areas around Hancock are flooded, namely Widmeyer Park and Kirkwood Park.
Pieces of the underside of the U.S. 522 bridge fall onto Limestone Road.
After months of waiting, about 110 people show up to the grand opening of the new splash pad in Widmeyer Park.
Terry Lee Smith, 48, of Hancock, is arrested and charged for watching juveniles and having child pornography. A January 6 trial is scheduled.
The driver of a pickup truck is flown to a Johnstown, Pa., hospital after he drove through a road closure sign and into a metal beam being carried on a tractor-trailer.
September
Questions from the Washington County Health Department regarding permits and requirements arise about the new splash pad. County officials say the town didn’t get the necessary permits to open the facility.
Police arrest Joshua Zeigler, 38, of Hancock on multiple warrants and drug and firearms charges.
Two Mile Music Fest brings people to Kirkwood Park for concerts, food, and vendors.
Residents bring concerns and questions to town officials about a gummy cannabis manufacture who is moving into the former Antique Mall.
Town officials have a deal to sell the former Weavers Restaurant building, but it falls through and they will relist the property.
October
Town officials weigh bids for roof repair at Town Hall.
Hurricane Helene devastates Florida and North Carolina. Workers at Mellott’s and community members donate a goods and needs to a community in North Carolina. The donations head south in a 40-foot sea length trailer.
Leo Murray is honored for his work on the Veterans Banners project.
Washington County officials approve the creation of Sideling Hill Overlook Park and earmark funds for upgrades to the park.
Two mountain fires split firefighters from around the region with a fire on Moorseville Road near Clear Spring and another on Western Pike west of Hancock.
November
Hancock Panthers Football Coach Ron Hare resigns after school officials decide to keep the team out of the playoffs. Hare was not part of the decision.
The 77th annual Hancock Rotary Halloween Parade is a spooky hit as it made its way up Main Street.
Washington County backs GOP candidates in the November Presidential Election.
Work on the Town Hall roof begins.
Veterans are honored at the annual Hancock Middle-Senior High School ceremony.
An accident on the U.S. 522 bridge blocks traffic after the oversized load on a tractor-trailer shits and hit by another vehicle.
Gene Truax retires after 57 years as a barber the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
County commissioners approve an employee transition agreement with Hancock Rescue Squad.
December
Miracle on Main Street is held and Santa arrives that evening to help light the town Christmas tree in Joseph Hancock Park.
The first snow of winter gives Hancock a little dusting of the white stuff.
