Hagerstown resident, Michael Keifer was just curious one day. “I was sitting at the computer and wondered if there were any other towns named Hagerstown,” he says. There was. One. “I saw only two, one in Maryland and one in…

It’s not a clam or steamed hams. Technically, it’s not a “loose meat” sandwich or even (gasp) a sloppy Joe. It’s a steamer—a humble, handheld meal that’s been quietly simmering in the hearts and kitchens of Washington County for…

Four States Livestock Sales, a local livestock auction business, is celebrating its 40th Anniversary for owners, James and Barb Starliper. Four States was originally established in 1935 by founders E.B. Clark and William Garrott making the…

Competition, tradition, great food, and fun are just a few of the things that come to mind when you think of the county fair. July marks the annual Washington County Ag Expo & Fair when thousands of people flock to the…

One of my favorite 4-H projects is the Cavy project. Cavies, more commonly known as guinea pigs, are in the rodent family. There are 13 different breeds of cavies, and they tend to live five to seven years. Once cavies are fully grown, they…

Three sisters are creating lots of buzz, so to speak, as the trio’s beekeeping business, Little Bear Apiary, continues to make great strides in the industry by offering a variety of quality products. Little Bear Apiary was established in the spring of…

Time Traveler Mike Marotte III takes us back in history with the Hagerstown Western Enterprise Fire Company No. 4. As the city was growing during the mid-1860s, a definite need developed for an…

At the top or near the top of the major tasting competitions in 2024 for locally produced alcoholic beverages, you’ll find Washington County breweries, wineries, and distilleries. As the craft beverage industry continues to expand, Washington County mirrors the nationwide trend, especially in…

Future Farmers of America (FFA) is an active and engaging community in Washington County that is focused on more than just its agricultural roots. Although primarily known for fostering the love and education of county students interested in agriculture, FFA is…

Nestled in the rolling hills of Washington County, Runaway Bull Farm, operated by first-time farmers Chris and Jaime Teague, have been successful with regenerative agriculture. The Teagues purchased their 100-acre farm in 2020 to have more room for…

If you were walking the lane past a tall wooden fence covered in vigorously growing dense ivy and Virginia creeper vines, you probably would not know that on the other side is a beautiful garden, an enchanting space, designed and…

Founded in 1946 by Jim Read in California, Grocery Outlet Bargain Market is a relative newcomer to the East Coast. Described as an “extreme value grocery retailer” on a mission to “WOW” budget-conscious customers, the company is…

When some of Maryland’s most successful rock ‘n roll musicians gathered for a benefit concert in Hagerstown earlier this year, it wasn’t to celebrate their own sobriety but to help others with theirs. Guitarists Brian Forsythe (KIX, Rhino Bucket), and…

Long anticipated, the Hub City Brewery is at last on tap and pouring local craft brews. After three years of hard work, the brewery opened in the heart of Hagerstown in the old Farmer’s Market Building at…

As our city continues its progress toward the future with a reinvigorated downtown area, we thought it would be interesting to take a look back to the city’s previous heyday. Some of us still remember places like Everly’s Department Store and some of the West Washington Street shops that were the…

Farming is probably the most challenging occupation due to increased input costs like fuel, feed, labor, and market fluctuation, not to mention being at the mercy of the weather. Many young people today who dream of farming or continuing a…

Quality products, customer service, and hard work all describe the owners of the 2024-2025 Washington County Farm of the Year. The Forsythe family works tirelessly on their…

Strip malls are usually bastions of grocery and discount stores, maybe with a hair salon or laundromat thrown in. Occasionally, they are home to local restaurants putting their own…

Trinity Luttrell was crowned Miss Washington county teen volunteer 2026, giving her the opportunity to compete for the title of Miss Maryland Volunteer. Miss Maryland Teen Volunteer is a…

It is fitting that a woman purchased the land at 31 South Potomac Street back in 1837. Susan Hughes paid $288 for the land on the hill overlooking the streets below and built the majestic house a year later. In 1931, the Women’s Club purchased…