Uber Ride Sharing Comes to Hagerstown

HAGERSTOWN, MD - Residents looking to utilize taxis or other public transportation now have an additional option - Uber.

Local driver Christopher Campbell has been driving for Uber in Hagerstown for about two weeks now, under their Uber X service.

Uber X allows consumers to submit a trip request through their mobile app and pay for their ride using a major credit card.  The trip request is then passed on to local drivers.

According to Campbell "The fares are very responsible and it all depends when the driver wants to work."

Hagerstown residents interested in signing up to use the service can sign up at the Uber website, then download the mobile app for their smartphone.

Article by Ken Buckler, editor.

Mother of Imprisoned Guardsman to Speak at WCRC Meeting

HAGERSTOWN, MD - Renee Myers, the mother of Sgt. Derrick Miller, will speak at the Washington County Republican Club meeting on Wednesday, June 24, at 7 PM.

Myers will be coming to speak about the situation with her son, who is currently serving a life sentence at Leavenworth for acting as a soldier in time of war.  She is connected with United American Patriots in helping to advocate for her son through their Warrior Fund, and will speak about this organization, which helps military members and their families with legal defense for convictions of a "crime during combat".  Two hundred thirteen service members have been convicted of such crimes during the Iraq & Afghanistan wars.  For comparison, only 7 service men total had been convicted of "crimes" in WWII, Korean, & Vietnam Wars.

More information about United American Patriots can be found at http://www.unitedpatriots.org/

Information courtesy of the Washington County Republican Club

Inquiry to Arlington About Anti-Profanity Law

ARLINGTON, VA - The following letter was sent to Arlington County Government regarding their new anti-profanity law.

Hello, I am the editor of the WashCo Chronicle, and I'd like to learn a bit more about your recent anti-profanity law.

Is there a list of words which are considered profanity?

Is only English profanity prohibited, or is profanity in other languages also prohibited? Are officers properly trained in recognizing profanity in languages other than English?

Are there signs informing visitors to Arlington County of this law?

Do you feel this law will have a positive or negative impact on Arlington County? How?

Thank you for your time!

Ken Buckler

Editor, WashCo Chronicle

www.washcochronicle.com

A response will be posted once it is received.

Lenox Corporation Moving Pennsylvania Operations To Washington County Maryland

Hagerstown, MD - The Washington County Department of Business Development is pleased to support Lenox Corporation in an expansion project to retain 105 jobs and create 14 new full-time positions in Washington County.

As Lenox consolidates operations from a Langhorne, Pennsylvania site, the company is set to invest $3 million at the Washington County project site for new equipment and infrastructure.

"Working with existing businesses is critical to expanding economic development opportunities and creating jobs for Washington County citizens," said Kassie Lewis, director, Washington County Department of Business Development. "We're proud Lenox has called the County home for more than 40 years and we look forward to the continued investment and commitment this organization has demonstrated in our community."

During the expansion, Washington County will provide a conditional loan for $63,000. The terms of the loan require Lenox to employ a minimum of 119 permanent full-time employees at the project site through December 31, 2020.

Other assistance available for the project includes the County's Fast Track Program - an expedited review and approval process for any facility construction needs and the High Performance (Green) Buildings Tax Credit Program. For three years, businesses are eligible for a tax credit based on LEED certification granted by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Lenox produces its sophisticated fine china patterns at the only fine bone china factory in the U.S., leverages its own marketing and design, sourcing and fulfillment, and wholesales to Macy's, Bed Bath and Beyond, Kohl's and other major department stores, as well as Amazon.  Lenox sells direct through e-commerce, catalog, direct mail and a chain of retail stores primarily located on the east coast, including the retail store on-site at the Hagerstown facility.

Press release courtesy Washington County Government