Author: Michael Kuster

Mike is the publisher and editor of GladeValley.net. After growing up on a farm in Frederick County, Mike moved to Walkersville with his wife to start their family. Since moving to Walkersville, Mike and Emily's three children were born and attend local public schools. Mike also owns Digital Age Solution, an I.T. firm offering Managed Services, Computer Repairs & Sales, Voice Over IP Telephone Service, Networking, and Software Engineering. Mike actively participates in the community in various roles including: Walkersville Planning & Zoning Commission Member, Kaleidoscope 4-H Club Leader, Friends of Walkervsille Library, Vice-President, Frederick County 4-H Camp & Activities Center, Inc. Board Member, Federated Charities, and more.

Walkersville Resident Named Communications Director

July 20, 2015July 20, 2015 Michael Kuster

At the recommendation of the Transition Team and as part of ongoing efforts to make government operations more open and transparent, today County Executive Jan Gardner announced the reorganization of her communications team. She created a Communications Department which includes the Video Services staff and the public information officer combined into a single unit under the direction of newly-appointed Communications Director Vivian Laxton. The department will be included in the Office of the County Executive. “I’m delighted that Vivian is joining our team,” Executive Gardner said. “She brings a strong…

Glade Valley Government headline

Gardner Proposes Ethics Ordinance

July 20, 2015July 20, 2015 Michael Kuster

Fulfilling a campaign promise to restore trust in local government, Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner today announced proposed revisions to the county Ethics Ordinance. Her proposals include making it a conflict of interest for an elected official, a qualified relative of an elected official or a covered business entity to enter into a contract with the county. It would also be a conflict of interest for the county to knowingly enter into a contract for a county-funded capital project where one of those persons or entities is a subcontractor. In addition, the changes would include…

Education Glade Valley headline

New First Grade Teacher

July 16, 2015 Michael Kuster

Woodsboro Elementary School announced Mrs. Teresa Aulthouse as its newest first grade teacher. Mrs. Aulthouse comes to New Midway/Woodsboro with extensive teaching experience. She most recently taught at Hillcrest Elementary. While at Hillcrest Elementary School, Mrs. Aulthouse taught 1st grade, and served as Grade Level Team Leader. She also has experience teaching third grade. This year will mark her 7th year with Frederick County Public Schools. Please join welcome Mrs. Aulthouse to the New Midway/Woodsboro learning community where she will help our students be their very best and nothing less!…

Education Glade Valley headline

FCPS Overpaid by State for Students

July 16, 2015 Michael Kuster

Frederick County Public Schools has updated and corrected final student enrollment numbers for the recently ended 2014-15 school year. During the last school year, 40,672 students were enrolled in public schools throughout the county. That number reflects 100 fewer students than was reported to the Maryland State Department of Education last fall. FCPS found the discrepancy while updating last year’s data to prepare for the start of the new school year. The discrepancy resulted in an overpayment of funds from the state. Once the state determines the exact amount that…

Community Glade Valley headline

Walkersville Carnival Success

July 13, 2015July 13, 2015 Michael Kuster

During the Walkersville Town Meeting last week, Commissioner Chad Weddle reported the success of the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company’s Carnival earlier this month. Commissioner Weddle also serves as a volunteer for the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company, and could be heard making announcements during the carnival. News of the carnival’s success came in the preliminary revenue numbers. Gross revenue is preliminarily $259,707. This represents an increase of $26,322 or 11.3% compared to 2014’s carnival. Ride ticket sales were $94,882. This also represents a significant increase of $10,211 or 12.1% compared to the…