Bear spotted on South Main Street
A bear has been spotted by a few residents on South Main Street. The sightings occurred at night.
Below is some information from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), a phone number to call if you are having bear problems, as well as a link to the DNR website.
Black bears are large, strong, wild animals that should be treated with respect. When in bear country you should remain alert. DO NOT approach the bear and DO NOT feed a bear. Bears that associate food with people can become a threat to your safety.
AVOID a bear encounter. When hiking in bear country, stay alert and warn bears of your presence. Make noise (sing, clap, talk aloud, etc.), especially when you are in or near thick cover. Travel in a group when possible. All dogs should always be kept on a leash.
If you should encounter a bear that is not aware of your presence, back away and leave the area. Give the bear plenty of room. If you spot a bear cub, remain alert. The cub’s mother is sure to be near. Again, back away and leave the area.
Should you encounter a bear at close range, speak to the bear in a calm, assertive voice. STAY CALM and don’t run. Remain upright and back away from the bear. Avoid direct eye contact, as the bear may perceive this as a threat. Again, give the bear plenty of room. Don’t crowd the bear’s personal space.
Black bears may exhibit some unique behaviors when they feel their personal space is being threatened. A crowded bear may huff or make a woofing noise at the threat. They may slap swat the ground, pop their jaws, or even bluff charge the perceived threat. When a bear bluff charges, it may stop several yards or just a few feet short of the treat. Remember not to run. Stay calm, remain upright, and back away from the bear.
Bear may also stand upright on their hind legs. This is not a sign of aggression. Bears usually stand upright when they are trying to get a better look at something. Bears rely heavily on their sense of smell and may stand upright to better determine the source of a new scent.
It is important to remember that black bear attacks are extremely rare. By using common sense and good judgment, we can continue to appreciate the natural beauty of these forest animals at a safe distance.
Wildlife Service Offices – Western Maryland
Washington & Frederick Counties
Indian Springs Wildlife Management Area
14038 Blairs Valley Road
Clear Spring, MD 21722
301-842-2702
DNR.MARYLAND.GOV
Living with Black Bears
An official website of the State of Maryland.
Watch out for a scam letter notifying residents of overdue taxes and property lien. Click for details.
A letter is going around that indicates a resident owes taxes to the state and threatens the resident with a lien and other financial consequences. This letter is a scam. Do not call the number on the letter. The scam letter and envelope are pictured below. A quick Google search of the letter’s phone number brings up a link to the IRS with information about similar scams. You can access the information on the IRS website by clicking here.
If you ever need to confirm whether or not you owe taxes to the state, you can call the Maryland Comptroller’s Office at 1-800-MDTAXES.
Scam letters received through the mail should be reported to the Postal Inspector at 877-876-2455.
2023 Street Sweeping Dates: April 18, May 17, July 19, September 20, November 15. Please move vehicles off the street if possible.
Phone numbers are vital in the event of a water emergency. Email townhall@keedysvillemd.com or call 301-432-5795 to update the number on file for you.
Please email townhall@keedysvillemd.com with your account number and your phone number, or call 301-432-5795 to update the number on file for you.
Notice regarding Enactment of Code of Ordinances Chapter 28 – Purchasing and Competitive Bidding
Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and Council of the Town of Keedysville, Maryland, a Municipal Corporation, existing under and by virtue of the Laws of the State of Maryland that pursuant to and in accordance with the powers contained in the Charter of the Town of Keedysville as adopted and subsequently amended and in accordance with and pursuant to the provisions of the powers vested in the Town under the Annotated Code of Maryland, the said Mayor and Council as the legislative body for the Town, at a duly constituted meeting of the Mayor and Council, on December 7, 2022, passed Ordinance to enact Chapter 28, Purchasing and Competitive Bidding, of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Keedysville.
For purposes of economy, the entire Ordinance is on file in the Keedysville Town Hall and is incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereto.
The effective date of said Ordinance shall be December 27, 2022.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF KEEDYSVILLE, MARYLAND
The next meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission is on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 7pm in Town Hall. This meeting is open to the public. Please click here for details.
The Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Town of Keedysville, in compliance with the Maryland Open Meeting Law, will be open to the public on Thursday, January 11th, commencing at 7:00p.m. Any comments or concerns regarding the Meeting, action taken, or proposed action should be submitted in writing by regular or priority mail, email or hand delivery to Lisa Riner, Town Administrator, P.O. Box 359, Keedysville, MD 21756 or via email to townhall@keedysvillemd.com. Said comments will be made part of the Minutes of the Meeting. The Commission normally meets quarterly, on the second Thursdays of January, April, July, and October.
Serve on a Town Board or Commission
The Town is currently seeking individuals to serve on several of the Town’s Boards/Commissions:
Planning & Zoning Commission Alternates – Meets monthly on 2nd Thursdays at 7pm in Town Hall
Board of Zoning Appeals Member – Meets as needed for Zoning Appeals Hearings (usually once or twice a year)
Green Team Members – Meets monthly on 3rd Thursdays at 7pm in Town Hall
To apply, to go Forms and fill out the appropriate application. The completed application should be submitted to Town Hall at townhall@keedysvillemd.com or at 19 S Main St. For more information call Town Hall at 301-432-5795.
Keedysville SR 34 Safety Concerns: Click here to sign the petition today.
Resident Christy Postell has created a petition to give voice to concerns many residents share about the safety of intersections at SR 34 in Keedysville. Her proposal and request is that the heavy traffic intersection of Coffman Farms Road and Shepherdstown Pike be changed to a double line, no passing zone, and that the State would consider additional measures as appropriate to slow traffic. Bonnie Hawker, owner of the Red Byrd, has also seen many bad accidents at Taylor Dr, and asks the State Highway Dept to make it a no passing zone for the same reasons. Keedysville’s Mayor and Council fully support these changes and have been trying to persuade the State for many years. Add your name to the petition today!