Bryan Zuber spent about 5-1/2 months remodeling his trampoline park into Stratosphere Social. Approximately 90% of the trampolines were removed, an arcade was created, bowling alleys were constructed, a movie theater was added and chef-prepared food would be on the menu for the restaurant and bar. New businesses that opened or reopened in 2020 faced challenges of maintaining business throughout the pandemic. Owners described the layoffs and adjustments they had to make, and are hoping 2021 will be the year restrictions fall and customers can return to their establishments. Zuber closed what was originally a trampoline park for kids in […]Read more >

I’m writing this on the day after our supposed national leader presided over, aided, and abetted the worst violent attack on the seat of our government in more than 150 years. I’m hoping that at least some of the things that I am recommending will have come to pass over the weekend. Treason: “The CRIME of attacking a state authority to which one owes allegiance. This includes [among other things] attempting to overthrow its government.” Sedition: “Overt conduct, such as speech and organisation that tends toward rebellion against the established order. Sedition often includes subversion of a constitution and […]Read more >

“The future ain’t what it used to be.” The immortal words of Yogi Berra seem particularly apropos as I reflect on the first days of 2021. Between the toxic politics of division and the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all anxious to put 2020 in the rearview mirror and look forward to a brighter 2021. The sad truth is I am not so sure. It all started on Jan. 1 when a local columnist praised President Trump and Mitch McConnell for championing stimulus checks for the American people. It was the Democratic House of Representatives that passed the coronavirus stimulus package. Sen. Mitch McConnell blocked votes on a relief bill time […]Read more >

The world in which we currently live has evolved quickly into an unrecognizable environment that is unstable, uncertain, and viewed as frightening at times. Social isolation, disrupted routines, mask-wearing, new restrictions, social distancing, and business closures are the new norm for all of us. Our most vulnerable populations face job loss, food insecurity, and daily work-related COVID-exposure from their minimum-wage jobs. Additionally, the coronavirus pandemic disproportionally impacts our communities of color. The medical consequences of this deadly virus were once inconceivable. Today, they significantly impact and sadden our daily […]Read more >

Ed Singer recalled first meeting Mark Vigliotti before the COVID-19 pandemic began, when Vigliotti stopped by the Carroll County Health Department and dropped off a resume. Singer, the county’s top health official, said he wasn’t quite “sure how I’d really use this guy right now.” Singer got to know Vigliotti rather well over the next 10 months, with Vigliotti becoming one of the health department’s more involved volunteers. So much so that the Board of Carroll County Commissioners took some time during their Thursday open session to present Vigliotti, a Westminster resident, with a proclamation that […]Read more >