(4/7/2004) Town commissioner Wayne Hooper announced Tuesday the town is once again participating in the 2004 Maryland Chiefs’ Challenge, urging citizens to use their seat belts and child safety seats whenever possible.

Mr. Hooper ran the meeting in Mayor Martin Burn’s absence.

The town has designated April 6 through June 6 as its "Maryland Chiefs’ Challenge Campaign" in order to help the state boost its seat belt usage rating and prevent further vehicular accidents and deaths.

Thurmont Police Chief Terry Frushour noted that during last year’s campaign, the town reached a 90 percent seat belt usage rate.

"We’re trying to do that again, if not more," he said.

In other business, Commissioner William Blakeslee reported that the economic development committee is urging town business owners to check their listings in a new business directory, to be printed soon.

He said many listings have been received, but that anyone who has not been included should contact the town office. Listings to be sent to the printer are available for inspection at the office now.

A few residents in attendance at Tuesday’s meeting also expressed concerns about pit bulls seen in town. While the dogs were on leashes, two citizens reported, the men walking the dogs seemed to have little control over them.

Chief Frushour said he would try to find out who owns the dogs and whether they are a threat.