(8/1) Chestnut Court cats removed

Two dozen cats are no longer city residents after code enforcement action was taken recently on townhome property.

City Attorney Jay Gullo presented updates to issues regarding feline scents emanating from Chestnut Court at the city council's July workshop.

Due to rising concerns, the City executed a search warrant alongside Carroll County Animal Control.

A total of 24 cats were discovered and removed from the townhome property into the care of the humane society.

The inside of the property itself was "unspeakable," according to Gullo, and resembled "one entire house litter box."

The townhouse is connected on both sides to other units. "It creates issues, but we are making progress more than we have in the past," he said.

It is uncertain yet if animal control will (bring) changes against the owner of the property, Gullo said.

Annual Food Truck Festival

Families and foodies filled Taneytown’s Memorial Park in search of a good bite to eat at the third annual Food Truck Friday July 22. The park was alive with the sounds and smells of a festive party, showcasing exactly the kind of fun a summer night is built for.

Yasmine Essed and her mother Shawn, both of Taneytown, stood in a crowded line for Pinky’s BBQ, passing over the menu and contemplating what to order. Shawn said she would try the black bean shrimp tacos.

"I was trying to think of what to make for dinner and my mom said they have this food truck thing going on," Yasmine said. Her mother added, "We like when the town does stuff like this. It’s nice to support it."

Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation Lorena Vaccare, said the event saw a "pretty good turnout" despite the hot weather. Seven food vendors, a bounce house, pony rides, music and a petting zoo were all featured at the event. Vaccare said next year’s event will add a misting tent.

"Seeing families enjoying something for free (entry) and enjoying our beautiful parks" made all the work planning the event worthwhile for Vaccare.

Derek Miller, 7, of Taneytown, took his turn riding the ponies on hand. It was "cool" to ride the pony, Derek said, and then he wandered off to find his way to a snowcone. His parents, Rick Miller and Tisha Tracey-Miller said they "came out to see what’s here" and enjoyed watching all the kids have fun.

There was no lack of choice in cuisine when it came to deciding which food trucks to try. Everything from hot dogs to crab macaroni and cheese, barbecue to ice cream was available in rows of trucks on the park’s grounds.

The Cow was a popular stop offering frozen treats for the hot evening. Hailing from Westminster, Sandy Reiner said the business "always does" events with Taneytown. "We’re always happy to help out," she added.

Before eating Sadie Lester, 8, of Sykesville, Md., played rounds of cornhole in the shade with her grandmother, Gina Theriault, of Gettysburg. Gina said it was a great way to spend time with her grandkids.

Sadie summed up pretty well the highlights of the evening for the kids in attendance. Along with her younger sister, Riley Jacobs, 3, Sadie came "to see all the animals" and was most looking forward to eating ice cream.