Faces of Cecil County 2025

FACES of CECIL COUNTY

From the

EDITOR Faces.

You see them every day as you travel through Cecil County. Many of them you know. Others you recognize. That’s one of the joys of living in a small community. People are familiar, even if you don’t know their names.

And with every face, goes a name.

This is our second edition of Faces of Cecil County. Our hope is you can begin putting names with the faces you see, especially in the many businesses in the county. Businesses that are locally owned. Businesses where the employees are your neighbors.

Businesses that are part of your community.

TABLE OF

CONTENTS 350 YEARS

Cecil County Sheriff’s Office Celebrates______ 3 350 Time Capsule_______________________ 12 Party!__________________________________ 14 Anniversary of the Cecil Whig_____________ 16

FIND THE FACES OF...

Rogers Customs, Inc._____________________ 4 Top Notch Electrical Services, LLC__________ 5 Autumn Lake Healthcare__________________ 6 Crouch Automotive_______________________ 7 Shady Beach Kennel______________________ 8 Aire Serv________________________________ 9 Good Shepherd Catholic School___________ 10 JLowe’s Guns__________________________ 11

Cecil County celebrated its 350th anniversary last year. That’s a lot of history. The Cecil Whig staff curated a number of stories that help tell that history. Together, we are embarking on yet another year making history; in our personal lives, in Cecil County in the world.

REGIONAL PRESIDENT Orestes Baez

You, along with the people who grace these pages, are part of that history, part of what makes Cecil County such a special place.

GENERAL MANAGER/SALES & MARKETING Betsy Griffin

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Jim Johnson CECIL WHIG EDITOR Erik Halberg

REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Jo Ann Geiger CREATIVE DIRECTOR Meredith Moore

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CECIL COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CELEBRATES 350TH ANNIVERSARY The Cecil County Sheriff’s Office with Hogs and Heroes Foundation.

(top and bottom) The Cecil County Sheriff’s Office participates in training exercises.

ELKTON — When this country’s Revolutionary War started in 1775, the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office had already been in operation for 101 years.

The agency was founded in 1674, a mere 24 years after the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock, and this year marks CCSO’s 350th anniversary.

CCSO celebrated that milestone on Saturday during a public event at the agency’s headquarters on Chesapeake Boulevard near Elkton, where attendees enjoyed drone and K9 demonstrations given by deputies assigned to those special units and free hamburgers and hot dogs grilled and served by Hogs and Heroes Foundation America volunteers.

Attendees also visited booths where deputies showed them some of the various pieces of equipment, tools and firearms that they use and educated them about those items. One of those booths was manned by members of the agency’s Special Response Team (SRT), which can be likened to a S.W.A.T., and among the display pieces were shields, helmets, bulletproof vests, firearms, none-lethal ammunition and tools used to ram open doors and break windows when deputies must force their way into a building. Also on display was CCSO’s new crime scene van.

Toward the beginning of the celebratory event, Cecil County Sheriff Scott Adams gave a powerpoint presentation on the history of the agency inside CCSO’s training room. Adams is the latest in a long line of sheriffs who served Cecil County during the 350 years, including Sheriff Byron Miller, who was killed in the line of duty in 1912. Miller has the distinction of being the only CCSO member killed in the line of duty.

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FACES of CECIL COUNTY

rogerscustomscollision.com

THE FACES OF

Rogers Customs, Inc. R

ogers Customs Collision has been repairing vehicles for 43 years. They are a family-owned and operated business in operation since 1981. Doug and Sharon remain active in the business, along with their children, Kenny and Laura Holt. They treat their customers like family and work diligently to ensure everyone receives personalized treatment.

Since 1981, Rogers Customs has grown from 1,500 square feet to a facility encompassing 12,000 square feet, with the most advanced collision repair equipment.

Customer service and quality repairs are the priority at Rogers Customs Collision. Rogers Customs is an

award-winning repair facility recognized by Nation Wide Insurance in all of North America for its outstanding customer service and quality repair. The business has been voted a Cecil County Reader Approved Favorite!

Rogers Customs is one of the few auto collision centers to be I-Car Gold Certified. As Rogers Customs enters its fourth decade of service to the community, they are proud to provide collision repair to three and four generations of family members.

Rogers Customs says, “Thank you to our community for supporting our business for decades and ensuring our success!”

1101 East Pulaski Highway, Elkton, Maryland 21921 (410) 398-7725 4

FACES of CECIL COUNTY

topnotchelectrical.net

THE FACES OF

Top Notch Electrical Services, LLC T

op Notch Electrical Services, LLC provides residential and commercial electrical services, generator systems, landscape lighting, new construction, and remodels. They are an award-winning electrical services company specializing in high-quality wiring and new construction. Top Notch Electrical prides itself on their professional staff and stellar customer service and can handle all of your residential and commercial wiring needs. With 24 hour emergency support available, Top Notch is your go to electrical services company!

Owner Steve Smith decided to go out on his own in July 2010 with one van and no employees. “I was

working full time for APG while starting the business and would wire many houses on nights and weekends.

I started to build out our client list and have been growing ever since,” he tells us. From one full time employee, Top Notch Electrical Services, LLC has grown over the years to employ multiple employees.

Smith adds, “When you call Top Notch Electrical Services, LLC you will talk to me. We stand behind our services and go out of our way to make sure you, the customer, is 100% satisfied. We are dedicated to customer feedback and reviews and listen to our customers and provide the best service possible.”

Rising Sun, Maryland 21911 (410) 441-9782 5

FACES of CECIL COUNTY

autumnlakecalvertmanor.com

THE FACES OF

Autumn Lake Healthcare at Calvert Manor A

utumn Lake Healthcare offers the following

services at the Calvert Manor facility, Long Term Care and Short Term Care, IV Therapy, Wound Care,Cardio-Pulmonary Care, Memory Care, Respite/ Hospice Care, Pain Management, Podiatry Care, Diabetes Management, PT/ OT/ Speech- 7 Days a week, and a Secure Dementia Unit. Their priority is excellent customer service, with multiple resident success stories. They take pride in the longevity of present staff and the fact that a large part of the staff (including the physicians!) lives in the community

they serve.

An interesting historic note, the main house at Autumn Lake used to be a boarding house!

Autumn Lake Healthcare at Calvert Manor is set apart from competitors by being a five star facility, long standing with Rising Sun (and Cecil County) community, accessible to main highways, close to Pennsylvania and Delaware with that small town feel.

Taking over the facility, Autumn Lake brought in more resources without changing the long-standing legacy in the community.

1881 Telegraph Rd, Rising Sun, Maryland 21911 (410) 658-6555 6

FACES of CECIL COUNTY

Rising Sun Location

crouchautomotive.com

THE FACES OF

Crouch Automotive

C

rouch Automotive provides quality auto service and repair at both locations in Cecil County. Their Rising Sun shop was founded by Dale and Joanna Crouch in February 2012. North East was purchased in 2018.

Both stores are fully equipped with the latest John Bean aligners and up-to-date scan tool equipment. An important priority at Crouch Automotive is maintaining their staff for their customers to work with.

Josh Carter, NE Shop Foreman, celebrates 10 years in May 2025. Josh has been a part of Dale’s life since Josh was around 10 years old! Josh prides himself on teamwork and knowing and understanding his customers’ needs. He knows most on a first name basis.

Tena Gerry manages the Rising Sun Shop. Tena has a very positive attitude and has grown close with her customers. She has a way of explaining things that make them easy to understand and always keeps her

customers informed. Both shops know that Dale and Joanna are always available to them when needed.

Crouch’s seasoned employees understand the many products and services Crouch offers. Through their experience, they can knowledgeably explain their many offerings, like their 2-year/24,000 mile parts and labor warranty. Vehicle service history is reported to CarFax, just like when you visit a dealership. They’ve partnered with CarShield to offer customers an aftermarket warranty once their factory warranty expires. They offer financing for larger repairs through Synchrony Bank.

Look for “Biggie’s Monthly Specials” each month to save on brakes, MD State Inspection, tires, oil changes and more!

Fun Fact! There’s a 3rd generation “Crouch” on the counter in North East. Austin, Dale’s Grandson, is 1 of 3 service writers there.

152 N East Road, North East, Maryland 21901 | (410) 287-5821 2066 Conowingo Rd, Rising Sun, Maryland 21911 | (410) 658-5050 7

FACES of CECIL COUNTY

shadybeachkennel.com

THE FACES OF

Shady Beach Kennel S

ince 2017, Shady Beach Kennel & Grooming Service has been serving Cecil County with boarding, and over the years, we’ve expanded to offer daycare, grooming, vaccine clinics and even fun pet events!

The health and safety of the dogs in their care is their top priority. The team is trained in monitoring and meeting each dog’s individual needs, ensuring they’re happy, healthy, and comfortable. They provide a safe environment through constant supervision during group play, thorough cleaning protocols, and recognizing each dog’s preferences and personality.

They love making your dog’s stay fun and fulfilling!

Our enrichment activities include both group social play for dogs who love being around fur friends and one-on-one time with our caretakers for those who enjoy personal attention. Activities might include interactive play sessions, puzzle toys, or just some extra

cuddles and love. They believe every dog deserves a customized experience, so owners can personalize their pet’s stay with the activities that suit them best!

Shady Beach Kennel & Grooming Salon has also renovated one of our kennel buildings to include a variety of suites and renovated a private wellness room, perfect for dogs who prefer a quieter, more relaxed environment. The team is experienced in handling dogs with special needs, whether it’s anxiety, medical considerations, or just a preference for a slower pace.

They ensure these pups get the tailored care they need to feel safe and happy.

With years of experience, a commitment to individualized care, and a passion for making every stay stress-free and fun, the team at Shady Beach Kennel & Grooming Salon go above and beyond to ensure your dog is happy, healthy, and loved.

241 Shady Beach Rd, North East, Maryland 21901 (410) 287-8969 8

FACES of CECIL COUNTY

aireserv.com/newark-de

THE FACES OF

Aire Serv F

or two decades, Aire Serv has been a cornerstone of the heating and cooling industry in Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. As a distinguished family-owned enterprise, they are synonymous with reliability, innovation, and unparalleled quality.

Owner Ben Boyce, a dedicated HVAC technician with over 38 years of experience, approaches his work with a genuine commitment to exceptional service. Together with his daughter Sarah, they’ve elevated Airserve to new heights within the industry. They’ve not only weathered the HVAC landscape’s challenges, but they’ve set new standards for professionalism, humility, and determination.

Aire Serv stands out with their excellent service and dedication to their community. Each technician

combines a unique blend of skill, experience, and genuine care into their craft. While most HVAC work is performed indoors, the team at Aire Serv focuses their attention to detail outdoors as well. Whether facing the sweltering summer heat or the bitter cold, their technicians are undoubtedly committed to your comfort. They’re not just technicians; they’re problem solvers!

Aire Serv’s back-to-back Franchise of the Year awards in 2021 and 2022 are a testament to their outstanding service, marking a groundbreaking achievement in the franchise industry. Their consistent success stems not only from skill but from their core values: Respect, Integrity, Customer Service, and Having Fun in the Process!

134B Sandy Drive, Newark, Delaware 19713 (302) 307-1494 9

FACES of CECIL COUNTY

goodshepherdschool.net

THE FACES OF

Good Shepherd Catholic School G

ood Shepherd Catholic School is a pre-k to 8th grade Catholic School.

In 1950, Father William R. Couming came to Good Shepherd Parish with a vision of bringing Catholic education to western Cecil County. His dream grew over the next seven decades into what today is Good Shepherd Catholic School. Through the dedicated help of parishioners, family and friends the school has grown from two classes being taught by two sisters of St. Joseph to our current infrastructure ranging from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade taught by a staff. It is safe to say that Father Couming’s vision is alive and well here in western Cecil county. While the world has changed around us, we have stayed very true to our mission- that our school will provide an education strong in academics and rooted in Gospel values.

Good Shepherd’s school climate consists of a warm and

accepting family atmosphere which fosters tolerance and love of neighbors by the example of Jesus Christ. Often when people walk in the front door, they immediately feel the faithful, caring atmosphere with a greeting from a student or staff member and a door held open. For the past 67 years, Good Shepherd Catholic School has offered quality education that embraces the ethics and values of Catholic education.

Good Shepherd prides itself on being a tight knit family community. The school embraces not only the students attending classes, but their families as a whole. The intimate feeling of a small school allows for small class sizes and the ability to approach not just the educational needs, but the total development of each of the students.

Good Shepherd Catholic School is a hidden gem in the community on Aiken Avenue and should share all of the great things that it offers.

800 Aiken Avenue, Perryville, Maryland 21903 (410) 642-6265 10

FACES of CECIL COUNTY

jlowesguns.com

THE FACES OF

JLowe’s Guns J

Lowe’s Guns was founded by John Lowe and his wife Pam in late 2013. The business was originally run from their home until 2020 when they moved into their current brick and mortar location off of Theodore Rd. JLowe's Guns is about you, the customer. The motto has always been "You want it? We can get it and at the best price." While we know this can not be true in every single case, we will strive to make it so to the best of our ability. Whether it is driving hours to deliver a part or selling an item below cost to beat a competitor's price, we will strive to be the gun and accessories shop of your choice. Our friendly staff can help guide you through making your first gun purchase to your last. By drawing on their own unique experiences and knowledge gained through their military/law enforcement professional careers, they will provide you with a personalized shopping experience.

We are a Colt stocking dealer, so we have a full line of Colt products available. We also carry brands such as Remington, Benelli, Beretta, Ruger, Mossberg and many, many more.

The biggest thing that sets JLowe's Guns apart from other guns shops, other than great pricing, would be the shop atmosphere. We hear from our customers all of the time about how when they visit other guns shops they “are talked down to” or made to feel like an outsider. Maybe it is John’s southern upbringing, but he tries his best to treat everyone who walks through the door as if they were family.

If you ever find yourself in need of a firearm, or of anything firearm related, please come in and pay us a visit. We would be happy to welcome you into the JLowe’s Guns family.

1573 Theodore Rd, Rising Sun, Maryland 21911 (410) 914-8093 11

The Cecil County 350th Anniversary plaque is revealed.

350 TIME CAPSULE Cecil County marks Back to the Future Day with time capsule honoring Cecil 350 Story By: Lilly Howard

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CECIL COUNTY — In honor of Cecil County’s 350th anniversary, historians, constituents, and administrators throughout the county gathered together to mark National Back to the Future Day in honor of the classic 1985 film and create a time capsule that will be opened in another 50 years.

Sandy Turner, director of tourism in the County, shared a bit of history to start off the celebration.

In 1674, Governor Charles Calvert took a bit of Baltimore County and a bit of Kent County and created Cecil County, making it Maryland’s 10th county.

“I think a few things have changed over the last 350 years, but what a great time to look back and appreciate where we’ve been and look ahead to where we’re going,” Turner said.

County tourism volunteer and time capsule committee member Deb Carter was instrumental in making this time capsule happen, and sparked the idea after realizing this was the county’s 350th anniversary.

Local community member Eric Bailey even

brought his DeLorean DMC-12 — the model used as a time machine in the movie — in honor of Back to the Future Day, which was parked outside of the County Administration building on Monday afternoon.

The Cecil County Council revealed a proclamation for the 350th ceremony with a plaque in the lobby of the administration building commemorating 350 years of Cecil County and stating that the capsule will be reopened on October 21, 2074 when the County turns 400 years-old.

Following the plaque reveal, everyone gathered into the Elk Room where various community members shared some history and placed items into the time capsule.

Historical figures who were staples in Cecil County’s early days, Judge Sample, Martha Finley, and Nurse Maida Campbell were brought to life by Mike Collins, Mary Byron, and Wanda Owens to pay tribute to the history of the county.

Historian Mike Dixon — although not physically present on Monday due to prior commitments — prepared 12 top history highlights throughout the county’s 350 years for volunteers to share with the crowd on Monday.

These highlights included Augustine Herman’s land grant from Cecilius Calvert, the county’s namesake, which included today’s Bohemia Manor winery, expanding the C & D canal and the county’s status as the wedding capital of the East Coast for much of the 20th century.

Each town throughout the county contributed something to commemorate themselves in the time capsule. JoAnn Dawson read her poem on Cecil County to the crowd, followed by County Executive Danielle Hornberger’s reading of a letter to the county, in hopes of being around when the time capsule is re-opened.

Both the poem and letter will be kept safe in the time capsule for the next 50 years, along with items from organizations throughout the County including local restaurant menus, an iPhone, 350th anniversary t-shirt, Bohemia Manor Farm memorabilia and so much more.

Stick around for the next 50 years and see what treasures bring the past to life in the future in the time capsule.

I THINK A FEW THINGS HAVE CHANGED OVER THE LAST 350 YEARS, BUT WHAT A GREAT TIME TO LOOK BACK AND APPRECIATE WHERE WE’VE BEEN AND LOOK AHEAD TO WHERE WE’RE GOING

A DeLorean adds a fun “Back to the Future” vibe to the time capsule reveal.

Cecil County 350th Anniversary plaque.

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A happy group enjoys the Cecil County 350th celebration.

PARTY! Party celebrating Cecil County’s 350th anniversary provides fun for the whole family Story By: Lilly Howard

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CHESAPEAKE CITY — In celebration of Cecil County’s 350th birthday, the town of Chesapeake City was filled with live music, local vendors, delicious food, craft drinks, and an electric fireworks show over a weekend in September.

Cub Scouts tabled outside of Chesapeake City Town Hall, offering informative packets and resources to join the club, along with freshly made popcorn.

As visitors made their way to Pell Gardens, they were welcomed by the smell of fresh seafood wafting from 410-Seafood’s pop up shop. Local brewer Bayhead’s Brewery had a tent offering two of their popular craft beers, and, if that wasn’t enough, their doors were open to everyone just down the street. Good Grain Company also set up camp on Bohemia Avenue selling their freshly baked goods.

The Chesapeake City Lions Club, Paws for Life, and the Historical Society of Cecil County had tables in front of Pell Gardens, offering informative pamphlets and ways to get involved and support each organization.

As you walked towards the live music, courtesy of Simon Brown who welcomed song requests of any genre, more local vendors lined the curb. The Marvel Women had uniquely crafted decor, hanging succulents, and more, while their neighbors, The PepperRu Shoppe, sold one-of-a- kind handmade cowboy hands.

Riverly Rae Jewelry is run by a mom, daughter, and granddaughter who make beautiful quality jewelry and sell it at different markets and online.

There were also vendors selling homemade cookies and candies, while others tabled to offer visitors canine training resources. Two well behaved dogs trained by Sit Means Sit welcomed guests to learn more about the

organization.

Food trucks serving funnel cakes and other delicious treats parked beside Canal Creamery.

Balloon animals and face paint were on offer for the children, who would then go play catch in front of the live music at Pell Gardens and offered an entertaining spectacle for everyone.

Both Chesapeake City Water Tours, and the history tours led by the Historical Society’s Mike Dixon were fully booked on this lively Saturday evening.

Fireworks closed the night as they painted the sky with vibrant colors and sparkles, celebrating how far we’ve come as a county since 350 years ago.

Fireworks add the ultimate topper to the Cecil County celebration.

There was something for all ages at the Cecil County 350th Anniversary Celebration.

A performer entertainers the crowd at the Cecil County 350th celebration.

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A group in the editorial office at the Cecil Whig.

HISTORY OF THE CECIL WHIG Whig staff report

The first editor of the Cecil Whig, Palmer C. Ricketts.

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ELKTON — Over its 183-year tenure as Cecil County’s newspaper, the Cecil Whig has covered a lot of history.

From the Whig’s first editor killing a rival editor, the Mexican-American War, the death of the Whig party itself, the Civil War, the invention of airplanes, both World Wars, the Cold War to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and now the coronavirus pandemic, the Cecil Whig has continued covering Cecil County’s news through it all.

While the Whig’s origin in 1841 to oppose the Cecil Democrat, a rival paper founded in 1840, was a political one, the Whig has always been dedicated to producing hard, factual reporting in the county.

The slogan of Cecil’s Whig party, printed on the front page of the first Whig, is: “Whigs of Cecil often beaten, never conquered,” which the Whig has held to even long after the demise of the Whig party. The Whig devoted itself to acquiring, as the Whig’s second editor William J. Jones said, “a reputation second to that of no country paper in the state.”

The death of Palmer C. Ricketts, the Whig’s first editor, on March 10, 1860 was the end of any real tie to the actual Whig party, but it brought with it a new freedom of expression for the Whig, operating under the leadership of James S. Crawford in 1860 and then Edwin E. Ewing from 1861-1876. The Whig now had the option to choose what issues it supported, rather than just what the party did.

One of the first Cecil Whig newspapers in print.

Major headline for the Cecil Whig, the assassination of JFK.

The Whig supported the Constitutional Union’s John Bell for the 1860 presidential election, but backed both the Union and President Lincoln after his election and through the ensuing Civil War. This stance resulted again in traded insults from the Cecil Whig and Democrat, due to the Democrat’s sympathy for the Confederate cause.

a trustee’s sale, which landed the paper under Frank E. Williams, a Presbyterian minister.

Williams’ tenure, which included the absorption of the Elkton Appeal and Perryville Record, ran until his death in 1920, leaving the Whig in an uncertain void that Edward Johnson and Robert T. Thachery filled.

Murray Janvier Ewing become the Whig’s new editor and publisher in 1924, notably writing the 100th anniversary article on August 7th, 1941. World War II dominated the paper’s content from the United States’ entry until the end of the conflict, marked by a story titled: “Cecil County Goes Noisy in Victory Celebrations Tues.”

In 1947, Ewing was succeeded as publisher by James Hughes and as editor by E. Ralph Hostetter who, while only leading the Whig for three years due to the Korean War, would later own the Whig in 1956 after the death of James Hughes.

Hostetter oversaw the Whig make rapid technological advancements, such as the introduction of a third photo-offset press east of the Mississippi, opening up room for more photos in the paper, and the construction of the Whig’s current location at 601 Bridge Street as a photo-offset plant.

Under Hostetter as publisher, a number of editors worked with him, beginning with James A. Flood, 1957-59; Ruth Tyrrell Hughes 1959-64; Larry O’Hara, 1969-71; and finally Donal C. Herring who started in

Setting up shop

On March 31, 1866, the Whig opened its new headquarters on the corner of North and Whig streets.

No longer being printed out of a log cabin, the Whig would remain at this location until October 31st, 1868, when the office burned down, destroying nearly all of the newspaper type at the Whig.

While the fire was a large setback to the Whig, the paper continued to survive until 1876, when Ewing sold the paper to Henry R. Torbert, who would bring the first steam press of the county to the Whig.

The 1880s saw a quick succession of Whig editors: Folger McKinsey, C.F. Hinchliffe, and Victor Torbert [Henry’s son], but it was during Henry Torbert’s time that the Whig was nearly sold in a sheriff ’s sale.

Thankfully, the Whig avoided this fate.

March 1906 saw the Tolbert’s property – including the entire Cecil Whig paper, building, equipment – sold at

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1971 and would continue editing the paper until 1992 as editor-in-chief. However, he continued on as an editor emeritus until his death on May 20th, 2018.

WITNESSING HISTORY

Two of the Whig’s most notable events occurred during this period: the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 and the devastation wrought by Tropical Storm Agnes in 1972.

On November 22, 1963, Cecil Countians were dazed to find that President Kennnedy, who had visited the county just 8 days earlier, had been assassinated. His brief – 62 minutes in total – visit to the county was made to dedicate the Northeastern Expressway and unveil a Mason-Dixon Line marker, leaving a friendly smile and wave for those present.

Many within the county still remember the catastrophe brought by Tropical Storm Agnes. From June 21-24, 1972, the county was buried by Agnes and saw much of the county, including Havre de Grace, Port Deposit and Perryville, suffer tremendous damage and flooding.

Residents from Port Deposit were entirely evacuated with many smaller evacuations going on throughout Perryville, Havre de Grace and other communities.

During the 1960s and 1970s, Hostetter and his partner, Rodney E. Smith, would acquire more than a dozen newspapers in Maryland and Delaware. Most notable among these would be the Cecil Democrat, the Whig’s original rival, which eventually ceased publication in 1981.

1975 saw Whitney Communications Corp. of New York City acquire the Whig and Hostetter’s other papers, which were rebranded into the Chesapeake Publishing Corporation.

In 1982, Thomas F. Bradlee, an Elkton native who began working at the Whig in 1968, succeeded Hostetter and Smith as the Whig’s owner and publisher.

During the early 1980s, the Whig outgrew its Bridge Street home and branched out to a small building next door. This building, however, was soon reduced to rubble in October of 1982, when a motorist drove through the building.

This event was the main motivator in accelerating an improvements program that began with an addition for an expanded advertising department and included the addition of supplementary publications, such as the now ceased Mariner magazine.

MORE NEWS, MORE WHIG

Early in 1986, Bradlee felt strongly that to better serve the Whig’s readers and advertisers who were growing in number and desire for a weekend publication, the Whig needed to increase its frequency of publication.

To that end, the Whig became a twice-weekly publication – on Wednesday and Saturday – in November 1986. In the following year, a 12,000-square-foot, two-story addition to the Whig 1 8 FA C E S O F C E C I L CO U N T Y | 2 0 2 5

building was completed. The building included offices, a pressroom and a new, state-of-the-art Goss Community Press which cost over $1 million.

A series of other additions – including automated machinery that could put as many as six inserts inside an issue at a rate of 10,000 to 12,000 an hour and thousands of yellow newspaper delivery boxes along Cecil County roads – brought speculation that the Whig might be expanding to a daily paper.

Described as “the worst-kept secret in Cecil County,” Bradlee confirmed the rumor on July 4, 1989.

Citing that Cecil Countians deserved their own daily newspaper and the Whig’s own nearly 150 year life covering the county, Bradlee announced that the Whig would go daily on August 7, 1989, which happened to be the Whig’s birthday, as pointed out by then-editor Don Herring.

“It’s an omen,” Bradlee said, as the date had been picked without realizing it was the Whig’s birthday.

Jeff Mezzatesta replaced Bradlee as publisher in 1997, during a time of rising sales and a growing desire for good news and wholesome content.

Mezzatesta responded by creating the Whig’s Accent section, where they collected more light-hearted features, upcoming events and contributions from the community.

DAWN OF THE DIGITAL ERA

The 9/11 attacks of 2001 were a wake up call to the Whig that its readers’ ways of accessing the paper were changing. The internet was a growing market that was seeing the rise of digital production and consumption of the news, and while the Whig had a website, CecilWhig.com, it was primitive and difficult to monetize. It would take a change in leadership for the Whig to truly embrace digital.

The late 2000s was a trying time for the Whig, like for many other businesses and people, due to the 2008 economic depression. In 2007, the Whig and its sister publications were sold by Whitney Communications to Dallas’ American Consolidated Media. The Whig soon became one of over 100 American publications owned and operated by ACM. Its focus on corporate oversight saw the consolidation of the Whig’s workforce, creating its current headquarters in Easton where human resources, accounting, classifieds and support services remain located.

The leadership of the Whig also rapidly changed with Mezzatesta leaving in 2009 to be replaced as publisher

by Marty Valania, who would last less than a year before turning his position over to David Fike. Terry Peddicord was replaced as editor by Mike Bullard, a longtime staffer, as editor of the Whig.

In 2010, Elkton’s presses fell silent for the first time in nearly 170 years as they were moved down to Easton as part of ACM’s consolidation efforts. Additionally, in

deputy editor, and would later become the editor when Perryman left. Carroll left the Whig in February 2021.

REMEMBERING THE PAST AND PLANNING THE FUTURE

This plaque explains the historic significance of the Cecil Whig newspaper January of 2012, the Whig dropped to thrice-weekly publication as Tuesday and Thursday were cut from the printing schedule, however the rebranded CecilDaily. com carried on the 24/7 Cecil County news cycle.

ACM’s training and digital-focus helped the Whig’s staff to see the Whig routinely pulling in more than 1 million online pageviews a month from more than 150,000 unique readers.

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

Mike Bullard left the Whig in April of 2012, being replaced by editor Jacob Owens. Maria Foglio would be promoted to the publisher’s role a few years later.

The Whig’s mobile app launched in the mid 2010s to respond to an increasing number of on-the-go readers.

In March of 2014, the paper was bought by Adams Publishing Group, a newly-formed media group founded in Minnesota by Mark Adams, who would serve as APG’s president and CEO. A mere month later, the Whig sold its 601 N. Bridge Street plant to Quantum Controls, an electrical contracting company run by two Cecil County partners, but continues to remain in its old offices at the front of the Whig building.

Jacob Owens left the Whig in September of 2019, with B. Rae Perryman stepping in as the new executive editor. Perryman would leave the Whig in mid-2020.

William Carroll arrived at the Whig in March of 2020 as

The Cecil Whig has settled itself under the leadership of Editor Erik Halberg, with the mentorship and experience of longtime reporters Jane Bellmyer and Carl Hamilton and Newark Post Editor Josh Shannon.

Bellmyer has been working at the Cecil Whig for 19 years.

“I know it’s going to sound crazy but I love covering the Cecil County Fair,” Bellmyer said. “It’s been so much fun watching these 4-H kids grow up. I remember Catherine Guethler in her first steer competition. She was so tiny next to that 2,000 pound steer. Now she’s grown up, married and expecting.”

She retold one of her favorite stories.

“This is going to sound crazy, but there was a bank robbery I covered in Elkton,” Bellmyer said. “We had heard on the scanner that Elkton Police had the suspects stopped along Route 40 near Landing Lane so I rushed over, thinking I’d get photos of suspects in handcuffs. I get out of my car and hear a baby crying. As it turns out there was a toddler with the suspects. I captured a photo of the crying baby. It was front page the next day in the Cecil Whig and won an Associated Press Award for Spot News Photography.”

Bellmyer has seen many changes in her years working as a reporter at the Cecil Whig.

“When I joined the Whig on Aug. 9, 2002 I was one of six reporters and two photographers,” Bellmyer said.

“We had two editors during the day and a staff of three that worked nights. There was also a sports department and composition and so many people working in offices and the press room that we were the third largest employer in Cecil County.”

Executive Editor Jim Johnson expressed that his main goal is to provide Cecil County with quality, community journalism.

“Editor Erik Halberg and I work daily to make sure that the Cecil Whig is producing interesting and relevant articles for our subscribers,” Johnson said.

He added that the Whig recently hired Lily Howard who grew up in Cecil County and graduated last year with a journalism degree from the University of Maryland. She brings a deep knowledge of the county and its residents that complements the decades of experience that Jane Bellmyer, Carl Hamilton and Josh Shannon have.

In sports, Patrick LaPorte has created a stable of writers and photographers who help him provide complete coverage of the sports scene.

“I am proud of the team led by Erik Halberg that we have in Cecil County,” Johnson said. “We continue to work to provide coverage that keeps our readers engaged.”

Mike Dixon contributed to the research and writing of this article.

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Sweetest of Cecil returns in 2025!

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