On Monday, the committee appointed Richard Cheney and Bill Shreve to fill the slots left open by the dismissal of Tim Brooks and Bill Ashton.

Brooks and Ashton were dismissed by the state party's executive committee for failing to attend three or more state conventions, or vote by proxy.

There are nine elected members of the central committee, and local officers said they needed everyone to actively participate.

Brooks had argued that he should have been excused for two of his four absences because he was on active duty with the U.S. Marines and faced political activity restrictions.

But the committee decided to move ahead with replacing Brooks and Ashton.

Frederick County Republican Central Committee Chairman Michael Hough said the committee is excited about the new members.

"They both have demonstrated through hard work their commitment to strengthening the Republican Party in Frederick County," Hough said.

Cheney, no relation to the vice president, is a New Market resident and a retired member of the U.S. Air Force.

Shreve, of Frederick , is the chairman of the Frederick County Board of Zoning Appeals and a commercial real estate agent.

Cheney was awarded a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and the Outstanding Airman of the Year Award during his time in the military. In 1993, he co-founded Custodial Work Resources, which employs more than 130 workers.

Cheney has been a longtime volunteer for the Republican Party and previously received the "Volunteer of the Year" and "Man of the Year" awards from the Anne Arundel Republican Central Committee.

Shreve was a candidate for Frederick County Commissioner in 2006, but lost in the primary.

In addition to his volunteer work for the Republican Party, he has also been involved with Habitat for Humanity, the YMCA, and the "Special Day for Special People Air Show."

Post your comments » Round 2: Snow expected to fall today, Wednesday Fast on the heels of the largest 24-hour snowfall to hit the Frederick County since 1983, meteorologists are predicting another round of heavy snow and wind to hit today. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning Monday afternoon for the area, including Frederick County, and said 10 to 20 inches of snow is possible by Wednesday night. Weather-related closings, delays A list follows of weather-related closings and cancellations for this week. Fire and police blotter Police search for robber School closures cause makeup schedule revision Even though Frederick County Public Schools are closed today -- using the sixth snow day this school year -- the school system will not hold school on the Monday Presidents Day holiday as the first scheduled snow makeup day. Crowds pay respect to fallen marine Even U.S. Marines couldn't hold back tears Monday at the viewing of their colleague, Sgt. David Smith. The procession to the Frederick Christian Fellowship Church was led by Frederick County Sheriff's deputies. Dressed in full military regalia, Marines carried Smith's casket into the church followed by family members as more Marines stood at attention.