The second annual Run for the Bathroom will be held today, starting at 8 a.m. at 3 E. Main St. in Burkittsville .

The run raises funds to pay for two new unisex toilets at the South Mountain Heritage Society headquarters in the former German Reformed Church at that address.

The run and a 3K Alley Walk will be preceded by the ceremonial first flush at 7:15 a.m.

For information, go to www.steeplechasers.org and click on calendar, or call 301-834-9242.

Flags to fly at half-staff

Gov. Martin O'Malley has ordered the Maryland's state flag and the United States flag to be flown at half-staff Monday in memory of Army Sgt. 1st Class Duane A. Thornsbury.

Thornsbury, of Temple Hills, died Sept. 12 in Baghdad while in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The flag shall be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset.

Tax help center closed for a day

The Internal Revenue Service will close its Taxpayer Assistance Center at 201 Thomas Johnson Drive for one day, Wednesday.

Normal operations will resume Thursday.

Taxpayers needing help Wednesday may visit the Taxpayer Assistance Center from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1260 Maryland Ave. in Hagerstown.

The IRS website and toll-free taxpayer assistance hot lines provide free guidance and tax forms without a trip to the office.

The IRS website is at www.irs.gov. Assistance is also provided at 1-800-829-1040. IRS tax forms and publications are available by calling 1-800-829-FORM (3676).

Events to raise domestic violence awareness

To mark October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Frederick County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council will hold two events.

The third annual White Ribbon Campaign event will be held Oct. 1 at Tuscarora High School, starting at 6 p.m.

The campaign, originally a group of men dedicated to ending domestic violence, began in 1989 in Canada following the 1989 killings of 14 women at a Montreal college.

The theme of this year's program is "Real men don't hit."

The program will include guest speakers and music.

Student winners of the White Ribbon Campaign Poster Contest will be announced. Participants create a poster that promotes the importance of a violence-free society. Posters are due to the Frederick County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council on Thursday.

For information, contact Dave Schultz, victim advocate for the Frederick Police Department, at 301-600-1356.

The Into the Light Conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Rosenstock Auditorium, Hood College.

The event will feature panel discussion by domestic violence experts.

Contact Pat Campbell at 301-662-8800 for information about the free event.

Get ready for Railroad Days

Railroad Days, Brunswick 's annual celebration of its railroad heritage, will occur Oct. 3 and 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Planners have announced street and stage entertainment, as well as homemade food, a craft show, train rides, a car, truck and motorcycle show and activities for all ages.

A new model train show is ready at the Brunswick Railroad and C&O Canal Museum.--

Dinner to focus on poverty

Frederick 's UNESCO Center for Peace will hold a dinner Oct. 17 to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

Local individuals and organizations working to reduce poverty will be honored. Sen. Benjamin Cardin will give the keynote address.

The event will be held from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Mountain City Elks Lodge on West All Saints Street in Frederick .

Tickets are $35 each. For tickets, call 301-305-3022 or e-mail endpoverty@unescocenterforpeace.net.

Post your comments » Purse stolen from grocery cart A purse was stolen from a grocery cart at Giant Eagle on West 7th Street around 8:25 p.m. Monday, according to a Frederick Police Department press release. The suspect fled the area but police found her. During a search of the suspect, police found a small quantity of crack cocaine and a smoking device used for crack cocaine, police said. Two die in crash Saturday BOONSBORO -- Two men were killed Saturday on Alternate U.S. 40 near Benevola Church Road, Maryland State Police in Hagerstown said. Fire & Police Blotter Gas leak leads to evacuation Priest sentenced to 10 years probation for sex offense ROCKVILLE -- A Roman Catholic priest was sentenced Monday in Montgomery County Circuit Court to 10 years probation for sexually abusing an altar boy at a Germantown church more than seven years ago. City looks to add 185 in countersuit All of Rosemont soon may be party to a lawsuit with the city of Brunswick.