High school band gets half of man

The Berkeley Springs High School band was named a co-benefactor of the estate of Darcy MacLachlan, a long-time resident of Berkeley Springs.

Along with the band, the American Legion was also named as a benefactor, with those funds being used for youth programs.

MacLachlan, who passed away in December 2005, was an avid supporter of the band and was also a member of Alderton-Dawson American Legion Post #60.

Executor of the estate, Glen Stotler, said that once the estate is settled, both the band and the American Legion will receive approximately $116,000, which will then be set up into trust funds.

A five-person committee will be appointed to determine how the funds will be used for the band. The committee will be comprised of the current band director, the school treasurer, a school administrator, a local citizen and Stotler, as executor of the estate.

Stotler said it is possible the estate will be set up into one trust fund with two accounts, one for each benefactor.

"The funds should be ready in a few weeks for distribution after the estate is settled," said Stotler.

Once the trust fund is set up, contributions and donations can be given to both accounts.