Vivian D. Laxton, Administrator
Office of Public Information
*****
Kevin Dayhoff - Soundtrack Division of Old Silent Movies - www.kevindayhoff.net - Runner, writer, artist, fire and police chaplain. The mindless ramblings of a runner, journalist, and artist: National and International politics. For community see www.kevindayhoff.org. For art, writing and travel see www.kevindayhoff.com
News Release
For more information, contact: Denise Beaver
Carroll County Department of Economic Development, 410-386-2070
For Immediate Release
Gabe and Kelly Zepp achieve national Top Ten honor
January 17, 2008 – Gabe and Kelly Zepp, of New Windsor, Maryland, received Top Ten recognition in the Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Award from the American Farm Bureau Federation. Recognized for their knowledge of and achievement in agriculture, as well as their leadership in promoting the agriculture industry, the Zepp’s competed with young farmers from around the
Gabe is employed as an Agriculture Development Specialist with Carroll County Government and Kelly is employed part-time as a technician by the Carroll County Soil Conservation District and by Windsor Manor, a registered
As the Agriculture Development Specialist with the Department of Economic Development, Gabe partners with all local, county and state farm-related organizations including the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Maryland Cooperative Extension, Maryland Farm Bureau, Carroll County Soil Conservation District, and many other agricultural organizations to advance agriculture in Carroll County. During the eight years that Gabe has worked for economic development he has been a strong advocate for the farming community and provides resources and opportunities to connect and advance local farming operations. Gabe also administers the agriculture industry component of Enterprise Carroll, a local investment program, which helps to preserve and grow the agriculture industry in
a great place to live, a great place to work, a great place to play
# # #
Media Advisory – Posted September 24th, 2007
For more information, contact: Julie Tasillo,
Center for Watershed Protection, 410-461-8323
What:
Where: Multi-Purpose Room,
When: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 26
Details: Builders for the Bay is a unique initiative that brings together the Home Builders Association of Maryland, the
Directions: From
From
# # #
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Barbara Herron
410-732-9564
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS SAVE $30 MILLION IN ENERGY COSTS
BALTIMORE (August 10, 2007) – Between June 2006 and June 30, 2007, the innovative strategy of purchasing electricity directly from the regional grid and multiple wholesale suppliers resulted in savings of more than $30 million for local governments and participating agencies, compared with BGE’s standard offer service rates.
The $70.6 million spent on electricity purchases saved the region’s taxpayers approximately $12.1 million when compared with the retail cost of electricity. The total annualized cost was $.078 per kilowatt hour.
The Baltimore Regional Cooperative Purchasing Committee(BRCPC), a standing committee of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, developed the wholesale portfolio approach to purchasing electricity, eliminating retail middleman costs, in conjunction with its independent energy advisor, South River Consulting. Pepco Energy Services, the portfolio licensed service provider, has also been instrumental in the strategy’s operational and performance success.
The portfolio includes 3,000 BGE commercial electric accounts. Participants include the
Other local government organizations have since adopted the wholesale portfolio approach. The portfolio approach used by BRCPC for purchasing energy is currently one of the options being considered by the Maryland Public Service Commission, the Maryland Energy Administration and the Governor’s Office for
“It’s always good to find ways to save taxpayers’ money,” said Harford County Executive David Craig, the BMC Chair. “The money local governments can save on electricity means more money to provide services that directly benefit our residents.”
# # #
The
Solid Waste Management Forum at Frederick Community College
July 14th, 2007
Solid Waste Management Forum at
The event took place in the Jack B. Kussmaul Theater at
The event was not as well attended as many would have liked but nevertheless, hopefully there were enough folks there to continue a discussion of alternative ways of managing municipal solid waste instead of collecting it and burying it in the ground.
For more information on Waste Management and Waste to Energy issues please click on: Environmentalism Solid Waste Management; Environmentalism Solid Waste Management Waste to Energy; or… Energy Independence or the label, Environmentalism.
####
Frederick and Carroll County Solid Waste Forum
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Jack B. Kussmaul Theater
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Sponsored by
Commissioners from both counties invite citizens to attend a forum on solid waste issues such as recycling, resource recovery and integrated waste management.
The forum provides citizens an opportunity to hear from solid waste professionals regarding sustainable waste management options.
####
Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2007 12:18 PM
Subject: EAGLE ALERT: County opens "cooling centers"
May 31st, 2007
These stories and other updates are posted on The Eagle Web sites, www.theeldersburgeagle.com and www.thewestminstereagle.com.
May 31, 2007 -
* Citizen Services office building,
* Mount Airy Senior and Community Center,
* North Carroll Senior and Community Center, 2328 Hanover Pike, Greenmount
* South Carroll Senior and Community Center,
* Taneytown Senior and Community Center,
*
Officials said water will be available for those who need it at any of the cooling centers.
The
* Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day.
* Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored.·
* Eat fewer proteins and drink plenty of water.
* Stay in air-conditioning.
For more safety tips, refer to the Citizen's Guide to Emergency Preparedness, available online at http://ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/pubsafe/emer-prep.pdf, or by contacting the Emergency Management Division at 410-386-2877.
For information about Carroll's senior and community centers, call the Bureau of Aging at 410-386-3800.
####
Carroll County Government Press Release Recap
May 31st, 2007
Press Releases
Cooling centers open
posted: 5/31/2007
New sewer, water rates approved
posted: 5/31/2007
Alzheimers Support Group June 2007
posted: 5/30/2007
Bureau of Aging to hold area plan community meetings
posted: 5/30/2007
Kayaking Classes Offered at Piney Run Park
posted: 5/25/2007
Draft of Westminster Comprehensive Plan Available for Review
posted: 5/23/2007
Notice of solid waste tipping fee adjustment
posted: 5/21/2007
Public hearing slated for airport master plan: Draft now available online
posted: 5/21/2007
Preschool Wetland Discovery Week
posted: 5/21/2007
Employee Recognition Program slated for June 6
posted: 5/17/2007
Legal Aid Services
posted: 5/17/2007
Spring Muster and Antique Fire Equipment Show
posted: 5/14/2007
Learning Lunch Talk for June: The Barbara Fritchie Legend
posted: 5/14/2007
2007 Fiddlers' Convention
posted: 5/14/2007
Economic Development Releases Broadband Study Results
posted: 5/11/2007
Space Available for Third Seniors on the Go Expo
posted: 5/9/2007
23rd Annual “Governor’s Youth Fishing Derby”
posted: 5/7/2007
Traditional Arts Classes at the Carroll County Farm Museum
posted: 5/7/2007
First Time Home Buyer Program - On Behalf Of Housing Program
posted: 5/4/2007
Boating Safety Courses Offered at Piney Run Park
posted: 4/27/2007
Piney Run Park Sponsors Upcoming Trips
posted: 4/26/2007
Maryland's Most Beautiful People Volunteer Awards Program
posted: 4/19/2007
Piney Run Nature Camp
posted: 4/18/2007
Kayak Lessons Offered at Piney Run Park
posted: 4/18/2007
Second Bus Added for King Tut Trip - July 14
posted: 3/23/2007
Therapeutic Recreation Summer Camp Seeking Staff
posted: 3/15/2007
Maryland Housing Rehab Program - Accessible Homes for Seniors Pilot Program
posted: 11/30/2006
Free Arthritis Foundation Exercise Programs
posted: 11/3/2006
####
Letter to the editor from Carroll County Government Benefits Administrator Bates about Carroll County Sheriff’s retirement plans
Carroll County Government offers different plan than LEOPS.
May 18th, 2007
To the Editor:
Fraternal Order of Police head John Shippee’s recent letter that was posted on your blog raised some important issues regarding retirement and disability plans offered to the law enforcement officers of the County Sheriff’s Office. For purposes of clarification and future discussion, here are the facts regarding the retirement and disability plan benefits currently in place for those officers:
1. Retirement Plans: Unlike other jurisdictions, all County officers are enrolled in two local retirement plans: 1) a traditional “defined benefit” pension plan that provides lifetime monthly payments after 30 years of service (or at age 62) and 2) a 401(k) Plan to which the County makes contributions of between 3% and 6% of base pay. In order to receive the maximum 401(k)
Adding social security retirement benefits to the mix, law enforcement officers who retire from the
2. Disability Plans: County law enforcement officers are eligible for both short- and long-term disability plans, 100% paid by the County. For officers permanently and totally disabled by a catastrophic injury sustained in the line of duty, substantial federal disability benefits are also available through the Department of Justice.
The retirement and disability benefits available to
William A. Bates
Bureau Chief, Benefits Administration
_____
For previous posts about Law Enforcement Matters see:
Carroll County Sheriff’s Office
LEOPS (Law Enforcement Officers Pension System)
For more information, contact: Vivian D. Laxton, W.A.B,
Public Information Administrator
For Immediate Release
Construction also shuts down Bureau of Aging offices
May 1, 2007, 7:30 p.m. – Construction is requiring the closure of the
Both facilities, located at
Seniors who usually eat lunch at the senior center can attend any of the other four senior centers in the county – Taneytown, Greenmount,
Residents who need to conduct emergency business with Bureau of Aging staff can call Jolene Sullivan, Director, Department of Citizen Services at 410-386-3600. Regular business will resume Thursday.
# # #
County responds to major storm
Carroll County, Maryland, USA
February 16th, 2007
While I was on the phone with Vivian Laxton, W.A.B., the public information officer for
Ms. Laxton, please enjoy the picture and please know that the wind has picked up down here and the skies have become overcast. So much so that while I was talking with you on the phone, I had to put on a long sleeved shirt.
The bottom photo is from when I was I was talking with the Westminster Police Chief, Jeff Spaulding and Ashley Reams, a reporter with the Westminster Advocate, earlier in the day.
Yeah, I’m thinking of all of ya. We’re roughing it down here – and I know you care. I guess the temperature has dipped to the high 70s.
Anyway, now where was I? Oh, that’s right, the press release from Ms. Laxton, W.A.B., P.I.O. for
News Release
For more information, contact: Vivian D. Laxton, W.A.B., Public Information Administrator.
For Immediate Release
County responds to major storm
http://ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/releases/stormtotals.pdf
February 15, 2007 - Carroll County's Department of Public Works employees spent approximately 6,160 man-hours clearing 973 miles of county-maintained roads during and after the winter storm that moved through the area Tuesday and Wednesday, February 13-14.
Crews began treating roads at 4 a.m. on Tuesday and continued well into Thursday. One to 3 inches of snow fell during the day Tuesday. Between 7 p.m. Tuesday and 7 a.m. Wednesday, another 6 to 7 inches of sleet fell over much of the county. When rain began to mix with sleet early Wednesday, the sleet soaked up the moisture like a sponge. The extreme weight of the
precipitation made it difficult for plows to move.
With approximately 110 employees clearing 50 snow plow routes, usually streets can be cleared of 6 inches of snow eight hours after the storm ends. Because of the heavy accumulation, the Valentine's Day storm took twice as long to clear. About 2,500 tons of salt were used by county crews. Sixty-two pieces of equipment, including 55 trucks, six motor graders and a rubber tire loader, were utilized by the county and its contractors to plow.
In addition, the county's Department of General Services had crews working from midnight Monday through Thursday to clear ice and sleet from parking lots at
Approximately 51 employees worked to clear the lots and 2+ miles of sidewalks, half a mile of ramps and steps, and 15 trucks and numerous heavy-duty shovels and ice chippers. Two front-end loaders were rented to push the snow off the lots and to clear drains. The Bureau of Fleet Management worked 12-hour shifts to keep county trucks operating, fixing hydraulic lines and pumps, transmissions, rear axles, windshield wipers, and welds on plows.
The Office of Emergency Management continuously monitored conditions throughout the storm. The only major incident reported was a roof collapse at a barn in New
Because most businesses closed and residents stayed off the roads, the number of traffic accidents was kept to a minimum. Law enforcement agencies reported a total of 70 weather-related incidents through the duration of the storm, not counting in
South Carroll satellite government office closed due to weather
Tuesday, February 13, 2007 9:29 AM
Subject: South Carroll satellite government office closed due to weather
You have been sent this e-mail alert from The Eldersburg Eagle.
South Carroll office will not open today
February 13, 2007 - Carroll County government has announced that tax collection and permit services will not be available today at the South County Government Center, which is located inside the Eldersburg Branch Library, because of inclement weather.
Residents can pay their tax and water bills or apply for permits at the
####
July 13th, 2006 by
Carroll County Commissioners Julia Gouge, Dean Minnich, and Perry Jones surprise
People Carroll County, Carroll County Commissioners, Carroll County Government News
Related: 20060706 KDDC Aunt Kay Birthday Cake and the Commissioners
Last Thursday was a milestone birthday for the receptionist at the
How old is she did you ask? Well, here at the Westminster Eagle, we’re not in the business of competing with The New York Times when it comes to divulging state secrets, but we will give you a hint. She’s the same age as President George W. Bush.
So just what does an “information desk receptionist” do? After all, I have always been focused on the fact that she has a friendly greeting, warm smile, and almost always has cookies. She sits almost exactly where the old Crowl ice cream factory used to be, long before the office building was there, so she is continuing a great tradition of hospitality through food.
When I wander into the building, Aunt Kay is quick to tell me where to go. In my years of working for the public I’ve been told where to go on a number of occasions, but no one does it as nicely as Aunt Kay.
According to our sources, Aunt Kay is part guidance counselor, honorary bailiff (armed with a salad shooter and hard carrots at the ready,) tour guide and mother confessor.
She is also the mother of two grown children. Well, three, if you count her husband, Ron, who also works for county government in the Bureau of Development Review.
Aunt Kay has worked for the county since August 1988, when, after working for Black and Decker in Hampstead, the Manchester Pharmacy and the Hampstead sewing factory, she took a job in personnel services (now called production distribution,) on the bottom floor of the building.
In November 1989 she got a promotion and a raise – to the first floor, where she has been found ever since in her “command station” at the main entrance of the building.
As for her job, Aunt Kay says, she’s “taken an avocation and turned it into a career. I like people and I like talking.”
Recently I had an opportunity to sit down with Aunt Kay so she could talk a little about her job. And talk is exactly what she did. It was like opening the flood gates of genuinely friendly southern charm.
Then again, getting Aunt Kay to talk was not only easy, but getting Aunt Kay to take a break is not really that unusual since she always takes time to help citizens as they hustle and bustle by her command post. And usually, no matter how busy she is, she acts like her sole job is to help you.
“I love serving the public.
She’s not the first to be the friendly public gatekeeper for the building, Bea Sauble had served in the position for ten years. Aunt Kay was quick and adamant to be sure that it was mentioned that she works with a team that includes, Patsy Hughes, Brenda Wetzel, Gina Ellis, Courtney Hammond and JoAnna Crone.
“This building is really something,” she elaborated. “Oh, everyone has their day now and then, but by far, this is the greatest, kindest and most caring group of folks … This building is all one big team.”
She also quickly added that she wished everyone could be aware of the “dedication, hard work and everything that goes into public service” by the county employees.
As Aunt Kay has now worked for county government for three decades and five different commissioner administrations, she has seen some changes over the years.
Every commissioner she “has ever worked with has been really dedicated. They take the time to get to know each employee’s name and they make you feel like an equal and valuable part of a team. Each and every one of them has been especially good to me.”
“Of course, the building was smaller. The county was smaller, but county government is still small enough to know its customers and be in the customer service business.
“I used to walk to work until the traffic began to worry me”, she lamented. Of course, what most readers don’t know, is that when Aunt Kay, the energizer bunny, talks about walking to work, we’re not just speaking of traveling by foot from around the block. “Its only 10 miles from home to the county office building,” she adds casually.
One of her goals when she retires is the walk the 2,144 mile Appalachian Trail from
Asked how the tradition of the cookies began, she said that “cookies have always been a part of who I am. Being raised in the south, when visitors come you feed them. Besides, I love to bake.”
“This job… working with the public has been so good to me that the cookies are the least I can do to give something back. Folks used to be surprised (that cookies are available at the receptionist desk,) now folks stop by her desk before they see the bailiffs and ask for a cookie.”
Always greeting citizens with a smile and a cookie does give way to humor from time to time. When asked for a funny story or two, she lit up and immediately responded, “My favorite one - and it happens every day is the question: ‘Do these stairs go down?’”
For Kay Church everything is always looking up and the county is fortunate to have her and the many other hundreds of great county employees working for our quality of life and future.
Next time you are in the county office building - or call, say happy birthday to Aunt Kay. Her birthday was last week, but when you walk in the county office building, every citizen is special and every day is your birthday.
####
E-mail him at: kdayhoff AT carr.org or kevindayhoff AT gmail.com
His columns and articles appear in The Tentacle - www.thetentacle.com; Westminster Eagle Opinion; www.thewestminstereagle.com and Winchester Report.
People Carroll County, Carroll County Commissioners, Carroll County Government News