PG Police overstep authority by Haven Shoemaker

Prince George's County Police overstep authority by Haven Shoemaker

Hampstead mayor Haven Shoemaker has weighed-in with his take on the home invasion by Prince George’s SWAT officers in the last days of July 2008.

If you will recall; after a small army of heavily armed SWAT team members attacked the home of Berwyn Height’s mayor Cheye Calvo, they tied the mayor and his mother-in-law up and shot and killed his two dogs - - only discover it was all mistake.

No word as to whether or not the Prince George's County SWAT team will get an award or not - as just occurred in a similar situation in Minneapolis, Minnesota, q.v.: 20080729 Minneapolis SWAT Team honored for raiding wrong house.

Mayor Shoemaker is an excellent writer and his recent column, in the “Other Voices” section of the Carroll County Times is a must read:

*****

PG police overstep authority

By Haven Shoemaker, Other Voices Monday, August 25, 2008

On July 29, the Mayor of Berwyn Heights, Cheye Calvo, came home from work and saw a package addressed to his wife sitting on the front porch.

If he's anything like me, he probably assumed his wife had been watching the Home Shopping Network, so he brought the package in and put it on the table.

Unbeknownst to him, the box actually contained 32 pounds of marijuana, one of the few things you can't buy on QVC.

While changing his clothes, Calvo heard his mother-in-law scream. According to media reports, she saw and reacted to police officers rushing the house. The police burst into the home without warning. In the ensuing chaos, officers shot and killed the family's two dogs. According to Calvo, one of two black Labradors was running away from the officers when it was killed.

Apparently, the officers did not believe that Calvo was the Mayor of Berwyn Heights. They kept him handcuffed for two hours, in his boxer shorts, lying next to his dead dogs. As it turns out, Calvo and his family were most likely the random victims of a scheme by real drug dealers.

Apparently, the police have already arrested people behind the plan to smuggle millions of dollars of marijuana via deliveries to unsuspecting citizens. Unfortunately, that little bit of law enforcement intelligence wasn't available to help Calvo or save his dogs.

[…]

But what bothers me the most about the Calvo mess is the dogs. If for the public good it becomes necessary to handcuff me in my briefs for two hours, well, OK. If the police want to take my mother-in-law into custody, I can promise my full cooperation.

[…]

It's not like the anyone was going to flush 32 pounds of dope down the toilet in the time it took for the police to announce the entry. I could add my thoughts on the modern low water capacity toilet, but as the kids today say, TMI, or "Too Much information."

Read Mayor Shoemaker’s entire column here: PG police overstep authority

20080825 PG Police overstep authority by Haven Shoemaker

Mount Airy church reaches out to youths by Staci George for Carroll County Times

Mount Airy church reaches out to youths by Staci George for Carroll County Times

Mount Airy church reaches out to youths

http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2008/08/24/news/local_news/newsstory6.txt

By Staci L. George, Times Correspondent

Sunday, August 24, 2008

MOUNT AIRY — Saturday was a day of youth empowerment through song, dance, poetry, drama and other artistic displays celebrating God and Christianity.

“Youth awakening” was the theme of Spirit Fest 2008, an annual event sponsored by West Falls Christian Community Church, 4330 Buffalo Road, Mount Airy. This was the seventh year the church, with 65 current members, has sponsored the event.

[…]

“We need to encourage and empower the youth to do positive things, like express their talents and get involved in the community. There are a lot of negative things already,” said Bishop Ross Jackson Sr., the church’s pastor since 1993 and a native of Mount Airy.

Read her entire article here: Mount Airy church reaches out to youths

20080824 Mount Airy church reaches out to youths by Staci George for Carroll County Times

A Tomato Convocation in Westminster By Bob Allen

A Tomato Convocation in Westminster By Bob Allen

I’m a big fan of old varieties of plants and I’m Patuxent writer Bob Allen’s biggest fan – although I remain jealous over the huge novella word limits he is given by our editor, but that is the stuff of another column. On second thought, maybe not.

A Tomato Convocation in Westminster

http://explorecarroll.com/community/710/tomato-convocation/

Heirlooms are ripe for celebration By Bob Allen ballen@patuxent.com

Posted 8/24/08

The mouthwatering magic and savory mystique of heirloom tomatoes was celebrated in Carroll County last week at a lively, tomato-inspired confabulation of food, fun and horticultural education and tomato lore.

If there had been a gaudy neon marquee advertising the Carroll County Master Gardeners' annual Heirloom Tomato Festival, it might have flashed:

"TOMATOES! TOMATOES!
NOTHING BUT...
HEIRLOOM! HEIRLOOM!
ALL THE TIME!"

Held at the Saturday, Aug. 16, Carroll County Farmers Market, the sixth annual festival was a spirited gathering of tomatoes and the people who love them, grow them, cook with them, talk about them and celebrate their merits.
But these were not just any tomatoes on parade.

In fact, the mere mention of store-bought hybrids (often distinguished by bland taste, pallid complexion and cardboard-like pulpiness) was met by good-natured disdain.

To most master gardeners, the only kind of tomato worthy of salt, vinegar, garlic, basil, olive oil and salad dressing is a genuine, home-grown heirloom.

Indeed, heirlooms are the true hall of famers of the tomato world.

[…]

An heirloom is a pure-bred tomato that has been established and kept true to its specific variety, with its gene pool unsullied by hybridization for least 50 years.

The master gardeners on hand at the Heirloom Tomato Festival provided fresh, juicy samples of the colorful-looking and even more colorfully named array of heirlooms from their back yard and side lot tomato patches -- Goliaths, Bullhearts, Hillbillies, Blackrims, Siberians, German Greens, German Johnsons, Aunt Rubies, Belgian Pinks, Brandywines, Polish Linguisas and a host of others.

[…]

All proceeds went to a special agriculture education scholarship fund set up by Carroll County Master Gardeners.

Maryanne Turner, president of Carroll County Master Gardeners, the local chapter of the state-wide volunteer training program coordinated by the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, was doling out bite-sized samples of her green tomato pie, which were gobbled nearly as quickly as she could scoop them into little paper cups and put them on the counter.

[…]

For more on the Master Gardeners program, or to learn how to get a copy of the tomato recipe booklet, call Steve Allgeier at the Carroll County Extension Office at 410-386-2760.

You can read the rest of Mr. Allen’s mouthwatering novella, complete with recipes, here: A Tomato Convocation in Westminster

http://explorecarroll.com/community/710/tomato-convocation/

20080824 A Tomato Convocation in Westminster By Bob Allen

Indian university buys former Allegheny Energy HQ - भारतीय विश्वविद्यालय खरीदता Allegheny ऊर्जा के पूर्व मुख्यालय

Indian university buys former Allegheny Energy HQ

August 26, 2008 By JOSHUA BOWMAN (joshua.bowman@herald-mail.com) for the Hagerstown Herald-Mail

मंगलवार , 26 अगस्त , 2008

Indian university buys former Allegheny Energy HQ

भारतीय विश्वविद्यालय खरीदता Allegheny ऊर्जा के पूर्व मुख्यालय

Indian university buys former Allegheny Energy HQ भारतीय विश्वविद्यालय खरीदता Allegheny ऊर्जा के पूर्व मुख्यालय

August 26, 2008 By JOSHUA BOWMAN ( joshua.bowman@herald-mail.com ) for the Hagerstown Herald-Mail 26 अगस्त , 2008 को यहोशू BOWMAN ( joshua.bowman @ हेराल्ड के mail.com ) के लिए हैगर्सटाउन हेराल्ड के मेल

The former Allegheny Energy headquarters on Downsville Pike has been purchased by a university based in India. Vinayaka Missions America University Inc. bought the building and will open their first university campus in the United States there, officials from the university announced at a press conference Tuesday. The university plans to offer credit and non-credit courses, including a nursing program. Officials said they plan to start with bachelor degree programs before expanding to masters and doctorate programs.

http://www.herald-mail.com/?cmd=displaystory&story_id=201993&format=html

20080826 Indian University buys former Allegheny Energy HQ

*****

मंगलवार , 26 अगस्त , 2008

Indian university buys former Allegheny Energy HQ भारतीय विश्वविद्यालय खरीदता Allegheny ऊर्जा के पूर्व मुख्यालय

Indian university buys former Allegheny Energy HQ भारतीय विश्वविद्यालय खरीदता Allegheny ऊर्जा के पूर्व मुख्यालय

August 26, 2008 By JOSHUA BOWMAN ( joshua.bowman@herald-mail.com ) for the Hagerstown Herald-Mail 26 अगस्त , 2008 को यहोशू BOWMAN ( joshua.bowman @ हेराल्ड के mail.com ) के लिए हैगर्सटाउन हेराल्ड के मेल

The former Allegheny Energy headquarters on Downsville Pike has been purchased by a university based in India. Allegheny ऊर्जा के पूर्व मुख्यालय पर Downsville पाइक द्वारा खरीदा गया है भारत में स्थित एक विश्वविद्यालय है . Vinayaka Missions America University Inc. bought the building and will open their first university campus in the United States there, officials from the university announced at a press conference Tuesday. Vinayaka मिशनों अमेरिका विश्वविद्यालय के निर्माण और इंक खरीदी होगी खुला विश्वविद्यालय के परिसर में अपना पहला संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका में वहां के अधिकारियों से इस विश्वविद्यालय में एक प्रेस कॉन्फ्रेंस में मंगलवार की घोषणा की है . The university plans to offer credit and non-credit courses, including a nursing program. इस विश्वविद्यालय की योजना और गैर ऋण देने के लिए पाठ्यक्रम ऋण सहित , एक नर्सिंग कार्यक्रम है . Officials said they plan to start with bachelor degree programs before expanding to masters and doctorate programs. अधिकारियों ने कहा कि वे योजना शुरू करने के लिए कार्यक्रमों के साथ स्नातक की डिग्री से पहले स्वामी के विस्तार करने के लिए कार्यक्रमों और डाक्टरेट .

http://www.herald-mail.com/?cmd=displaystory&story_id=201993&format=html http://www.herald-mail.com/?cmd=displaystory&story_id=201993&format=html

20080826 Indian University buys former Allegheny Energy HQ 20080826 खरीदता भारतीय विश्वविद्यालय के पूर्व मुख्यालय ऊर्जा Allegheny

Sphere: Related Content क्षेत्र : संबंधित सामग्री

20080825 cambios al horario especial de la recolección para la semana del Día del Trabajo

Martes 26 de agosto de 2008 - 20080825 cambios al horario especial de la recolección para la semana del Día del Trabajo

20080825 cambios al horario especial de la recolección para la semana del Día del Trabajo

8/13/2008- cambios al horario especial de la recolección para la semana del Día del Trabajo

25 de agosto de 2008

Westminster Maryland

Inútil y reciclando la colección
Información de la colección | Horario especial de la recolección | Horario de la colección del día de fiesta
Basura imprimible y reciclaje del boletín de noticias de la colección (archivo del pdf)

20080825 Changes to special pick-up schedule for Labor Day week

8/13/2008- Changes to special pick-up schedule for Labor Day week

August 25, 2008

Westminster Maryland

Waste & Recycling Collection
Collection Information | Special Pick-up Schedule | Holiday Collection Schedule
Printable waste & recycling collection newsletter (pdf file)

HORARIO ESPECIAL DE LA RECOLECCIÓN

(Los artículos se deben poner delante de su hogar por el 7:30 mañana a 5 pies del en la acera)

Observe por favor que la ciudad recoge solamente los artículos enumerados abajo. La ciudad no coge basura o recyclables del hogar. Los servicios de la ecología son responsables de la colección de basura y de recyclables del hogar.

• Todos los artículos se deben llamar sobre por lo menos 24 horas antes del día programado de la colección para asegurar retiro.
• Los artículos no programados para la colección no se pueden recoger y pueden permanecer hasta llamado adentro y programado para el retiro.

Debido al día de fiesta del Día del Trabajo, a todo el cepillo y al metal
para esa semana
cójase el martes 2 de septiembre
Llame el 848-9077 para programar una selección para arriba

Entre en contacto con la tienda de mantenimiento de la ciudad en (410) 848-9077.

Lunes Miembros de árbol Los miembros de árbol se deben cortar a las secciones del cuatro-pie, no más en gran parte que 6 pulgadas de diámetro, con los extremos haciendo frente a la misma dirección. No se cogerá NINGUNOS ENVASES el lunes, sin importar contenido. Martes Metal solamente Esto incluye los refrigeradores, las estufas, las arandelas, los secadores, las bicicletas, etc… los neumáticos y las baterías de coche también se cogen el martes. El metal se coge dentro de los límites de ciudad enteros. Miércoles Basura de yarda La basura de yarda se debe poner en un conatiner no más grande que una cesta de celemín sin la tapa, o en las bolsas de papel marrones biodegradables de Kraft. Los envases deben pesar menos de 75 libras. La basura de yarda no puede ser mezclada con basura o estar en las bolsas de plástico de la clase. Las carretillas y los botes de basura estándar no son recipientes para residuos aceptables de yarda. La basura de yarda se coge entre abril y noviembre. Nota del *Please: La basura de yarda no se debe poner con basura normal del hogar. El césped, la suciedad y las rocas no se consideran basura de yarda y no serán cogidos el miércoles (véase Thurs. para la basura a granel Info). La ciudad intentará limpiar derramamiento de un bolso quebrado, sobrellenado; sin embargo, los dueños de una casa son responsables de empaquetar cualquier basura de yarda de nuevo restante. Jueves y viernes Basura a granel, etc. Esto incluye los sofás, sillas, madera de construcción, televisiones, colchones, madera… Jueves al este de la ruta 31 del Md (de la ruta 97 del sur encaminar 31) Viernes-Oeste de la ruta 31 de Maryland (de la ruta 31 a los límites de ciudad) Observe por favor: Habrá una parada por día en cada casa para la recolección de ese día. Una vez que el carro ha pasado su hogar, los equipos no volverán para las recolecciones adicionales, ni quitarán los artículos no llamados adentro y/o no precisarán a tiempo. No dispondremos de los botes de basura a menos que estén llamados adentro y marcados para el retiro. El césped, la suciedad, y las rocas se consideran basura a granel y tienen que estar en bolsos o envases para el retiro. Bolsos sobrellenados que el rasgón será dejado en el sitio para empaquetar de nuevo por el dueño. La ciudad no es responsable de envases dañados. Caída solamente Recolección del VAC de la hoja Lunes - al este de la ruta 27 del MD Martes - al este de la ruta 31 del MD y al oeste de la ruta 27 del MD Jueves - sur del camino de la ciudad de la unión y al oeste de la ruta 31 del MD Viernes - norte del camino de la ciudad de la unión y al oeste de la ruta 31 del MD

(Los artículos se deben poner delante de su hogar por el 7:30 mañana a 5 pies del en la acera)

• Todos los artículos se deben llamar sobre por lo menos 24 horas antes del día programado de la colección para asegurar retiro.
• Los artículos no programados para la colección no se pueden recoger y pueden permanecer hasta llamado adentro y programado para el retiro.
• La falta de programar el retiro para los artículos se fue hacia fuera y no cogido puede dar lugar a la acción de la aplicación del código.
• Los cambios del Scheduling se pueden realizar, en nuestra discreción, durante el tiempo inclemente.

Entre en contacto con la tienda de mantenimiento de la ciudad en (410) 848-9077.

¡Subsistencia de la ayuda que nuestra ciudad limpia… recuerde por favor coger después de sus animales domésticos!

Esfera: Contenido relacionado

Fijado por Kevin Dayhoff en 8/26/2008 03:38: 00

Thatchers Daughter Reveals Ex Premier Has Dementia by Kevin Sullivan for the Washington Post

Thatchers Daughter Reveals Ex Premier Has Dementia by Kevin Sullivan for the Washington Post

On Tuesday, August 26, 2008, Kevin Sullivan wrote a piece for the Washington Post that the former prime minister of Britain, Margaret Thatcher, now 82, has a form of geriatric onset dementia.

Although such as been rumored for quite sometime; for many of us who admired her public service – whether or not we agreed with all of her decisions and approaches - the news was greeted with great sadness.

History will be kind to Mrs. Thatcher.

However, even more so sad was the reaction of too many folks in the comment section.

For many of us who have never gotten used to the vile personal viciousness of the left, the comments seemed way over the top. (Related - See: 20031205 Bush Derangement Syndrome by Charles Krauthammer.)

Where’s the humanity?

Thatcher's Daughter Reveals Britain's Ex-Premier Has Dementia

By Kevin Sullivan

Washington Post Foreign Service

Tuesday, August 26, 2008; A10

LONDON, Aug. 25 -- The daughter of Margaret Thatcher has disclosed that Britain's former prime minister is suffering from dementia, in the family's first public confirmation of what has been widely rumored in Britain for several years.

Thatcher's condition has deteriorated so much that she forgets that her husband, Denis Thatcher, died in 2003, her daughter reports in a memoir to be published next month, serialized over the weekend in the Mail on Sunday newspaper.

"I had to keep giving her the bad news over and over again," Carol Thatcher wrote. "Every time it finally sank in that she had lost her husband of more than 50 years, she'd look at me sadly and say 'Oh' as I struggled to compose myself. 'Were we all there?' she'd ask softly."

Carol Thatcher said she first noticed her mother's failing memory over lunch in 2000, a decade after she left 10 Downing Street. Margaret Thatcher was prime minister from 1979 to 1990.

[…]

In her book, "A Swim-On Part in the Goldfish Bowl: A Memoir," Carol Thatcher wrote that her mother still shows flashes of her old self, particularly about events from her time in office.

[…]

Read Mr. Sullivan’s entire article here: Thatcher's Daughter Reveals Britain's Ex-Premier Has Dementia

DO NOT view the comment section with a full stomach.

20080826 Thatcher's Daughter Reveals Ex Premier Has Dementia by Kevin Sullivan for the Washington Post

Carroll County government stands behind police statistics by Mark Ripper, Chairman, Staff Committee on Law Enforcement, Carroll County Government

Carroll County government stands behind police statistics by Mark Ripper, Chairman, Staff Committee on Law Enforcement, Carroll County Government

August 26, 2008

Dear Editor,

Carroll County Government stands behind the police statistics presented at a recent Board of County Commissioners meeting. Those numbers are available on the County’s web site, http://ccgovernment.carr.org, for anyone to review.

Data in the chart compare the average number of crimes handled per law enforcement officer for the three largest policing agencies in Carroll County: Maryland State Police, Westminster Police Department, and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office. The chart develops cost by looking at the number of crimes handled relative to the agency’s budget. The statistics come from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report, Maryland UCR Crime Index Report and the county’s budget office.

For accuracy and fairness, the chart does not compare smaller crimes because they are not defined the same way by each agency. Any comparisons performed on these crimes would not be valid or meaningful.

The Maryland State Police is the County’s primary law enforcement agency and, as such, receive more 911 calls. The Sheriff’s Office supplements law enforcement efforts in the county. The Sheriff’s Office became a full-service agency less than 10 years ago, when a previous Board of Commissioners decided deputies would continue to supplement the trooper program.

Mark Ripper
Chairman, Staff Committee on Law Enforcement
Carroll County Government

(Editor’s note: Mr. Ripper’s assertions were previously confirmed by a public safety analysis who asked to remain anonymous so as to not be caught up in the ongoing controversy…)

Related: 20080813 CCSD Commissioner Presentation based on flawed statistics

Future of police protection delayed, but crime doesn't restPublished August 13, 2008 by Eldersburg Eagle, Westminster EagleOn Thursday, Aug. 7, the Board of County Commissioners voted 2-1 to not move forward with a plan to form a county police department...

Police Carroll Co Sheriff's Dept

Police Carroll Co Police Dept

20080826 Carroll County government stands behind police statistics by Mark Ripper

*****

Martes 26 de agosto de 2008

El gobierno del condado de Carroll defiende detrás de estadísticas de la policía Mark Ripper, presidente, comité de personal sobre la aplicación de ley, gobierno del condado de Carroll

El gobierno del condado de Carroll defiende detrás de estadísticas de la policía Mark Ripper, presidente, comité de personal sobre la aplicación de ley, gobierno del condado de Carroll

26 de agosto de 2008

Estimado Editor,

El gobierno del condado de Carroll se coloca detrás de las estadísticas de la policía presentadas en un tablero reciente de reunirse de las comisiones del condado. Esos números están disponibles en el Web site del condado, http://ccgovernment.carr.org, para que cualquier persona repase.

Los datos en la carta comparan el número medio de crímenes manejados por el agente de la autoridad para las tres agencias de vigilancia más grandes del condado de Carroll: Policía del estado de Maryland, Departamento de Policía de Westminster, y la oficina de Carroll del sheriff del condado. La carta desarrolla coste mirando el número de crímenes manejados concerniente al presupuesto de la agencia. Las estadísticas vienen del informe uniforme del crimen del FBI, del informe del índice del crimen de Maryland UCR y de la oficina del presupuesto del condado.

Para la exactitud y la imparcialidad, la carta no compara crímenes más pequeños porque no son definidas la misma manera por cada agencia. Cualquier comparación se realizó en estos crímenes no sería válida o significativa.

La policía del estado de Maryland es la agencia policial primaria del condado y, como tal, recibe más 911 llamadas. La oficina del sheriff complementa esfuerzos de la aplicación de ley en el condado. La oficina del sheriff se convirtió en una agencia del lleno-servicio menos hace de 10 años, cuando un tablero anterior de comisiones decidía a diputados continuaría complementando el programa del soldado de caballería.

Marque el destripador
Presidente, comité de personal sobre la aplicación de ley
Gobierno del condado de Carroll

(Nota de redactor: Las aserciones de Sr. Ripper's fueron confirmadas previamente por un análisis de seguridad pública que pidió seguir siendo anónimo para no ser alcanzado en la controversia en curso…)

Relacionado: Comisión Presentation de 20080813 CCSD basada en estadísticas dañadas

El futuro de la protección de la policía retrasado, sino el crimen no hace 13 de agosto de 2008 restPublished de Eldersburg Eagle, Westminster EagleOn el jueves 7 de agosto, el tablero de comisiones del condado votó 2-1 para no moverse adelante con un plan para crear a un Departamento de Policía del condado…

Departamento del sheriff de Carroll Co de la policía

Departamento de la policía de Carroll Co de la policía

El gobierno del condado de 20080826 Carroll defiende detrás de estadísticas de la policía la esfera de Mark Ripper: Contenido relacionado

Fijado por Kevin Dayhoff en 8/26/2008 04:20: 00 P.M.

Sunday Carroll Eagle column for August 24 2008: “Years ago, folks celebrated The Forks in Westminster” by Kevin Dayhoff

Sunday Carroll Eagle column for August 24 2008: “Years ago, folks celebrated The Forks in Westminster” by Kevin Dayhoff

Years ago, folks celebrated The Forks in Westminster

EAGLE ARCHIVE By Kevin Dayhoff Posted 8/24/08 (690 words)

The City of Westminster has recently been working to form a group to study the Pennsylvania Avenue of town.

In that context, it's interesting that back on Aug. 8, 1924, the editor of the now-defunct newspaper, The American Sentinel, wrote an article about the renaissance of the area on the west end of Westminster known as "The Forks."

The 1924 article was titled, "The Forks Regaining Its Old Prestige."

According to historian Jay Graybeal, who wrote a column about the article in 1999 for the Historical Society of Carroll County, it was the demolition of an old general store at the forks of Pennsylvania Avenue and West Main Street that so excited the editor.

"The old frame store and dwelling at The Forks ... has been razed by Mr. Roy Shipley, a recent purchaser," the article read. "The old building had quite a history and was one of the landmarks of this city."

An old photo in my collection reveals what must have been a large structure with an elegant fountain in the front. The sign above the front porch identifies the store as "Geo. R. Grumbine Groceries and Provisions."

Growing up in Westminster in the 1950s and '60s, and especially in this area of town, I recall Pennsylvania Avenue as an elegant and thriving mixed-use residential and business section of town. The Forks was generally considered the "center of town."

And it was a memorable, unifying force in the community. As late as the 1950s directions were still given that cited the location of store, such as "just up the street from where Grumbine's used to be ..."

[…]

The west end of Westminster is rich with history and tradition. It was annexed by Westminster way back in 1825. At that time, that section was known as "Logsdon's Tavern" -- last of the original five towns that were ultimately consolidated into what we now know as Westminster.

Many who follow the happenings of Carroll County government may find it of interest that the Carroll County public information administrator, Vivian Laxton, is a descendent of the Logsdon family that helped form the foundation of what we now know as Westminster -- and whose roots pre-date before Carroll County was a county.

In 1825, what we know from history as Logsdon's Tavern was actually a part of Frederick County…

[…]

The 1924 Sentinel article gives us a great deal of additional insight into the history of this area of Westminster, and the fact that parts of town were then still considered their own enclaves:

"For quite a number of years before the Civil War," the article notes, "Westminster was divided into three distinct settlements known as Dead End, The Forks, and Irishtown."

To read the rest of the column go here: Years ago, folks celebrated sticking The Forks in Westminster

20080824 Sunday Carroll Eagle column for August 24 2008: “Years ago, folks celebrated The Forks in Westminster” by Kevin Dayhoff

Westminster File PA Ave

City officials hope to eliminate curfew by Bryan Schutt for the Carroll County Times

City officials hope to eliminate curfew by Bryan Schutt for the Carroll County Times

Growing up in Westminster in the 1950s, I only recall the curfew from the fact that at 10 PM, the bell in the clock tower on top of the old firehall would ring.

Of course, I had my own curfew – my Mom’s – and to be certain that is all that was needed in my family.

Westminster’s curfew law, which if I am not mistaken was enacted around 1947(?,) has long since been an anachronism, quite unconstitutional and ultimately totally unenforceable.

So much so that I sure dislike the city going to the expense of taking it off the books. It has not been used in decades… Whatever.

City officials hope to eliminate curfew by Bryan Schutt for the Carroll County Times

By Bryan Schutt, Times Staff Writer Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Westminster has a curfew, but maybe not for long.

Although not enforced recently, a juvenile curfew of 10 p.m. to 30 minutes before sunrise has been in place for decades. It hasn’t been enforced because it was deemed unconstitutional.

After public criticism during the previous two Westminster Common Council meetings about not enforcing the curfew, the city may invalidate the law for good.

Following a discussion initiated by Mayor Thomas Ferguson, the Common Council instructed the city attorney to draft a document detailing what would be required to repeal the curfew laws.

[…]

Read Mr. Schutt’s entire article here: City officials hope to eliminate curfew

20080826 City officials hope to eliminate curfew by Bryan Schutt

Kansas University Fires Debate Coach Who Mooned Rival

Kansas University Fires Debate Coach Who Mooned Rival

This is – well, bizarre. Warning – ah, very strong language…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcM2rXiSpoo

From: isourchildrenlearnin:

Watch until the end to see which college debate coach is crowned the winner. It's Professor William Bill Shanahan (Ph.D.) formerly of Fort Hays State University versus Professor Shanara Reid Brinkley (Ph.D.) currently of the University of Pittsburgh.

EPIC FIGHT! Mooning Included.

Titles and links for the videos remixed in order of first appearance:

(1) The Angry Professors, College Debate: Dr. Shanara Reid Brinkley versus Dr. William (Bill) Shanahan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXwy2V...

(2) NBC Technical Difficulties at the Orange Bowl January 1992

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yeX42...

(3) Bill O'Reilly Flips Out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tJjNV...

(4) Furby in Microwave

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lNfBZ...

(5) Chris Crocker - The Hairflip!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHAIVX...

Kansas University Fires Debate Coach Who Mooned Rival

Saturday, August 23, 2008

WICHITA, Kan. — Fort Hays State University has fired its debate coach for losing his temper at a tournament, engaging in a videotaped shouting match that included pulling down his shorts to expose his underwear.

[…]

The argument between Fort Hays State debate coach William Shanahan and another coach following a tournament match at Cross Examination Debate Association event at Wichita State University in March received nationwide attention after it was posted on YouTube on Aug. 2.

[…]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,409326,00.html

Watching the convention is like seeing a bad divorce by Susan Reimer for the Baltimore Sun

Watching the convention is like seeing a bad divorce by Susan Reimer for the Baltimore Sun

I’ve been an avid fan of Susan Reimer for quite some time and her take on the tension as a result of the high profile role of New York Sen. Hillary Clinton at the Democrat National Convention is inspired.

Susan Reimer August 25, 2008 Bio Recent columns Susan Reimer's column will appear on Mondays in this space and on Saturdays in the You Section.

The Democratic National Convention that begins today in Denver looks to me less like the coronation of Barack Obama than a soap opera wedding. The kind everyone tunes in to for the fireworks.

[…]

You have to wonder what's going to happen when Obama turns the convention over to Hillary Clinton for the roll call of the delegates that she amassed in their overlong primary battle.

[…]

So the Obama and the Clinton camps agreed to these arrangements through what sounded like clenched teeth.

[…]

I wasn't there, but I bet the choreography for this event rivaled any of those sweaty studio scenes from Dancing with the Stars - the ones where star and the dancer are sniping at each other.

There is all this talk about catharsis and closure and moving forward, but take a look at the keep-the-faith-Hillary slide shows on YouTube and read all the "Nobama" comments attached by the members of PUMA (Party Unity My ...).

Talk about bitter.

[…]

Melinda Henneberger, writing at Salon.com, said they could carry Hillary through town and into the stadium on a bier - like the statue of the Virgin Mary in The Godfather, Part II - throwing flowers at her feet all the way, and it still wouldn't be over for her supporters.

[…]

Read the entire column her: Watching the convention is like seeing a bad divorce

http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/bal-te.to.reimer25aug25,0,4119823.column

20080825 Watching the convention is like seeing a bad divorce by Susan Reimer for the Baltimore Sun

Coffee Seeking Driver Hits Grizzly Bear in Alaskan Street

Coffee-Seeking Driver Hits Grizzly Bear in Alaskan Street

Saturday, August 23, 2008

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — One moment Howard Hawkins Jr. was driving to get an early morning cup of coffee and the next he hit a large grizzly bear running at a full gallop across one of Anchorage's busiest streets.

[…]

The bear was No. 211, a 15-year-old grizzly that was part of a state Fish and Game research study to determine how many bears there are in Anchorage.

The bear was trapped in 2006 and fitted with a global positioning collar that showed it stayed mostly in one of two areas, including Far North Bicentennial Park where there have been two bear maulings and several encounters with grizzlies this summer.

[…]

While the city's black bears get more attention because they get into garbage, the grizzlies largely go unnoticed. People using the city's extensive trail system could be 50 yards from a grizzly and never know it, Farley said.

So far this summer, 18 black bears and one grizzly have been shot in the municipality in defense of life or property. That's a higher number than normal, said Jessy Coltrane, an assistant area wildlife biologist. Last year, that total was about 10 black bears and one grizzly, she said.

[…]

Coltrane said No. 211 did not have a history of trouble and was an example of the many grizzles that quietly share the city with residents.

"It just goes to show Anchorage is bear country," said Bruce Bartley, a Fish and Game spokesman. "This is a bear that had lived to a ripe old age in an urban setting and had done pretty well until today."

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,409342,00.html

20080823 Coffee Seeking Driver Hits Grizzly Bear in Alaskan Street

20080825 Changes to special pick-up schedule for Labor Day week

20080825 Changes to special pick-up schedule for Labor Day week

8/13/2008- Changes to special pick-up schedule for Labor Day week

Martes 26 de agosto de 2008 - 20080825 cambios al horario especial de la recolección para la semana del Día del Trabajo

August 25, 2008

Westminster Maryland

Waste & Recycling Collection
Collection Information | Special Pick-up Schedule | Holiday Collection Schedule
Printable waste & recycling collection newsletter (pdf file)

SPECIAL PICK-UP SCHEDULE

(Items must be placed in front of your home by 7:30 a.m. within 5 feet of the curbside)

Please note that the City only collects the items listed below. The City does not pick up household trash or recyclables. Ecology Services is responsible for collection of household trash & recyclables.

• All items must be called in at least 24 hours before the scheduled collection day to ensure removal.
• Items not scheduled for collection may not be collected and may remain until called in and scheduled for removal.

Due to the Labor Day Holiday, all brush and metal
for that week will
be picked up on Tuesday, September 2
Call the 848-9077 to schedule a pick up

Contact the City Maintenance Shop at (410) 848-9077.

Monday Tree Limbs Tree limbs must be cut to four-foot sections, no larger than 6 inches in diameter, with the ends facing the same direction. NO CONTAINERS will be picked up on Monday, regardless of content. Tuesday Metal Only This includes refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, bicycles, etc... Tires and car batteries are also picked up on Tuesday. Metal is picked up within the entire City limits. Wednesday Yard Waste Yard waste must be placed in a conatiner no larger than a bushel basket without the lid, or in biodegradable Kraft brown paper bags. Containers must weigh less than 75 pounds. Yard waste cannot be mixed with trash or be in plastic bags of any kind. Wheelbarrows and standard trash cans are not acceptable yard waste containers. Yard waste is picked up between April and November. *Please Note: Yard waste should not be placed with normal household trash. Sod, dirt and rocks ARE NOT considered yard waste and WILL NOT be picked up on Wednesday (see Thurs. for bulk trash info). The City will attempt to clean up spillage from a broken, overfilled bag; however, homeowners are responsible for repackaging any remaining yard waste. Thursday & Friday Bulk Trash, etc. This includes sofas, chairs, lumber, televisions, mattresses, wood... Thursday- East of Md Route 31( From Route 97 South to Route 31) Friday-West of Maryland Route 31 (From Route 31 to City limits) Please Note: There will be one stop per day at each house for that day's pick-up. Once the truck has passed your home, the crews will not return for additional pick-ups, or to remove items not called in and/or not set out in time. We will not dispose of trash cans unless called in and marked for removal. Sod, dirt, and rocks are considered bulk trash and have to be in bags or containers for removal. Overfilled bags that tear will be left on site for repackaging by the owner. The City is not responsible for damaged containers. Fall Only Leaf Vac Pick-up Monday - East of MD Route 27 Tuesday - East of MD Route 31 and West of MD Route 27 Thursday - South of Union town Road & West of MD Route 31 Friday - North of Union town road & West of MD Route 31

(Items must be placed in front of your home by 7:30 a.m. within 5 feet of the curbside )

• All items must be called in at least 24 hours before the scheduled collection day to ensure removal.
• Items not scheduled for collection may not be collected and may remain until called in and scheduled for removal.
• Failure to schedule removal for items left out and not picked up may result in code enforcement action.
• Scheduling changes may be made, at our discretion, during inclement weather.

Contact the City Maintenance Shop at (410) 848-9077.

Help keep our City clean...please remember to pick up after your pets!

Westminster officials: Spending $19,000 on conference worth it

Westminster officials: Spending $19,000 on conference worth it

By Bryan Schutt, Carroll County Times Staff Writer
Sunday, August 24, 2008

Westminster officials said the roughly $19,000 of expenses related to sending 15 employees to the Maryland Municipal League Conference on the Eastern Shore this past June wasn’t excessive, and they argue that the benefits from attending far outweigh the costs.

They also said the nearly $1,500 they spent on a social dinner for about 16 people that the city was to pay for was justified.

The bill, incurred at Fager’s Island Restaurant and Bar in Ocean City, included about $1,000 in food charges and $200 in alcohol charges plus a tip. The expenses were part of information received through a Public Information Act request filed by the Carroll County Times.

Unbeknownst to the officials, Mayor Thomas Ferguson said he planned to reimburse the city for the dinner bill, as he said he has in the past. Ferguson declined to offer proof showing he had paid the past dinner bills.

[…]

The 15-person contingent of city employees and officials attended the Ocean City conference from June 22 through 25. The dinner was on the night of June 22.

Reach staff writer Bryan Schutt at 410-857-7886 or bryan.schutt@carrollcountytimes.com.

http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2008/08/24/news/local_news/newsstory4.txt

20080824 Westminster officials Spending 19K on conference worth it

AP: Tennessee Trooper Ran Background Check on Reporter

AP: Tennessee Trooper Ran Background Check on Reporter

Sunday, August 24, 2008

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A Nashville newspaper reporter was on a list of people believed to have been the subjects of unauthorized background checks performed by a Tennessee Highway Patrol officer.

The reporter, Brad Schrade, covers the highway patrol for the Tennessean. Schrade says he received a call Saturday morning from a highway patrol investigator who said Lt. Ronnie Shirley had accessed Schrade's background information.

The Tennessean reports that the agent who contacted the reporter is one of a team of officers who are calling people on the list about unauthorized checks.

Tennessean Editor Mark Silverman questioned whether Shirley's actions were condoned by his supervisors.

Schrade reported on the internal investigation on Aug. 12. Shirley has been placed on administrative leave.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,409621,00.html

20080824 Tennessee Trooper Ran Background Check on Reporter