Dayhoff Soundtrack

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Westminster welcomes new city administrator Barbara Matthews

http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/news/government/ph-cc-westminster-manager-matthews-010517-20170104-story.html

Jan. 4, 2017 by Jon Kelvey

Westminster has a new city administrator in Barbara Matthews, a local-government professional with 30 years of experience in cities from Missouri to Maryland, most recently a 3 1/2-year stint as the city manager of Rockville. Wednesday was her second day in Westminster's administrative offices at 56 W. Main St.

"Right now, I think my focus is just getting to know the staff, getting to know the community," Matthews said. "Over the next two weeks, I will be spending some time with each of the department directors, learning about what they do, going out into the community, seeing some of the facilities and seeing some of the projects that we have going on."

Rockville aside, Matthews has spent most of her career managing city governments about the size of Westminster and said she enjoys communities that are both historic and continue to evolve and change with the times.

Westminster welcomes new city administrator Barbara Matthews http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2017/01/westminster-welcomes-new-city.html

*****

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/ or http://kevindayhoffart.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/ or http://www.westgov.net/ = www.kevindayhoff.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ = www.newbedfordherald.net Explore Carroll: www.explorecarroll.com The Tentacle: www.thetentacle.com

Saturday, January 21, 2017

Marylanders well represented in national African-American museum

By Donna Owens for the Baltimore Sun October 28, 2016 http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/arts/bs-lt-smithsonian-maryland-contributions-20161228-story.html

[…]

The Smithsonian's 19th museum, unveiled on the National Mall in September, boldly defies such false notions. Banneker, born near what's now Ellicott City, is among dozens of Marylanders and Baltimoreans represented in a collection of approximately 40,000 artifacts — some 3,000 of which are now on display.

Objects of local origin include a stone slave auction block from Hagerstown; a pinback button from the Baltimore Elite Giants, a Negro Leagues baseball team; and colorful entertainment placards produced by Baltimore's Globe Poster Printing Corp.

A charred rope evokes the 1931 lynching of Matthew Williams in Salisbury. An oyster bucket from Chesapeake Bay waterman Ira Wright helps chronicle the region's seafood industry. An antique paper cutter from the Baltimore Afro-American newspaper, founded in 1892, was donated by current publisher John "Jake" Oliver.

"Countless African-Americans from Baltimore and throughout Maryland have distinguished themselves, and contributed to our great nation over the centuries," said Robert L. Wilkins, author of the new book "Long Road to Hard Truth: The 100-Year Mission to Create the National Museum of African American History and Culture." "And rightfully, their impact is on prominent display."

A look inside the new African-American Museum

New national African-American museum could help, hurt smaller institutions

Inside new National Museum of African American History and Culture

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Lonnie Bunch reflects on journey to national African American museum

Hard hat tour of the National Museum of African-American History & Culture

National African-American museum's fundraising touches deep history among donors

Smithsonian curators look for history in Freddie Gray unrest

National African-American museum to open soon in Washington

*****

Learn from past when deciding fate of old school buildings - The contentious history of education in Carroll County

Learn from past when deciding fate of old school buildings - The contentious history of education in Carroll County https://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2017/01/learn-from-past-when-deciding-fate-of.html

“Learn from past when deciding fate of old school buildings - The contentious history of education in Carroll County,” Eagle Archives By Kevin E. Dayhoff, Sunday, November 18, 2015

Recently, on Facebook, “Carroll Unite,” remarked: “Without getting into whether schools should have been closed or not, we now find ourselves as a county not finding the savings the commissioners thought would so surely come by closing schools. While the schools may be spending less, now there is the burden of what to do with three empty properties.

"Our thought: The county commissioners should have had a more frank and detailed discussion about what would happen to the three properties once the schools were closed PRIOR to forcing the board's hand in the closings. Some of that discussion should have taken place with Guthrie and the BOE. Again, our commissioners failed to plan ahead appropriately."

https://www.facebook.com/CarrollUnite/posts/1005792202859170

To which I added:

Hopefully - this might be of interest…

“Learn from past when deciding fate of old school buildings - The contentious history of education in Carroll County,” Eagle Archives By Kevin E. Dayhoff, Sunday, November 18, 2015 http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/carroll/westminster/ph-ce-archives-educat-1115-20151111-story.html

In the past year or so, the local news has dined on a steady diet of discussion and acrimony over various education issues in Carroll County. If you think that our present day public discourse is interesting; researching the contentious history of education in Carroll County is an historian’s dream.

[…]

But it is at times like this that one wonders why old school buildings on college campuses are respected, revered and often saved with great pride; yet older public school buildings, that many taxpayers made huge sacrifices to pay for through hard-earned taxpayer dollars and bake sales, are simply discarded by the government like used candy wrappers after it is no longer convenient to use and maintain them.

Generations upon generations will be sad if the old 1936 Westminster High School building is closed. Especially because in the past, Local and state government have developed a horrific reputation of demolishing old historic public structures by incompetence and willful neglect. (Then again, in recent years, under the current county staff leadership, there are examples in the county of successful adaptive re-use of the old structures.)

It is simply unconscionable to allow a building that was once the vibrant social, emotional and economic center of a community to simply be allowed to die and rot in the middle of that community. Yet public officials do it all the time. I guess they can’t see it from their house.

One can only hope that if old historic public buildings are to be closed that concurrent conversations are taking place to re-use the structures for the benefit of the greater community. It is simply a violation of the public trust to simply allow the buildings to painfully crumble before our eyes.

Read much more here: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/carroll/westminster/ph-ce-archives-educat-1115-20151111-story.html

+++++++++++++++

Baltimore Sun Carroll Eagle:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/search/dispatcher.front?target=all&spell=on&Query=Kevin%20Dayhoff&sortby=display_time%20descending#trb_search

Carroll County Times: http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/search/dispatcher.front?page=1&isSearch=true&target=all&spell=on&Query=Kevin%20Dayhoff#trb_search

Westminster Patch: http://patch.com/users/kevin-e-dayhoff?page=1

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff

Tumblr: Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems www.kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/
Kevin Dayhoff is an artist - and a columnist for:

Baltimore Sun - Carroll County Times - The Carroll Eagle: www.explorecarroll.com: http://www.explorecarroll.com/search/?s=Dayhoff&action=GO

Soundtrack: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.net/

Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/ or http://kevindayhoffart.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.com/
Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/ or http://www.westgov.net/ = www.kevindayhoff.org
Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ = www.newbedfordherald.net

Smurfs: http://babylonfluckjudd.blogspot.com/
Google profile: https://profiles.google.com/kevindayhoff/

E-mail: kevindayhoff(at)gmail.com
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

See also - Kevin Earl Dayhoff Art www.kevindayhoff.com: Travel, art, artists, authors, books, newspapers, media, writers and writing, journalists and journalism, reporters and reporting, music, culture, opera... Ad maiorem Dei gloriam inque hominum salutem. “Deadline U.S.A.” 1952. Ed Hutcheson: “That's the press, baby. The press! And there's nothing you can do about it. Nothing!” - See more at: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/#sthash.4HNLwtfd.dpuf

+++++++++++++++

*****

Newseum: Discussion, dissent, disagreement, and debate. Jan. 20, 2017

*****

Friday, January 20, 2017

Dinner at the Westminster Vol. Fire Dept.

Dinner at the Westminster Vol. Fire Dept. with the "A" shift, watching the the inaugural activities. 20Jan2017. Fire CC Depts 03 Westminster dinner, Fire CC Depts 03 Westminster, Food,

Mike Pence To Place His Hand On 2 Chronicles 7:14 When He Takes The Oath

Governor Mike Pence made headlines when, in the lead-up to election night, he referenced the Biblical passage 2 Chronicles, 7:14. "So, I encourage you. Remember, what’s been true for thousands of years is still true today," Pence said back in October. "That if His people who are called by His name will humble themselves and pray, He will hear from heaven, and He – as He’s always done before – He will heal our land. One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.”

*****

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Baltimore Sports writer Mike Preston will be the guest speaker Sat., Jan. 28, 2016 at the annual CC NAACP MLK breakfast

Baltimore Sports writer Mike Preston will be the guest speaker Sat., Jan. 28, 2016 at the annual Carroll County NAACP Dr. Martin Luther King breakfast

Thursday, January 19^th, 2017

On Saturday, January 28^th, at 9:00 a.m., at Martin’s Caterers, in Westminster, Baltimore Sun sports writer Mike Preston will be the guest speaker at the 14^th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast, sponsored by the Carroll County NAACP Branch 7014.

This breakfast was previously scheduled on Saturday, January 14, but was postponed due to the threat of bad weather.

I will have the privilege and honor of introducing my Baltimore Sun – Sun Media Group colleague, Mr. Preston that morning.

Veteran journalist Preston is a sports columnist for The Baltimore Sun, focusing on the Ravens and lacrosse. He is a 1977 graduate of Kenwood High, and a 1981 Towson University graduate. Preston has been writing for The Sun since 1987 and has been a columnist since 2000.

Additional tickets may be purchased at this time. If you would like to purchase tickets for the new date, there are several options: online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-carroll-county-naacp-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-breakfast-tickets-30496299252 or call Jean at 410-861-6872.

On the other hand, you can email me at kevindayhoff@gmail.com. Make sure the words Preston NAACP breakfast are in the subject line. On the other hand, if you know my phone number, just give me a call.

Over the years, the annual MLK breakfast has turned into a popular and well-attended event and a great break from the gray and cold of Maryland’s winters.

We need to turn in the final count to the caterer soon, so if you want tickets, be in touch soon. Thanks.

Please make checks payable to ‘Carroll County NAACP Branch7014.’ Contributions or gifts to this NAACP unit are generally not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

2017 Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast

Saturday, January 28^th, 2017

Martin’s of Westminster 9:00 am

Guest Speaker: Mr. Mike Preston, Baltimore Sun sports writer

Tickets: $30

Follow Mr. Mike Preston in the Baltimore Sun here http://www.baltimoresun.com/balnews-mike-preston-20130507-staff.html or on Twitter here https://twitter.com/MikePrestonSun

++++++++++++++

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2017/01/baltimore-sports-writer-mike-preston_19.html

Journalists sports, Sports, Dayhoff writing essays Sports, NAACP, NAACP Carroll Co, Diversity NAACP Carroll Co Chap, Annual Martin Luther King Day, Annual Martin Luther King Breakfast

*****

#Block on your phone 225-666-0007 Louisiana unknown caller January 19, 2017 - Warranty scammer robocall...

#Block on your phone 225-666-0007 Louisiana unknown caller January 19, 2017 2:01 p.m. No one on the phone when I answered. A quick search on the internet indicates, "Called my cell to ask if I wanted a quote on renewing my warranty for auto insurance which has expired." However, several posts labeled this number as "unsafe."

#Block on your phone 323-593-7881 California unknown caller January 5, 12:20 p.m. No one on the phone when I answer. Telemarketer fraudster scammer - Robocalling vehicle warranty scammer. Interesting: upon calling the number back, you get a recording, "You have reached a non-working number. Hmmm, it just worked a minute ago. How does that work?

#Block on your phone: 786-209-0861 Florida unknown caller Dec. 13, 2016 1:13 p.m. No one on the phone when I answer. Telemarketer-fraudster-spammer-scammer that says that we have "we've been pre-approved for a loan... "

#Block on your phone: 339-204-9443 Massachusetts Robot call to tell me that I qualify for a $250,000 business loan with no credit check. Dec. 9, 2016

#Block on your phone (877) 582-7457. Did not hear it well. Global Insurance (?) Selling back or knee braces. 18 Nov2016

For more numbers to block on your phone go to http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/search/label/%23Unwanted_phone_call

You may want to consider taking a moment of your time right now to add these numbers to your phone contacts and put it on your blocked phone number list. The time you take right now may save you time and aggravation later.

#Unwanted_phone_call, Scams Fraud, Unwanted, Unwanted phone calls

+++++++++++++++++++

*****

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

“Dayhoff: A German POW camp was located on site of Wakefield Valley golf course during WWII”

The idea of building houses in Wakefield Valley has been the topic of debate in our community since the 1960s.

“Time Flies,” by Kevin E. Dayhoff January 13, 2017

As far back as 1960s, the idea of building houses in Wakefield Valley has been the topic of divisive and acrimonious debate in our community. Especially since the sprawling development, currently located in the valley, sits on what was once the location of some Carroll County’s best farmland. The current houses next to the proposed 53-house development were built many years ago in spite of bitter opposition from the local community.

[…]

“Dayhoff: A German POW camp was located on the Wakefield Valley Golf Course during WWII.” Sunday, January 15, 2017 Time Flies, by Kevin Dayhoff,

This coming Tuesday, January 17, the use of German POWs to do farm work in Carroll County during World War II, will be the topic of the Historical Society of Carroll County’s popular Box Lunch Talk series.

“During World War II, American farms and factories faced a labor shortage. One little- known solution to the problem was the use of German prisoners of war,” according to Historical Society.

[…]

As an aside, this same golf course property is currently in the news. Recently several folks have asked about the background to the current discussions about a recent proposal to build 53 houses on a portion of the now defunct Wakefield Valley Golf Course.

Read much more here: http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/columnists/features/history/ph-cc-dayhoff-011517-20170113-column.html

+++++++++++++++++++++

http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/columnists/features/history/ph-cc-dayhoff-011517-20170113-column.html

The struggle with the constantly changing links and changes with the Baltimore Sun – and the Carroll County Times is real – and at times, quite frustrating.

From June 2004 to October 2016, I worked for the Baltimore Sun. Those columns may be found here: Baltimore Sun Carroll Eagle: http://tinyurl.com/KED-Sun. Beginning on October 9, 2016, I was transferred to the Carroll County Times. These articles may be found here: Carroll County Times: www.tinyurl.com/KED-CCT

This link for my story on “Dayhoff: A German POW camp was located on site of Wakefield Valley golf course during WWII,” may be found here: http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/columnists/features/history/ph-cc-dayhoff-011517-20170113-column.html

“Dayhoff: A German POW camp was located on site of Wakefield Valley golf course during WWII”

As of this morning, before the Box Lunch Talk today at noon at Grace Hall in Grace Lutheran Church, in Westminster – the link worked. Just saying.

The Box lunch Talk was well attended. 150 folks came to hear an excellent and insightful presentation by Jim Shriver. Another great program by the Historical Society of Carroll County.

Wakefield Fenby Quarry Lime, Sports Running Wakefield Valley Trail, History 1939 1945 World War II, History 1940s, History 1940s Carroll Co, History Westminster 1940s, Dayhoff writing essays, Dayhoff Carroll County Times,
*****

Monday, January 16, 2017

The Real Muck: Great insight into the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus by David Ettlin...

The Real Muck: Circus taking down the tent: Bonnie and daughter FL mounted and ready (top), and Lauren with Lou Jacobs and Knucklehead. 'Greatest Show' nearing ...

Great insight into the Ringling Bros. and Barnum Bailey Circus by David Ettlin...

"It will be hard to say goodbye when the "Greatest Show on Earth" strikes its tent for the final time this year -- well, not really a tent, since it has been playing indoors at civic arenas for nearly 60 years. But you get the idea.

"The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is dying. Its owners announced over the weekend that the show will end its 146-year run in May, a result of changing tastes in entertainment and, in large part, the animal rights movement that sent Ringling's elephant herds into retirement last year..."

Read much more here: http://ettlin.blogspot.com/2017/01/circus-taking-down-tent.html

****

Jon Kelvey: “America's Long-Overdue Opioid Revolution Is Finally Here” smithsonian.com

Awesome work by Jon Kelvey, my colleague at the Carrol County Time. Bravo

“America's Long-Overdue Opioid Revolution Is Finally Here” - Thanks to advances in neuroscience, researchers are beginning to disentangle powerful pain relief from addiction, overdose and death

By Jon Kelvey, smithsonian.com, January 13, 2017

"The result 'could be a substantial advance in opioid pharmacotherapy,' Soergel and his colleagues reported in the journal PAIN in June of that year. ... This could be the first in what you might think of as a new class of opioids,' says Violin.

"And the truth is, it’s about time."

Read much more here: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/new-morphine-180961774/?no-cache

*****

Katie Nash loses Frederick Co. Md. Public Schools’ social media job a week after being in Twitter spotlight

Katie Nash loses FCPS social media job a week after being in Twitter spotlight

Nash loses FCPS social media job a week after being in Twitter spotlight

By Brandi Bottalico bbottalico@newspost.com

Says more abt FCPS than Nash: Nash loses FCPS social media job wk after being in Twitter spotlight

My bar of amazement has been moved. This is nuts. Says more about FCPS than Katie Nash.

http://www.fredericknewspost.com/news/education/nash-loses-fcps-social-media-job-a-week-after-being/article_8f990db8-714a-5d3a-a979-2c5200b1c601.html

And this: http://www.heraldmailmedia.com/opinion/tim_rowland/frederick-co-school-system-throws-wrench-in-twitter-feed/article_7c8cb805-464c-5395-addc-edfd78e6f6e3.html

Katie and I wrote for the same magazine many years ago. I do not know her well, but what I do know leads me to believe that she is an exceptional person. This situation really-really casts the FCPS in an unflattering light. It is mickey-mouse crap like this that promotes a perception that the best and the brightest need not apply for work with local government. I know many of the best and the brightest in local government and privately they struggle with the byzantine intrigues and indecipherable lack of common sense that has become "local government."

……

I also run several social media sites for some high visibility and high profile organizations in the community. We all know the perils of unintended consequences. We all know to stay as clear as possible from a tweet or a post that could possibly be misunderstood. All my inquiries indicate that no one was offended, including the student. It opened a great, if not fun, dialogue, And if the powers to be found the post inconsistent with established standards, then use it as a teaching moment and move on. The folks I work for have taken down posts before. Whatever. Katie does not have mean bone in her body. I know full well that adjectives are not persuasive speech - but "Surreal," is the best adjective I have seen in this discussion yet. I think this says more about FCPS than it does about Katie. Thank you.

http://www.fredericknewspost.com/news/education/nash-loses-fcps-social-media-job-a-week-after-being/article_8f990db8-714a-5d3a-a979-2c5200b1c601.html

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Frederick County Public Schools has fired Katie Nash, an employee who stirred up attention for how she ran the district’s Twitter feed last week, she said.

Michael Doerrer, a district spokesman, said Nash was no longer employed with the school system, but he couldn’t comment on the circumstances.

Nash started working as the web experience coordinator in November. Among her responsibilities was to run the district’s social media accounts. Her salary was $44,066.

On Jan. 5, a student tweeted to the Twitter account, @FCPSMaryland, asking schools to close “tammarow.”

Nash wrote in response from the school Twitter feed: “But then how would you learn how to spell ‘tomorrow?’ :)”

The response from Nash’s FCPS tweet garnered more than 1,000 retweets and 1,000 likes and she became the subject of a hashtag, #KatiefromFCPS. And later #freekatie also appeared in students’ Twitter feeds after a report from local TV station WHAG-TV that Twitter access had been taken away from her.

Sunday, January 15, 2017

3. Service Installation of Pastor Beth Clementson at Zion Lutheran Church in Middletown Md

3. Service Installation of Pastor Beth Clementson at Zion Lutheran Church in Middletown Md. www.zionmiddletown.org Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017. The service was led by Pastor Kathryn Hoffman and Pastor Ron Reaves. Bishop Bill Gohl shared a message that "Change might be good thing."

Religion Lutheran, Religion Zion Lutheran Church in Middletown Md, Religion Grace Lutheran Church, People Clementson Pastor Kevin, People Clementson Pastor Martha,

2. Service Installation of Pastor Beth Clementson at Zion Lutheran Church in Middletown Md

2. Service Installation of Pastor Beth Clementson at Zion Lutheran Church in Middletown Md. www.zionmiddletown.org Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017. The service was led by Pastor Kathryn Hoffman and Pastor Ron Reaves. Bishop Bill Gohl shared a message that "Change might be good thing."

Religion Lutheran, Religion Zion Lutheran Church in Middletown Md, Religion Grace Lutheran Church, People Clementson Pastor Kevin, People Clementson Pastor Martha,

1. Service Installation of Pastor Beth Clementson at Zion Lutheran Church in Middletown Md

1. Service Installation of Pastor Beth Clementson at Zion Lutheran Church in Middletown Md. www.zionmiddletown.org Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017. The service was led by Pastor Kathryn Hoffman and Pastor Ron Reaves. Bishop Bill Gohl shared a message that "Change might be good thing."

Sunday church service at Grace Lutheran Church in Westminster

Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017 church service at Grace Lutheran Church in Westminster.

Today's gospel lesson comes from John 1:29-42. Pastor Martha talked with us about, "What are you seeking? Where will the path of discipleship lead us. What are you looking for? The path of discipleship is one of trust.."

Have a great Sunday. Have a great week.

Excellent article by Carroll County Times reporter Heather Mongilio: “Sheriff’s Office loses three deputies”

Excellent article by Carroll County Times reporter Heather Mongilio: “Sheriff’s Office loses three deputies,” January 13, 2017 http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/news/crime/ph-cc-sheriffs-office-turnover-20170113-story.html

Labels: Law Order, Law Order Police, People DeWees-Jim, Police Carroll Co Sheriff's Dept

In my capacity as a volunteer fire and police chaplain, I have had conversation after conversation, in confidence with law enforcement officers, that the compensation and benefits are not commensurate with the ever-increasing difficulty of the job and the current 'war on police' (not my words,) environment in which police officers work.

In spite of the fact that Carroll County Sheriff Jim DeWees is an exceptional sheriff, there is a largely held perception that local elected officials throughout the nation - even in Carroll County, do not have our back.

Moreover, when the going gets tough, local elected officials will throw the police under a bus. “Hands Up, Don't” Shoot” was a lie.

Look no farther that the recent actions by the U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch and the Justice Department. In 2016, there were 4,368 shooting victims in Chicago. Chicago’s murder rate is up 72% with 700-plus homicides. The recent response by the Justice Department is no different that that of the last eight years all across the nation - scapegoat, blame and criminalize the police. This is bizarre. Then after hammering the police, AG Lynch ponders, “officer morale is low.” Duh, ya think? #BlueLivesMatter #ChicagoPD

These days, police officers are highly skilled, well-educated, and highly motivated individuals. Yet they go to work every day, knowing that they could die that day and leave their family behind – or be vexatiously prosecuted for conducting their job consistent with their training and keeping the community’s best interests at heart.

In today’s market, police officers are highly employable. In today’s environment, from a LEO’s point of view, why stay with law enforcement when you can take your skills, training, and education somewhere else, get paid better, spend more time with the family, including nights, vacations and holidays – and have better benefits. Just saying.

++++++++++++++++++++++

“While he left the department, Buenger praised DeWees and the department, saying DeWees does his best to provide the deputies with the best equipment and training. The money could be better, he said, but it was not the deciding factor in his decision. ‘I can't say anything negative about the Sheriff's Office in Carroll County,’ Buenger said.” Read more: http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/news/crime/ph-cc-sheriffs-office-turnover-20170113-story.html

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

At the county level, I believe that the Board of Commissioners have our backs. However, the matter of juggling competing needs with constrained and finite resources gets complex quickly. Carroll County has huge infrastructure needs that need tax dollars. The demands on the fire and EMS services are reaching levels that require much more funding or the volunteer system will collapse. Unfunded mandates from the state and federal government are constantly adding expenses. Not to be overlooked is the cost of health care because of recent changes at the federal level – ACA.

Sheriff DeWees is a friend. I have worked with him for years. His head is on straight and he is part of the solution.

What will make a difference will be the voting public making our concerns known to elected officials. When I was in office, I proposed a 5-cent tax increase for the purpose of supporting law enforcement and the fire service. I felt strongly that the public supported the idea. This was when I brought LEOPS forward despite active opposition on the part of other elected officials. My elected official colleagues, who represented a narrower nuanced band of the constituency, did not support the idea of increasing revenues for first responders. I will just leave this right there.

+++++++++++++++++++++++

Losing deputies is nothing new for Sheriff Jim DeWees. But in the past two weeks, three deputies have left the Carroll County Sheriff's Office with two leaving the profession.

"I've lost some good deputies over the last years," DeWees said.

In 2016, DeWees said he lost about 10 to 12 deputies, which he called "significant" for a department the size of the Sheriff's Office.

Of the three deputies who left in the past two weeks, one left to be a criminal investigator within a Pennsylvania state's attorney's office, one left to work in his father's company and one left for Wyoming, DeWees said.

When a deputy decides to leave the department, DeWees sits down with each of the deputies to talk about the decision to leave. For many it's the salary, DeWees said.

Excellent article by Carroll County Times reporter Heather Mongilio: “Sheriff’s Office loses three deputies” http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2017/01/excellent-article-by-carroll-county.html

++++++++++++++++++++

*****

Distinguished local Carroll Co Attorney “Woody” Swam, 80, of Hampstead

Distinguished local Carroll Co Attorney “Woody” Swam, 80, of Hampstead https://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2017/01/distinguished-local-carroll-co-attorney.html Labels: People obituaries

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Phyllis J. Zumbrun, Mark, and Robyn Schaefer; Jason, Laura, and Mattie Tyler of Westminster, and the friends, family, and colleagues of Woody Swam. Woody will be greatly missed. We have all benefited greatly from his service to our country and our community. You have our deepest sympathy. Caroline Babylon and Kevin Dayhoff:

Elwood “Woody” Edward Swam, 80, of Hampstead, died peacefully on Saturday, January 7, 2017. Born September 21, 1936, he was the son of the late John Henry and Iova Walker Swam. Woody is survived by his wife and best friend of forty-five (45) years, Phyllis J. Zumbrun.

Woody lived his entire life in Carroll County, Maryland. Born and raised in Manchester, he graduated from Manchester High School as president of the Class of 1954. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy for flight training. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, he pursued several business positions while attending law school at the University of Baltimore. Upon graduation, he opened his law practice in Hampstead, which he pursued for forty-six (46) successful years.

Woody dedicated his life to his law practice and the clients he served. In his spare time, he enjoyed travel, golf, fine dining, and entertaining. “Pushing the envelope,” he always welcomed challenges and would rise to the occasion with his cleverness and wit. Being quite a rascal himself in his youth, he enjoyed interacting with young people and served as a mentor to many. Investments have always been an intense interest of his, but his investment in others brought him the greatest dividends.

Woody was a member of the Maryland State Bar Association, the Carroll County Bar Association, and the Jaycees. He served on the Maryland Attorney Grievance Commission and the Trial Courts Judicial Nominating Commission – Eighth District. As a behind the scenes advocate, he endorsed and supported the missions and roles of NESAP, Carroll Hospice. Lineboro-Manchester Lions Club, local fire departments, and educational opportunities.

Surviving in addition to his wife are brother, John Swam of Manchester; brother Robert (Bob) Swam and wife, Carol, of Worton; sister, Patricia (Pat) Martak of Abington; numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and great-great nieces and great-great nephews. He was predeceased by sister, Annabell M. Baer.

In addition, he is survived by his extended family, Mark and Robyn Schaefer of Hampstead; Jason, Laura, and Mattie Tyler of Westminster; and Emily Schaefer and Thomas Nelson, of Arlington, VA.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at the ECKHARDT FUNERAL CHAPEL, P.A. 3296 Charmil Drive, Manchester, MD 21102 from 3-5 and 7-9p.m. and a memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mc Daniel College, c/o Lawrence R. Junkin, Two College Hill, Westminster, MD 21157. Online condolences may be offered at www.eckhardtfuneralchapel.com

http://www.eckhardtfuneralchapel.com/home/index.cfm/obituaries/view/fh_id/11311/id/4061743

*****