Tappahannock, VA 102 degrees

Tappahannock, VA 102 degrees

Photo by David and Liz Babylon

July 24, 2010

[20100724 Tappahannock 102 degrees]

*****

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

The Herald-Mail: Tornado warning in effect

The Herald-Mail: Tornado warning in effect

Tornado warning in effect A tornado warning has been issued for south-central Washington County, west-central Frederick County, Md., northern Jefferson County and southern Berkeley County in West Virginia until 6:15 p.m., according to a National Weather Service spokeswoman. The warning area covers Shepherdstown, W.Va., and Martinsburg, W.Va., said Trina Heiser, a technician for the National Weather Service in Sterling, Va. Read more at Herald-Mail.com »

*****

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

Rainy spring brings "vomitoxin" to grain crops

Rainy spring brings "vomitoxin" to grain crops

By Frank Roylance Baltimore Sun “Maryland Weather” blog

http://weblogs.marylandweather.com/2009/07/rainy_spring_may_cause_vomitox.html

Retrieved August 10, 2009

Pictured is the Deoxynivalenol (DON) molecule (Click here for a larger image) http://twitpic.com/dp66h

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is warning farmers and grain elevator operators to check their wheat and barley crops for the presence of a fungus known as "vomitoxin" in their stored or unharvested grain. The troublesome pest does well when conditions are wet, as they were across much of the state this spring.

The fungus, more formally known as Fusarium head blight, or scab, produces a chemical called deoxynivalenol that renders the crop unmarketable, and unusable as feed. If animals eat enough of it, it causes excessive salivation, and irritated oral and gastrointenstinal tissues. The name alone suggests its symptoms.

Read the rest here: Rainy spring brings "vomitoxin" to grain crops

By Frank Roylance Baltimore Sun “Maryland Weather” blog

http://weblogs.marylandweather.com/2009/07/rainy_spring_may_cause_vomitox.html

20090810 Roylance Rainy spring brings vomitoxin to grain crops

http://twitpic.com/dp66h Deoxynivalenol molecule Rainy spring brings "vomitoxin" to grain crops http://tinyurl.com/l63wr4

Deoxynivalenol (DON) molecule Rainy spring brings "vomitoxin" to grain crops
http://tinyurl.com/l63wr4 Full http://tinyurl.com/rxeh8r

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2009/08/rainy-spring-brings-vomitoxin-to-grain.html http://tinyurl.com/l63wr4

Rainy spring brings "vomitoxin" to grain crops

*****

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://www.westgov.net/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/kevindayhoff Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1040426835 Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems: http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/ Blip.fm: http://blip.fm/kevindayhoff_soundtrack

Recent www.exlorecarroll.com columns by Kevin Dayhoff

Recent http://www.exlorecarroll.com/ columns by Kevin Dayhoff

'Year without summer' killed crops ... and created a monster

Published June 21, 2009 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle

It's halfway through June, and for those of us who love Maryland's melting heat and humidity, many are wondering — where is summer?

For me, though, thoughts turn to the birth of Frankenstein.

First things first. In 1816, there really was a "year without summer." Carol Lee, in her book, "Legacy of the Land," explains that the year without summer caused quite a bit of hardship in Carroll County. "Farmers in Maryland and elsewhere would remember 1816 as ... 'eighteen hundred and starve-to-death.' " According to Lee, there were freezing temperatures well into June.

What caused the year without summer? According to a July 2002 article in Smithsonian magazine, "Blast from the Past," by Robert Evans, the agricultural and economic catastrophe of 1816 was a volcanic winter, caused by the eruptions of Mount Tambora on the island of Sumbawa, in what we now know as Indonesia, April 5-15, 1815.

... village folk that it's not a bad idea to keep a torch handy on these cool summer nights.

When he is not playing with laboratory-harnessed lightning, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at kevindayhoff at gmail.com or visit him at www.westminstermarylandonline.net. ...

Historic Blue Ridge College bell dedicated In Union Bridge
Published June 20, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
UNION BRIDGE — Several hundred folks braved threatening weather June 20 to witness the unveiling and dedication of the historic 1900 Blue Ridge College bell in Lehigh Square, the original site of the college which had thrived in Union Bridge from 1898 to ... ...

When city got 'sole' in the 1920s, it was cause for a celebration
Published June 14, 2009 by Carroll Eagle
... be the guest speaker. There will be a retirement ceremony for worn flags. Guests may bring old flags for retirement. When he is not waving the flag, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at kevindayhoff AT gmail.com or visit him at http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/....

Remember when you could walk to work in Westminster?
Published June 7, 2009 by Carroll Eagle
When he's not on a "walk-about" in Westminster, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at...

Company H: from the Frizellburg greenhouses to the sands of Omaha Beach
Published June 3, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
... (have) come a long way from the old parade field in Frizellburg.”

Dayhoff: New councilmember tackles alleged hit and run driver
Published June 1, 2009 by Westminster Eagle, Carroll Eagle
... Westminster city police arrived and took control of the situation. The accident is under investigation. All in a day’s work.

In 1925, planting the seeds of employment, production
Published May 31, 2009 by Carroll Eagle
When he's not roaming the streets of historic Westminster looking for old factories…

Celebration of memory and change
Published May 26, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
This year’s Westminster Memorial Day ceremonies witnessed many changes over the past — although the solemn tradition of 142 years continued. On Memorial Day the normal hustle and bustle of downtown Westminster paused to remember fallen veterans, and ... ...

Dayhoff: Maryland National Guard Company H, had its beginnings in the flower business
Published May 22, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
... We are deeply indebted to those who fought and died to give us the unalienable right to live free and cherish liberty in the pursuit of happiness. Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster.

Mulkey is one of many, yet a special son of Carroll County
Published May 22, 2009 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle

Recent www.exlorecarroll.com columns by Kevin Dayhoff

20090622 SDOSM Recent exlorecarroll columns by Kevin Dayhoff

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: www.kevindayhoff.net Kevin Dayhoff Art: www.kevindayhoffart.com Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: www.westgov.net Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/kevindayhoff Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1040426835

Weather event this evening notice from the Carroll County Office of Public Safety Support Services

Weather event this evening

September 25, 2008

The National Weather Service has issued a rain advisory for this evening. Rain will begin late afternoon and through the evening with accumulations from 1" to 3" possible in certain areas before ending.

Winds will range from 15-25 with gusts upwards to 45 MPH. Higher winds will be prevalent in the western counties while a coastal flood watch will be on the Eastern Shore counties. Light showers will continue through Friday evening.

This has been a message from Carroll County Emergency Management Division of the Office of Public Safety Support Services.

William Hall
Emergency Management Coordinator
Carroll County Office of Public Safety Support Services
225 N. Center Street
Westminster MD 21157
410-386-2877 Fax: 410-848-3794
whall AT ccg.carr.org

"A great place to live, a great place to work, a great place to play."

20080925 Weather event this evening

Why you should never drive through water flowing over a road

Why you should never drive through water flowing over a road

Retrieved August 28, 2008

Extended Video: Freeport Road Collapse

News 8 chief photojournalist Kevyn Fowler was rolling his camera when flooding took out a road in Freeport. Watch this amazing video!

Hat Tip: James E. Slater, Jr. AICP, QEP, Environmental Compliance Officer, Carroll County Government - - I received this from SHA, If you ever needed a reason not to drive through water flowing over a road, this will give that to you. The video is of a culvert pipe collapse. It lasts 3:30 minutes.

http://www.wmtw.com/video/17144859/index.html

20080828 WMTW TV 8 Freeport Road Collapse

National Geographic: Hurricane Gustav to Become Gulf Coast Monster?

National Geographic: Hurricane Gustav to Become Gulf Coast Monster?

Willie Drye for National Geographic News (Willie Drye is author of Storm of the Century: the Labor Day hurricane of 1935, published by National Geographic Books.)

August 27, 2008 See more recent Hurricane Gustav coverage >>

The once and future Hurricane Gustav—currently a tropical storm over Haiti—could attack the U.S. Gulf Coast as a major hurricane this weekend. Or not.

The Gulf Coast's fate depends largely on a developing high-pressure system, whose southern edge extends roughly from the eastern Gulf of Mexico to the western Atlantic Ocean. (See a map of the region.)

High-pressure "ridges" repel storms, so if the developing ridge north of Cuba is strong, Gustav could be deflected westward and into the central Gulf of Mexico, where vast stretches of warm water could supercharge the storm as it heads for the U.S. coast.

[…]

(Related: "Hurricane Bertha's Burst of Strength Stumps Experts" [July 8, 2008].)

[…]

Gustav is expected to turn toward the U.S. sometime Friday or Saturday, and the high-pressure system will decide how sharp Gustav's turn will be.

[…]

There is "no way of knowing" at present how the high-pressure ridge is going to evolve, Waddlington said. The present long-range forecast says Gustav could come ashore anywhere from the central Florida Panhandle to the Texas-Mexico border.

[…]

Read the entire article here: National Geographic: Hurricane Gustav to Become Gulf Coast Monster?

20080827 Hurricane Gustav to Become Gulf Coast Monster?

20051005 Three Tentacle columns on Hurricane Katrina

2005 Aug 23-30 2005 Hurricane Katrina

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/28/AR2008082803165.html?hpid=topnews

20080829 Washington Post GOP Considers Delaying Convention

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2008/08/washington-post-gop-considers-delaying.html

National Geographic: Hurricane Gustav to Become Gulf Coast Monster?

20080825 Hurricane Gustav formed Aug 25

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/search/label/20080825%20Hurricane%20Gustav%20formed%20Aug%2025

20080827 National Geographic: Hurricane Gustav to Become Gulf Coast Monster?

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2008/08/national-geographic-hurricane-gustav-to.html

Washington Post GOP Considers Delaying Convention

20080625 The hogs and parking meters of Westminster’s past history

The hogs and parking meters of Westminster’s past history

June 25th, 2008 by Kevin Dayhoff

Photo caption: Looking east on the south side Main Street of Westminster Maryland at St. John Catholic Church in the 1920s. The church was built in 1865. On June 19, 1952 the storm blew through town and toppled the steeple at 4:45 in the afternoon. As a result the structure was subsequently deemed unsafe in 1968.

The last church service was held on February 4, 1968. The structure was demolished in early March 1977 and replaced with the Westminster Branch of the Carroll County Public Library in March 1980. (The image is from an old file collection. The photographer is unknown. Kevin Dayhoff)

Writer’s note – a shorter version of this column appeared in the print edition of the Westminster Eagle on June 25, 2008.

_____

June is “invasion month” in the city of Westminster. Over the years, a sampling of the invasions over the years has involved bugs, hogs, parking meters, dust, flies, manure, and Southern troops have made historic appearances in the city and caused quite a ruckus.

Ay caramba – where to begin?

Throughout history there have been many critter problems in Westminster, but none seems to have caused as much a stir as what to do with the city’s hog population.

Many thanks go to Laurel Taylor, the Westminster City Clerk who gave me a hand a while back in getting to the bottom of the controversies.

As early as October 1, 1860, an ordinance was enacted by the Westminster mayor and common council, which prohibited “the running at large of hogs and swine” in the city.

On October 9, 1860, “the price per head for the impoundment of errant swine was reduced from $2.00/head to $1.00/head. The daily fee for impoundment was reduced from $1.50 to $.50.”

The following year, on June 12, 1861 the minutes of the common council proceeding note: “Moved and seconded that the Ordinance relating to Hogs running at large in the City of Westminster be enforced and that after the 1st of July 1861 all hogs or swine found in the streets will be taken up and disposed of as directed by Ordinance heretofore (illegible - passed?) by the Board and that ....Joseph Shaw publish a Notice of the same to the Citizens of Westminster prior to 1st July 1861.”

Dogs running loose seem to have also been a problem because in 1866, an ordinance took effect that prohibited dogs from running at large in the City unless they were muzzled.

The minutes of the meeting at which that Ordinance was adopted contain a warning: “Attention is hereby called to the Ordinance already existing relative to swine running at large, which will be rigidly enforced.”

However, the problems associated with hogs persisted and in October 1895 a special council meeting was called after “Dr. J. Howell Billingslea and a committee of citizens who went before them to urge immediate action in the interest of the public health,” according to an October 12, 1895 article in the now defunct American Sentinel newspaper.

The newspaper article noted that Dr. Billingslea was “convinced that the hog pens, even when kept as clean as possible, are disease breeders and a constant menace to the health of the people in towns of any considerable size, a fact about which there can hardly be a dispute…

“January 1st, 1896, is spoken of as the period at which the prohibition will likely go into effect. While such a measure will work hardship, probably in many cases, it seems to be necessary to the preservation of the health of the community.”

The article did not go into detail as to what “hardships” would occur.

In June 1946 another controversy erupted in downtown Westminster – parking meters.

On May 24, 1946, the now defunct Democratic Advocate reported that parking meters “from Charles Carroll Hotel to Anchor street, (became) a reality Tuesday morning when a force of men started drilling holes for the erection of the meters.”

The proposal by the city to install parking meters was quite controversial and the subject of litigation. However, the newspaper reported, “The injunction was denied by Judge Clarke, some time last April, and an appeal was under way but later dropped by the opposers…

“Charles Armacost, popular contractor of Finksburg, has charge of the placing the meters in position. The work is being done very rapidly.”

Of course, parking in downtown Westminster ebbs and flows in controversy. I can recall more than a few spirited conversations about the parking meters well into the late 1950s and 60s.

For many of us, one enigma remains and that is why parking was removed from the south side of Main Street in front of where the downtown branch of the Carroll County library is located.

Many of us who grew up in Westminster recall parking on that side of the street – in front of where St. John Catholic Church was then located. The came along “progress” and a center turn lane – that is hardly ever used - was added for the entire block and the parking removed.

Nevertheless, in spite of the critter challenges and the parking meters, the city has survived. Whether we will survive the city’s current “tax, borrow, and spend” initiatives remains to be seen.

####

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.
E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org
####

www.kevindayhoff.net
http://www.youtube.com/kevindayhoff
http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/
http://gizmosart.com/dayhoff.html
Blog Net News Maryland: http://www.blognetnews.com/Maryland/feed.php?channel=33

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, Winchester Report and The Sunday Carroll Eagle – in the Sunday Carroll County section of the Baltimore Sun. Get Westminster Eagle RSS Feed

“When I stop working the rest of the day is posthumous. I'm only really alive when I'm writing.” Tennessee Williams

20080625 The hogs and parking meters of Westminster’s past history

20080625 The hogs and parking meters of Westminster’s past history

20080609 Carroll County Cooling Centers information in English and Spanish

Carroll County Cooling Centers information in English and Spanish

Carroll County, Maryland Cooling Centers

Condado de Carroll, centros de enfriamiento de Maryland

June 9, 2008 - 9 de junio de 2008

June 9, 2008 – Forecasters are anticipating a Code Red day today. Because of the anticipated high temperatures and humidity, the Carroll County Department of Citizen Services will operate six cooling centers around the county today and tomorrow. Centers are listed at the following link:

http://ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/releases/cdred0908.pdf

9 de junio de 2008 - los previsionistas están anticipando un día rojo del código hoy. Debido a las temperaturas altas y la humedad anticipadas, el departamento del condado de Carroll de servicios del ciudadano funcionará seis centros de enfriamiento alrededor del condado hoy y mañana. Los centros son mencionados en el acoplamiento siguiente:

http://ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/releases/cdred0908.pdf

Board of County Commissioners

Julia W. Gouge, President

Dean L. Minnich, Vice President

Michael D. Zimmer, Secretary

Carroll County Government

225 North Center Street

Westminster, Maryland 21157

410-386-2043; 1-888-302-8978

fax 410-386-2485; TT 410-848-9747

News Release

For more information, contact: Jolene Sullivan,

Director, Department of Citizen Services, 410-386-3600

For Immediate Release

Cooling Centers to open Today, June 9

June 9, 2008 – Forecasters are anticipating a Code Red day today. Because of the anticipated high temperatures and humidity, the Carroll County Department of Citizen Services will operate six cooling centers around the county today and tomorrow. Residents who are vulnerable to extreme heat and who do not have air conditioning in their homes are encouraged to cool off at any of the following locations until close of business:

9 de junio de 2008 - los previsionistas están anticipando un día rojo del código hoy. Debido a las temperaturas altas y la humedad anticipadas, el departamento del condado de Carroll de servicios del ciudadano funcionará seis centros de enfriamiento alrededor del condado hoy y mañana. Animan a los residentes que son vulnerables al calor extremo y que no tienen aire acondicionado en sus hogares a refrescarse apagado en un de los después de localizaciones hasta el cierre del negocio:

Citizen Services Office Building, 10 Distillery Drive, Westminster (until 5 p.m.)

Mount Airy Senior and Community Center, 703 Ridge Avenue, Mount Airy (until 4:30 p.m.)

North Carroll Senior and Community Center, 2328 Hanover Pike, Greenmount (until 4:30 p.m.)

South Carroll Senior and Community Center, 5745 Bartholow Road, Eldersburg (until 4:30 p.m.)

Taneytown Senior and Community Center, 220 Roberts Mill Road, Taneytown (until 4:30 p.m.)

Westminster Senior and Community Center, 125 Stoner Avenue, Westminster (until 4:30 p.m.)

Water will be available for those who need it at any of the cooling centers.

*****

The Carroll County Emergency Management Division encourages people to follow these safety tips when temperatures and humidity are high:

La división de la gerencia de la emergencia del condado de Carroll anima a gente a seguir estas extremidades de la seguridad cuando las temperaturas y la humedad son altas: Desaceleración. Las actividades vigorosas se deben reducir o cambiar la hora a la época más fresca del día. Use flojamente, peso ligero, y ropa de color claro. Coma pocas proteínas y beba el un montón de agua. Permanezca en aire acondicionado.

Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day.

Wear loose, lightweight, and light colored clothing.

Eat few 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.

# # #

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: The Americans With Disabilities Act applies to the Carroll County Government and its programs, services, activities, and facilities. If you have questions, suggestions, or complaints, please contact Jolene Sullivan, the Carroll County Government Americans With Disabilities Act Coordinator, 410-386-3600 or 1-888-302-8978, or TT (410) 848-9747. The mailing address is: 10 Distillery Drive, First Floor, Suite 101, Westminster, MD 21157.

CARROLL COUNTY

a great place to live, a great place to work, a great place to play

20080213 Westminster Maryland weather forecast

20080213 Westminster Maryland weather forecast

Frederick Municipal Airport
Lat: 39.42 Lon: -77.37 Elev: 308
Last Update on Feb 13, 10:27 pm EST

NWS Baltimore, MD/Washington, D.C.
Point Forecast: Westminster MD [Similar City Names]
39.6N -77.02W

En Español
Last Update: 2:30 pm EST Feb 13, 2008
Forecast Valid: 11pm EST Feb 13, 2008-6pm EST Feb 20, 2008

Overnight: A chance of snow showers before midnight, then a chance for flurries. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22. North wind between 15 and 17 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Total nighttime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Thursday: Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 41. West wind between 7 and 16 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.

Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 25. South wind between 3 and 5 mph.

Friday: A slight chance of showers after 1pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 49. West wind between 6 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. Northwest wind between 11 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 35.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 20.

Sunday: Rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 38. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday Night: Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 34. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Presidents' Day: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 24.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 34.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 15.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 33.

20080213 Key West Weather forecast

Wednesday February 13, 2008 Key West weather forecast

Key West Airport

Lat: 24.55 Lon: -81.75 Elev: 4

Last Update on Feb 13, 9:53 pm EST

Overnight: A 20 percent chance of showers before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a steady temperature around 71. North northwest wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Thursday, February 14^th, 2008

Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers after 7am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Northeast wind between 15 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. East wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 81. East wind around 10 mph.

Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. East wind around 10 mph.

Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 81. East wind around 10 mph.

Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. East wind between 10 and 15 mph.

Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 81. East southeast wind around 15 mph.

Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South southeast wind between 10 and 15 mph.

Presidents' Day: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 78.

Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64.

Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71.

Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.

Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71.

20080209 THE KEY WEST CLIMATE SUMMARY FOR FEBRUARY 9 2008

20080209 THE KEY WEST CLIMATE SUMMARY FOR FEBRUARY 9 2008

CLIMATE REPORT

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE KEY WEST, FL

1256 AM EST SUN FEB 10 2008

http://www.weather.gov

THE KEY WEST CLIMATE SUMMARY FOR FEBRUARY 9 2008

CLIMATE NORMAL PERIOD 1971 TO 2000

CLIMATE RECORD PERIOD 1871 TO 2008

 WEATHER ITEM   OBSERVED TIME   RECORD YEAR NORMAL DEPARTURE LAST

                VALUE   (LST)  VALUE       VALUE  FROM      YEAR

                                                  NORMAL

..................................................................

TEMPERATURE (F)

 YESTERDAY

  MAXIMUM         82    356 PM  84    1957  75      7       78

  MINIMUM         70    724 AM  48    1995  65      5       62

  AVERAGE         76                        70      6       70

PRECIPITATION (IN)

  YESTERDAY        0.00          2.35 1941   0.06  -0.06     0.00

  MONTH TO DATE    0.00                      0.54  -0.54     0.25

  SINCE DEC 1      1.31                      4.90  -3.59     5.72

  SINCE JAN 1      0.51                      2.76  -2.25     0.90

DEGREE DAYS

 HEATING

  YESTERDAY        0                         1     -1        0

  MONTH TO DATE    0                         9     -9        1

  SINCE DEC 1     23                        47    -24        5

  SINCE JUL 1     23                        47    -24       11

 COOLING

  YESTERDAY       11                         6      5        5

  MONTH TO DATE  106                        54     52       59

  SINCE DEC 1    621                       459    162      648

  SINCE JAN 1    307                       226     81      352

..................................................................

 WIND (MPH)

  HIGHEST WIND SPEED    14   HIGHEST WIND DIRECTION     N (350)

  HIGHEST GUST SPEED    18   HIGHEST GUST DIRECTION     N (360)

  AVERAGE WIND SPEED     4.5

SKY COVER

  POSSIBLE SUNSHINE  MM

  AVERAGE SKY COVER 0.1

WEATHER CONDITIONS

 THE FOLLOWING WEATHER WAS RECORDED YESTERDAY.

  NO SIGNIFICANT WEATHER WAS OBSERVED.

RELATIVE HUMIDITY (PERCENT)

 HIGHEST    93

 LOWEST     65

 AVERAGE    79

 ..........................................................

THE KEY WEST CLIMATE NORMALS FOR TODAY

                         NORMAL    RECORD    YEAR

 MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE (F)   76        84      1959

 MINIMUM TEMPERATURE (F)   65        49      1895

SUNRISE AND SUNSET

FEBRUARY 10 2008......SUNRISE   754 AM EST   SUNSET   618 PM EST

FEBRUARY 11 2008......SUNRISE   704 AM EST   SUNSET   619 PM EST

-  INDICATES NEGATIVE NUMBERS.

R  INDICATES RECORD WAS SET OR TIED.

MM INDICATES DATA IS MISSING.

T  INDICATES TRACE AMOUNT.

20080118 Carroll County government: Web pages, email service restored

Carroll County government: Web pages, email service restored

Friday, 6:51 AM, January 18, 2008

From Carroll County government:

The web pages of Carroll County Government, Carroll County Public Library, and Carroll County Public Schools are once again available. All email and telephone service also have been restored.

Thank you for your patience.

However, my Carroll County Public Library e-mail is still down. (I’ve been using my gmail account…)

####

20080117 Power outage affects web site

Power outage affects web site

Carroll County agencies' web sites, email service affected by power outage

Thursday, received 5:10 PM January 17^th, 2008

The web sites of Carroll County Government, Carroll County Public Library, and Carroll County Public Schools are currently unavailable because of a power outage. Some email service to employees also is affected. In addition, the library headquarters and its branches in Taneytown, Mount Airy and North Carroll are without telephone service.

It is uncertain when service will be restored.

# # #

20071224 NPR: Storms Bring Ice and Snow to Midwest

Storms Bring Ice and Snow to Midwest

by Dina Temple-Raston

Listen Now [2 min 55 sec] add to playlist

All Things Considered, December 24, 2007 · A storm that brought freezing rain and snow to the plains states and Midwest over the weekend has moved into the Northeast, leaving at least 19 people dead in weather-related accidents.

Nation

Deadly Storm Grips Upper Midwest

At least 11 people have died in a snowstorm that has gripped the upper Midwest, knocking out power to thousands of homes and causing multicar crashes on major highways in the Plains.

Winter storm warnings for parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan were set to lapse Monday, but officials warned holiday travelers that conditions are still treacherous.

[…]

Because of the wind, airlines canceled more than 300 flights Sunday at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, the city Aviation Department said. Municipal officials said the wind had knocked out nearly 170 traffic signals, and there were more than 500 reports of fallen trees and branches.

[…]

Read the entire article here: Storms Bring Ice and Snow to Midwest

From NPR reports and The Associated Press

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http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17587244&ft=1&f=1001

20071223 news and 5 day weather forecast for Anchorage Alaska

5-day forecast for Anchorage

Beginning December 23, 2007

Sun: Next sunrise: 10:14 a.m. Next sunset: 3:42 p.m.

Anchorage Pollen Counts
Anchorage plow status
Winter road conditions

Cuddy proposes Stevens rematch
Ship struck shoal with inexperienced navigator
More earthquakes rumble in Aleutians

####

Top Mat-Su stories of 2007
State aid sought against ravaging river
Lack of snow can spell lack of business
New plan in works for Hatcher Pass development

Alaska Legislature
Legislators McGuire, Kawasaki named 2008 Marshall Fellows
State watchdog agency wants $130,000 increase
Next move unclear for parental consent backers
Oil industry clout pushed back by Palin, legislators
Special session ends with 25% oil tax

Political Corruption
Kott files appeal of 6-year sentence, federal convictions
APOC decides Sen. McGuire earned her consulting fees
Kott gets 6 years
Kott gets 6 years
So far, just speculation in Ben Stevens probe

TODAY December 23: Cloudy with flurries High: 23 Low: 15

MONDAY December 24: Afternoon flurries High: 23 Low: 20

TUESDAY December 25: Cloudy with snow possible High: 24 Low: 14

WEDNESDAY December 26: Clouds, flurries; cold High: 18 Low: 10

THURSDAY December 27: Cloudy High: 24 Low: 15

20071205 Carroll County Office of Public Safety Snow Event information for Dec. 5, 2007

Carroll County Office of Public Safety Snow Event information for Dec. 5, 2007

Carroll County

Office of Public Safety

Support Services

“A great place to live, a great place to work, a great place to play”

225 N. Center St. Westminster, MD 21157

410-386-2877, Fax: 410-848-3794

SNOW EVENT

December 5, 2007

The National Weather Service has issued a snow advisory for Central Maryland for Wednesday and Wednesday evening. Light snow likely on Wednesday with a high near 32 beginning around rush hour. West winds at 6 mph becoming easterly. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches is possible.

On Wednesday night there is a chance of snow before midnight then gradual clearing, with a low around 23. North wind between 6 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

December 4, 2007

1600 Hours

20070720 Maryland drought deepens by Frank Roylance

Maryland drought deepens by Frank Roylance

Posted by Frank Roylance on July 20, 2007 8:44 AM | Permalink

Posted on Soundtrack Friday, July 20th, 2007 9:35 AM

The drought that has plagued the southeastern United States this spring and summer has been spreading northward gradually into Maryland. Last week, 37 percent of the state was in what the U.S. Department of Agriculture considers "moderate" drought.

With the issue of the new Drought Monitor map yesterday, the percentage of the state in moderate to "severe" drought has expanded to almost 85 percent.

(Drought conditions are determined by a complex formula that takes into account measurements of soil moisture, streamflow, precipitation and the health of vegetation as measured by satellite imagery.)

[…]

The state's worst conditions have settled over Southern Maryland, including Charles, St. Mary's and southern Calvert counties, all now in a severe drought. Here's the state map.

[…]

It is the most widespread drought in Maryland since October 2005…

Read the rest of Mr. Roylance’s post on his “Maryland Weather” blog on the Baltimore Sun here: Maryland drought deepens by Frank Roylance

20070416 Press Releases for Baltimore Gas and Electric

Press Releases for: Baltimore Gas & Electric

April 16th, 2007

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company Mobilizes Storm Center In Response to Power Outages Caused by Heavy Rain and High Wind

More than 55,000 customers have been restored Ongoing wind is likely to cause new outages throughout the day and evening

BALTIMORE, April 16, 2007 - Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE), a subsidiary of Constellation Energy (NYSE: CEG), today announced that it is aggressively working to restore service to customers interrupted as a result of heavy rain and high wind which began over the weekend. Because the wind is expected to continue into tonight, it is likely that new outages will occur throughout today and this evening. As a result, it is too early to determine when service to all customers will be restored. As of this afternoon, service had been restored to approximately 55,000 of the 110,000 customers who have experienced outages thus far.

"BGE began monitoring this storm late last week in anticipation of significant rainfall followed by intense wind, causing service interruptions for our customers," said Stephen J. Woerner, vice president of electric transmission and distribution for BGE. "Unlike isolated or fast moving storms, this ongoing event has the potential to create new power outages throughout the day and could cause some customers to experience multiple outages. BGE crews are working and will continue to work to restore service as safely and as quickly as possible, but it is simply too early to provide an estimated time of full restoration. We thank our customers for their patience in advance."

Because of the high wind it may be unsafe for employees to work in bucket trucks. As a result, some restoration activity may be delayed until the wind subsides. Approximately 400 BGE and contract personnel are actively involved in the restoration effort and the company has requested assistance from out-of-town utilities and other external personnel. At this time, BGE is awaiting a response to that request.

The safety of BGE's customers and employees is always a top priority. Customers should avoid downed power lines and report them immediately by calling 1-877-778-2222. Customers also should call this number to report power outages where downed wires are not apparent. Only qualified BGE personnel or contractors are authorized to remove debris from power lines. Customers should never approach downed wires for any reason.

Customers should always be prepared for weather related power outages and can do so in part, by keeping the following items readily available:

Flashlights - not candles

Fresh batteries

Battery operated clock radio

Corded telephone

Fully charged cell phone

Non-perishable foods

Blankets

Customers also should consider filling the fuel tanks of their vehicles in the event a power outage affects service to neighborhood gas stations. For our customers who rely on well water, filling a bathtub with water in advance of severe weather is strongly encouraged.

Additionally, customers with special needs such as those who may be elderly, handicapped or dependent on electricity for medical equipment, should have alternate arrangements in place should they experience an extended power outage. Once service restoration begins, BGE's priorities are public safety issues and critical facilities, such as 911 centers, hospitals and pumping stations. Then restoration is generally scheduled so that the greatest number of customers can be restored as quickly and as safely as possible. However, in cases of extended power outages, consideration is also given to customers who have been without service for the longest. For more information about BGE storm preparation and how customers can protect their families and property, go to http://www.bge.com/.

In addition to monitoring current and approaching weather conditions which could result in service interruptions, BGE regularly conducts emergency training drills during which all aspects of storm related service restoration are tested. BGE also reviews its Electric Delivery Emergency Response Plan to ensure that storm response procedures are up-to-date and in line with industry standards.

BGE is a member of Constellation Energy, (www.constellation.com), a FORTUNE 200 company with 2006 revenues of $19.2 billion. Constellation Energy is the nation's largest competitive supplier of electricity to large commercial and industrial customers and the nation's largest wholesale power seller. Constellation Energy also manages fuels and energy services on behalf of energy intensive industries and utilities. It owns a diversified fleet of 78 generating units located throughout the United States, totaling approximately 8,700 megawatts of generating capacity. The company delivers electricity and natural gas through the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE), its regulated utility in Central Maryland.

Contact: Rob Gould
Linda Foy
410 470-7433