20071104 The Sunday Carroll Eagle column of October 28 2007

The Sunday Carroll Eagle column of October 28 2007

November 4th, 2007

The 2nd publication of “The Sunday Carroll Eagle ” came out today. Please see: 20071021 Baltimore Sun: “To our readers”

On October 28^th, 2007 the publication for which I write, The Westminster Eagle and The Eldersburg Eagle, (which is published by Patuxent Newspapers and owned by Baltimore Sun); took over the Carroll County section of the Baltimore Sun.

“The Sunday Carroll Eagle ” is inserted into the newspaper for distribution in Carroll County. For more information, please contact:

Mr. Jim Joyner, Editor, The Westminster Eagle

121 East Main Street

Westminster, MD 21157

(410) 386-0334 ext. 5004

Jjoyner AT Patuxent DOT com

The feedback so far has been very rewarding. Of course, we have to take one thing at a time and so far, The Sunday Carroll Sun does not have a presence on the web.

Below please find my October 28^th, 2007 column and it was submitted.

Sunday Eagle

Ghost Stories in Carroll County

October 28^th, 2007 by Kevin Dayhoff

Of the horror stories of Carroll’s yesteryear, none was greater than the very real fear of being buried alive. In today’s world, society’s collective faith in the modern advances of the medical arts has gone a long way in alleviating the fear of being buried alive; a fear which was rampant in the 1800s.

A few years ago, local historian Jay Graybeal retold an account by Ruth Gist Pickens about the fear of being buried alive held by one of Carroll County’s most prominent citizens in the 1700s, Colonel Joshua Gist.

It seems that Colonel Gist maintained a coffin in a portion of his bedroom for the last years of his life; “into which he would have his personal servant lay him out and then call the family to comment on his appearance. Each time he would ask them to promise not to bury him until the third day after his death.”

Ms. Pickens recounted that Colonel Gist “feared being buried alive because his brother, General Mordecai Gist was thought to be dead in the 1780s” and would have been buried alive were it not for the fact that the family waited three days for his dearest friend, General Nathanael Greene to arrive.

After General Greene arrived, he spent, what he thought would be, some final moments with his old friend; during which “he noticed that General Gist moved one eyelid. General Gist was revived and lived years longer, married the third time, and had another son.”

The May 16, 1891 edition of the Democratic Advocate recounted a similar scare in Sykesville. “The people of Sykesville … were thrown into a state of excitement on Sunday afternoon by the report that Mrs. Lavinia Brown… was not dead.”

There was a concern that her supposed death was really “suspended animation.” After several examinations Mrs. Brown’s husband, Benjamin F. Brown, and family remained unconvinced.

Several more examinations ensued by the undertaker, James R. Weer, Rev. J. D. Thomas, Prof. Trusten Polk, and Drs. D. B. Sprecher and H. C. Shipley before the burial finally took place

Such was the concern over premature burial; the now defunct Democratic Advocate carried a story on December 21, 1901 that a “practical demonstration was given recently in New York of a method of saving the lives of those prematurely buried. The system is the invention of Count Michael de Karnice Karnickio of Russia,” according to Mr. Graybeal.

Count Karnickio's “apparatus consists of a tube …, a box, and a few appliances for signaling. The tube is placed over an aperture in the coffin and the other end of it appears above the surface of the ground where it is surmounted by the box.”

No, I’m not making this up.

“Through the tube passes a rod on the end of which inside the coffin is a ball. The slightest movement of the body in the coffin is communicated to the rod which in turn releases springs. The door of the hermetically sealed box flies open, the bell rings and the signal ball rises above the grave to a height of six feet.”

For those folks who may be a bit jittery about being buried alive, yet would rather utilize today’s technological advances, you may consider being buried with your cell phone.

Just imagine, one day if you happen to awaken in a cramped space and the air is a bit musty, you may very well have been buried alive. However, if you have your cell phone with you – you have options.

Now all the details of the Untimely Burial Cell Phone Alert Safety System or UBCPASS (U-PASS) have not been worked out and that is where you come into the picture.

How would you suggest the system work? Should it be a Carroll County government sponsored service or a private initiative? E-mail your suggestions to kdayhoff AT carr.org and we’ll look forward to airing your suggestions in a future column.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff AT carr.org

####

My Sunday Carroll Eagle column for November 4^th, 2007 column is on grits. I’ve already received some fun feedback. I’ll post it on Soundtrack, when I find a spare moment.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

www.kevindayhoff.net

His columns and articles appear in The Tentacle - www.thetentacle.com; Westminster Eagle Opinion; www.thewestminstereagle.com and Winchester Report.

20071104 Columns and essays on Grits – The story so far.

Columns and essays on Grits – The story so far.

November 4^th, 2007

My Sunday Carroll Eagle column for November 4^th, 2007 column is on grits. I’ve already received some fun feedback. I’ll post it on Soundtrack, when I find a spare moment.

Meanwhile, please enjoy the story so far…

August 1, 2007 Westminster Eagle column: Song of the South: No grits, no glory

http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?show=archivedetails&pnpid=978&om=1&ArchiveID=1295063&requesttimeout=100

Westminster Eagle column:

http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?NPV2Datasource=mywebpal&pnpid=978&show=newscast&CategoryID=18317

Winchester Report: Song of the South: No grits, no glory: http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?pnpID=978&NewsID=837916&CategoryID=18298&show=localnews&om=1

The Winchester Report: http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?pnpid=978&show=newscast&CategoryID=18298&om=1

Food Grits – on Soundtrack:

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/search/label/Food%20Grits

20070905 Song of the South: No grits, no glory:

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2007/09/20070905-song-of-south-no-grits-no.html

20071003 Living and loving in the age of asparagus

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2007/10/20071003-living-and-loving-in-age-of.html

20070802 Welcome to the Outer Banks Grits Grill

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2007/08/20070802-welcome-to-outer-banks-grits.html

20071101 City of Taneytown Maryland Newsletter

NOVEMBER 2007 TANEYTOWN MARYLAND NEWSLETTER

COUNCIL MEETING NOV. 7 - 7:30 PM

PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION NOV. 26 – 7:30 PM

EMAIL ARTICLES TO: NBMccormick@taneytown.org

CITY OFFICE 410-751-1100 POLICE DEPT 410-751-1150

MAYOR’S (James L McCarron Jr.) MESSAGE:

Hello Everyone!

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. Albert Camus

I begin with this thought, this month. As we look forward to the coming holidays with family and friends we think of our blessings and all the gifts in our lives that surround us. It seems, in our busy lives it is often easy to forget to say thank you to all those who work together to make our town the special place that it is. Thank someone today for being special.

We have had a busy month, and by the time you are reading these words, I hope that you have had a chance to enjoy the Oktoberfest activities. The “Pumpkin People” have come to visit and the annual Halloween parade is planned for Halloween evening (October 31st). Trick or Treat is planned for the same evening. Parks Director Bob Mitchell and Economic Director Nancy McCormick have all the details. Make sure you accompany your small children to keep them safe and be sure and check their bag of treats.

The dry weather still continues and we are included in Maryland Department of Environment “Drought Watch” area, along with most of Central Maryland & the Eastern Shore. You are doing a good job conserving water and our wells are still holding their own. We need everyone’s effort to insure our water supply.

We have begun the online payment of water and sewer bills. Visit our web site (www.taneytown.org) to take advantage of the added service.

Chief Tyler and Councilman Heine report that the Community Action Group meeting will resume in December. The first meeting will be on 12/4, for Windy Hills, next is Carnival/ Grand group on 12/6 and Courier Dr on 12/20. Other dates will follow. Become involved in your neighborhood by becoming active in these meetings. Please contact the chief or Councilman Heine for future dates. All are welcome to participate.

Speaking of being thankful, I must take a few minutes to recognize the long time efforts of our City Clerk/Treasurer, Linda Hess. As many have heard, Linda has elected to retire from city service; on November 1st. Linda had worked for the city’s citizens for over thirty-one years. She has been active, statewide too, serving in many offices and as President of Maryland Municipal League’s, Clerks Association. She has been nationally recognized for her dedication. Her accomplishments have been many, and she will be greatly missed.

While it will be impossible to replace someone with such a vast array of experience, we are actively seeking a qualified and experienced candidate and hope to have her replacement named in the near future. I want to wish Linda well, in her retirement and only the best in the future for her and her family. Thank You Linda!

BUSINESS BREAKFAST: November’s Taneytown Business Breakfast will be held on Friday, November 9, 2007 at Thunderhead Bowl. Networking and continental breakfast will begin at 9:15 am with the speaker beginning at 10:00am. John Pocari, Maryland Secretary of Transportation will speak on how they are addressing our transportation issues? Reservations are necessary no later than November 6th by calling 410-751-1100 x 20 or email: nbmccormick@taneytown.org.

STREET SWEEPING: On Monday, November 19, 2007, the following streets will be swept: East and West Baltimore Street, Frederick Street, York Street, Huntinghorn Street, Huntinghorn Court, Kenan Street (Meadowbrook), Bentley Street, Kwanzan Street, Bison Street, and Morning Frost Street. Sweeping occurs between the hours of 7:00am and 3:30pm.

ON-LINE WATER PAYMENTS: The City of Taneytown now has the capability of collecting water and sewer bills on-line with your Master Card or VISA Credit Card. Simply go to the City’s website www.taneytown.org and click on the box for water and sewer bill payment. Fill in the entire questionnaire and submit. The City will receive notice of your payment the next day and will credit your account based on that information. It will be necessary for you to complete this questionnaire each time you wish to pay by credit card. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Clerk’s Office at 410-751-1100.

APPROVED RESOLUTIONS: The Mayor and City Council approved the following Resolutions at their October 8, 2007 Council Meeting: Resolution No. 2007-19, State Retirement System Tax Pickup Program and Resolution No. 2007-20, Water Allocations through November 1, 2007.

LEAF PICK-UP: The Public Works Department will continue curbside leaf pick-up on Tuesdays, through December 4, 2007. Please pack the leaves in plastic bags only and place them at the curb by 7:30am. Bags must be tied, and contain leaves only. No tree branches, sod, or trash will be picked-up. Bags should not weigh more than 30 pounds each and limit bag size to 50 gallons. Leaves will be taken to a local farm and used as compost, allowing the use of plastic bags. Paper kraft bags are still required for grass clipping disposal. Leaves will be collected without scheduling for pick-up, but you must continue to call the City Office before 3:00pm on Monday to schedule for grass pick-up on Tuesdays.

CITY OFFICE CLOSINGS: The Taneytown City Offices will be closed on Monday, November 12, 2007 for Veteran’s Day and on Thursday, November 22, 2007 and Friday, November 23, 2007 for Thanksgiving.

BULL AND OYSTER FEED: The American Legion-Hesson-Snider Post #120 will host a Bull and Oyster Feed on Saturday, November 3, 2007 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Legion. Tickets are $25.00 per person and are available at the Legion Lounge or call Ralph Green at 410-756-4550 or Mike Stonesifer at 410-756-2628.

BINGO: St. Joseph Catholic Church, 44 Frederick Street, Taneytown, will hold bingo on Saturday, November 3, 2007 ~ Theme: Thanksgiving and Saturday, December 1, 2007 ~ Theme: Christmas. Doors open at 5:00 P.M. Early Bird games begin at 6:40 PM. Regular games immediately follow. Soups, sandwiches, desserts are available.

FSK JR. EAGLES FOOTBALL: FSK Jr. Eagles Football Board Meeting is November 14th in the large football field building. We will be voting on bylaw changes and review the season. Everyone is welcome. Visit www.fskjreagles.com for year round information.

MERRY METHODIST CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: Come to the Merry Methodist Christmas Bazaar sponsored by the United Methodist Women, at the United Methodist Church, 20 Middle Street, on Saturday, November 10, 2007 from 9 am until 3 pm. Crafts, Little Angels Room, PaPa's Closet, book nook, all kinds of great food - homemade soups, country ham sandwiches, homemade jellies, candies, cheese balls for holidays, and bake table.

VETERAN’S DAY PROGRAM: The American Legion Hesson-Snider Post #120 will be holding a Veteran’s Day Ceremony at the Post Home at 9 Broad Street in Taneytown on Saturday, November 11th at 11:00am. Everyone is encouraged to attend to show their respect and appreciation to our Veterans. All military veterans please attend so we may formally honor you for your service to our Country. All attendees are invited to a luncheon following the ceremony, compliments of the American Legion. If you have questions, call Elaine May-Stem at 443-340-8017.

BREAKFAST BUFFET: Knights of Columbus, St. Joseph Taneytown Council 11631 will sponsor a Country Style Breakfast Buffet (all you can eat) at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Social Hall, 44 Frederick St., Taneytown, on Sunday, November 11, 2007, 7 am - Noon. Cost: Adults $6.00, Children 7-10, $3.50, (6 & under Free).Early Bird Special: 7 am to 8 am - Adults: $5.00 Children (7 - 10), $3.00. Menu consists of Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Pancakes, Potatoes, Hominy, Sausage Gravy, Chip Beef, Toast, Orange Juice, Tea, & Coffee.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST: The Taneytown Lions Club’s 2007 Fall Pancake Breakfast will be held from 6 am until 11 am on Saturday, November 17, 2007. The breakfast will be held in the building on the Taneytown Carnival Ground on Memorial Drive. The breakfast is an All You Can Eat pancake breakfast featuring sausage, old-fashioned pudding and hominy, eggs fried-to-order, sausage gravy, with orange juice, coffee and tea. Prices continue to be held at $5.50 for adults, $3.00 for children ages 6-12, and children under 6 will be free. This breakfast again will benefit the Sight and Hearing projects supported by the Taneytown Lions, including vision screening for pre-schoolers. Questions- contact Claude Elmore at 410-751-1227, Jim Fair at 410-751-1120, or Mike Garner at 410-751-1977.

19TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS STAR BAZAAR: The Christmas Star Bazaar will be held Saturday, November 24, 2007, 8:00 AM until 3:00 PM at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 44 Frederick Street, Taneytown. Vendor space is available. Please contact Terry Smith (410-756-6758) or the Church office (410-756-2500).

HOLIDAY OF TREES DISPLAY: “Holiday of Trees” display will be reopening November 24, 2007 with its Tree Decorating Contest, Silent Auction and Holiday Celebration at the Taneytown History Museum, 24 East Baltimore Street. This year the popular display/event has added miniature trees. Stop in to vote for your favorites during normal museum hours until December 15 at 3:30 pm. On December 1, 2007, the museum will have special hours to coincide with the City Tree Lighting. For more information call 410 756-4234.

TANEYTOWN LIBRARY: Check out these terrific programs for the month of November. For more information, pick up a copy of Currents at the library, or log onto library.carr.org and click on “Library Events”. For adults/teens: Scrapbooking: Tools & Techniques II Thursday, November 1 at 7. Taneytown Book Club: The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards. Thursday, November 8 at 6:30 pm (For adults) Digital Scrapbooking Thursday, November 15 at 7 pm (For ages 14-adult). Make-n-Take Razzle Dazzle Holiday Cards (For ages 13 - adult) Thursday, November 29 at 7 pm Kris Buker of Stampin’ Up! For kids: For ages birth-24 mos. with accompanying adult caregiver Read & Play Tuesdays at 9:45 am Wednesdays at 11am. For ages 2-3 with accompanying adult caregiver: Story Pals Tuesdays at 11 am. For ages 3-6: On My Own Storytime Wednesdays at 9:45 am, Thursdays at 1:30 pm. For children of all ages. Year-Round Family Storytime Wednesdays at 7 pm, Thursdays at 9:45 am. For ages 7-17: Yu-Gi-Oh Monday, November 19 at 1 pm Bring your Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards and join other fans. Refreshments served. For ages 11-17: Xbox Party at the Library Monday, November 19 at 3 pm Play games on the library’s Xbox console. To register, go to Information Desk or log onto library.carr.org, click on “Library Events”.

FRUIT SALE: The Taneytown Chamber of Commerce is continuing the former Taneytown Kiwanis Club tradition of providing the Holiday Traditional Fruit Sale. As always the fruit sold is fresh Florida Fruit sold by the box (4/5 Bushel carton). Fruit will be available for pick up at the Taneytown Shopping Center parking lot on Saturday, December 8th from 8 am until 5 pm and Sunday, December 9th from 12 pm until 5 pm. Orders are due by November 23rd. Payment is due on pick up day. You may pay for your order in advance. Payments by check or money order should be made out to the Taneytown Chamber of Commerce. For more information or to place an order by phone please contact Roger Diehl at 410 751-1400 or 410 984-7815 or Donna Sako at 410 756-4234 or 410 371-4265.

FSK LACROSSE: Information for Boys: Boys in grades 5th -8th will be playing at Four Seasons in Hampstead. Games are held during the week on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday evenings. First session begins November 10th. Second session begins January 5th. Information for Girls: Girls in grades 5th – 8th will be playing their first session at the Frederick Sportsplex, with games held on Saturdays. The girls’ second session will be held at Carroll Indoor, with games also scheduled for Saturdays. First session begins November 3rd. Second session begins January 12th. There is open registration for experienced players, no practices - games only: $85.00 for one session, $150 for both. 2008 Season Registration begins November 1st with an early bird discount for returning players (save $10) 11/1/07 (registration will be sent via mail) Early bird discount for new players: 11/15/07 - must contact us for registration materials. Open registration: 12/1/07 - 1/31/08. Open Clinics to be held at Taneytown Elementary for interested players to try out lacrosse for FREE after school in January - Date to announced registration: 2/1/08. Open registration: $75.00, $65.00 with early bird discount. Contact Laura Furbay Maring at 410-751-0224 for more information or lfurbay@yahoo.com. Visit our website at www.fsklax.com for more info.

SLEEP-OUT FOR HOMELESSNESS: The Youth Group of Grace United Church of Christ, 49 West Baltimore Street, Taneytown will sponsor a “Sleep-Out for Homelessness Awareness” on November 17th. After an evening of awareness events and spending a night without a home, the group will gather donated items to be blessed during the 10:15 A.M. worship service themed around “thankfulness and the importance of caring for those in need”. The Taneytown Community is invited to join with us in helping provide for those in desperate need by dropping off personal care items, paper products, laundry soap, and cleaning supplies. Non-perishable food items will also be collected and given to the Carroll Food Sunday Pantry of Taneytown. Residents may drive by the church and drop items off during the week in the outdoor collection boxes or to the youth gathered for the sleep-out between the hours of 7:00-11:00 P.M. on Saturday or 7:00 -10:00 A.M. on Sunday.

FAREWELL MY FRIENDS: It is with mixed emotions that I must say farewell to my friends in Taneytown. I will be retiring November 2nd after more than thirty-one years of service to the Citizens of Taneytown. I have been fortunate in that I have worked most of my life doing what I have enjoyed. I hope I have served you well and will think of the City of Taneytown with the fondest of memories.

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20071102 Heated Testimony, No Consensus on O'Malley's Tax Measures

Heated Testimony, No Consensus on O'Malley's Tax Measures

Friday, November 2, 2007

I just re-read a summation of the week that was in Annapolis by Washington Posts writers Philip Rucker and Ovetta Wiggins and among many good articles on the Maryland General Assembly’s Special Session, they did a fairly good job of capturing the “there –there.”

As I wrote in The Tentacle last week, “Trick or Treat”:

However, as much as the governor's excellent grassroots campaign, especially with the Maryland Municipal League and the Maryland Association of Counties is admirable, there are continued concerns that he has taken for granted his flashy cavalry - the Democrat members of the General Assembly.

Political theorists will suggest that the grassroots will prevail upon the Maryland legislators. However, Maryland Democrat legislators are more often that not in a league of there own and not as accessible to their constituents as textbook political theory may suggest.

And therein lies the rub. Lightweight political pundits will simplistically suggest that the overwhelming Democrat majority will take a dive for the governor; but this is the party of Will Rodgers ("I am not a member of any organized political party. I'm a Democrat."). The Dems in Annapolis are notorious for acting like feudal lords - and are ultimately not that unified or organized.

After all, it was Mr. Rodgers who quipped, "Democrats never agree on anything, that's why they're Democrats. If they agreed with each other, they would be Republicans."

Heated Testimony, No Consensus on O'Malley's Tax Measures

By Philip Rucker and Ovetta Wiggins

Washington Post Staff Writers, Friday, November 2, 2007; B05

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley's plan to close an expected budget shortfall evoked passionate responses from constituencies from across the state yesterday, underscoring the challenge lawmakers face in reaching consensus as they move into the fifth day of a special session.

Legislators heard a stream of testimony from lobbyists, local officials and citizens on increasing the sales tax and overhauling the personal income tax structure, two of the more controversial measures introduced by O'Malley (D) to eliminate a projected deficit of at least $1.5 billion.

Hearings also were held on legislation to reduce the property tax and double the tobacco tax, as well as the governor's initiative to extend health care insurance to 100,000 uninsured adults.

In a hearing on O'Malley's income tax proposal -- which would raise taxes on the state's wealthiest residents while providing a modest break for others -- Montgomery County figured prominently. The governor's plan would affect the state's largest and most affluent county more than any other jurisdiction.

[…]

Karen Syrylo, a state taxation consultant and a member of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, said that O'Malley's proposal has led some business owners to voice a desire to relocate to Northern Virginia.

Read the entire article here: Heated Testimony, No Consensus on O'Malley's Tax Measures

20071104 Remember to Fall Back

Remember to Fall Back

November 4^th, 2007

Most Americans will receive an extra hour of sleep as Daylight Savings Time comes to an end at 2 a.m. Sunday morning.

Hat Tip: Washington Post for the reminder and the clock image…

20071103 Hollywood still out of touch by Michael Medved

Hollywood still out of touch by Michael Medved

A big Hat Tip to Gunpowder Chronicle for calling to our attention “Hollywood Fails to Grasp Reality -- And What America Wants

Saturday, November 03, 2007

Still Out of Touch

Posted by: Michael Medved at 11:19 AM

Message movies condemning America’s war on terror currently fill your neighborhood multiplex, but the theatres playing such films hardly fill with people.

Read the entire post here: “Still Out of Touch.” Mr. Medved gives us a quick review of some of the drivel that is Hollywood these days…

20071103 Carroll County Man Charged With Murder Of His Mother

Carroll County Man Charged With Murder Of His Mother

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 3, 2007

CARROLL COUNTY MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER OF HIS MOTHER

(Finksburg, MD) – Maryland State Police have arrested and charged a Carroll County man in connection with the murder of his mother, whose body was found in her home last night by a concerned neighbor.

The victim has been tentatively identified as Christine R. Windstein, 57, of the unit-block of East Mayer Street, Finksburg, Md. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body has been transported to the Office of the State Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy that will confirm the cause and manner of death.

The accused is identified as Eric R. Yates, 39, the son of the victim who resided with her. After consultation with the Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office, State Police investigators have charged Yates with first and second degree murder and first and second degree assault. He is currently incarcerated at the Carroll County Detention

Center and will appear before a court commissioner later today.

Shortly after 7:30 p.m. yesterday, Maryland State Police at the Westminster Barracks received a 9-1-1 call from a neighbor of the victim. Troopers responded to the trailer park community and were told by the neighbor that he had gone to check the welfare of the victim because he had not seen her in several days, which was unusual. He entered the unlocked trailer and found the deceased victim inside.

Criminal investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit and the Westminster Barracks, as well as crime scene technicians from the Forensic Sciences Division, responded to the scene to continue the investigation. A search warrant was obtained for the residence and the scene was processed for evidence.

The victim had sustained what appear to be multiple stab wounds.

Investigators recovered a knife inside the residence that is being forwarded to the State Police Forensic Science Laboratory along with other evidence for examination.

During the investigation, information was developed that identified the victim’s son as a suspect. State Police broadcast a lookout for Yates at about 11:00 p.m.

A short time later, officers from the Westminster Police Department found Yates lying on a bench near the Westminster branch of the Carroll County Public Library on Main Street.

Yates was transported to the Westminster Barracks and, after further investigation, was charged with his mother’s murder early this morning.

A motive for the murder remains unclear at this time. The exact time of the victim’s murder has not been verified, but investigators believe she may have been dead since earlier this week.

The investigation is continuing.

###

CONTACT: Mr. Gregory Shipley

Office of Media Communications & Marketing

410-653-4236 (Office) 410-653-4200 (through Headquarters Duty Officer)

20071029 October 29th, 2007 Maryland Municipal League Bulletin

October 29^th, 2007 Maryland Municipal League Bulletin

MML Board of Directors Meeting October 18, 2007
Bulletin Article 10/29/07

MML 2007 Fall Conference
Bulletin Article 10/29/07

Legislative Priorities Approved at Fall Conference
Bulletin Article 10/29/07

MML Gears Up for Special Legislative Session
Bulletin Article 10/29/07

MML Chapter Legislative Dinner Dates
Bulletin Article 10/29/07

Corps of Engineers to Pay Chesapeake City $510,000
Bulletin Article 10/29/07

Strategies for Successful Small Towns
Bulletin Article 10/29/07

Smart Growth Conference
Bulletin Article 10/29/07

####

20071101 Smithsonian Channel: Tribute to Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets

Smithsonian Channel: Tribute to Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets

November 2^nd, 2007

OUR TRIBUTE TO THE COMMANDER OF THE ENOLA GAY.

On November 1st, Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets Jr. died at the age of 92. Tibbets guided the famous plane, named after his mother, and dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. The story is captured here in MEN WHO BROUGHT THE DAWN.

20071101 Today Billy Joe MacAllister jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge

Today Billy Joe MacAllister jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge

November 1, 2007

My October 31, 2007 – Wednesday Westminster Eagle column is up on the Westminster Eagle web site and it pertains to one of my favorite forms of literature, Southern Gothic storytelling and one of my favorite songs from my teenage years, “Ode to Billie Joe” by Bobbie Gentry.

I lost most the following paragraphs to my word limit…

Ms. Gentry was born Roberta Streeter in nearby Chickasaw County, Mississippi, on July 27, 1944, where she grew up in severe poverty on her grandparents’ farm. Her grandmother facilitated her exploration of writing and music when she traded a family cow for a piano. At the age of seven, Ms. Streeter – Gentry wrote her first song, “My Dog Sergeant Is a Good Dog.”

When Ms. Gentry first released the song, it was the “B” side of a debut “forty-five” which featured a song, “Mississippi Delta.” Disk jockeys became more intrigued with “Ode to Billy Joe” and started giving it considerable airtime – and it crossed over from country music stations to “Top 40.” It topped the charts for four weeks in August 1967, sold three million copies, and won her three Grammy awards.

The narrator of the story is not identified in Ms. Gentry’s haunting and mysterious tale of a young man who commits suicide. The song comes to mind as Halloween is upon us and thoughts wonder to trick or treating or the community Halloween Parade - and ghost stories. Carroll County is awash in ghost stories for your enjoyment. That is of course, if you believe in ghosts. Do you believe in ghosts?

The column started out as an “evergreen,” an obligatory column for a particular seasonal event in the year.

Many of my colleagues who write for newspapers abhor “evergreens,” however I have always seen them as a challenge to come up with a different angle on a perennial topic, in this case, a piece on Halloween.

The piece started out very differently as when I neared deadline I jettisoned the customary tome on ghost stories in Carroll County with the standard fare on the origins of Halloween.

I got off on a tangent with a variation on the old “Crybaby Bridge” standard and quickly left quite a bit of work on the cutting room floor. To wit, most of the following, along with an additional 400 words were killed off:

As with many of our customs, observances and holidays, Halloween evolved over many centuries as a combination of several non-Christian ancient harvest celebrations and rituals combined with religious celebrations. The roots of Halloween go back as far as the 5^th century BC in Celtic Ireland, when October 31 was celebrated as “Samhain,” the Celtic New Year.

For the economic historian, it is widely accepted that Halloween came to America along with the significant Irish wave of immigrants as a result of the economic hardships brought on by the Irish potato famine from 1845 to 1851.

Halloween is upon and thoughts wonder to trick or treating or the community Halloween Parade.

And ghost stories. Carroll County is awash in ghost stories for your enjoyment. That is of course, if you believe in ghosts.

Do you believe in ghosts?

Among some of the old favorites in Carroll County are the Ghost of Furnace Hills; the Civil War soldier that roams around in Cockey’s Tavern; the ghost of the old Rebecca at the old jail, which now houses Junction, a drug abuse treatment center; and the headless apparition of Marshall Buell at the old Odd Fellows Hall in Westminster.

[…]

_____

Let’s go watch Billy Bob throw a public official off the Rt. 140 Bridge

October 31, 2007 by Kevin Dayhoff (706 words)

It was forty years ago in the late summer of 1967 that we first learned from “Mama” that the nice young preacher, Brother Taylor “said he saw a girl that looked a lot like you up on Choctaw Ridge. And she and Billy Joe was throwing somethin' off the Tallahatchie Bridge.”

I first heard the song, “Ode to Billy Joe,” by Bobbie Gentry that summer on WCAO on the AM dial of the car radio. It was also in this time period that I became firmly hooked on the existential - “Southern Gothic” genre of storytelling.

To refresh your memory, the song can be found on the web at www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZt5Q-u4crc.

Other examples of authors of the Southern gothic genre of writing include William Faulkner, Carson McCullers, Eudora Welty, Truman Capote, and Harper Lee. Tennessee Williams once described the genre as stories that reflect “an intuition of an underlying dreadfulness in modern experience.”

Who can forget: It was the third of June, another sleepy, dusty Delta day… And mama hollered at the back door "y'all remember to wipe your feet." And then she said she got some news this mornin' from Choctaw Ridge. Today Billy Joe MacAllister jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge.”

Of course another intriguing feature of the story is that it takes place in Carroll County: “And brother said he recollected when he and Tom and Billy Joe put a frog down my back at the Carroll County picture show.”

Ms. Gentry has to this day remained circumspect about the haunting and mysterious tale of Mr. MacAllister, but one thing we do know is that the “Carroll County” she is referring to in the song is “Carroll County Mississippi.” Come to find out, there are approximately 13 places in the United States called “Carroll County.”

The song comes to mind as Halloween is upon us and thoughts wonder to ghost stories. Carroll County is awash in ghost stories for your enjoyment.

Halloween ghost stories are fascinating as often they involve aspects of unexplained historical events, enigmatic dialogue, and inexplicable characters. However, over the years, I have become much more enamored with Southern gothic storytelling, which is frequently more creative – and often more disturbing in the manner it which it peels away the layers of a community or society; yet does not tell a reader ‘what to think,’ but nevertheless causes the reader ‘to think.’

Just like Halloween stories, the song’s plot makes known several themes. The first of which is obvious in that just like many popular Carroll County Halloween stories, it reveals a snapshot of life in a particular period in history.

But it is the other prominent theme that is particularly disturbing as it peels away the layers of indifference that contemporary society shows towards our fellow human beings – or in the case of “Ode to Billy Joe,” the loss of life.

In present day Carroll County, every other public hearing is “Halloween” as this theme often manifests itself in the cavalier manner in which folks will often engage in character assassination in the pursuit of a particular agenda.

In the song the family of the narrator nonchalantly mentions the gentleman’s death: “Billy Joe never had a lick of sense/ pass the biscuits, please.” Of course the narrator of the story cares: “Mama said to me "Child, what's happened to your appetite? I've been cookin' all morning and you haven't touched a single bite.” Other than that, they may as well been having a dinner conversation about the weather.

Happy Halloween. By all means, please enjoy some of the old favorites in Carroll County like the Ghost of Furnace Hills; the Civil War soldier that roams around in Cockey’s Tavern; the ghost of the old Rebecca at the old jail, and the headless apparition of Marshall Buell at the old Odd Fellows Hall in Westminster.

Better yet, the next chance you get, go to the Carroll County Public Library and re-read Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” or Truman Capote’s “In Cold Blood.”

Or, of course, you can attend a good ole’ Carroll County public hearing and really see a modern day horror story unfold in real time - “and watch she and Billy Bob throwing public officials off the Rt. 140 Bridge.”

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

E-mail him at: kdayhoff AT carr AT org

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20071101 News Clips

News Clips

Nov. 1, 2007

STATE NEWS

Tax plan changes urged
Several business groups say O'Malley bill is not enough
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.hearing01nov01,0,6504488.story?coll=bal_tab01_layout
Business groups, auto dealers and transit advocates urged lawmakers yesterday to change Gov. Martin O'Malley's tax proposals, including a measure to link the state gasoline tax to the rising cost of road and bridge construction materials.
Several business groups, including the Greater Baltimore Committee, said O'Malley's bill, which would generate an additional $400 million per year for transportation projects, is not enough.The Maryland Automobile Dealers Association said it would support the governor's propose d increase in the vehicle titling tax from 5 percent to 6 percent if the legislature taxed auto buyers only on the difference between the price of a new vehicle and the value of a trade-in. John D. Porcari, the state secretary of transportation, told a joint hearing of three legislative committees that an additional $400 million in annual transportation spending would enable the state to "chip away" at an estimated $40 billion in "unmet" needs over the next two decades. Rural legislators pressed Porcari on why motorists would have to pay higher taxes to help fund transit projects in the Baltimore-Washington corridor.
"You're asking for a [cost-of-living adjustment] on the highway users. Would you support a COLA for transit?" asked Senator Minority Leader David R. Brinkley, who represents Somerset and Wicomico counties.
Brinkley said a regional sales tax could be levied to fund transit projects so that gas tax revenue could be used sol e ly for roadway projects. Porcari said transit users are paying fares and that motorists benefit by enhanced mass transit through less congestion on roadways.

Slots casinos would pay 70% tax
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bal-md.slots01nov01,0,3388188.story?page=1&coll=bal_tab01_layout
Maryland slot machine operators will pay one of the nation's highest casino tax rates - effectively 70 percent - if voters approve Gov. Martin O'Malley's plan to legalize the devices, and some industry analysts say that would mean low-end facilities catering mostly to the local population.
"It's going to limit how much you can give away to customers because the margin is so thin, and it will limit how much you can invest in the enterprise," said Lawrence Klatzkin, a gambling industry a nalyst and managing director of Jefferies Equity Research. The margin is so tight, Klatzkin said, that Maryland would end up with "a lower-cost product with much more limited offerings" than slots casinos in surrounding states provide to their patrons.
"It doesn't mean that they won't make money," Klatzkin said, "but some of the richer, higher-quality customers will likely go to Dover, Del., or to West Virginia for more comps and giveaways and much better amenities."
Legislators, who are meeting in special session, have been asked by O'Malley to put the slots issue on the November 2008 ballot as a constitutional amendment. Bids for licenses would be due the following February.

Two colleges offer BRAC options
Fort Meade Alliance sees regional benefits in promoting distinct programs
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/brac/bal-md.ar.brac01nov01,0,4018528.story
After suggesting that Maryland is not developing the needed work force for defense jobs, the Fort Meade Alliance is encouraging the two community colleges closest to the growing Army post to promote distinct programs to meet national security needs. Martha A. Smith, president of Anne Arundel Community College, told Fort Meade's lobbying arm at a meeting yesterday in Severna Park that the two-year school might create a specialized center around math, science, technology and homeland security that could draw top high school graduates, train professionals and harness the skills of defense industry retirees.
Representatives from Howard Community College spoke to the approximately 50 business and government officials at the meeting about the school's advances in teaching "critical languages," such as Arabic, Farsi and Chinese.
Some alliance leaders said they see regional benefits in promoting STEM -- science, technology, engineering and math -- at Anne Arundel's college and linguists at Howard County's college, including optimizing business and government participation.

Senator says governor is strong-arming contractors
http://www.examiner.com/a-1022103~Senator_says_governor_is_strong_arming_contractors.html
A Republican senator said he is "outraged" that the O'Malley administration is trying to "strong-arm" state contractors and suppliers into supporting the governor's tax package or face loss of business. The governor's staff said nothing inappropriate or illegal was done. Sen. Andrew Harris, a Baltimore County Republican, said there was a calculated effort by the O'Malley administration to misuse taxpayer dollars by having Cabinet secretaries a nd their staff lobby for the "largest tax increases in Maryland history." Harris released copies of a letter sent by Alvin Collins, secretary of the Department of General Services, to vendors asking them to communicate with "colleagues, friends and neighbors the choices facing Maryland." The choice is "a very bleak budget plan that he will be forced to submit in January if a consensus on the revenue package is not reached," Collins said.
Harris, who is running for Congress, said a constituent who does business with the state contacted him, feeling intimidated by the letter.

County could lose $7M in education funds
http://www.capitalonline.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/10_31-23/TOP
Anne Arundel County would lose between $6 and $7 million in state education fundi n g next year under the most drastic and politically risky budget cuts proposed by Gov. Martin O'Malley. As part of his plan to address the state's deficit, which currently stands at $1.5 billion, Mr. O'Malley is proposing to change how education dollars are handed out to local governments. In fiscal 2009 and 2010, funding would be set at $6,694 per pupil, but each jurisdiction still would be guaranteed at least a 1 percent increase in funding each of those two years. In total, county school systems would lose about $189 million of education funds for the next school year, according to the Department of Legislative Services.\What remains clear is legislators will have a difficult time deciding to cut planned education spending.
"It's a tough decision for legislators to make," said House Speaker Michael E. Busch, D-Annapolis.

O'Malley: I've got votes for taxes, slots
http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071101/METRO/111010085/1004
Gov. Martin O'Malley says he has enough votes in the special General Assembly session to pass wide-ranging tax increases and get his proposal for slot-machine gambling on the November 2008 ballot, despite lawmakers saying they have yet to reach a consensus.
"I think the legislators are very uncomfortable about being told they need to vote for these massive tax increases," Senate Minority Whip Allan H. Kittleman, Howard Republican, said yesterday "The only consensus in Annapolis right now is that we shouldn't be here."
Although Democrats control both chambers, party leaders say it is too early to tell whether Mr. O'Malley will succeed with his plan to hold the session to pass the tax increases and the slots initiative to cut Maryland's $1.5 billion shortfall and increase state spending on t ransportation, health care and higher education. In addition, Comptroller Peter Franchot criticized Mr. O'Malley's proposal to tie slots to the increased spending and tax cuts. "The solution is completely lacking in consensus or basic information," he said.House Minority Leader Anthony J. O'Donnell, Southern Maryland Republican, said budget leaders blocked him yesterday from asking questions at a hearing on the corporate-tax increase. Mr. O'Donnell said many people have been left out of "One Maryland" - a phrase Mr. O'Malley used during the campaign to push for unity.
"I'm getting the impression that 'One Maryland' means one man's political future," he said, referring to Mr. O'Malley's national political ambitions. Mr. O'Donnell also said many Democrats have confided in him that they don't want to be in Annapolis for the session.
Delegate Ronald A. George, Anne Arundel Republican, sai d he doesn't have time to finish reading all of the e-mails that he has received during the week. He said that the majority of them are against legalizing slot machines and that he will continue to oppose tax increases and slots.

Board keeps mandatory high-school exit exams
http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071101/METRO/111010032/1004
A divided Maryland State Board of Education voted yesterday to continue requiring high-school students to pass exit exams in order to graduate starting in 2009. However, the board made changes to the testing program that should give some students a better chance to earn their diplomas. Under the new regulations, students who fail one or more of the four tests - in algebra, biology, English and government - will have the option to complete projec t s that demonstrate proficiency in the subjects.Mr. Ewing, Miss Garcia, Mary Kay Finan and Charlene M. Dukes, who voted to delay the graduation requirement, were appointed to the board by Gov. Martin O'Malley. Miss Garcia, Mr. Ewing and Miss Finan met recently with Mr. O'Malley to discuss the board's activities, a meeting Miss Garcia said she requested.
Mr. Tufaro said he found that meeting "inappropriate" because the board is nonpartisan and accused the O'Malley appointees of political motivation.Mr. O'Malley has clashed for years with State Schools Superintendent Nancy S. Grasmick, who pushed for the tests to become mandatory for graduation and proposed the changes that the board approved yesterday. Mr. O'Malley said in September that the governor, not the board, should appoint the superintendent. Mrs. Grasmick has held the office since 1991. She praised the board's vote.

O'Malley Outlines The Losers if He Can't Hit the Slots Jackpot
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/30/AR2007103002084.html
There is a lot more riding on the outcome of a potential slots referendum than whether Marylanders will get to gamble closer to home. Yesterday, aides to Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) outlined proposals that he would scrap if the legislature fails to authorize a public vote on the legalization of slot machines -- or if voters do not approve the 2008 ballot measure.
O'Malley's slots plan, which would eventually be expected to yield more than $700 million a year for the state, is a significant part of his long-term revenue package, though it would have no immediate impact on next year's projected $1.7 billion shortfall, given the timing of a referendum.

Shortfall Generates Surplus of Md. Bills
At Special Session, Ideas Vary Widely
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/30/AR2007103002056.html
Even though Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley called a special session of the legislature to address his plan to close a potential $1.7 billion budget shortfall, lawmakers came to Annapolis this week with more than 50 bills of their own -- some offering alternatives to the governor's proposal but others focusing on completely different issues. O'Malley (D) said yesterday he is interested in hearing lawmakers' alternatives. "Some of these things will bubble up by way of amendments as these measures search for consensus," he said. His own plan includes increasing the sales tax, overhauling the income tax and setting a referendum on legalizing slot machine gambling.
Many of the bills are unrelated to solving the budget dilemma. To keep lawmakers focused, House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Anne Arundel) and Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D-Calvert) have assigned all unrelated bills to their respective rules committees. The committees are not scheduled to meet during this special session, so bills assigned there are unlikely to be heard.

Leggett Offers Alternative To O'Malley Tax Proposal
Executive Seeks Smaller Rate Increase on Rich Amid Concerns in Affluent Montgomery County
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/31/AR2007103102924.html
Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett will present an alternative personal income tax plan to Maryland lawmakers today that would tax the state's highest earners at a rate one percentage point lower than Gov. Martin O'Malley has proposed.

Lawmakers from Montgomery have voiced concern that O'Malley's proposal to redistribute the tax burden to Maryland's most affluent residents would affect Montgomery more than any other jurisdiction and threaten the economic interests of the state's largest and wealthiest county. News of Leggett's proposal came on a day when state lawmakers heard from Transportation Secretary John D. Porcari about the need to generate more revenue to maintain infrastructure and budget for new projects.


EDITORIALS/OP-EDS

The gamble with slots
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/bal-ed.slots01nov01,0,4437010.story
For more than a decade, legalizing slot machine gambling has been rejected as a bad bet for Maryland. But a combination of politics and perseverance has put the long-simmer i ng issue back on the front burner. Now it's up to Gov. Martin O'Malley to prove that the problems inherent in such a highly addictive form of gambling - from the economic costs to the various social harms - can either be adequately alleviated or are somehow justified given the state's projected $1.7 billion deficit.
Much of the revenue raised by slots would come from people who have become addicted to gambling - at least that's been the experience elsewhere. And Maryland also could expect an accompanying increase in crime, bankruptcy, divorce, child abuse and suicide. All that, too, comes with slots.
In a speech before the legislature Monday night, Mr. O'Malley recognized the deficit as a threat to the state's quality of life. He's right, but it's hard not to see legalized slot machines as a potential threat, too. Is this really the best way to finance government? So far, the case is not convincing.

If that's the only option, take slots to referendum
http://www.herald-mail.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=177933&format=html
If it's the only way to legalize slot machines in Maryland, by all means, put the question on the ballot.
Taxpayers can only hope that House Speaker Michael Busch, who has successfully blocked slot legislation for years, will keep his word and let the voters decide on this issue. Yes, there will need to be safeguards to prevent gambling addicts from feeding their rent or mortgage money into the machines, but getting such protections passed will be easier than winning approval for new taxes.
A referendum will give both sides a chance to engage in a public debate on the issue. Let the people have that discussion, then make the decision at the polls. Approve the referendum now.

Bridging the gap
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/editorial/bal-ed.assessments01nov01,0,6150448.story
Maryland's state school board has voted 8-4 to proceed with High School Assessments that will be required for the graduating Class of 2009. However, low passing rates in some districts, including Baltimore, have many educators and advocates rightly worried about the possibility of increasing the number of students who might have to delay graduation or who might drop out in frustration.
The board's acceptance of schools Superintendent Nancy S. Grasmick's so-called bridge plan proposal - a rigorous project as an alternative - shows a welcome recognition that there are some students who do not excel on standardized tests. But school districts must be mindful of the dissenters' concerns about whether enough timely supports can be put in place to give ever y student the best possible chance to graduate.

NATIONAL NEWS

Keeping an eye on those who keep an eye on us
http://www.gazette.net/stories/103107/prinlet115645_32359.shtml
Maryland's U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer are key players on the national stage as Congress, in coming days, decides two critical issues: whether the government can spy on Americans without an individualized warrant and whether the government and telecoms get a free pass in the courts for their past unconstitutional conduct.
Mikulski and other members of the Senate Intelligence Committee are meeting behind closed doors as they piece together the Senate's version of an electronic eavesdropping ''reform bill." What the committee comes up with in the coming days will g uide the direction of the whole Senate. Maryland, home of the National Security Agency, has every reason to uphold a tradition of justifiable and constitutional surveillance.

Senate approves measure to reauthorize funding at Hagerstown Regional Airport
http://www.herald-mail.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=178115&format=html
A recently expired federal program that funded Hagerstown Regional Airport's passenger service would be reauthorized for another year under a bill passed Tuesday night by the U.S. Senate. Essential Air Service (EAS), a subsidy program that helps communities far from larger hub airports, would be extended until Sept. 30, 2008. The program expired Sept. 30, 2007.
The bill is a temporary funding measure intended to extend the program until Congress passes legislation to keep the Federal Aviation Administration running for another four years, said Susan Sullam, spokeswoman for Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin, who cosponsored the bill.