Mount Airy discusses community-needs assessment [Carroll County Times -
11/15/11]
The Mount Airy Town Council held a work session with
three residents who have been completing a
community-needs assessment to discuss what can be
taken from the first two phases of the assessment and
what needs to be addressed in the third and final
phase in order to fully understand what residents in
Mount Airy want.
The council met Tuesday night with Teresa Downs
Shattuck and Erin Tunkel, of BeLocal Mount Airy, an
organization that focuses on initiatives that build a
healthy community...
Attorneys argue for and against substation zoning
denial [Frederick News Post 11/15/11]
Attorneys for Potomac Edison argued in court Monday
that the county's Board of Zoning Appeals had gone too
far when they shot down plans for a power substation
near Mount Airy.
Gregory Rapisarda, an attorney with Saul Ewing, the
law firm representing Potomac Edison, told Judge G.
Edward Dwyer the zoning board had "overstepped its
authority."
The case springs from a decision in November by the
Frederick County Board of Zoning Appeals to deny an
application to place the substation on Bartholows
Road. The utility company had applied for a special
exception to locate the substation on a 150-acre site
in an agricultural zone...
Mt. Airy Marrow Donor Drive [Facebook Page]
Saturday, December 3 10:00am - 4:00pm
Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Company
702 N Main Street, Mount Airy, MD
Please join us for our second annual event. Join the
Be the Match Registry and you could be the one to save
a life. Registration is painless, free, and can save a
life...can you think of a better way to spend a
Saturday in November? Please give some of your time
this November, and perhaps you will be the reason
another family has extra thanks to give next
November...
License issue for Mt. Airy residents cleared up [Carroll County Times -
11/14/11]
When Peter Helt brought his son to the Motor Vehicle
Administration in Westminster a few months ago to get
his driver's license, Helt noticed an error on the
screen displaying his son's information.
Although the Helts live on the Frederick County side
of Mount Airy, his son was automatically listed as a
Carroll County resident. Helt, the president of the
Mount Airy Town Council, said he mentioned the error
to an MVA employee and it was corrected...
Mount Airy zoning blocks sign-making business [The Gazette -
11/14/11]
Owner of building on South Main Street appeals to
residents for help
The windows of 1010 S. Main St. in Mount Airy have
been empty since Dennis Kitchens and Baths closed
several years ago, but a new message is greeting
residents as they drive by. Help.
The plea comes from owner, Frank Omelka, and his
brother-in-law, Steven Applegate, who wants to open a
sign-making business in the building. But plans for
the business have halted after they learned the
property no longer has the proper zoning..
Petition Support for 1010 South Main Street, Mt. Airy
21771 [Facebook Page]
In the interest of seeing the property put to
productive use for the overall business and aesthetic
well-being of the Town and community, Support 1010
South Main Street, Mt. Airy, MD in their efforts to
establish their desired use...
Groups working on new Mount Airy survey [The Gazette -
11/11/11]
Goal is to find out what residents would like to see
in town; meeting set for Tuesday
If Mount Airy were to become famous for something in
10 years, what should it be? Answers varied to the
question pitched to 221 residents in focus groups as
part of a new survey to identify what town residents
want...
Mount Airy woman dies from injuries after fire [The Gazette -
11/9/11]
The Mount Airy woman who was badly burned Tuesday
afternoon in her backyard has died.
According to Cpl. Jennifer Bailey, spokeswoman for the
Frederick County Sheriff's Office, Leslie A.
Thornburg, 57, died as a result of her injuries while
being treated at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
in Baltimore.
Thornburg sustained significant burns at her home on
South Warfield Drive in Mount Airy shortly before 3:30
p.m. Tuesday when she caught fire in her backyard...
Mount Airy settles election schedule quandary [The Gazette -
11/8/11]
Next set of council members will be elected to
three-year terms
Mount Airy's election scheduling woes have been fixed
with a unanimous vote to temporarily change council
members elected in 2012 and 2014 to three-year terms
instead of four. The normal four-year terms for
elected officials would return starting in 2015.
The switch will put the town on an odd year election
track, which will help it hold elections
electronically while avoiding gubernatorial and
presidential lockdowns on equipment...
Mount Airy man killed in Friday morning Beltway crash
in Silver Spring [The Gazette -
11/3/11]
Police have identified a Mount Airy man who was killed
early Friday morning on the inner loop of the Beltway
in Silver Spring. According to Maryland State Police,
Ryan Joseph McCann, 20, was driving a 2002 Pontiac
Bonneville eastbound on the interstate near Georgia
Avenue at 1:45 a.m. Friday when he drove into the back
of a tractor trailer.
The tractor trailer, which was being driven by Rudolph
Wilson of Falling Waters, quickly slowed and changed
lanes to avoid a construction zone just before the
collision, police said...
=
Mount Airy task force considers policing options
[Carroll County Times - 9/7/11]
The newly formed Mount Airy Police Task Force is
looking into various options for town police
protection in light of increasing costs associated
with the Maryland State Police's resident trooper
program. The three-member task force, which was
created by Mayor Patrick Rockinberg, held its first
meeting Wednesday to start gathering information on
what options the town would have if it dropped the
resident trooper program.
The town currently pays the state to have 4 1/2
trooper positions designated for the town. The cost of
the resident trooper program, which the town budgeted
$694,000 for in fiscal year 2012, is expected to
increase to $1 million by FY2016. Rockinberg said the
task force was created to find out the best and most
cost effective way to protect Mount Airy residents...
Mount Airy to hold events to share its history
[Carroll County Times - 9/5/11]
While the week-long History 101 event is by far the
most extensive one that the Mount Airy Main Street
Association puts on each year, it has become the
easiest to run, according to its promotion chairwoman.
Ellie Bonde said that's because she has so many people
asking how they can help, how they can get involved.
"This is an event that so many people look forward to
and want to make it great," Bonde said. This year's
History 101, which starts Tuesday and lasts a week,
will focus on the Civil War and include numerous
presentations, tours, a scavenger hunt, dinner and a
movie - and a Patriot Day Ceremony...
'My heart is full of so much joy' Mount Airy family
presented with remodeled home
[Frederick
News Post 9/4/11]
Mount Airy resident Teresa Jenkens and her family know
never to underestimate the kindness of strangers.
On Saturday afternoon, local organizations presented
the Jenkens family with a completely remodeled home at
no cost. "This house is just perfect," Jenkens said.
"I can't even believe it." After spending six weeks
with relatives, Jenkens was thrilled to return to her
house on Woodville Road to discover it had been
outfitted for her daughter's wheelchair...
Mount Airy Middle School construction in full swing [The Gazette -
8/24/11]
If there's one thing Mount Airy Middle School parents
should be thinking about with the start of the new
school year, it's how their children get to school.
"Please put your kids on a bus," said Principal Karl
Streaker at an information meeting about the school?'
construction held Monday night.
Streaker said people often say busses will be crowded
or their children love to walk, but assured that the
school system is able to handle a rider influx and
that busses will be safer than walking in current
conditions at the school. The usually crowded drop-off
and pick-up areas at Mount Airy Middle will be made
even more complicated this year by construction
surrounding the facility as the new middle school
buildings starts to take shape...
Lightning may have caused Mount Airy house fire
[Carroll County Times - 8/19/11]
A residential sprinkler system saved a Mount Airy home
from extensive fire damage or destruction Thursday,
according to a fire company spokesman. The sprinklers
in the basement of the home on the 2100 block of
Scarlet Way in Mount Airy saved the home, said Doug
Alexander, of the Mount Airy fire company.
"No doubt. There is no doubt," he said. The fire was
reported at 5:46 p.m., and when crews arrived
approximately nine minutes later they found smoke
coming from the rear of the house, Alexander said...
Mount Airy's Jimmie Cone to hold fundraiser for
veterans
[Carroll County Times - 8/4/11]
On Saturday, Jimmie Cone in Mount Airy will be hosting
a fundraiser to help provide hunting opportunities for
combat-wounded veterans. Owner Dan Leiter said from
about 5 to 10 p.m., all the proceeds from selling $10
pit beef platters, which include a pit beef sandwich,
coleslaw, potato chips and a drink, will go toward
Operation Second Chance, as well as 20 percent of ice
cream sales...
Fun with the family: Classic bingo games a mainstay at
Mount Airy fire company carnival
[Carroll County Times - 7/25/11]
For Mount Airy resident and fire company member
Charlana Hornick, working at the annual Mount Airy
fire company carnival is something she said she's been
doing for at least 23 years. And she's not the only
member of her family who was volunteering Monday
night.
Hornick said over the years, she's pretty much always
worked at the bingo games. Monday evening, she was
overseeing the workers and was in charge of the cash
box, as her daughter, Ashley, helped and her husband,
Brian, called numbers. All three are members of the
fire company, Charlana said...
Celebrate Summer 2011
MAMSA -
Mount Airy Main Street Association
Dinner and a Movie will be the featured attraction of
this year's Celebrate Summer event, to be held on
Friday and Saturday, July 22 and 23, 2011. This year,
the event is a combined effort of the town's Parks and
Rec Committee and the Mount Airy Main Street
Association.
The Friday evening event will be held in the Railyard,
located at 3 North Main Street in the historic
downtown area. On that evening, Mount Airy's downtown
restaurants will be offering special carry-out menus.
Terri's will give a 10% discount on all orders and
Laurienzo's will give 20% discount. In both cases,
customers must order by phone and identify that they
are participating in Celebrate Summer...
Westminster, Mount Airy Superfresh locations close,
customers say goodbye
[Carroll County Times - 7/6/11]
Superfresh's parent company, New Jersey-based Great
Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company Inc., held a bidding
process to market and sell 25 Superfresh locations,
including locations in Westminster and Mount Airy...
The Superfresh in Mount Airy wasn't sold in the
bidding process. It also closed Wednesday...
Mount Airy resident honored for Rotary involvement [The Gazette -
7/6/11]
Carol Blackburn was a reporter for The Gazette
covering a Germantown Rotary Club meeting in July of
1987 when to her surprise, the newest member announced
was her... Blackburn was recently recognized by the
Mount Airy Rotary Club with a certificate of
appreciation and Honorary Membership for the club
she's retiring from...
Lightning strike sparks church fire
[Frederick
News Post 7/5/11]
Church steeples are raised to guide people to God's
house. For Marvin Chapel United Methodist Church in
Mount Airy, the steeple attracted a bolt of lightning
that sparked a fire and left an estimated $100,000 in
structural damages and $50,000 in content losses. "I
told the congregation to call me anytime," said the
Rev. Earl Mason, who was to preach his first sermon at
the church on Woodville Road on Sunday...
"I didn't expect when I got a call at 6 a.m., it would
be to tell me the church was on fire." The church,
which dates to 1888, was heavily damaged, Mason said,
when the ceiling fell straight down on the pews...
Swimmer takes awards at Games
[Frederick
News Post 7/5/11]
During state competition for a slot in the 2011 Summer
National Senior Games that took place in Houston last
weekend, swimmer Kathy Capron recalls noticing a
90-year-old woman competitor. Between races, the woman
waited in her wheelchair, but in the water, she was
far from the slowest swimmer in the pool, Capron said.
"If I can do that when I'm 90, that's what it's all
about," she said...
The Mount Airy resident swam competitively at Hamline
University and later at Cleveland State University,
where she was a math major...
Mount Airy Main Street Association promotes discounts
to recruit new members
[Carroll County Times - 7/4/11]
While the Mount Airy Main Street Association has a
membership drive annually, for the first time this
year new members will be able to get discounts and
deals from nearby businesses...
The group, which works to revitalize the downtown
area, offers individual memberships for $10 and family
memberships for $20. Members receive a card that
allows them to redeem any discounts or deals that
businesses offer through the group for one year...
Ference, Four County prevail
[Frederick
News Post 7/3/11]
Jake Ference is one of the youngest players on the
Four County Little League All-Star team, but he throws
harder than most pitchers in the league and he doesn't
get rattled. Those assets were on display Saturday in
the 9-10-District Little League title game against
Thurmont at Russell Windsor Field...
With a fastball that reached close to 60 mph, Ference
allowed one unearned run and one hit while striking
out 10 in 4 2-3 innings as the host team beat
Thurmont, 4-1, to win its first district title since
2006...
Lemonade stands helps children with cancer [Carroll County Times -
7/1/11]
Jimmy Cone in Mount Airy hosted a fundraiser for
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation on June 18. The
event, organized by the Bond family of Mount Airy, was
in memory of Mackenzie Stuck, a Mount Airy teen who
lost her life to childhood cancer last October. The
event included a Cruise Night with vintage cars in the
parking lot, and Jimmy Cone donated four gift baskets
for raffle. The employees of Jimmy Cone donated their
tips for the evening to the cause. In all, $815 was
raised in Mackenzie's memory...
Area wineries ready to ship product
[Frederick
News Post 7/1/11]
Three area wineries have applied for permits that
would allow for shipping wines throughout the country.
The Maryland Winery Modernization Act, which becomes
effective today, gives wineries the ability to ship
wines throughout the country. The three applicants are
Elk Run Vineyard, Black Ankle and Linganore
Winecellars at Berrywine Plantation in Mount Airy...
Reserve fund has specific purpose
[Bob King
- Letter to the editor -
Carroll County Times - 5/29/11]
I read Rick Blatchford's May 25 letter, "Reserve funds
needed for use" with amusement. I am sure that he
wouldn't intentionally leave out known facts, but it
appears that he did.
The reserve funds that Blatchford accuses Mayor Pat
Rockingburg and three members of the town council
using to balance the FY2012 Town of Mount Airy budget
is actually made up from impact fees charged to
developers when it is untenable for them to provide
the town with inventory items; parks, sports fields,
water or sewer system upgrades...
Hands-on science: Audubon Society of Central Maryland
helps collect bird data
[Carroll County Times - 5/27/11]
On the morning of May 14, the skies looked threatening
but the rain held off. Overcast and cool, the gloomy
day may not have been great for humans, but for the
task at hand - bird banding - the weather was ideal.
Bob Schaefer of the Audubon Society of Central
Maryland explained that on bright sunny days, birds
can see the nets used to catch them before being
banded...
About 25 birds of varying species were caught by the
three sets of mist nets set up that morning in the
Audrey Carroll Audubon Sanctuary, outside of Mount
Airy...
Residents weigh in on picketing rights in Carroll
[Carroll County Times - 5/25/11]
he Carroll County Board of Commissioners will look to
better define resident's rights as it debates issues
relating to picketing and assembly. The board held two
public hearings Tuesday night, one for a proposed
ordinance regarding picketing at funerals and another
for the county's policy on people's right to assemble
on county-owned property. Approximately 40 residents
attended the public hearings and offered their
opinions...
Three residents came forward and told commissioners
that they were asked to leave public property because
they were seeking signatures to the petition. George
and Maryann Nalevanko said they were asked to leave a
street fair in Mount Airy while they were asking for
petition signatures...
Reserve funds needed for use
[Rick Blatchford - Letter to the editor - Carroll County Times - 5/24/11]
Two Mount Airy Council members voted against the 2012
budget based upon the decision to use reserve funds to
balance it. Council members Wendi Peters and David
Blais gave vague reasons for their dissenting votes.
They seem to feel that the reserve account should be
used for other purposes. The problem was that such
other purposes were not made clear...
The reserve fund is a savings account. Reasons for
saving include anticipated purchases, unforeseen
expenses, emergencies and unusual circumstances. I
would like to believe that Peters and Blais agree that
our current economic times would meet at least one of
those conditions. With almost $10 million in taxpayer
money sitting in savings, not using it is nothing
short of ludicrous. They indicated that using the
money was "deficit borrowing." Totally untrue. The use
of reserve funds will not create a deficit, and it is
not borrowing. The town utilized it's own funds...
Man hospitalized after ATV, police cruiser collide
Originally published May 24, 2011
A Mount Airy man remained hospitalized in serious
condition Monday at Baltimore's R Adams Cowley Shock
Trauma after his ATV and a sheriff's deputy's cruiser
collided on Saturday. Christopher Hancock, 22, of
Mount Airy suffered a compound fracture of his leg,
head trauma and multiple lacerations from the
collision, according to Hancock's father, Keith
Hancock. The injuries were not life-threatening, he
said. Hancock disputes the sequence of events as
outlined by the sheriff's office...
According to the sheriff's office, deputies were
dispatched to Old National Pike near Mount Airy
sometime after 4 p.m. Saturday for a report of ATVs in
the roadway...
Three charged in purse theft at Mount Airy library
[Carroll County Times - 5/24/11]
An 18-year-old man and two juveniles were charged with
theft Tuesday after they allegedly stole a woman's
purse from the Mount Airy branch of the Carroll County
Public Library. Mount Airy resident Kyle Patric
Kinnamon, a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old were all
charged with theft less than $1,000 and conspiracy to
commit a theft less than $1000, according to a
Maryland State Police press release. The juveniles
were charged and released to their parents and
Kinnamon is awaiting a hearing with the district court
commissioner...
The woman told police that Kinnamon and the juveniles
stole her purse while she was in the library around
12:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to the release. The
woman told police that the group fled on foot and were
last seen at Frederick Street and Carroll Avenue, the
release said...
Farmers markets offer local produce for nongrowers
[Carroll County Times - 5/22/11]
Not everyone has the time or space to grow their own
vegetables, but farmers markets give customers access
to the same quality of fresh and locally raised food.
Six weekly farmers markets are set to operate in
Carroll this year: markets in Hampstead, Mount Airy,
Taneytown and three in Westminster...
The Mount Airy market opened Wednesday, and had a
fairly good turnout, despite the rain leading up to
the market's opening, said Dick Swanson, of the Mount
Airy Main Street Association...
Woman's secret to reaching 100: 'I just kept on
trucking'
Originally published May 21, 2011
Nettie Emily Burdette Watkins, who turned 100 on March
11, believes if families spent more time together,
children would be less likely to get into trouble.
"Parents should do more with their children, and they
won't be in so much trouble," Watkins said. "I preach
to everyone. That's the way I was brought up and
that's the way it should be. Every family can't do
that, but I think a lot of them can but don't. Be
involved in the lives of your children."
Born off Penn Shop Road in Mount Airy to Elizabeth and
George Burdette, Watkins attended Day's School -- a
one-room school off Penn Shop Road...
Sen. Brinkley addresses constituents in Taylorsville
[Carroll County Times - 5/20/11]
The Greater Taylorsville Area Citizens' Council
invited Sen. David Brinkley, R-District 4, to speak at
its May 9 meeting at Taylorsville United Methodist
Church. An audience of 25 listened as he spoke about
the results of the recently ended legislative session,
as well as what may be addressed in future sessions...
Topics included in-state tuition for illegal
immigrants, redistricting of congressional districts,
the state budget, the local gaming bill, gas and
estate taxes, the septic tax, and medical marijuana...
Deputies arrest man wanted for home invasion
Originally published May 16, 2011
A New Market man wanted on a warrant in connection
with a home invasion last week was arrested Friday and
faces additional charges of stealing money and
attempting to take two motorcycles from residences
near Mount Airy.
The Frederick County Sheriff's Office had been looking
for John Augustine Mulgrew, 21, since Tuesday, when
deputies believe he broke into a residence in the
11000 block of Panorama Drive near New Market and
assaulted the resident with a knife, a sheriff's
office spokeswoman stated in a press release.
Mulgrew was apprehended at the residence of a man from
whom he attempted to steal two motorcycles, Cpl.
Jennifer Bailey said. The home is located in the 7500
block of Woodville Road near Mount Airy...
Mt. Airy Special Town Council Meeting 5-16-2011
http://www.carrollmediacenter.org/streaming/player.asp?id=3123
Mount Airy council passes budget, keeps tax rate
steady amid dissent
Originally published May 17, 2011
The town council voted Monday night to keep property
taxes the same in fiscal 2012 as in the current fiscal
year and approved about $100,000 in increases to the
general fund, for a total of $3.4 million in fiscal
2012...
The measure, adopted at a special meeting, will hold
the tax rate at $0.1695 per $100 of assessed property
value, according to town documents...
Councilwoman Wendi Peters and Councilman David Blais
opposed the measure. After the meeting, Peters and
Blais said they were not in agreement with the budget
in part because it draws funds -- over $500,000 --
from reserve accounts that total about $9.3 million...
Mount Airy narrowly passes budget; won't change tax
rate
[Carroll County Times - 5/16/11]
The Mount Airy Town Council approved its budget for
fiscal year 2012 and voted to keep the current tax
rate in a 3-2 decision during a special meeting. The
budget is balanced at $3,429,356 with a tax rate of
16.95 cents per $100 of assessed property value...
Council members David Blais and Wendi Peters voted
against the budget during Monday's meeting, which was
held two weeks after the budget was rejected as an
emergency ordinance...
After the meeting, they said their dissenting votes
were based on the fact that more than $540,000 is
being pulled from town reserves to balance the budget
without a long-term plan to replenish funds. They
issued a joint statement to taxpayers saying that the
budget does not clarify if the funds will come from
dedicated or liquid reserves...
FYI: Goodwill donation bin in Mt. Airy
[Carroll County Times - 5/15/11]
Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley announced its
newest donation bin has been placed at 1311 S. Main
St. in the Illiano Plaza of Mount Airy. The bin is
located behind the building, between California
Tortilla and The Mount Airy Inn...
Rain doesn't deter residents from attending Mount Airy
Mutt Run
[Carroll County Times - 5/15/11]
It was a rainy, overcast morning, but all the dogs
were excited to start walking or running with their
owners, many of whom were still waking up at 8 a.m.
Saturday. But after the three-mile trek, the dogs were
subdued, their tongues hanging out the sides of their
mouths while their owners were energized. The first
Mount Airy 5K-9 Mutt Run and Walk took place at
Watkins Park, with more than 96 people and 50 dogs
despite the rainy conditions...
About $1,500 was raised at the event, most of which
will go toward maintenance of the Mount Airy Dog Park
for 2011 and the rest going to the Lion's Club for
Eagle Scout projects, some of which will include
improvements to the park...
Woman-owned company ranked 5th in nation
Originally published May 14, 2011
Theresa Alfaro Daytner's general contracting and
construction management company in Mount Airy has been
ranked fifth in the top 50 of fastest-growing
women-owned and -led companies in the country...
President and CEO of Daytner Construction Group,
Daytner is one of four Maryland women who own
companies to make the Women Presidents' Organization
ranking. The organization is a national nonprofit with
90 international chapters...
UPDATES - MAY 2011
Mount Airy's annual May Fest set for this weekend [The Gazette -
5/12/11]
It's time for the Mount Airy May Fest held in
historical downtown Mount Airy. The annual event is
this weekend (May 14-15), starting at 9 a.m. until 5
p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Food, arts and crafts, live entertainment and a
children's park will be available both days. To
facilitate parking, a free shuttle bus will run every
10 minutes from the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company
Carnival Grounds located at the intersection of Md.
Route 27 and Twin Arch Road to the downtown area...
Mount Airy's festival to kick off with Mutt Run
[Carroll County Times - 5/12/11]
People who have been enjoying Mount Airy's May street
festival for years can partake in a new event that
will have their canine friends panting. The annual May
Fest weekend will kick off Saturday (May 14th) morning
with the first 5K-9 Mutt Run and Walk, in which
participants can run or walk the 5K route, with or
without their dog...
Healing Horse Spirit Pow Wow this weekend [The Gazette -
5/12/11]
The annual HorseNet Horse Rescue Healing Horse Spirit
Pow Wow is set for this weekend in Mount Airy. Music,
drumming groups, and an honor guard are all part of
the event where a variety of Native American dance
styles will be presented, and there will be
educational tepee displays. Native American vendors
and foods will be available, and HorseNet's horses
will participate in the grand entry ceremony at noon
each day. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 8
p.m. on Saturday 14th and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday
15th.
From the archive:
Powwow keeps spirits up [Carroll County
Times - 5/16/10]
Politicians hope for a strike
[Frederick
News Post 5/13/11]
How well do politicians at three different levels bowl
together? We'll find out on Sunday (May 15th), when
Delegate Kelly Schulz, county commissioners Delauter
and Blaine Young and Frederick Alderwoman Shelley Aloi
team up for Bowl for Kids' Sake. The group plans to
meet at 3 p.m. at Terrace Lanes in Mount Airy to raise
money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Frederick
County...
www.bbbsfrederick.org
Linganore Winecellars in Mount Airy comes back from
tornado damage [Carroll County
Times - 5/11/11]
After his winery sustained significant damage during
last month's tornado, Anthony Aellen said many people
asked him how he could remain so positive. Aellen said
it was hard not to. "We got the same storm that came
from the south and killed people there, so this didn't
seem like anything," Aellen said. "All we had were
damaged sticks and steel, and while it looked bad, I
was just relieved no one was hurt."
What Mount Airy's Linganore Winecellars didn't have
after the April 16 storm were many of its roofs.
Aellen, president and winemaker at the winery, said
eight buildings or pavilions on the property were
damaged, many of which had their roofs completely
blown off. In addition, evergreen trees were uprooted,
2-by-4 wood pieces from the buildings' ceilings were
strewn across the property and pieces of steel were
wrapped around buildings and pavilion walls.
The winery officially finished its repairs Thursday,
and while Aellen hasn't gotten all the bills for
repairs yet, he estimates the damage from the storm
could have cost as much as $300,000 to repair,
something insurance will cover.
Mount Airy volunteer works to clean up Monocacy River
[Frederick
News Post 5/11/11]
Frederick resident James Becker, a member of the Mount
Airy chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America,
collects trash from the banks of the Monocacy River
under Md. 80 on a recent morning. Becker and Mark
Vollaro, a longtime friend, recently collected enough
refuse to fill six large garbage bags.
Mount Airy postpones vote on 2012 budget [The Gazette -
5/5/11]
One more council member needs to vote in favor of
document for approval
The Mount Airy Town Council failed to pass a fiscal
2012 budget Monday, and plans to meet later this month
to approve the $3.4 million spending plan. The council
needed four votes, or a supermajority, to pass the
budget because it was introduced as an emergency
ordinance that night. Only three council members -
Peter Helt, Dave Pyatt and Scott Strong - voted to
approve the budget.
Council members David Blais and Wendi Peters voted
against the budget, but did not say why at the
meeting. Neither was immediately available for comment
Wednesday before The Gazette's deadline. The council
started working on the budget in February, but it was
not ready to be introduced formally as a resolution by
the April meeting, which is why it was an emergency
resolution Monday.
The proposed tax rate for fiscal 2012 is the constant
yield tax rate, 16.95 cents per $100 of assessed
value. The fiscal 2011 rate also was 16.95 cents per
$100 of assessed value...
Horse rescue: Seized animals making gains
[Frederick
News Post 5/4/11]
Days after almost 150 neglected horses were seized
from a Queen Anne's County farm and distributed to
Maryland stables, local caretakers are reporting that
the animals are making progress. Elizabeth Tate
Winters of Mount Airy's Paradise Stables LLC took in
80 horses...
To prepare for last week's seizure and ongoing care of
the rescued horses, the Humane Society contacted state
groups, including Woodbine's Days End Horse Farm
Rescue and Mount Airy's Paradise Stables and Gentle
Giants Draft Horse Rescue...
Mount Airy Council to hold special meeting for budget
[Frederick
News Post 5/3/11]
The town council will hold a special meeting this
month to pass the property tax rate and budget for
fiscal year 2012 after failing to agree on an
emergency resolution at a meeting Monday.
Councilwoman Wendi Peters and Councilman David Blais
opposed the measure that would hold the tax rate at
$0.1695 per $100 of assessed property value and
increase general fund expenses from the current fiscal
year by about $100,000 to $3.4 million in fiscal year
2012, town documents state...
Mount Airy budget session draws education, fire
training concerns [ExploreCarroll.com - 5/1/11]
Concerns about fire and rescue service, public
libraries and education were the top topics of those
in attendance at a public meeting in Mount Airy
regarding Carroll County's budget proposal for fiscal
year 2012.
Attended by Commissioners Doug Howard and Richard
Rothschild, the meeting provided a summary of the
proposal for the county's budget. Ted Zaleski, the
county's director of the Department of Management and
Budget, said the four main goals of the budget are to
reduce property taxes, restrict growth of operating
budget, reduce the number of capital programs and
reduce the county's debt service.
For the most part, the budget achieves those goals,
Zaleski said, with a proposed 2-cent reduction in
property tax rate, and the postponing or canceling
some $50 million in capital projects. Education would
remain "flat funding" -- essentially consistent with
last year's budget -- he said. But he noted that the
commissioners approved funding for the creation of the
new, $16.7 million Mount Airy Middle School, with
$12.8 million of that scheduled to come from the
state.
Mount Airy Mayor's Report - May 2011
[The Grogg Report]
This month marks my one year Anniversary as Mayor. I
want to thank my colleagues at this table, some who
have also reached their first full year as elected
officials, for their partnership and service to the
community. I'd like to thank the outstanding Town
Staff for their hard work and dedication as they
brought some of the newer members up to speed on our
processes. I'd also like to thank the community for
allowing me the opportunity to serve in such a
rewarding position.
UPDATES - APRIL 2011
Mount Airy horse farmer takes in rescued equines
[Carroll County Times - 4/30/11]
Two weeks ago, a tornado ripped through one of two
horse farms owned by Elizabeth Tate Winters and caused
more than $100,000 in damage.
Despite the unexpected natural disaster, Tate Winters
was willing to take on another surprise challenge this
week. She is providing a temporary home for 70
malnourished and neglected horses impounded by Days
End Horse Rescue in Lisbon. It's the largest rescue
operation in the nonprofit's 22-year history...
Mount Airy Town Council seeks public input about
proposed budget
[Carroll County Times - 4/30/11]
The Mount Airy Town Council has drafted a proposed
budget for fiscal year 2012 and plans to approve it
after holding a public hearing Monday. The proposed
budget's revenue is $19,319 greater than its expenses.
The budget proposes $3,429,356 in revenue and
$3,410,037 in expenses.
The town is proposing to keep the current tax rate for
real property at 16.95 cents per $100 assessed value
and personal property at 42 cents per $100 of assessed
property value. This would bring in more than $1.6
million in property taxes, which is about $50,000 more
than it brought in last year...
Winery honored as Green Business of the Year
[Frederick
News Post 4/28/11]
Making wine is a natural business to begin with, but
one local company is being honored for its outstanding
commitment to green.
Berrywine Plantation/Linganore Winecellars near Mount
Airy has received the Green Business of the Year Award
from the Baltimore Business Journal. The award was for
a small to medium-sized business in Maryland...
Donations roll in after Little League equipment shed
fire [The Gazette -
4/28/11]
After a local little league suffered a financial blow
when a storage shed went up in flames, people far and
wide generously donated to get the lost materials back
into the game. Four County Little League president Jim
Gill said when the story broke of the April 9 fire,
"everything went crazy" with people wanting to know
more and donate...
Gill said a manager at Century Car Dealership in Mount
Airy saw what had happened and brought it up in a
manager's meeting, where the group felt compelled to
do something for the organization that both employees'
and customers' children were involved with. They
decided to donate $10,000. Century wasn't the only
large donator to the group, with Dan Snyder, owner of
the Washington Redskins, calling and donating $10,000
as well...
Mount Airy Planning Commission gets a glance at future
plans [The Gazette -
4/28/11]
Rome wasn't perfected in a day, and Mount Airy won't
be either, which is why officials are looking ahead.
A plan detailing layers of planning that go into what
residents and visitors will see as they walk the
downtown streets in years to come was discussed at the
Mount Airy Planning and Zoning Commission meeting
Monday night. "This is information at this point,
we're not here to make any decisions" said Richard
Wagner, an architect with David H. Gleason Associates
in Baltimore, who presented the first draft of the
town's downtown master plan to the Planning and Zoning
Commission at the meeting.
The plan details what could be built in the downtown
and what it could look like - townhomes and large
retailers near parking decks to accommodate growth
while retaining small town charm are among the
suggestions. The plan is a tool to help potential
developers understand the vision the town has for
redevelopment opportunities, said Mount Airy Town
Planner Kelly Ziad...
Fire starts in Mount Airy after man attempts to start
ATV
[Carroll County Times - 4/27/11]
A man who tried to start an ATV instead caused a fire
which ripped through a Mount Airy garage, causing
$50,000 in damage, according to a press release from
the Mount Airy fire company. Units were dispatched to
the 100 block of Paradise Avenue at 2:04 p.m. and
found a 15-by-24-foot garage fully engulfed in flames,
according to the release. A man had filled an ATV
inside the garage with fuel moments before he tried to
start it, according to Doug Alexander, spokesman for
the Mount Airy fire company...
Fire starts in Mount Airy after man attempts to start
ATV
[MAVFC
Website - 4/27/11]
A man who tried to start an ATV instead caused a fire
which ripped through a Mount Airy garage, causing
$50,000 in damage, according to a press release from
the Mount Airy fire company. Units were dispatched to
the 100 block of Paradise Avenue at 2:04 p.m. and
found a 15-by-24-foot garage fully engulfed in flames,
according to the release. A man had filled an ATV
inside the garage with fuel moments before he tried to
start it, according to Doug Alexander, spokesman for
the Mount Airy fire company...
Man in critical condition after ATV crash near Mount
Airy
[Frederick
News Post 4/27/11]
A 23-year-old man is in critical condition at R Adams
Cowley Shock Trauma in Baltimore after crashing a
four-wheeler near Mount Airy Tuesday evening. Deputies
from the Frederick County Sheriff's Office responded
to the 14000 block of Black Ankle Road just before 9
p.m. for a report of an ATV crash.
They determined that the operator of the ATV, Jonathan
E. Carothers of Mount Airy, was traveling at a high
rate of speed and failed to negotiate a curve...
Mt. Airy man dies from injuries sustained in April 18
crash
[Carroll County Times - 4/27/11]
Robert F. Knust, 72, of the 5100 block of Perry Road
in Mount Airy, died Wednesday at the University of
Maryland Shock Trauma Center, according to Maryland
State Police. Knust was taken to shock trauma April 18
after his 2006 Toyota Corolla rear-ended a 2005 Ford
Freestar minivan driven by Virginia M. Mason, 64, of
the 5600 block of Ridge Road in Mount Airy, according
to a state police release. Knust's car was northbound
on Md. 27 north of Gillis Falls Road when it struck
the minivan as the van was stopped trying to make a
left turn...
Commission or Cartel? By TJ Grogg
[The Grogg Report]
That's what a lot of people in Mt Airy are wondering
these days about their current Planning and Zoning
Commission. Seems they are a little concerned over the
way the Comm is conducting business or, as they put
it, giving the 'business' to local businesses. Case in
point, actually there are three (3), but lets do one
at a time.
1.) Bill Chapman and his case against them, the P&Z
Comm., for undue charges and threats to him, if he
does not comply with their unnecessary tactics of
causing him a tremendous financial loss over a small
brick wall on Main Street. This is the Bill Chapman
who, along with his late father, Bud Sr., helped
create several businesses along Main Street, beginning
in the late 80's, by leasing his properties to
fledgling entrepreneurs who wanted to realize The
American Dream, by beginning in Mt Airy...
Speedy delivery along roadside shakes Mount Airy
parents
[Frederick
News Post 4/24/11]
Tami McKinney's first child three years ago was born
relatively quickly. So quickly, in fact, that the
Mount Airy family said McKinney's next child would be
born on the side of the road. They were just joking.
But Tami's second child not only was born within one
hour of her going into labor, Case Harold McKinney was
delivered in his father's 2006 Nissan Pathfinder on
the side of Baltimore National Pike on the way to
Frederick Memorial Hospital at 2:30 a.m. Wednesday...
Mount Airy charges $1,500 for information [The Gazette -
4/21/11]
Resident/journalist frustrated with expense for public
documents
Mount Airy is asking one of its residents, a writer
for a Frederick website, to pay more than $1,500 to
cover some of the costs of gathering information about
a failed annexation earlier this year.
Donnamarie Needle, who is listed as a "mojo" - short
for "mobile journalist" - on the eight-month-old
website Want2Dish.com, submitted a Maryland Public
Information Act request Feb. 23 for documents related
to a 2009 annexation petition for land south of
Interstate 70...
Mount Airy to hold "Canine 5K" to benefit dog park [The Gazette -
4/21/11]
Both four- and two-footed runners will be pounding out
3.1 miles next month to support a cause close to their
hearts - the Mount Airy Dog Park. Both dog owners and
their canine companions can run in the "Mount Airy
5K-9 Mutt Run" on May 14, which will raise funds for
the maintenance of the park...
Mount Airy Garden Club members earn honors [The Gazette -
4/21/11]
The Mount Airy Garden Club recently elevated two
energetic, 90-plus year old members to Honorary
Membership. Doris Murray and Helen Simpson received
this designation in recognition of their years of
dedicated participation in club and community
activities.
Murray has been the hostess for each year's workshop
to create the holiday wreaths and swags that are hung
at the Mount Airy Library and at Pine Grove Cemetery
for more than 30 years. She also assists at the club's
annual Mother's Day weekend plant sale. Simpson is the
club's "bird lady," who every month reports on a
different bird that she has researched for her
presentation. She has also supported the club's plant
therapy work with rehabilitation patients at Lorien of
Mount Airy by reporting on local birds and habitat...
Mt. Airy: Historic Watkins Building Owner Fights Town
Hall [Want 2
Dish 4/19/11]
It's been nearly four years since the 2007 fire
destroyed two buildings that housed seven businesses
in downtown Mount Airy. And a very long four years
for Bill Chapman, owner of one of the destroyed
buildings, the Watkins Building, a Historic Mount Airy
Landmark. Chapman is being fined by the Town $200 a
day for alleged site code violations. The case is now
in litigation and Mount Airy taxpayers are footing the
bill...
Keith named Mt. Airy Legion manager [Frederick
News Post 4/19/11]
The departure of George Richardson as manager of Mount
Airy's Gold Star Post 191 American Legion Baseball
team in February left post officials scrambling to
find a replacement. They didn't have to look far.
Kenny Keith, former manager of Damascus Post 171, was
named Mount Airy's new manager Sunday. He becomes the
fourth manager in Gold Star post baseball history...
Leave Leslie Consignment Gallery's Signage As Is
[E-petition]
Dear Mt. Airy Planning and Zoning Commission,
It is our expressed desire to leave the current
signage on our building that has been in the same
place since November 2008 as is. We do not feel that
our current signage looks unpleasant or
"trashy". Furthermore, there are other businesses in
our immediate vicinity that exceed the maximum square
footage rule but were allowed to pass. There is no
consistency and there is no written procedure for an
appeal as stated by the Town Manager Kelly Ziad on
April 20, 2011. We also feel that is it necessary to
have our sign in the rear since there is more than one
business in the same building with a shared parking
lot. We feel there has been selective approval and we
are asking for consistency in addressing sign
permits...
New Mount Airy group studying what residents want [Carroll County Times - 4/19/11]
During their first day of spring break, four
sixth-grade girls spent more than an hour talking
about anything and everything about living in Mount
Airy...
The discussion was part of a focus group organized by
BeLocal Mt. Airy, a newly formed group... that seeks
to strengthen the town's sense of community and local
self-reliance by listening to residents' needs and
concerns...
Two injured in crash on Md. 27 in Mount Airy
[Carroll County Times - 4/18/11]
The drivers of two vehicles were sent to hospitals
Monday following a rear-end collision in south
Carroll, according to Maryland State Police. The
collision occurred around 5 p.m. Monday near the
intersection of Md. 27 and West Falls Road near Mount
Airy. State police said both vehicles were traveling
northbound on Md. 27...
Tornado touches down near Mount Airy [Frederick
News Post 4/18/11]
A tornado touched down on Glissans Mill Road near
Mount Airy Saturday evening, uprooting trees and
destroying several roofs at a winery. No injuries were
reported.
Anthony Aellen, president and winemaker at Linganore
Winecellars, said he noticed uprooted trees and what
looked like metal debris as he was heading up the
driveway to the winery Sunday morning...
VIDEO:
National Weather Service Confirms 3 Tornadoes Hit
Maryland [CBSLocal.com 4/18/11]
The National Weather Service confirmed three tornadoes
did touch down in Maryland this weekend. Frederick
and Carroll Counties were hardest hit. An EF-1
tornado touched down in New Market and two EF-0 storms
hit Union Mills and Mount Airy...
VIDEO:
Tornado Damage In Mt. Airy [WJZ / Yahoo Video
4/18/11]
Tornado causes severe damage to Mt. Airy winery. Mike
Perry reports...
Board approves budget for new Mount Airy Middle School
[Frederick News Post 4/16/11]
As the Carroll County government nears adopting its
fiscal 2012 budget in May, plans to replace the
overcrowded Mount Airy Middle School with a new $27.5
million facility on the same grounds are under way.
On Thursday, the Carroll County Board of Commissioners
approved its proposed budget for the project,
Commissioners President Doug Howard said. Built in
1956, Mount Airy Middle School's classrooms have
accommodated more than 600 students in its 510-seat
capacity over most of the past five to 10 years,
according to Bill Caine, facilities planner for
Carroll County Public Schools.
The new school, with construction slated to begin this
summer and finish in August 2013, will have a 750-seat
capacity or 10 classrooms per grade level, Caine
said...
Superfresh stores may be sold [Carroll County Times - 4/15/11]
Mt. Airy, Westminster locations among 25 company wants
to unload...
Two Superfresh grocery stores in Carroll County are
expected to be sold by mid-June as the grocery
franchise's parent company seeks court approval to
sell 25 stores in Maryland, Delaware and the District
of Columbia...
Construction plans for Mount Airy Middle School back
on, for now [The Gazette -
4/14/11]
Carroll Board of County Commissioners suggests
elimination of $2.3M cost to make project possible
After a few weeks of uncertainly, the plan to replace
the crowded and outdated Mount Airy Middle School
looks like it is back on track to begin construction
of the new building this summer...
Carroll County Commissioner Richard Rothschild
(R-Dist. 4) said the commissioners voted unanimously
at a budget work session April 6 to approve the
building, contingent on the county Board of Education
agreeing to allow the county to deduct $2.3 million
from their portion of the funding...
Cook-off draws thousands to Main Street [The Gazette -
4/14/11]
Main Street Heat, an annual chili cook-off in Mount
Airy this weekend, packed in the flavor and the
people.
"It's hard to tell exactly how many folks attended
since we don't charge admission but the streets were
packed for about six hours and I would say we had
3,000 plus throughout the day," said one of the
organizers of the event, Sharon Baharoff, a member
with both sponsoring organizations - The Mount Airy
Main Street Association and the 4 County Lions Club.
"That's more than ever before."
Where's the Transparency, Mayor Rockinberg? [The Mount
Airy Blog 4/14/11]
Residents and taxpayers need to know the truth about
what's happening in our local government. ..
It is any citizen's right to ask elected officials to
provide public documents under the Freedom of
Information Act and the States Public Information Act.
Upon request, elected officials are required by law to
comply...
Here in Mount Airy, our elected officials seem to
think they are held to a different standard. Some
elected officials think they are above the law, and
our esteemed Mayor doesn't seem to think that's a
problem...
Redskins' Dan Snyder comes to rescue of local Little
Leaguers [USA Today -
4/15/11]
Redskins owner Dan Snyder has often been pilloried for
his offseason spending. But there's no questioning the
money he shelled out for some local Little Leaguers
this week.
Baseball equipment and tools for a league near
Frederick, Md., was lost in an apparent arson case
Sunday. Snyder reached out to Four County Little
League president Jim Gill to offer $10,000 from the
Redskins' charity fund to help cover the costs of new
equipment and a shed to house it...
Assistance pouring in to Little League affected by
fire [Frederick News Post 4/18/11]
When Four County Little League President Jim Gill
learned of the fire that destroyed a shed containing
tools and equipment at the league's Mount Airy field
Sunday night, he wasn't sure how the organization
would get back on its feet. "When I found out that our
insurance wouldn't cover it, I was like 'wow, how are
we going to do this?'" Gill said...
Arsonist Destroys Little League Equipment; Snyder Pledges Money
[MyFoxDC.com 4/12/11]
An arsonist destroyed most of the maintenance
equipment owned by a Little League group over the
weekend. But the baseball families are getting help
from a surprising source: Washington Redskins owner
Dan Snyder...
Four County Little League scrambles to replace sports
equipment consumed by blaze [The Gazette -
4/11/11]
Investigators say shed fire on Mount Airy athletic
field was intentionally set
While investigators work to find the arsonist who set
a shed on fire on Saturday night near Mount Airy, the
financial fallout of the blaze has Four County Little
League officials scrambling for solutions...
According to the Frederick County Fire Marshal's
Office, the fire was discovered by a passer-by around
11 p.m. Saturday at the Russell Windsor Field located
near 12350 Jessie Smith Road on the Frederick County
side of Mount Airy...
BeLocal Mt. Airy Makes Their Debut [Want 2
Dish 4/11/11]
BeLocal Mt. Airy made its first public appearance at
this weekend's Heat Chili Cook-off in downtown Mt.
Airy. A local grass roots citizens group, BeLocal Mt.
Airy was formed to bring the residents of Mt. Airy
together and is actively seeking to strengthen the
town's sense of community, sense of place, and local
self-reliance. Their motto is "Grow. Play. Shop.
Act."
http://www.belocalmtairy.org/
John Culleton: Board should be looking long-term [Carroll County Times - 4/7/11]
The idea behind electing commissioners by district was
to provide local representation for each part of the
county. For Mount Airy and environs that hasn't worked
out so well...
Mount Airy has needed a new middle school for decades.
The current building almost qualifies for the historic
registry. Finally funds were found and the project was
planned. But the commissioner representing Mount Airy,
Richard Rothschild, is actively looking for ways to do
the job cheaper. He has even proposed building an
annex instead of a new school, thus overloading the
core facilities. He wants to reuse old furniture which
has seen better days...
Community continues to express concern about
Mount Airy Middle School building [The Gazette -
4/7/11]
One Carroll County commissioner offers his
alternatives to school construction
It was standing room only in Mount Airy's Town
Hall on Monday night as parents, students and
concerned residents packed the meeting room to
hear more details about the possible halt in
plans to build a new Mount Airy Middle
School...
The Carroll Board of County Commissioners has
pledged $17 million toward the project with
the state picking up the balance of $13
million. At a recent Carroll County Board of
Education meeting, the availability of the
county's portion came into question as
finances have become tighter at the county
level...
Mount Airy mayor plans to meet with frustrated
residents [The Gazette -
4/7/11]
Argument about who should cover costs of
failed annexation has ensued for more than
four months
Mount Airy Mayor Pat Rockinberg plans to sit
down with leaders from a group of residents
who had petitioned the town for annexation
last year, hoping to end a four-month
disagreement...
A $22,444 charge to 197 residents living in an
area south of Interstate 70 has been the
center of discussion and controversy since it
was billed by the town in December for costs
related to a failed annexation request...
Mount Airy to heat up Saturday with chili
cook-off [The Gazette -
4/7/11]
Main Street will be closed between Hood Street
and Prospect Road for 5th annual event
Meat, heat and a little bit of magic will get
one lucky competitor $1,000 for a red chili
entry at Main Street Heat, an annual chili
cook-off in Mount Airy this weekend. But
competitors in all three categories - salsa,
green chili and red chili - will be battling
it out for top spots in Saturday's event. The
cook-off, in its fifth year, is sponsored by
the Mount Airy Main Street Association and the
4 County Lions Club...
Mount Airy Christian Academy students take
iPads for test drive [The Gazette -
4/7/11]
Entire student body will receive technology
next fall
A few juniors at Mount Airy Christian Academy
got a first look last week at a new school
supply they will use next year - an Apple iPad...
The snazzy computer tablets will be integrated
into all high school classes, changing the way
teachers teach and students learn, said
technology manager and computer science
teacher Robert Kelley...
Beyond the biker bar exterior is a wealth of Asian and
American fare [Frederick News Post
4/7/11]
"Please no profanity in the dining room. Thank you."
So says the large sign hanging above the bar entrance
that caught my eye when I stepped inside Lu and Joe's
on Md. 27 in Mount Airy. I guess it's OK to swear in
the bar. The first thing I noticed outside the
restaurant were the two rows of motorcycles lined up
by the front porch. I was intimidated by the sight of
all the bikes years ago when I dined at Lu and Joe's,
so it was nice to know this time that I had nothing to
fear...
Commissioners recommend moving forward with Mount Airy
Middle construction [Carroll County Times - 4/7/11]
The Carroll County Board of Commissioners recommended
the proposed Mount Airy Middle School be built, but
with some strings attached.
The board was in favor of constructing the new $30
million middle school if the Carroll County Board of
Education reduced its appropriated bond amount from
$8.5 million to $6.2 million. The loss of money,
approximately $2.3 million, comes out of the school
board's plan for new furniture.
The state has already committed nearly $12.8 million
to the project and school officials had hoped to break
ground in June...
VIDEO: Board of Carroll County Commissioners Budget
Session [Carroll County Govt 4/6/11]
Carroll County Board of Commissioners will include a
new Mount Airy Middle School in their 2012 proposed
budget... Formal vote taken at around 01:42:00 minute
mark...
Commissioners attempt to find nearly $300,000 in
budget cuts [Carroll County Times - 4/6/11]
Another round of budget work sessions are scheduled
today as the Carroll County Board of Commissioners
tries to find approximately $296,000 in cuts to reach
its goal of a $349 million budget in fiscal year
2012...
Tuesday's budget hearing ended with more questions
than answers as commissioners asked for additional
information before they would approve items -
specifically the Mount Airy Middle School project - in
the community investment plan...
Plans for Mount Airy Middle School scrutinized by
county [Carroll County Times - 4/6/11]
While commissioners Doug Howard, R-District 5, and
Richard Rothschild, R-District 4, said fiscal
responsibility is their top priority when it comes to
the potential rebuilding of Mount Airy Middle School,
the Mount Airy mayor, Town Council and residents said
the project can't be held off any longer regardless of
county debt...
VIDEO: Mount Airy Town Council Meeting - Held
4/4/11
[Community Media Center - Carroll County]
Starts with Carroll County/Mount Airy Middle
School discussions: Commissioner Richard Rothschild,
parent Tracy Rouchard, Councilman Dave Pyatt,
Councilwoman Wendi Peters, Mayor Pat Rockinberg,
Commissioner Doug Howard...
Annexation bill discussions continue...
Mount Airy Mayor’s Report - April 2011
[The Grogg Report]
1.Budget: We
are continuing to work through the budget process in
what everyone understood would be a difficult year,
with revenues reduced and, in some cases, needs
increasing. We continue to face significant cuts in
state funding combined with increases in expenses
- such as State Police and health care costs, just to
name a few. We have explored several options, but it
seems several substantial cost increases may be
unavoidable. On a positive note, some state funding is
beginning to increase - however slightly - and there
is reason to be optimistic for future years. I remain
confident that we can address any shortfall without
raising taxes. As we all know, taxes rarely get
reduced once raised...
County commissioners suggest lowering property taxes,
school funding [Carroll County Times - 4/1/11]
Carroll's Department of Management and Budget will
adjust its recommended fiscal year 2012 budget after
the Carroll County Board of Commissioners took bold
steps Thursday by suggesting lowering property tax
rates and decreasing funding to schools...
Mount Airy Middle School construction in jeopardy [The Gazette -
3/31/11]
Carroll Board of County Commissioners questions need
for large expense, could pull funding
Though construction on a new Mount Airy Middle School
building is set to begin this summer, plans for the
$30 million project still have one hurdle - the
Carroll Board of County Commissioners.
The county has pledged $17 million toward the project
with the state picking up the balance of $13
million...
Build Mount Airy Middle and fix the old schools [DeanMinnich.com
3/29/11]
Going back to review the meeting between the county
commissioners and the school board, Commissioner Doug
Howard really did downplay the need to upgrade schools
over time (portables are not all that bad; it was good
enough for us), questioned the need to get
architectural designs when a middle school is a middle
school and asserted that you should be able to pull a
design off the shelf...
His colleague, Richard Rothschild, said there is no
need to spend any more money on a school than you
would for a business office space or a factory site...
We have built all the new buildings we will need for
awhile, except for Mount Airy Middle School. That
needs to be done now, and it's a unique site that
needs architectural and engineering expertise, not
barbershop expertise...
Spina bifida doesn't stop Mount Airy boy from
competing [Frederick News Post
3/29/11]
In many ways, Daniel Romanchuk is a typical school-age
athlete. He plays basketball, hockey and table tennis,
and is on swimming, track and archery teams. He
travels frequently to tournaments with his teammates.
But unlike many boys his age, he does all this sitting
down. Daniel has spina bifida and competes in adaptive
sports on behalf of the Kennedy Krieger Institute in
Baltimore...
Superintendent, BOE president to host 'town meeting'
on schools [Explore
Carroll - 3/27/11]
Carroll County Board of Education President Jennifer
Seidel and Superintendent Stephen Guthrie will host a
town meeting Thursday, April 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. at
Parr's Ridge Elementary School, 202 Watersville Road.
Mount Airy...
Exclusive Video Capture
Carroll County Board of Education Meeting 3/23/11.
Discussion of the Mount Airy Middle School
replacement project - includes questions to and
comments by Carroll County Board of Commissioners
president Doug Howard (R- District 5).
(c) CCPS
Support the Expansion and Modernization of Mt.Airy
Middle School - Rita Misra letter. [The Mount
Airy Blog 3/7/11]
Dear Carroll County Commissioners -
In this uncertain economy many of us have had to
adjust our spending in order to protect what is most
important for our families and communities. Likewise,
I appreciate your efforts to reduce waste in public
spending and protect the taxpayers dime.
After reviewing this year's proposed budget I am
writing to urge you to find a way to preserve and
protect (and fully fund) our public schools. Over the
last few years Carroll County Public Schools has done
its best to trim waste. Consequently, CCPS has put
forth an extremely conservative funding request this
year. I believe that fulfilling their request is
critical to ensuring that our children have the
resources necessary to thrive. Reducing the County
budget by deferring necessary school
modernizations/renovations or denying our children
access to educational resources necessary to prepare
them for an increasingly competitive job market would
be short-sighted and fiscally unsound...
Confusion abounds over failed annexation [The Gazette -
3/24/11]
Town interprets 'may' one way, residents another
A three-letter word in the Mount Airy town code, a
simple word people utter countless times a day,
continues to be the source of agitation over a failed
annexation request. The town code reads: "Upon the
written request of any petitioner or upon verbal
request made by any petitioner at any public hearing
on the petition or at any legislative session at which
the resolution in connection therewith is being
considered, the petition may be withdrawn."
That little word "may" has some residents questioning
why the Town Council took no action on an annexation
request of 197 residents who live south of Interstate
70..
Officials look for suspects in fire at Mount Airy
business [Carroll County Times - 3/22/11]
Fire officials are trying to identify suspects in an
intentionally set fire at a Mount Airy business
Saturday.
The fire at Southern States in the 1300 block of South
Main Street in Mount Airy caused an estimated $20,000
in damage to a dumpster and pallets stacked with bags
of shredded wood, according to a release from the
Office of the State Fire Marshal. The one-alarm fire
was reported at 1:32 p.m. Saturday, and took
firefighters approximately 60 minutes to control.
Two juvenile males were seen running from the area of
the fire, according to the release...
B&O Twin Arch Bridge,
Mount Airy [YouTube video 3/18/11]
CSX light engine move on B&O Old Main Line, Mt. Airy, Maryland
Two men taken to shock trauma after car crashes in
Mount Airy
[Carroll County
Times - 3/17/11]
Police are trying to determine what caused a car to
run off the road in Mount Airy Wednesday morning,
sending two men to the University of Maryland Shock
Trauma Center in critical condition. A 2010 Chevrolet
Camaro was traveling east on Harrisville Road when it
left the road and hit a tree head-on, according to a
release from Maryland State Police.
Driver Michael James Quick, 22, and passenger Martin
Luther White III, 25, both of the 7200 block of
Honeybush Drive in Mount Airy, were flown to shock
trauma following the crash, according to the
release...
Building owner, Mount Airy officials clash over
brickwork [The Gazette -
3/17/11]
On Mount Airy's Main Street lined with brick buildings
sits one with a stacked stone wall near the steps - a
spot of gray in a sea of red. And the stone, not
originally intended on the Watkins Building's site
plan along with other deviations, is at the center of
a petition started by building owner Bill Chapman
protesting the town's code enforcement on the downtown
building...
Number of fields will shrink for three years [The Gazette -
3/17/11]
Youth sports players in Mount Airy will be losing some
athletic field space for the next few years. The town
received a letter from Carroll County Public Schools
in early March saying the athletic fields near Mount
Airy Elementary School and Mount Airy Middle School
will not be available for use from April through April
2014 because of construction of a new middle school...
Vendors, cooks needed for Main Street Heat in April [The Gazette -
3/17/11]
Cooks, vendors and volunteer judges are still being
sought for a cooking competition in downtown Mount
Airy. The Main Street Heat, an annual chili
cook-off in Mount Airy, is sponsored by the Mount Airy
Main Street Association and the 4 County Lions Club
and set for April 9...
Annexation proponents owe Mount Airy, but the town
should not pursue it [Peter
Helt - Letter to the editor - The Gazette -
3/17/11]
As many of you are aware, there is a debate going on
right now over the payment of a $22,000-plus bill owed
the Town of Mount Airy for charges involved in the
petition to annex 600 acres south of Interstate 70.
Here is my perspective on the issue as of now. As
always, I am willing to listen to you before I
finalize my decision...
Md. Winery Uses Wind Power
[WJZ 13 TV 3/16/11]
A Frederick County family is using wind to power their
winery. At Linganore Winecellars, president and
winemaker Anthony Allen is using wind to make wine. "I
want to be environmentally sound," Allen said.
Linganore is Maryland's largest winery and now the
greenest. "Glass, paper, aluminum, cardboard - you
name it, our recycle bin is larger than our trash
bin," Allen said...
FDA shuts down sprout grower, processor for poor
sanitary conditions
[Carroll County
Times - 3/16/11]
A Mount Airy grower and processor of soybean sprouts
has been ordered to shut down after federal agencies
found the company was preparing, packing and holding
the sprouts in unsanitary conditions.
The production of bean sprouts without adequate
sanitation practices in place makes them susceptible
to pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes,
salmonella and E. coli, which can cause serious
illness in humans, according to the Food and Drug
Administration...
Crime Scenes: Class ring led police to burglary
suspects
[Baltimore Sun 3/15/11]
The man in the tan jacket and hood seen emerging from
Doris Dodge's West Friendship home is accused of
stealing a pile of jewelry worth $3,700, including a
diamond ring, a gold wedding band and a sapphire
stone...
Howard County police say they are investigating as
many as six more burglaries in the area to determine
if they can be linked. Edward Johnson has an extensive
criminal record that includes convictions in Howard
and Carroll counties for theft and burglary, and he's
on probation until 2015. The suspects each gave police
different addresses, though it appears they live in
Mount Airy...
Local Woman Brings "Quarter Mania" to Maryland for a
Good Cause [Eldersburg Patch 3/14/11]
A new fundraising craze brings quarters, fun and money
for local schools and organizations. Quarters,
paddles, earrings - the game can be confusing at
first, but once the players get involved, they're
hooked. Judy Gue, Quarter Mania coordinator is also a
one-woman show, planning, signing up organizations,
getting vendors on board and growing the number of
fundraisers she holds, from one in 2008 to more than
30 this year, including a recent event at South
Carroll High School.
"It sounds complicated but it isn't at all. Once the
first round goes around you're an old hat. You'll have
so much fun," said Gue, who is also an EMT for the
Mt. Airy Fire Department...
MAVFC Members Support Fundraiser for Family That Lost
Their Home on Main Street [MAVFC
Website 2/13/11]
Sunday evening March 13 brought forth the fundraiser
for the family that lost their home on Main Street on
February 24. Dan and Staci Caiola, owners of the Olde
Town Restaurant hosted this event in an effort to
provide some immediate relief for the family that lost
most of their possessions and their home to a
devastating fire. Dan, a member of the MAVFC, saw the
need to assist this family as one of the family
members is an employee at Olde Town...
Community Raises Money for Family Displaced by Fire
[Your4state.com 3/13/11]
The Mount Airy community gathered together Sunday
night to help a family of six after a house fire left
them without a home two weeks ago. The house, which
caught fire after an outdoor barbecue was mistakenly
left on, was completely gutted by the flames.
The Olde Towne Restaurant in Mount Airy plans to raise
close to $2,000 for the family through various raffles
and by offering guests a special menu that's proceeds
will also go to the family...
Convicted thief pays up, avoids jail [Frederick News Post
3/12/11]
A Mount Airy woman who stole thousands in cash from
her boss -- as well as her boss's identity -- hastily
finished paying restitution and produced documents
showing she had complied with the conditions of her
probation. As a result, during a Friday hearing in
Frederick County Circuit Court, Bonnie O'Leary avoided
going to jail...
Septic law would hurt local budgets [Dave Pyatt
letter - Carroll County
Times - 3/11/11]
Although I've worked most of my career in the
environmental field, served for numerous years on
environmental panels and have attended a few of Gov.
Martin O'Malley's "Save the Bay" cabinet meetings, I
have some grave concerns regarding the way the program
is now headed.
I consider myself a strong pro-environment advocate,
and I believe the current multi-state effort, endorsed
by the federal government, has done a lot to clean up
the Chesapeake Bay. Possibly O'Malley's current zeal
and the basis for a proposal to restrict new
residential units with well and septic, as well as
parallel efforts to require additional expenditures of
municipal waste water plants, is that he may want this
as part of his legacy, akin to how Smart Growth was
for former Gov. Parris Glendenning. I certainly have
no problem with this as he has done a fantastic job
overall in Bay Protection...
Marine charged with setting his car on fire [Frederick News Post
3/11/11]
A staff member at a Frederick Marine recruitment
headquarters was arrested Thursday and charged with
setting his SUV on fire. Sgt. Athanasios L. Genos, 28,
of Mount Airy was charged with second-degree malicious
burning and malicious burning to commit fraud. An
investigation revealed that Genos set the fire because
he was having financial problems, according to the
Frederick County Sheriff's Office...
Town officials, petitioners still at odds over bill
for failed annexation attempt [The Gazette -
3/10/11]
The decision on what to do with an outstanding $22,444
bill most likely will appear on the Mount Airy Town
Council's next meeting agenda in April, after recent
discussions did not lead to a resolution.
The bill remains unpaid as town staff and 197
petitioners disagree about who is on the hook for the
advertising, legal fees and studies involved in a
recently failed annexation request. A $2,000 filing
fee already was paid by petitioners in October 2009...
Mount Airy doesn't owe petitioners
[Carroll County
Times Editorial - 3/9/11]
Residents living outside of Mount Airy who petitioned
to have their properties annexed into the town should
pay the costs that the town has incurred, even though
the residents are no longer moving forward with the
process.
A lot has been said about the $22,444 bill that the
town says the petitioners owe for such things as
engineering, legal and administrative fees relating to
the process. But divided among the 197 petitioners,
that total comes to only $114 each for an action that
was initiated by the petitioners...
Mt. Airy council tables I-70 annexation bill decision
[Carroll County
Times - 3/8/11]
Members of the Mount Airy Town Council still can't
reach a decision on how to move forward with the more
than $22,000 bill they have charged the Interstate 70
petitioners.
The council decided against going into a closed
session Monday to discuss the outstanding bill, citing
the absence of one council member as a reason. The
proposed annexation of 600 acres of county land south
of I-70 was tabled in December after one of the 197
petitioners pulled out, meaning the annexation would
no longer hold up in court...
Mount Airy council waits to determine fate of $22,000
bill [Frederick News Post
3/8/11]
The Mount Airy Town Council decided Monday to wait a
month to vote on the fate of a roughly $22,000 bill to
petitioners of a failed annexation attempt that live
on about 600 acres south of I-70 in Carroll County and
bordering the headwaters of the South Branch of the
Patapsco River.
The bill to the roughly 200 families covers charges
accrued since the petition was filed in September
2009, and includes fees for engineering, advertising
and other costs, though the bulk of the charge is in
attorneys fees, according to Council President Peter
Helt...
Mayor Rockinberg-- Doesn't Have a Clue [The Mount
Airy Blog 3/7/11]
On Economic Development, Our Commercial Tax Base and
Living Where You Work.. Perhaps it's time for a new
survey?
It appears we have a Mayor who really isn't getting
the big picture of why economic development is so
important for Mount Airy. At February 23rd's special
meeting of the Economic Development Commission and the
Town Council, the Mayor said...
Mount Airy Mayor’s Report - March 2011
[The Grogg Report]
The first draft of the 2012 Mount Airy Budget has been
submitted to the Town Council. Workshops have been
scheduled and we invite citizens to be involved, and
attend our workshops if they can. While we've suffered
major cuts at the state level over the last few years,
we are maintaining a positive balance in our operating
budget - thanks to our continued conservative fiscal
approach as well as the work of our staff in ensuring
we spend money wisely. While our operating budget
will show a surplus, the Capital Budget - which
includes scheduled long term improvements - will, as
in past years, likely require adjustments and some use
of targeted reserve funds. Even so, our plan is to
retain our reserve balances. We will work through the
budget process and I'm confident we will pass a budget
addressing our needs without raising taxes...
Mount Airy still is forging identity when it comes to
businesses, jobs [The Gazette - 3/3/11]
Council, Economic Development Commission clash over
vision
Members of Mount Airy's Town Council recently met with
the town's Economic Development Commission to explore
how the two can work together. Commission member and
Mount Airy business owner Frank Dertzbaugh said the
commission's purpose is to promote opportunity for
economic development in the town, and working together
with the council was the best way to attract those
opportunities...
Restaurant to stage fundraiser for Mount Airy family
of six displaced by fire [The Gazette - 3/3/11]
Crews from four counties responded to two-alarm fire
on Main Street last week
The Mount Airy community is rallying together to aid a
family of six that was displaced by a house fire last
week. A two-alarm fire, which completely gutted a
house on North Main Street in Mount Airy on Feb.,
caused about $300,000 in damage, according to Doug
Alexander, public information officer for the Mount
Airy Volunteer Fire Department...
Frederick County's five-year capital improvement plan [Frederick News Post
3/3/11]
Work on Gas House Pike from the city limits to Boyers
Mill Road, Old National Pike from Md. 75 to Mount Airy
and an alignment study of Boyers Mill Road to Md. 75
have also been postponed indefinitely...
Popular Mount Airy coffee shop changes hands [The Gazette -
3/3/11]
Walk into The Vintage Coffee House in Mount Airy and
things look the same - the pictures on the walls, the
customers sitting at tables and the curved handwriting
on a blackboard advertising espressos and chicken
salad sandwiches.
But the face behind the counter is no longer the
business' founder Michelle Parsons. Instead it is of
the new owner, Abby Shaw...
Planning and Zoning Commission debates 'spot zoning'
to allow business in residential area [The Gazette -
3/3/11]
Medical spa hopes to move office to Main Street in
Mount Airy
The fate of a house, 1304 S. Main St., Mount Airy, was
the subject of discussion Monday night at a Mount Airy
Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. Officials and
residents weighed the benefits of a special zoning
exception to allow Bella Medi Spa and plastic surgeon
Dr. Guy Cappuccino's offices to move from Twin Arch
Road to the two-story home built in 1920. The property
currently is owned by Dr. David and Shawna Hummel...
Mt. Airy Legion Post 191 may lose baseball team
[Carroll County
Times - 3/3/11]
Mount Airy's American Legion Gold Star Post 191 might
not have a baseball team this season.
Rob Benson, the post's commander, said if he can't
find a replacement for manager George Richardson soon
the summer season could be in jeopardy.
"At this time, I really don't see us playing baseball
this year," Benson said. "We're looking at a
timetable. ... If it doesn't happen within the next
two weeks, we will not have baseball."
Richardson announced last week that he was retiring
after 29 years as Mount's Airy's manager, saying he
felt the Legion was changing its philosophies about
the baseball program after Richardson's initial budget
proposal was met with resistance...
Mount Airy council weighs budget adjustments [Frederick News Post
3/3/11]
The Town Council is considering slight increases in
its parks and recreation and sanitation department
budgets and a small decrease in its streets and roads
budget over the previous year.
At a budget workshop meeting Wednesday, council
members discussed raising the fiscal 2012 budget for
the Sanitation Department to about $519,000 from
$514,000 the previous year, according to rough town
estimates...
Growing support for chili event [Mt Airy
Messenger 3/2/11]
Numerous local businesses and organizations have
pledged their support for the success of the fifth
annual International Chili Society's Main Street Heat
Chili Cook-off to be held on Saturday, April 9, on
Main Street in the two-block historic downtown area.
On that day, the competitive chili cooks and vendors
will be downtown, as the streets will be closed to
traffic from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Businesses will be open
with retailers placing merchandise outdoors and
restaurants offering special menus...
Mount Airy man charged in sex case was previously
convicted of similar crime
[Carroll County
Times - 3/2/11]
A Mount Airy man charged with having an inappropriate
relationship with a teenage girl had previously served
time for a similar relationship, according to court
records.
Gilbert Eugene Hatfield III, 24, of the 4300 block of
Ridge Road, was arrested Monday and charged with a
third-degree sex offense and sexual solicitation of a
minor...
UPDATES - FEBRUARY 2011
PATH project placed on hold [The Gazette -
2/28/11]
Controversial power line would cut through southern
Frederick County
A controversial 275-mile-long, high-power electric
line that would cut through southern Frederick County
and end in Kemptown has been put on hold so the
regional grid operator can better analyze future
needs...
The Mt Airy
Disaster Relief Fund will be offering help to
the family involved in the North Main St house
fire.
Checks payable to that name can be dropped at
the Mount Airy branch of New Windsor State Bank.
Grill on back porch starts blaze at Mount Airy house
[Carroll County
Times - 2/25/11]
Video Link
Fire crews work to extinguish a blaze at a home in the
300 block of North Main Street in Mount Airy Thursday
morning. No one was injured in the 2-alarm fire that
was reported at 10:53 a.m. and took 90 minutes to
bring under control...
Fire destroys house, displaces residents [Frederick News Post
2/25/11]
Video Link
A two-alarm fire Thursday in Mount Airy did extensive
damage to a house and displaced its six residents, one
of whom was pulled from the structure by a nearby
construction worker. David Kinslow of Landsdowne was
working across the street from the two-story house in
the 300 block of North Main Street when he saw smoke
coming out of it...
Main Street House Fire Goes to Second Alarm
[MAVFC
Website 2/24/11]
On Thursday February 24, at 1053 hours (10:53 am),
units were dispatched for a house fire in the 300
block of North Main Street. Units arrived moments
after dispatch and found a 2 1/2 story house well
involved in fire. E12 took a front position and had
their own hydrant. The fire was progressing very
rapidly so Chief 1 requested a second alarm...
Mount Airy faces more cuts to cover costs of
improvements
[Carroll County
Times - 2/24/11]
Mount Airy Mayor Patrick Rockinberg introduced the
first draft of the town's fiscal year 2012 budget,
saying the town's reserve is strong enough to overcome
past cuts in funding and to avoid raising taxes for
residents.
Members of the Town Council saw the proposed budget
for the first time at Wednesday's work session. They
will hold meetings to address funding for specific
town departments in the coming weeks...
Editorial: Mt. Airy Councilman Strong Insults EDC [Want 2
Dish 3/1/11]
What's in the water that makes Mount Airy politicians lose it?
Oh wait, that's right- we don't have any water! So then what
in the world are they drinking down at Town Hall? First it was
Dave Pyatt doing all the ranting, but now it appears his rants
are rubbing off on new Councilman Scott Strong. Strong
appeared annoyed and argumentative while sternly and pointedly
questioning the Economic Development Commission members at
Wednesday night's special meeting with Economic Development
Commission.
Argument over Mount Airy annexation bill heats up [The Gazette -
2/17/11]
Residents say they were not informed of accruing
costs; Town Council split over who should cover $22K
in expenses
A $22,000 bill remains unpaid as the town of Mount
Airy and 197 petitioners disagree about who is on the
hook for the advertising, legal fees and studies
involved in a recently failed annexation request.
Dozens of e-mail exchanges between town staff and
petitioners during this past weekend debated the
legality of and responsibility for the bill...
Inductees announced for the 2011 Class of the Mt. Airy
Hall of Fame [Mt Airy Messenger 2/16/11]
Inductees into the Mt. Airy Hall of Fame for 2011
include Ken Burdette, Bob Browning, Frank Dertzbaugh,
Dale Lowman and John Norwood. This group of inductees
expands the overall membership to 80.
The 2011 Class will be officially inducted at the
Historical Society of Mt. Airy's annual Hall of Fame
Induction Ceremony and Dinner on March 15 at the
American Legion Home on Prospect Road in Mt. Airy...
Mount Airy Motorcycle Drag Racer Takes U.S. Title
[WJZ 13 TV 2/14/11]
2010 was a good year for Dale Hamilton. A motorcycle
drag racer, Hamilton won 32 races last year. He ended
his racing season by winning the National Hot Rod
Association's Super Pro Motorcycle Summit Racing
Series National Championship. He was even named NHRA's
Driver of the Year for the Northeast Division 1...
Hamilton is already busy enough running the
family-owned Ace Carpet Care in Mount Airy, and racing
consumes a big chunk of his time. But he doesn't do it
alone. Hamilton and his girlfriend, along with their
five children ages 12 to 17, spend a lot of time
together fixing up the bikes, and they take long
weekend trips to racetracks. They cook out, the
children race golf carts and dirt bikes, and they hang
out with other families who travel to the same racing
events...
Mount Airy Town Council airs disagreement on who
should pay bill [The Gazette -
2/10/11]
More than $22,000 in legal fees and advertising
about potential annexation could become
homeowners' responsibility
The Town of Mount Airy has issued a bill for more
than $22,000 related to an annexation request, and
the Town Council clashed Monday night over who
should pay it. Residents who live on 600 acres of
land south of Interstate 70 asked the town to
annex their property in September 2009, in part to
prevent Carroll County from rezoning the land for
commercial development.
The council has been considering the request
since, and has incurred $22,444.07 in advertising,
legal fees and studies involved in the
annexation....
Council debates outstanding $22K annexation bill
[Carroll County
Times - 2/8/11]
Monday's Mount Airy Town Council meeting turned
into a heated debate over whether petitioners of a
proposed annexation should have to pay a more than
$22,000 bill they accrued after one petitioner
pulled out. The proposed annexation was for 600
acres of county land south of Interstate 70. A
year and a half ago, 197 petitioners who live on
the land came to Mount Airy asking to become part
of the town to avoid zoning changes proposed by
the previous board of county commissioners.
Following town code, the petitioners agreed to pay
a $2,000 deposit to begin the annexation
process...
VIDEO: Mount Airy Town Council Meeting - Held
2/7/11
[Community Media Center - Carroll County]
On the I-70 proposed annexation discussions:
Former councilman Gary Nelson speaks at the 36 min
mark, town council discussion starts at 60 min...
Mount Airy motorcycle drag racer takes U.S. title [Frederick News Post
2/6/11]
2010 was a good year for Dale Hamilton. A motorcycle
drag racer, Hamilton won 32 races last year. He ended
his racing season by winning the National Hot Rod
Association's Super Pro Motorcycle Summit Racing
Series National Championship. He was even named NHRA's
Driver of the Year for the Northeast Division 1...
Mount Airy Middle School Replacement Project
[Carroll County Public Schools Memo 2/4/11]
On behalf of Carroll County Public Schools, HESS
Construction + Engineering Services will be hosting a
Project Awareness Event for the upcoming Mount Airy
Middle School Replacement Project, to be held at the
existing Mount Airy Middle School, located at 102
Watersville Road, Mt. Airy, Maryland, 21771 on
Tuesday, February 15, 2011, from 5:00 – 7:00pm. This
event will be held in the school’s cafeteria,
entrances are on the east and rear sides of the
building...
Mount Airy native safe in Egypt suburb [Frederick News Post
2/2/11]
Monday was the best night of sleep Michael "Muggs"
Alexander has had recently. No protesters or gunshots.
Alexander, a 28-year-old Mount Airy native, is a
kindergarten teacher at the American International
School of Egypt in Cairo and has been living since
September in nearby Maadi, a suburb about 30 minutes
away from Tharir Square, where many of the protests
have taken place...
UPDATES - JANUARY 2011
How Downtown Mount Airy Rose from the Ashes
[Carroll Magazine 1/31/11]
It is an unseasonably warm Saturday afternoon, and
downtown Mount Airy bustles with activity. Shoppers
browse through racks in front of stores, diners exit
restaurants with satisfied smiles on their faces, and
friends congregate in the paved plaza walkway to catch
up.
The scene could not be more of a contrast to that on
September 2, 2007, when engines from three counties
converged to fight a devastating fire that would
ultimately do millions of dollars worth of damage...
Commissioners support BOA on substation decision; FERC
receives formal complaint [Frederick News Post
1/26/11]
The new Board of Frederick County Commissioners has
cemented its opposition to a giant electricity
substation near Mount Airy. Commissioners voted
unanimously to send a letter to the Maryland Public
Service Commission supporting decisions by the
Frederick County Planning Commission and Frederick
County Board of Appeals against the proposed
substation on Bartholows Road...
Mount Airy resident finds "new happiness" during
Vietnam service trip [Frederick News Post
1/22/11]
Every time Jimmy Thren walks into Howard Chapel in
Mount Airy, the Rev. Laura Schultz stops the service
just to make sure everyone knows he's there. A
sophomore psychology major at Shippensburg (Pa.)
University, Thren recently returned home from a
service trip to Vietnam through the university's
United Campus Ministry...
Mount Airy, Carroll County officials discuss development goals [The Gazette -
1/19/11]
Joint meeting is catalyst for development of Harrison-Leishear
property, more investigation into water source woes
One of the many things members of the Mount Airy Town Council
and Carroll Board of County Commissioners agreed on Tuesday
night was the possibility of their goals aligning for a plot
of land north of town.
The informal gathering in Mount Airy's town hall focused on
future of the Harrison-Leishear property, 250 acres of land
that Carroll County owns near the intersection of Md. Route 27
and Watersville and Leishear roads...
Mount Airy Council, Commissioners discuss Harrison
Leishear property
[Carroll County
Times - 1/19/11]
The Mount Airy Town Council met informally with the
Carroll County Board of Commissioners Tuesday, with
both bodies vowing to work together in developing the
Harrison Leishear property to meet town and county
goals.
The 254-acre property, located between Boteler Road
and Md. 27, was purchased by the county in 2009 as
part of a $23.5 million lawsuit and will be used for
an employment campus and a recreation area. The
proposed 100-acre recreation area also includes four
prepared water wells, which the council said was of
extreme importance to the water-strapped town...
Overturned tractor-trailer leads to I-70 road closure [Frederick News Post
1/19/11]
For the second time in three days, a tractor-trailer
overturned on the eastbound lane of I-70 near Mount
Airy on Tuesday, closing the highway for about five
hours. The crash happened just before 6 a.m. when
Lanny W. Denver, 59, of Dundalk, who was hauling two
box trailers, lost control after veering on to the
right shoulder and overturned the truck just past the
Md. 27 exit, Maryland State Police said...
Headscarf causes controversy at basketball game [Frederick News Post
1/18/11]
A Smithsburg girl who plays basketball for a
middle-school age basketball league had to sit out the
first half of a basketball game in Mount Airy on
Saturday because a game official thought her headscarf
was a potential safety risk.
The girl returned to the game for the second half of
the game after officials decided that as long as the
parents bore the responsibility for any safety risk,
she could wear the headscarf, known as a hijab, in the
game...
Veteran businessman offers trade survival tips [Frederick News Post
1/18/11]
As a small business owner, Robert Nelson Slocomb
worked uninterrupted through five previous
recessions... Slocomb has developed "Cut & Earn,"
which he describes as "a survival guide for
contractors and small home builders lost in the woods
of the great recession...
Community celebrates life of MacKenzie Stuck
[Gazette 1/17/11]
About 450 people gathered Saturday at South Carroll
High School to celebrate the life of MacKenzie Stuck,
a 13-year-old Mount Airy girl who died Oct. 19 after a
five-year battle with brain cancer.
The public event included family, friends and members
of the community, many of whom shared memories about
MacKenzie..
Overturned tanker snarls traffic in Mount Airy [Frederick News Post
1/16/11]
An overturned tanker truck on Interstate 70 this
morning sent two people to hospitals and snarled
traffic in Mount Airy for hours. The two people were
in the cab of a truck hauling 8,600 gallons of propane
gas when it flipped onto its side about 8:45 a.m. when
traveling eastbound on Interstate 70 just east of exit
68. No gas leaked from the propane tank...
Celebration of life for Mount Airy 13-year-old set for
Saturday
[Gazette 1/10/11]
Friends and family of MacKenzie Stuck will remember
this weekend the life of the Mount Airy girl who
passed away last year — not with a memorial service,
but instead with a party. "It's not about how, or why,
she died, but how she lived," said her mother Sue
Stuck, of Mount Airy...
Man dies in Interstate 70 crash; police still
investigating
[Carroll County
Times - 1/8/11]
Accident investigators are still looking into the
cause of a single-vehicle crash that killed a Howard
County man late Friday night... Williquette was
driving a Dodge SRT-10 eastbound on Interstate 70 when
he lost control of the vehicle, continued across all
travel lanes and went off the road onto the grassy
shoulder, according to police...
Local man cleared of negligent homicide [Frederick News Post
1/8/11]
A D.C. Superior Court jury found a Mount Airy man not
guilty on Thursday of negligent homicide in a November
2009 parking accident that killed a pedestrian and
injured his wife near the National Mall. After a
three-day trial, defense attorneys for Kevin Bucy, 35,
convinced the jury that the death of Richard
Greenstein, 76, was an accident that occurred on a
crowded city street about noon. The jury deliberated
for roughly four hours...
Shaw takes the helm as volunteer fire company's chief
[Gazette 1/5/11]
Jerry Shaw's walkie talkie now has a new tag on it,
"Chief-1" - a first for the longtime at the Mount Airy
Volunteer Fire Company member who started the position
Jan. 1. Shaw was born and raised not only in Mount
Airy - he recently bought the house he grew up in...
UPDATES - DECEMBER 2010
Mount Airy men charged in Middletown robbery [Frederick News Post
12/30/10]
Two Mount Airy men who led Frederick police on a
high-speed chase Wednesday have been charged in the
robbery of a Middletown pharmacy. Jacob Nathaniel
Norwood, 22, and Seth Daniel Norwood, 21, are charged
with armed robbery and first- and second-degree
assault for robbery of Med One Pharmacy on Old
National Pike, Maryland State Police said...
Mount Airy honors soldier for sacrifice
[Carroll County
Times - 12/25/10]
A wounded marine and his family were given a grand
entrance in Mount Airy as hundreds of people lined up
on Christmas Eve waving flags, cheering and holding
handmade "welcome to Maryland" signs. Cpl. Gabe
Martinez, of the First Combat Engineer Battalion,
first Marine Division, was wounded on his tour in
Afghanistan and has been recuperating at Bethesda
Naval Hospital since Nov. 30. A native of Colorado,
Martinez quickly found out he had Maryland ties when
Jan and Chris McNally, of Mount Airy, visited the
hospital two weeks ago...
Mount Airy appeal: American Community Survey stats
reflect affluent, small-town image [Frederick News Post
12/25/10]
Even though the overall economy is in shaky
circumstances, Mount Airy remains an affluent
community, according to Town Administrator Monika
Weierbach and data newly released by the U.S. Census
Bureau.
The U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, a
study of selected homes from January 2005 through
December 2009, showed the town's median household
income was nearly twice the national figure, at
$101,813. Roughly 18 percent of families earned
$150,000 or more...
Mount
Airy By the Numbers
• About 67 percent of
Mount Airy households contained a married-couple
family, 43 percent of which had their own children
younger than 18.
• The average
household size was 3.15 people, while the average
family size was 3.6 people.
• School
enrollment: 7 percent of children were in nursery
school or preschool, 5 percent in kindergarten, 46
percent in elementary school, 20 percent in high
school and 21 percent in college or graduate
school. The total school enrollment was 2,900.
• Roughly 95
percent of the population 25 or older had
graduated from high school; 41 percent had a
bachelor's degree or higher.
• Seventy-two
percent of Mount Airy's workers were private wage
or salaried workers, 22 percent were government
workers and 6 percent were self-employed.
• The median age
was 35.2. About 95 percent of the population was
white, 2 percent black, 2 percent Asian and 3
percent Hispanic. (Percentages were rounded up to
give an approximation of the totals.)
• About 7 percent
of the population was foreign-born.
Mount Airy council tables vote on 600-acre annexation [Frederick News Post
12/7/10]
The Town Council has agreed to table a vote for 60
days on a petition to annex nearly 600 acres south of
I-70 in Carroll County and bordering the headwaters of
the South Branch of the Patapsco River into town...
Mount Airy Town Council will table annexation vote
[Gazette 12/2/10]
The Mount Airy Town Council has tabled for 60 days a
vote on a proposal to annex 600 acres of land south of
Interstate 70 at the request of the residents who live
there. Town Council President Peter Helt said
Wednesday that residents asked to delay Monday's vote
so they could explore other options and get feedback
from the new Carroll Board of County Commissioners,
which will also be sworn in on Monday...
Mount Airy plans weekend of holiday activities
[Gazette 12/2/10]
Parade, luminaries and visits with Santa highlight
schedule... A Friday night tree-lighting ceremony at
6:30 p.m. in the brick plaza in front of 114 S. Main
St. downtown will feature local entertainment by the
Mount Airy Middle School Band, the South Carroll High
School Band, Mount Airy Day Care singers, and the
Mount Airy Middle School chorus...
Siempre de Fiesta a taste of Mexico in Mount Airy [Frederick News Post
12/2/10]
Mexican-American dining experiences in the Frederick
area, as in many parts of the country, tend to range
from authentic and delectable to industrial and bland.
Tucked back in the Twin Arch Shopping Center, Siempre
de Fiesta falls somewhere in the middle of the
scale...
UPDATES - NOVEMBER 2010
Woman charged after crashing into Mount Airy homes [Frederick News Post
11/30/10]
Deputies charged a Mount Airy woman with driving under
the influence after she crashed her car into two
houses around 6:30 a.m. Monday, the Frederick County
Sheriff's Office said. Police said two houses on Manor
Drive were damaged when a maroon Toyota Rav 4 driven
by Iwona Mielzynskalohnas, 57, of Mount Airy, crashed
through the front doorway of one house before pulling
out, driving across a yard and hitting the carport of
a house next door. The vehicle also hit a parked car
in the driveway of the second house...
Got hormones? [Frederick News Post
11/23/10]
Hormones make a woman, well, a woman. They play a
major role in the four major life stages that occur in
her life -- puberty, pregnancy, childbirth and
postpartum, plus menopause. Estrogen, progesterone and
testosterone are the three hormones women are most
familiar with, said Marianne Rothschild, board
certified in integrative and holistic medicine and a
holistic family practitioner in Mount Airy. "They're
the three that go through a lot of change." And it's
those changes that define the four "turning points" in
a woman's life...
Mount Airy will welcome Santa, snacks this weekend
[Gazette 11/23/10]
As the holiday song goes, Santa Claus is coming to
town - Mount Airy to be exact - for the 3rd annual
Santa Claus Lane, hosted by the Mount Airy Lions Club.
The event will include story time with Mrs. Claus,
visits with Rudolph who will be resting before his
long trip, and even a special visit on Friday evening
from Santa Claus himself...
PATH substation near Mount Airy denied in zoning vote [Frederick News Post
11/19/10]
The application for an electric substation as a
special exception near Mount Airy was denied Thursday
night in a 2-to-1 vote. The substation, part of the
Potomac Appalachian Transmission Highline, would be
located on Bartholows Road in an agricultural zone...
PATH opponents voice objections to substation near
Mount Airy [Frederick News Post
11/14/10]
More than 40 speakers provided testimony against the
proposed electric substation near Mount Airy on
Saturday. Speakers from the Citizens Against the
Kemptown Electric Substation (CAKES), Sugarloaf
Conservancy and Sierra Club, as well as residents
around the proposed site on Bartholows Road, took the
microphone at Winchester Hall...
Starting a mission in Mount Airy [Frederick News Post
11/13/10]
The model to create River's Edge Ministries isn't a
megachurch model, but rather focused on creating
disciples. "Disciples are more effective in their
areas of service in terms of ministry," River's Edge
founder Craig Moorman said.
Moorman has lived in Mount Airy with his wife and five
children for a little more than 10 years. He has been
an ordained Lutheran pastor for 25 years and a mission
developer for 10. It's been a long-term desire of
Moorman's to plant mission churches. After preaching
in Rockville for 11 years, he started what was Harvest
Wind, in Ijamsville, with his twin brother. Moorman
chose to start River's Edge in Mount Airy because of
the room for new mission work in the area, he said...
Bone marrow registry event set for Saturday [Frederick News Post
11/10/10]
A missed turn, a glimpsed sign and a walking tour
through a health fair 26 years years ago in Fairfax,
Va., were the events that led Kevin Ryder to add his
name to the nation's bone marrow donor registry. The
decision has since helped a Connecticut man live
through his leukemia. Ryder will join with other
volunteers to run a Be The Match Registry drive from
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Mount Airy Volunteer
Fire Department on North Main Street...
Mount Airy house fire displaces 8 people [Frederick News Post
11/10/10]
A fire at a Mount Airy home Monday displaced eight
occupants and did more than $100,000 in damage to the
house. Firefighters from the Green Valley Fire Co.
were called to a single-story ranch on Old Bartholows
Road at about 9:30 p.m. after the homeowner came home
to smoke coming out of the house, the Fire Marshal's
Office said...
Autopsy of Mount Airy man who was on work release
pending [Frederick News Post
11/6/10]
The man on work release who died Oct. 30 at Frederick
Memorial Hospital died from an intestinal blockage,
according to a preliminary finding from the Maryland
Office of Chief Medical Examiner, said Cpl. Jennifer
Bailey, a spokeswoman for the Frederick County
Sheriff's Office... Steven J. Schwartzback, 49, of
Mount Airy, died at 11:05 p.m. Oct. 30 at FMH, said
Marlene Groom, an office service clerk with the
Maryland Office of Chief Medical Examiner...
Mount Airy purchases sound system
[Carroll County
Times - 11/5/10]
Events in downtown Mount Airy will continue to have
musical accompaniment, thanks to the Town Council's
recent decision to purchase a new outdoor sound system
for the front of town hall on South Main Street. The
council approved the purchase of the outdoor sound
system from Cardinal Sound & Communications, of Silver
Spring, for $4,890. Town Clerk Debbie Parker said the
new sound system has a number of parts, including five
outdoor speakers, a sound mixer, a CD/MP3 player, an
amplifier and microphone with a stand...
Want 2 dish with the Mayor?
[Want2Dish.com 11/4/10]
The Mayor resumes his bi-weekly open forums this
Saturday, Nov. 6, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at
Town Hall.
“These are informal sessions for anyone to come in and
talk directly with me on any town topic that concerns
them” said the Mayor in an email...
New policy fines residents for not separating
recycling, trash
[Carroll County
Times - 11/2/10]
Mount Airy residents will have to keep a close eye on
what they throw away or they could face hefty fines.
The Mount Airy Town Council unanimously adopted an
ordinance during its Monday night meeting that
establishes a $100 fine every time a resident doesn't
separate their recyclables from their garbage. The
ordinance was developed by the Mount Airy Sanitation
and Recycling Commission...
UPDATES - OCTOBER 2010
Remodelers present awards [Frederick News Post
10/30/10]
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry
Mid-Maryland has presented its annual Contractor of the
Year Awards... Dorman Builders of Mount Airy earned the
Grand Winner - Entire House Under $250,000 Award. It
recognizes a project that remodeled or renovated a
substantial portion of an entire house, inside and out,
featuring multiple additions or style changes in more than
one location. Dorman also was the grand winner in the
Residential Bath - $30,000 to $60,000 category. Preferred
Construction of Woodbine was a merit winner in two
categories: Residential Kitchen - $100,000 to $150,000 and
Residential Bath - $30,000 to $60,000...
Mount Airy to help buy police cruiser [Carroll County
Times - 10/29/10]
Mount Airy utilized a give-and-take approach recently to
fund the purchase of a new cruiser for the Maryland State
Police troopers serving the southern Carroll County town.
Mount Airy budgeted $536,896 for Fiscal Year 2010 to fund
the five troopers serving the town through the state
police's resident trooper program. At the end of the
fiscal year, the town had $40,385 left. The town, at Mayor
Patrick Rockinberg's urging, decided to use the money to
purchase a new police cruiser. Mount Airy Town Clerk
Debbie Parker said the state police estimated the cost of
a new vehicle at $45,780. The state police, Parker said,
will pay the cost of the vehicle that exceeds the surplus
amount...
Families visit Mount Airy farm for pumpkins before it
closes for good [Carroll County
Times - 10/24/10]
Jeff and Arlene Davis smiled and looked on as their three
children rushed to find the best and biggest pumpkins at
the Rock Hill Orchard in Mount Airy... Dick Biggs, who
owns the orchard with his wife, had bitter-sweet feelings
watching the smiling couples and families picking their
apples and pumpkins and going through the market that's
filled with fresh fruit and vegetables. After purchasing
the farm in 1969 and opening it up full-time to the public
in 1982, Biggs said next weekend will be his last...
MacKenzie Stuck, 13, is remembered for spirit, hope
[Gazette 10/21/10]
Mackenzie Stuck, a 13-year-old Mount Airy girl who
fought a five-year battle with cancer, died Tuesday
night.
Through fundraisers and activities to raise awareness
of childhood cancer, MacKenzie is being remembered as
an inspiration to the Mount Airy community and beyond
because of her endless optimism...
Mount Airy teen dies after battle with cancer [Carroll County
Times - 10/21/10]
Though she only lived for 13 years, MacKenzie Stuck, of
Mount Airy, made a big impact on those around her. Her
friends and acquaintances describe Stuck as a girl always
willing to help others, though she spent much of her life
battling cancer. Nothing, not even multiple surgeries to
remove four brain tumors, could dampen the little girl's
spirit, they said. MacKenzie, who attended Mount Airy
Middle School, was surrounded by her family when she died
at her home Tuesday night, about five years after she was
initially diagnosed with Medulloblastoma...
Mount Airy, Sykesville aim to fill 13 vacant seats [Carroll County
Times - 10/17/10]
Mount Airy has seven seats on commissions, boards and
committees that need to be filled. Positions are open on
the Mount Airy Council's Ethics, Recycling and Sanitation
and Water and Sewer commissions, as well as the Board of
Zoning Appeals, the Beautification Committee and the
Growth and Development Taskforce...
Man charged after shooting gun at six people
[Carroll County
Times - 10/15/10]
A Mount Airy man has been arrested after allegedly
firing a gun at several people outside a house in town
early Thursday morning. David A. Ellison, 57, of the
600 block of East Ridgeville Boulevard, is charged
with six counts each of first- and second-degree
assault and reckless endangerment...
Obama, Fortune recognize Mt. Airy CEO
[Carroll County
Times - 10/13/10]
Theresa Alfaro Daytner always had plans to run her own
business, but she never expected she'd be so successful
that the president of the United States would tell her
story. After years of struggling and personal loss,
Daytner grew her Mount Airy-based Daytner Construction
Group to a multimillion-dollar company. For her work as
the company's CEO, Daytner was named as one of Fortune
magazine's most powerful women entrepreneurs this year...
Trio smokes up food, fun [Frederick News Post
10/13/10]
Ever since man discovered fire and began cooking meat,
there has been some form of barbecue. "That's what we're
doing, and we're getting graded on it," said Mount Airy
resident Joe Davies, who along with partners Bill Simmons
and Bing Miller, entered the Mount Airy Smoke'n BBQ
Showdown last weekend...
New zoning district planned in Mount Airy
[Carroll County
Times - 10/12/10]
With plans in place to turn much of a 254-acre portion of
unused land on the Harrison Leishear Farm into an
employment campus, Mount Airy staff members have drafted
language for a new office park and employment zoning
district...
The first piece of land to be zoned for use as an office
park and employment district is the Harrison Leishear
property, located between Boteler Road and Md. 27. The
zoning proposal was drafted specifically for the Harrison
Leishear property...
Business owner among 10 top entrepreneurs [Frederick News Post
10/12/10]
Theresa Alfaro Daytner is not an "accidental
entrepreneur." Though she disliked accounting studies, she
knew one day when she would have her own business, she
would need the financial expertise to run it. Her
expertise, not only in finance, but in construction,
management and other fields, earned her recognition as one
of the 10 most powerful women entrepreneurs in the
nation...
Cancer center opens [Frederick News Post
10/12/10]
The Mount Airy Cancer & Infusion Center, 205 Center St.,
offers the latest in cancer and blood disorder treatment.
The center is full service, with chemotherapy and infusion
for oncology, rheumatology, endocrinology, neurology and
gastroenterology...
Waterboyz remodel Mount Airy home [Frederick News Post
10/9/10]
In just nine days, Waterboyz for Jesus completely
remodeled one Mount Airy family's home and their lives.
"We changed the family's life. We were changed by the
process of building this change for the family and we're
excited for what we can do next," said Waterboyz founder
Paul Foss.
Official barbecue event set for Friday, Saturday in
Mount Airy [Frederick News Post
10/5/10]
Barbecue enthusiasts enticed by the wafting smells of
spices and grilling meat can officially prepare to
raise their forks and stuff napkins into their
collars: Mount Airy's Smoke'n BBQ Showdown is coming
to town this weekend.
Organizer Sharon Baharoff said the success of last
year's barbecue in October, along with a separate
chili cook-off, inspired members of the Mount Airy
Main Street Association and the 4 County Lions Club to
put on this weekend's Smoke'n BBQ Showdown...
Mount Airy approves restaurant's second floor deck
[Carroll County
Times - 10/5/10]
There are big plans for the Upper Deck Sports Bar & Grill
in downtown Mount Airy. Restaurant owner Jeff Green was
given a special exemption through an ordinace by the Mount
Airy Council Monday to add a second-floor outdoor dining
area to his restaurant. The deck, Green said, will be
20-feet-by-50-feet, or 1,000 square feet, and will be
located above Concetta's Italian Grocer in the 200 block
of South Main Street...
Mount Airy man looks back at lifetime of riding horses [Frederick News Post
10/4/10]
Tom Knott's riding days are over. On a pleasant fall
afternoon, the 74-year-old rests in a well-worn chair on
his porch. He points out the tallest tree at the edge of
his brother's cornfield a few hundred yards away, to which
he had to walk to reach his elementary school. Just beyond
the tree line used to be a dirt road where he and his
friends raced their horses on Sundays, he said...
Yo-yo master teaches classes at Mount Airy library
[Carroll County
Times - 10/3/10]
After a few failed attempts, 7-year-old Sam Sloop got his
yo-yo to do exactly what he wanted. Sam used his tiny
fingers to hold his white string in a triangle and swung
the yo-yo through the opening. He accomplished Rock the
Cradle, a yo-yo trick taught to him by a silver-haired
senior citizen nodding approvingly.
Chuck Pribulick, the 1999 World Pro Yo Champion, does not
compete anymore. He's not interested in winning any more
patches or trophies or state championships. He's got
enough of those to fill a room... [Frederick
News Post article]
Mount Airy ready for fall festival this weekend
[Carroll County
Times - 10/1/10]
It's time to head to downtown Mount Airy for the annual
Mount Airy Fall Festival, sponsored by the Downtown
Business Association. The event will be held from 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Crafters
will offer a variety of merchandise, including pottery,
handmade jewelry, furniture, wreaths and fabric items.
Many home-based and commercial vendors will be on site...
Mount Airy Town Council considers annexing 600 acres
[Carroll County
Times - 10/1/10]
If everything goes perfectly, the Mount Airy Town Council
could take possession of 600 acres of county land south of
I-70 45 days after its Dec. 6 council meeting. But the
council has not yet decided if it will choose to annex the
property. Before it could make its decision, Mount Airy
council President Peter Helt said they needed to receive
comments from the public in order to make an informed
decision....
UPDATES - SEPTEMBER 2010
Train rides will highlight Mount Airy Fall Festival
[Gazette 9/30/10]
The Mount Airy Fall Festival will return this weekend for
its 27th year with crafts, food, entertainment and, this
year, a chance to see a few trains. Train rides will be
available on downtown's Main Street - an amusement for
both children and adults - on a small track laid through
the town...
Annexation hearing draws 100 residents [Frederick News Post
9/30/10]
More than 100 area residents on Wednesday voiced their
support of and concerns about a proposal to annex nearly
600 acres south of I-70 in Carroll County and bordering
the headwaters of the South Branch of the Patapsco River
into town...
Annexation will hurt Mount Airy [Rita Misra -
Letter to the editor - Carroll County
Times - 9/30/10]
In 2005 I actively opposed the Zeltman annexation because
it did not account for the impact of bringing a lot more
homes into Mount Airy. I have similar concerns regarding
annexation of the 600 acres south of I-70. All of the 200
or so homes and businesses utilize private wells and
septic. Regardless of any agreement, the state has the
authority to order the town to extend public services to
the area if there is a public health problem such as long
term drought or failing septic. There is no provision for
recouping the costs of extending water and sewer to this
area...
Crisis at substation could be major problem for
firefighters [Frederick News Post
9/30/10]
The director of Frederick County fire services painted a
vivid picture Wednesday of what could happen if a disaster
hit a proposed substation. Thomas W. Owens, director of
the Division of Fire and Rescue Services, was the first
speaker at a lengthy hearing before the Frederick County
Board of Zoning Appeals...
Mount Airy Ethics Commission clarifies gift rules
[Carroll County
Times - 9/28/10]
The Mount Airy Ethics Commission has developed a new
ordinance to make sure town officials and employees know
what gifts can and cannot be accepted. Commission Chairman
Dick Swanson said the ordinance, which was introduced
during the September council meeting, gives detailed
descriptions of gifts town personnel are restricted from
receiving...
Projects at Mount Airy parks to begin
[Carroll County
Times - 9/27/10]
Improvement projects at several Mount Airy parks have
begun moving forward since the state promised to pay the
majority of the money to complete them next year. The
projects — including new fencing at a baseball field,
water spigots at several parks and new lights at Watkins
Park — are being temporarily funded by the town. Mount
Airy is using fee-in-lieu money, which are funds
developers give to the town to create and maintain parks.
The town will recoup 75 percent of the projects' total
costs from Maryland's Program Open Space initiative...
Mount Airy pins hope on drilling new well on South Main
Street
[Carroll County
Times - 9/26/10]
Mount Airy has been drilling and testing for wells for the
past three years after officials determined the town was
approaching its water limit a few years ago. In 2009, the
town found an area in the 1900 block of South Main Street
that is able to produce an additional 75,000 gallons of
water per day. But before it could start pumping water
from it, it had to go through a process that has taken
more than a year to complete...
County, Mount Airy look to unused land for water
[Carroll County
Times - 9/26/10]
While the town is confident that it will satisfy the needs
of the consent order signed with the Maryland Department
of the Environment, Mount Airy officials are still looking
for ways to continue development in the future. Town
Engineer Barney Quinn said the town’s best option to find
more water for future growth is the Harrison Leishear
property, which is located between Boteler Road and Md.
27. The town and county have been in talks for months to
turn the 254 acres of unused land into a new recreation
and commercial park...
Soldier inspires Legion Troop Support Project
[Carroll County
Times - 9/23/10]
When a soldier stationed in Iraq wrote to American Legion
Post 191 in 2007 to thank the organization for sending him
a copy of the Legion's newsletter, little did he know what
he would start. "I saw that letter and I said ‘If he can
take the time to thank us for sending something as small
as that newsletter, we can do something more to thank
him,'" recalls Ladies Auxiliary member Marsha Rodgers.
Not long after receiving the thank-you note, Rodgers
launched a program to send regular shipments of goodies --
cookies, snacks, toiletries, games and more -- to troops
overseas. Today, three years later, the Legion has shipped
approximately 300 boxes -- that's roughly 6,000 pounds --
of treats and personal care items to members of the armed
forces stationed overseas...
Ordinance would increase penalties for dilapidated
properties in Mount Airy
[Carroll County
Times - 9/19/10]
Blighted properties are in the crosshairs of the Mount
Airy Town Council. The council introduced an ordinance
during its meeting Monday to prevent property owners from
causing blight in town limits or failing to prevent it.
The ordinance, which will be up for discussion during the
council's October meeting, would make legal and monetary
penalties more severe if owners do not take care of their
properties.
Mayor Patrick Rockinberg said there are only a few
properties in town that would be affected by the
anti-blight ordinance if it's passed. Rockinberg wouldn't
go into detail about the location of those properties...
Ordinance would make recycling mandatory in Mount Airy
[Carroll County
Times - 9/19/10]
Mount Airy residents who don't separate their recyclables
from their garbage could soon face a $100 fine for each
violation. A proposed ordinance has been developed by the
Mount Airy Sanitation and Recycling Commission that aims
to make recycling mandatory.
Councilwoman Wendi Peters said the commission weighed in
on the proposed ordinance Wednesday, making minor language
adjustments. Peters, who serves as the council's liaison
with the commission, said she expects the proposed
ordinance to be introduced at the next Town Council
meeting Oct. 4...
Audubon leading walk
[Carroll County
Times - 9/17/10]
The Audubon Society of Central Maryland is having a
special butterfly-themed nature walk Saturday at the
Audrey Carroll Audubon Sanctuary near Mount Airy. "Folks
who want to tag monarchs will have the opportunity. It is
really very easy - and fun," says Cheryl Farfaras, Audubon
Society volunteer.
Farfaras explains that there has been a great deal of
butterfly-related activity at Audrey Carroll lately. "A
recent Eagle Scout project ... involved the design and
planting of a ‘Monarch Waystation,'" she says. "This is a
garden which provides milkweeds for Monarch caterpillar
host plants, and lots of butterfly-nectaring plants."
Planning commission finds substation plans lacking [Frederick News Post
9/16/10]
The Frederick County Planning Commission has found that a
proposed substation near Mount Airy is inconsistent with
the county's comprehensive plan. The commission voted on
Wednesday night to find it not consistent with the
county's comprehensive plan...
PRIMARY ELECTION DAY -
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2010
Company buys scrap metal [Frederick News Post
9/14/10]
MOUNT AIRY -- After five years running JL Sales/Trading
LLC, a small business that specialized in closeout and
surplus items, Jack Lizmi is focusing on scrap metal
exclusively...
Mount Airy marks Patriot Day with prayers and speeches
[Gazette 9/13/10]
Ceremony honors two local men who died in the Pentagon on
Sept. 11 terrorist attacks
Prayers, speeches and words of gratitude echoed in
downtown Mount Airy on Saturday as nearly 100 people
gathered to mark Patriot Day. The ceremony was held in
memory of two Mount Airy men who lost their lives at the
Pentagon nine years ago in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
U.S. Navy Commander Ronald J. Vauk, 37, and U.S. Army
Chief Warrant Officer William Ruth, 57, were both on
assignment in the Pentagon that day...
Doggie swim at South Carroll Swim Club
[Carroll County
Times - 9/12/10]
The South Carroll Swim Club will have a unique
event on Sunday: Members of the community are invited to
bring their canine friends for a swim...
Court case of the week: Md. stormwater treatment company
sued for sexual harassment [TBD.com 9/10/10]
Plaintiffs: Leslie Hofmann and Jessica Banner of Maryland,
employed by BaySaver Technologies from 2007 to 2009, when
both resigned.
Defendants: BaySaver Technologies, a Mt. Airy, Md.-based
purveyor of stormwater treatment products, and its CEO,
Thomas Pank.
The claim: According to court documents, Hofmann claims
that Pank subjected her to sexual harassment throughout
her tenure at BaySaver...
Mount Airy residents organize meeting on proposed
annexation [Gazette 9/9/10]
600 acres south of I-70 could become part of town
Mount Airy residents have a chance next week to
learn more about a proposal for the town to annex 600
acres of land south of Interstate 70. The presentation and
discussion will be led by residents who live in the area
to be annexed and who favor the proposal. "This is such an
important issue for the town of Mount Airy, as well as
those of us south of I-70," said Colleen Colvin, one of
the organizers, in an e-mail to The Gazette...
Video project documents Mount Airy's history
[Gazette 9/9/10]
Carl Hood's account of his hometown highlights History 101
event
She has lived in Canada, Central America, South America
and Europe. He never left a 100-mile radius of his home.
But Ellena Vasquez and George Hood were brought together
as neighbors in Mount Airy — a situation that led to the
preservation of history and a voice from the past. Of all
the places Vasquez, a New Zealand native, has made her
home, she said her current spot might be the closest knit.
"I never lived in a place where we knew our neighbors so
well," said Vasquez, who found herself along with husband
Steve, California native, on Buffalo Road in Mount Airy
eight years ago...
SEPTEMBER
11 TRIBUTE TO BILL RUTH AND RON VAUK OF MOUNT AIRY
What occurred on that beautiful Tuesday morning
[Carroll County
Times - 9/7/10]
It was a beautiful Tuesday morning in Mount Airy
when Bill Ruth and Ron Vauk prepared for their commute to
Northern Virginia and their duty assignments at the
Pentagon. Ruth was a Chief Warrant Officer in the Army and
Vauk was a Lieutenant Commander in the Naval Reserve,
about to begin his second day of his required two weeks of
active duty. He was a Naval Academy grad and spent his
seven years of active duty as a Submariner; a skill that
fit in nicely with his civilian job as Assistant Group
Supervisor in Submarine Technology at The Johns Hopkins
Applied Physics Lab.
Ruth was also a reservist, who returned to active duty
after retiring from a 27 year teaching career. Ruth was 57
years old and could look back on a remarkable military
accomplishment in Viet Nam where he was a helicopter pilot
who evacuated wounded and dead comrades from the
battlefield; often at great peril to himself. He was deep
into his teaching career when recalled to active duty
during the Persian Gulf War. Bill Ruth and Ron Vauk were
people who believed the essence of life lies in being of
service to others. We can only guess some of the thoughts
of Ruth and Vauk as they made their morning drive on
September 11, 2001...
Police say copter pilots were blinded by laser pointers
[Baltimore Sun 9/8/10]
Police say helicopters and other aircraft are increasingly
being targeted by laser pointers commonly used in lecture
halls. It has been a problem for years across the country,
and Maryland authorities say it is now growing throughout
the state...
Maryland State Police say one of their MedEvac helicopters
was hit by a laser in July while trying to land in Ocean
City to pick up a trauma patient and again in August
flying over Berlin on the Eastern Shore. Most recently
state police said a pilot was hit four times by a green
laser beam on Sept. 2 west of Mount Airy...
Highlighting history in Mount Airy
[Carroll County
Times - 9/3/10]
The Mount Airy Main Street Association is once
again planning History 101, and this year’s weeklong event
will be chock full of educational fun...
Kids' Triathlon challenge gets children excited about
fitness [Gazette
9/2/10]
Children swam, cycled and ran to the cheers of friends and
family on Saturday morning during the third annual
Nottingham Kids' Triathlon, a local family-friendly event
open to children ages 6 to 14. "All around it was just a
great day," said race organizer Brian Lausch, who put
together the event with wife Christy.
The race's popularity is increasing: while about 40
children participated the first year, last year about 60
competed, and this year numbers jumped to 102 children
registered. He said about half of those are from out of
Mount Airy...
District 4 candidates concerned about county's master plan [Carroll County
Times - 9/2/10]
For the first time this fall, Carroll County voters will
elect a board of five county commissioners, all chosen by
districts. Voters will only be allowed to vote for one
commissioner, and only for the district they live in.
District 4 encompasses southwest Carroll, including Union
Bridge, New Windsor and Mount Airy. Republican voters will
choose between Christopher Eric Bouchat, Hank Martin,
David Jones, Perry Leroy Jones Jr. and Richard S.
Rothschild in the Sept. 14 primary. Democrats Michele W.
Johnson and George E. Maloney are running in the primary
for their party's nomination...
Town's Planning and Zoning Commission wary of middle
school plan [Gazette
9/9/10]
Members say modern materials and design clash with the
town's historic nature
Although members of the Mount Airy Planning and Zoning
Commission praised plans for the new Mount Airy Middle
School on Monday night, they also were hesitant about what
they perceived as a "too modern" design for the building.
Sketches shown to the commission for the new $30 million
building include large windows, a glass stairwell and a
large courtyard, among other elements. Commission members
argued the design does not include enough historical
elements matching the town...
UPDATES - AUGUST 2010
Planning & Zoning Commission Video
[8/30/10. Community Media Center - Carroll County]
Mount Airy Middle School presentation and discussion from
minute 13:20 to 38:00. Design guideline discussion minute 38:00 to 58:00.
Stolen property recovered after standoff [Frederick News Post
8/28/10]
MOUNT AIRY -- A 1990 Ford Mustang and a laptop computer
stolen Monday during a Frederick burglary were recovered
late Thursday after a three-hour standoff with police, the
Carroll County Sheriff's Office reported Friday. Donald
Edward McIntyre Jr., 29, was charged with motor vehicle
theft, theft of $1,000 to $10,000, and possession of
heroin and paraphernalia after sheriff's deputies went to
his residence at about 7 p.m. Thursday to serve him with
warrants for nonpayment of child support and for failure
to appear in court, the sheriff's office said...
Coupon clippers support military families [Carroll County
Times - 8/27/10]
Twice a month, American Legion Post 191 in Mount Airy is
taken over by scissor-wielding women, as volunteers for
Coupons for Our Military get together to clip coupons for
a good cause. About a year and a half ago, the Legion’s
Ladies Auxiliary took up the nationwide program, which
collects, clips and mails out money-saving coupons to
military families overseas...
The coupons end up in places such as Japan and
Afghanistan, and can be used on the military bases six
months after their expiration...
Lemonade stand raises money to fight cancer [Gazette
8/26/10]
Mount Airy residents Payton Hull, 10, and friends, Ryan
Bond, 12, and his sister Cara Bond, 8 (front) — with the
help of Ryan's parents Christopher and Becky Bond — run a
lemonade stand in honor of town resident MacKenzie Stuck,
who is battling brain cancer. The lemonade stand was
helping to raise money for Alex's Lemonade Stand
Foundation for Childhood Cancer on Sunday afternoon at the
Mount Airy Jimmie Cone. Payton and the Bond children
usually have a lemonade stand in their yard but when they
found out about the foundation, parent Christopher Bond
helped the children make the fundraising stand a
reality...
County OKs loan for new Mt. Airy firetrucks
[Carroll County
Times - 8/26/10]
The Mount Airy fire company will use a county loan,
generated from bond sales, to purchase two new vehicles.
The Carroll County Board of Commissioners approved loaning
the fire company $750,000 to help pay for two new trucks
Thursday...
Stolen Frederick County horse found down south [Frederick News Post
8/28/10]
While horse theft is crime generally associated
with the Old West, it continues to be a problem in modern
times, as evidenced by the discovery of a stolen Frederick
County equine in Aiken County, S.C. The case has been
assigned to an investigator at the Frederick County
Sheriff's Department who will try to determine how the
horse ended up in South Carolina, according to Cpl.
Jennifer Bailey. Bailey said the horse -- a chestnut brown
male thoroughbred valued at $85,000 -- is owned by a
resident of Bedminster, N.J., and was being boarded at a
farm in Mount Airy. The animal was found Friday...
Prolonged heat, lack of rain a problem for farmers [Frederick News Post
8/28/10]
Five inches of rainfall in two days last week came
none too soon for farmers worried about the devastating
effect the lack of moisture was having on their crops. The
recent spell of hot weather has caused some losses, but
some farmers are crediting the short deluge, although
spotty in some areas of the county, with saving them from
more financial pain. "Everything looks better after only a
couple days of rain," said Lisa Gaver, who owns and
operates Gaver Tree Farm with her husband, Michael, in
Mount Airy. "Things have greened up and if anything, it
changes our mental outlook...
Pellet Pistol Recovered, Man Charged In Trooper-Involved
Shooting [Baltimore Sun 8/23/10]
Maryland State Police have obtained an arrest warrant for
a domestic assault suspect who remains in the hospital
under police guard. The suspect was wounded by a state
trooper when he pointed what appeared to be a handgun at
him Friday night in Mount Airy, state police said...
Mount Airy Man in critical condition after being shot in
leg by trooper [Frederick News Post
8/22/10]
A local man remained in critical condition Saturday
night after a Maryland State Police trooper shot him in
the leg while responding to a domestic violence call,
according to officials at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma
Center in Baltimore.
Police issued an arrest warrant for Hugh M. Alexander III,
29, who was wounded after he pointed something that
appeared to be a handgun at the officer, according to
state police. Police later recovered a Crossman 4.5 mm
pellet pistol from the scene. The metal gun is black and
is the same size and shape of a semi-automatic pistol,
police said...
Mount Airy man charged with assault, shot by police
[Carroll County
Times - 8/22/10]
Troopers obtained an arrest warrant Saturday
morning for a Mount Airy man who was shot by a trooper
responding to an alleged assault Friday night. Hugh M.
Alexander III, 29, of the 1700 block of Trestle Street, is
being charged with two counts each of first- and
second-degree assault, assault on a law enforcement
officer and reckless endangerment...
These days, Jack and
Lucille Aellen's place in Mount Airy is synonymous
with wine and wine festivals. But at first, they
joke, these things were just hobbies that got out
of hand. The annual series of festivals at
Berrywine Plantations started out in 1978 as a
marketing tool that drew a few hundred people.
Today each of the five festivals attracts more
than 10,000 to the winery, off of Route 75 on
Glissans Mill Road. Many come bringing blankets,
lawn chairs, tents and sometimes picnic baskets to
spend the day making friends, tasting wines and
listening to live performances on the grassy
grounds of the Aellen's winery and farm...
Mount Airy Middle School plans moving forward [Gazette
8/19/10]
The long anticipated new Mount Airy Middle School Building
is still in the works, though nothing is set in stone yet.
According to Albert Eilbacher, supervisor of construction
with Carroll County Public Schools, the schematic design
was approved by the Board of Education in July.
"The schematic design is the first phase in the design
progress," he said of the design that outlines locations
and areas. "It's basically the concept plan... the very
first look at the building."
The building will be located on the athletic fields
between the current Mount Airy Middle School and Mount
Airy Elementary School...
Twin Ridge Elementary is homecoming for principal [Gazette
8/19/10]
In 1996, Kimberly Seiss entered Twin Ridge Elementary as a
second grade teacher. With the start of this school year
on Aug. 23, the Thurmont resident will return to the
school she taught at for three years in a new role:
principal. Seiss, who has been all over Frederick County
Public Schools in her 15 years of education, said she is
excited to be back...
New Mount Airy Middle School principal ready to make an
impact [Gazette
8/19/10]
Karl T. Streaker never really thought he'd work in a
middle school or in school administration. But when school
starts for Carroll County students on Aug. 31, the new
Mount Airy Middle School principal will be doing just that
— and loving every minute of it. "Where else can you go
and literally laugh every day?" said the Taylorsville
resident, 37, who had always envisioned himself as a high
school teacher through college, but he soon realized he
loved middle school...
Mount Airy seniors send care packages to soldiers [Gazette
8/19/10]
This month's shipment marks 101 sent to Iraq, Afghanistan
Exactly 101 care packages have traveled from the Mount
Airy Senior Center to various locations in Iraq and
Afghanistan. The senior citizens who assemble them say
they are giving smiles and countless calories — and even
saving a few lives. "One thing I'll always remember is
when we send toys," said Helen Malinak, who heads the care
package project with her husband, Walter Malinak. Soldiers
often share the bounty from their boxes; one time in
particular they distributed some toy trucks to local
children. "The little boy came back to the soldier and
told him where a bomb was; a mine was in the road," Helen
Malinak said. "So that really saved their day."
SCHS grad chosen to cheer with Miami Heat Dancers
[Carroll County
Times - 8/17/10]
Stephanie Hettchen had never been a cheerleader,
but at the age of 18 she became the youngest woman to make
the Redskinette cheerleaders squad. "I never was a
cheerleader. Technically I trained in dance for 18 years,"
Hettchen, now 20, said. This year, the enthusiastic South
Carroll High School graduate has made a squad of a
different type: She recently left Maryland to become a
member of the Miami Heat Dancers, the cheerleaders for the
Miami Heat basketball team...
Mount Airy baseball team on Point
[Carroll County
Times - 8/15/10]
Point to Point Land Surveyors didn’t look much like
a league champion during much of their baseball season.
But it’s the end of the year that counts, and when Mount
Airy’s youth baseball league was over, Point to Point was
the 13-15 Senior Division champ...
Mount Airy water rates are likely to rise [Carroll County
Times - 8/3/10]
The sewer and water rates in Mount Airy are expected to
increase. The only question is by how much. The Mount Airy
Water and Sewer Commission will reevaluate the proposed
increases it submitted to the council Monday night. The
council asked the commission to explore different rate and
fee options that would use a progressive rate structure
but won't hurt families on a tight budget...
Mount Airy water rates to rise [The Gazette - 8/5/10]
Water rates in Mount Airy will rise come the start of the
October billing cycle. The only question is, by how much.
The rate increase was a topic of conversation at the Mount
Airy Town Council meeting Monday night after the town's
Water and Sewer Commission made a recommendation for a
rate structure that some council members questioned.
Mount Airy discusses raising water, sewer costs [Frederick News Post
8/4/10]
Mount Airy officials are considering ways to increase
water and sewer fees to cover the costs of providing the
service in time for October's bill. Town Council President
Peter Helt said the cost of water and sewer services in
the fiscal 2011 budget is about $2 million, paid for by
fees on that service. The town needs to cover a shortfall
of $45,000, according to Dick Swanson, Water and Sewer
Commission secretary...
Special Event
Health is the focus of kids’ triathlon [Carroll County
Times - 8/3/10]
Running, swimming and riding bikes are activities that
youngsters do every summer. But Aug. 28, the exercises
will be combined for the annual Nottingham Kids
Triathlon in Mount Airy. Youths ages 6 to 9 will swim
50 meters at the Nottingham Swim Club, then head
outside to ride a bike for two miles and then run half
a mile. For the first time, the distance has been
doubled for participants between the ages of 10 and
14. All the outdoor activities will take place in the
Nottingham subdivision in Mount Airy...
Mini Cow Tri Club
Thanks for a Great 2010 Carnival! [MAVFC
Website]
Carnival Chairman Terry Baker, along with all the members
of the Mt. Airy Volunteer Fire Company, wish to thank
everyone who attended, assisted, or in any way supported
our 2010 Carnival. Many local merchants donated goods or
provided monetary assistance for the carnival. Rosedale
Amusements, for the 28th year, provided safe, entertaining
rides and games for everyone to enjoy. Many vendors had
exhibits on the grounds to visit and patronize...
Samples from MAVFC Photo Gallery:
Tornado confirmed in eastern FredCo [Frederick News Post
8/18/10]
The National Weather Service is confirming that a tornado
touched down in eastern Frederick County last week.
Meteorologist Chris Strong said Tuesday that a relatively
weak twister rated EF-0 knocked down trees south of
Unionville on Thursday.
Business caters to Muslim immigrants seeking to fulfill
ritual animal sacrifices [Washington
Post 8/17/09]
In a barn in Mount Airy, Ali Manguera pinned a 69-pound
goat to the concrete floor, pointed the animal's head
toward Mecca -- some 7,000 miles east of this rural
Maryland farm -- and slit its throat in a single, expert
motion.
Emergency upgrade [Frederick News Post
8/15/10]
Police, fire personnel see new system as vital to public
safety
Frederick County is spending $18.3 million to modernize
the equipment its dispatch center uses to communicate with
police and other emergency personnel...
One area being considered because of its call volume is
the eastern part of the county, around New Market and
Mount Airy , Markey said...
Downtown is 'hanging on' [The Gazette - 8/5/10]
Businesses adapt to changing economic times
Ellie Bonde has seen a lot of businesses come and go in
downtown Mount Airy and said her own business has "changed
tremendously" because of the Great Recession. Bonde, who
has run Blossom & Basket Boutique with her daughter Rene
since 2001, said "every business" in downtown Mount Airy
felt the recession's impact. Merchants have had to adapt
and "morph a little bit" in the face of the changing
economic times...
Mount Airy family camp night a chance to enjoy park [Frederick News Post
8/11/10]
More than seven years ago, members of Mount Airy 's Parks
and Recreation Commission decided to do more with their
parks. "We have all these wonderful parks, and we figured
we could use them," said Bob King, chairman of the Mount
Airy Board of Parks and Recreation. Thus Mount Airy Family
Camp Night in Watkins Park was born seven years ago, in
part out of a desire to bring the community closer
together while enjoying its common resources, King said...
Carroll's Most Wanted [Carroll County
Times - 8/9/10]
Nathan Robert Tieszen
Last known address: 87 Meadowlark Ave., Mount Airy
Wanted for: Violation of probation; original charge
robbery
Snowballs among market attractions in Mount Airy [Carroll County
Times - 8/6/10]
George Shipley recently retired from a long-term career at
Mount Airy Elementary School, and lots of folks who have
visited the Mount Airy Farmer’s Market this summer are
glad he did.
Marlins swim team notches 23 wins [The Gazette - 8/5/10]
The Nottingham Marlins swim team turned in a solid
performance on Saturday during the Central Maryland
Swimming League Division VIII Championships held at the
Nottingham Swim Club in Mount Airy. Nottingham claimed 23
wins in the 55-event competition which featured five teams
from Carroll, Howard, Baltimore and Anne Arundel
counties...
State police continue Mount Airy search for man with knife [Frederick News Post
8/4/10]
Police in the Mount Airy area are continuing to look for a
man who witnesses reported had been walking Tuesday
afternoon in the East/West Park off of Prospect Road
carrying a bloody knife, according to Maryland State
Police...
Mount Airy legion falls in semifinals [Frederick News Post
8/3/10]
Mount Airy wanted to avenge an earlier loss to Wicomico
Post 64, of Salisbury, in Sunday's championship game of
the state American Legion Baseball Tournament. It never
got the chance, because another team got in the way.
Laurel Post 60 scored three runs in the top of the seventh
inning, erasing a 10-8 deficit, and held off Gold Star
Post 191 in the semifinals, 11-10, at Turtle Smith Stadium
at Shipley Field. The loss ended Mount Airy 's bid to
repeat as state and regional champion...
Special Section: Pathways in Mount Airy Controversy
Speak out for industrial growth [Barbara Shreeve -
Letter to the editor - Carroll County
Times - 8/3/10]
Hot, dry summer is taking toll on farmers [Gazette
7/30/10]
Peeling off what would normally be a foot-long ear of corn
from a stalk on a farm in Baden, Yates Clagett showed the
latest casualty of the recent record-high temperatures: A
tiny vegetable resembling the baby corn found in cans at
the grocery... To the north, the thunderstorms that
toppled trees and knocked out electricity to hundreds of
thousands Montgomery County residents on Sunday meant
little to Jim Knill, whose Mount Airy farm received only
about a quarter-inch of rain...
Mount Airy teen dies in motorcycle crash [The Gazette - 7/29/10]
Funeral services for a Mount Airy teen killed in a
motorcycle crash have been set for Friday. The crash
occurred around noon Saturday at the intersection of
Bartholows Road and Molesworth Entrance in eastern
Frederick County. Alexander Schmidt, 19, of Mount Airy,
was riding his 2005 Honda motorcycle northbound on
Bartholows Road when the crash occurred...
Planning Commission briefs [The Gazette - 7/29/10]
Officials discuss future of Mount Airy rail yard
A former downtown Mount Airy train station may someday see
a new life. Rob Scranton of CBI Development Group on
Monday presented the Mount Airy Planning and Zoning
Commission with his plans for a 24,000-square-foot,
mixed-use development in four buildings at the former
train station. The Old Mount Airy Train Station on South
Main Street houses a pharmacy, doctor's office, bike shop,
train shop and floral store. Most recently, businesses
affected by a 2007 downtown fire had also been housed in
the area in trailers... VIDEO: Mount Airy
Planning & Zoning Meeting - Held 7/26/10
[Community Media Center - Carroll County]
Commissioners grant Mount Airy homes' construction [Carroll County
Times - 7/27/10]
The county is allowing homes on five residential lots to
move forward in the Mount Airy area that have been on hold
for five years because of their location in an inadequate
school area... Three of the homes are proposed north of
Mount Airy and west of Md. 27, one on Gillis Road east of
Md. 27 and another on Flag Marsh Road about a mile from
Woodbine Road...
Mount Airy working on annexation for recreation,
commercial park [Carroll County
Times - 7/27/10]
County employees are working to draft a preliminary
annexation agreement with the Mount Airy Town Council
which will turn 254 acres of unused land into a new
recreation and commercial park.
The Carroll County Board of Commissioners and Town Council
met Tuesday to discuss the possibilities for the property,
which is located between Boteler Road and Md. 27. The
land, known as the Harrison Leishear property, was
acquired by the county in June 2009 as part of a $23.5
million lawsuit settlement...
Special Report: The
21771dotcom Harrison
Leishear Property Page
Mount Airy carnival features fried and frozen feast [Carroll County
Times - 7/27/10]
Mike and Wendy Muller mark their calendar every year to
remind themselves about the start of the annual Mount Airy
fire company carnival, which kicked off Monday night. They
weren't looking forward to the rides or the games. What
they wanted most were the fried and frozen treats only
found at a carnival. The Mount Airy carnival has the best
carnival food around, Mike Muller said...
Mount Airy antique mall to close [Carroll County
Times - 7/27/10]
About 50 antique dealers will be looking for a new home
after the owners of the Shops of Yesteryear in Mount Airy
decided to permanently close their doors in August.
Delaine Hobbs, who runs the business with his son Scott,
said the downturn in the economy is to blame for the
closing of the 13-year-old business. As money became
tight, Hobbs said fewer people were buying antiques...
Mount Airy man dies in motorcycle crash [Frederick News Post
7/25/10]
Police are investigating a crash that killed a 19-year-old
Mount Airy man Saturday when the motorcycle he was riding
hit a car at Bartholows Road and Molesworth Entrance in
Mount Airy...
Mount Airy's Calvary Lutheran shares space with Myanmar
church [Frederick News Post
7/24/10]
Members of Evangelical Baptist Church, who have gathered
in various locations, have finally found a home at Calvary
Lutheran Church in Mount Airy. There are approximately 70
members, many from Myanmar...
SPECIAL REPORT
THE RAIN KEEPS PASSING
BY
Towns and cities around us have received
considerably more rain than we have in recent
weeks.
From
May 1st through July 23rd:
Mount Airy - 3.75"
Westminster - 6.29"
Frederick - 7.43"
Gaithersburg - 8.14"
A major storm
passes to our south 7/12/10 -
Weather.com
MAMSA presents: Celebrate Summer [Mount Airy Main Street
Assoc]
Beads search, balloons, kids' activities, food, live music -
running through Saturday, July 24 in downtown Mount Airy...
Carnival favorites in Mt. Airy [Carroll County
Times - 7/22/10]
The folks at the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company are gearing
up for their eagerly awaited 83rd Annual Carnival, which will
run July 26-31. All of the usual food favorites will be
available, including Italian sausage sandwiches, fries, pit
beef, pit ham and pit turkey sandwiches, hamburgers,
cheeseburgers, funnel cakes and ice cold drinks. But there is
more to the carnival than good food...
Mount Airy claims district baseball title [Gazette
7/22/10]
Post 191 knocks off Funkstown Tuesday for first Western
District crown since 2003.
Mount Airy Gold Star Post 191 earned the right to defend its
Maryland State Senior American Legion championship, defeating
visiting Funkstown Post 211 14-8 on Tuesday to clinch the
Western Maryland District title...
Mount Airy advances [Frederick News Post 7/21/10]
Mount Airy clinched the district championship outright with a
14-8 win in the district title game Tuesday at Lindsay
Browning Field. Gold Star Post 191, the defending state and
regional champion, advances to the eight-team,
double-elimination tournament next Wednesday. Most of the
games will be played at University of Maryland's Shipley
Field...
PSC ruling allows 275-mile power line to move forward [Frederick
News Post 7/17/10
The power companies wanting to build a 275-mile transmission
line leaped a legal hurdle Friday. The Maryland Public Service
Commission ruled that The Potomac Edison Co. qualifies as an
electric company in seeking regulatory approval for the $2.1
billion Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline. Known as
PATH, the line will start in West Virginia, cross Virginia and
end in Frederick County at a proposed substation near Mount
Airy...
Mount Airy antiques shop to close [Gazette 7/15/10]
A Mount Airy antiques mall open for 13 years will close in
August, the Shops of Yesteryear becoming history itself...
Mount Airy man faces 19 charges for alleged crime spree [Gazette 7/15/10]
A Mount Airy man remains in the Carroll County Detention
Center on $110,000 bond for an alleged crime spree involving
an auto theft and bank robbery on July 2 in Mount Airy.
Maryland State Police have filed 19 charges against James L.
Meadows, 30, in connection with an attempt to rob New Windsor
State Bank on Twin Arch Road and a robbery of a Bank of
America branch on East Ridgeville Boulevard...
Town council briefs [Gazette 7/15/10]
Town reimbursed snow money;
Measure to fill vacancies approved; Park could get modernized
bathroom...
Mount Airy approves succession proposal [Frederick News Post
7/13/10]
The Town Council unanimously approved a measure Monday to fill
by special election the vacancy for the office of mayor or
council should the office holder resign with more than 425
days remaining in a term...
Mount Airy mulls use for property [Frederick News Post
7/9/10]
A vacant building has become the catalyst for town leaders to
consider ways to boost economic activity downtown through a
public-private partnership. Councilwoman Wendi Peters led a
special meeting Wednesday of the Mount Airy Economic
Development Commission to talk about purchasing a languishing
property at 1010 S. Main St., formerly the site of Dennis
Kitchens and Bath. Peters and other town leaders stressed to
residents that any plans for the property were in the nascent
stage and that they would seek input before any decisions are
made... VIDEO: Mount Airy
Special Meeting - Held 7/7/10
[Community Media Center - Carroll County]
Fitness pros tailor offerings to lure, retain client
[The
Gazette - 7/2/10]
Karen Skidmore's Completely Fit studio in Mount Airy is in her
home, where she specializes in working one-on-one with injured
clients and small groups. Before starting any program, she
assesses muscle imbalances that may manifest as one side being
stronger or higher than the other or an extreme lumbar arch
and can lead to injury...
Bike shop owner to put on a show during July 4th parade
[The
Gazette - 7/2/10]
When Larry Black rides his bicycle in Washington, D.C.'s
Fourth of July Parade, he will probably get some people asking
him to pop a wheelie. Nope, no can do, says the cyclist
who owns Mt. Airy Bicycles in Mount Airy. That's because the
wheelie would require him to lift the front wheel of his
bicycle, a front wheel measuring 52 inches in diameter. Black
will be perched high on the retro bike called "a highwheel" or
"penny-farthing."
Commission sees problems with outdoor dining proposal
[Gazette 7/1/10]
Mount Airy bar owner maintains second floor space is essential
to success
A downtown establishment and Mount Airy officials are working
toward an agreement that might bring second floor outdoor
dining to the downtown. An addition for the Upper Deck Bar and
Grill would extend the establishment over Concetta's Main
Street Bistro, another business in the old Mount Airy fire
house building on Main Street...
UPDATES - JUNE 2010
ROAD WORK BEGINS!
Motorists on the
road should expect single-lane closures:
9am to 3pm & 9pm to 5am on Mondays through
Thursdays.
9am to 3pm & midnight to 5am on Fridays.
83rd Annual MAVFC Carnival July 26 - 31, 2010 [MAVFC
Website]
Advance Sale Ride-All-Night Tickets are $10.00 and are
available from June 21st until July 24th, WHILE
SUPPLIES LAST (Cash Only - No Checks). Advance tickets
can ONLY be used on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
nights. Advance tickets will not be sold after July
24th. The Blossom & Basket Boutique, 3 North Main
Street , Mount Airy will be selling the tickets, along
with the Train Depot, and the Mt. Airy Locker Company.
MAVFC Carnival Karaoke Contest [MAVFC Website]
The MAVFC Carnival Karaoke Contest will be held on
Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at the Mount Airy Volunteer
Fire Company Carnival Grounds stage at 6:30 p.m.
Registration is at 5:00 p.m. next to the stage.
Limited to the First 30 Paid Contestants. 1st Place -
$500. 2nd Place - $250. 3rd Place - $150
Flier & Rules PDF
Mount Airy mayor seeks controlled growth [Frederick
News Post 6/27/10]
As a candidate, Mount Airy Mayor Pat Rockinberg
stressed the need to limit the kind of rapid
development that made the town one of the state's
fastest-growing during most of the 1990s. Taking
the reins in May, Rockinberg remains committed to
maintaining Mount Airy 's small-town charm...
MEET THE MAYOR
Residents who would like to meet with Mayor Pat
Rockinberg may do so from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30
p.m. July 17 and July 31, Town Hall, 110 S. Main
S., Mount Airy.
COMMISSION
VACANCIES
Residents who may be interested in filling
vacancies on the town’s Streets and Roads, Water
and Sewer and Ethics commissions, Recycling and
Sanitation and the Board of Appeals may contact
the town administrator or town clerk at
301-829-1424.
ANNEXATION
HEARING - SEPT 29TH
A public hearing on the possible annexation of
600 acres south of I-70 in Carroll County into
town will start at 7 p.m. Sept. 29, at the Mount
Airy Firemen’s Activities Building at 1008 Twin
Arch Road, Mount Airy.
Maryland Municipal League Convention Article [Carroll County
Times - 6/27/10]
Who is attending: Mayor Pat Rockinberg, Councilmen
Dave Pyatt, Peter Helt, Scott Strong and David Blais...
How much is budgeted: $4,000 for registration and
$5,800 for expenses, but the total amount probably
will not be spent, according to Town Clerk Debbie
Parker Brennan. Mount Airy will reimburse tolls and
mileage at the federal rate. On days that meetings or
events are scheduled, the town will pay $15 for
breakfast, $25 for lunch and $50 for dinner...
Congratulations to Air Rifle Champ! [Event
website. Facebook Submission 06/27/10]
John White, of Mt. Airy, 2010 Linganore High School
graduate & NJROTC member earned the Gold at the 2010
NRA National Junior Air Rifle Championship in
Albuquerque,NM! The 4 member team that was sponsored
by the Maryland State Pistol & Rifle Association
finished in 3rd place!
Summer concert series at Wildwood Park now in full
swing
[The
Gazette - 6/24/10]
This Sunday will be the second of this season's
concerts at the park, nearing a decade of the annual
summer series. The music spans country and folk to
old-time band concerts and 1940s Glen Miller-esque
tunes. "There's something for everyone," said Oscar
Baker of Mount Airy, who started the concert series
and still is involved in organizing it.
Baker said the concerts started in 2002, when there
were only two concerts in the park that summer. Now
there are nine. He thought of the idea, and approached
then-mayor Gerald Johnson, who said the town would be
glad to underwrite the cost. The town paid for the
first season, but Bob Blackert of Twin Arch Self
Storage in Mount Airy soon picked up the tab.
Frederick fourth-largest city in state of Maryland [Frederick
News Post 6/23/10]
Frederick County's population grew more than twice as
much as Maryland's population since 2000, according to
census data released Tuesday... Mount Airy 's
population rose 29 percent...
Colleges awaiting health facility construction [Carroll County
Times - 6/22/10]
Carroll, Howard and Frederick community colleges have
found space in Mount Airy for the new facility that
will offer classes in health careers to students from
all three schools. But a building still needs to be
constructed on the lot, as it was hard to find an
existing facility that was ready to be used for
classes and could accommodate up to 175 parking
spaces...
Six schools to get new principals in 2010-11 season [Carroll County
Times - 6/21/10]
Karl Streaker: Principal, Mount Airy Middle School.
Previous positions held: Assistant principal at West
Middle School, assistant principal at Sykesville
Middle School, math teacher in Frederick County Public
Schools...
PJM supports PATH project; PSC to get more testimony [Frederick
News Post 6/19/10]
The two utility companies proposing the Potomac
Appalachian Transmission Highline said Friday a new
study shows the project should be in place by June 1,
2015, at the latest...
PATH is a 275-mile, $1.3 billion project by Allegheny
Energy and American Electric Power. The project would
begin in West Virginia, cross Virginia and about 20
miles into Maryland, ending in a proposed new
substation, known as the Kemptown substation, near
Mount Airy..
Mount Airy couple participate in kidney donation chain [Carroll County
Times - 6/19/10]
MOUNT AIRY - A Mount Airy couple is being hailed as a
key factor in a kidney transplant chain that was able
to provide 14 people with the kidneys needed to keep
them alive. "I made my mind up," Ralph Wolfe, of Mount
Airy, said. "I [was] going to give a kidney and it
didn't matter to me who it went to."
Harry Potter theme park opens in Florida [BBC News
video 6/18/10]
Ellie and Claire Turcotte, of Mount Airy, appear on
this BBC story regarding the new Harry Potter
attraction at Universal Orlando. Link submitted by
their mom Erika!
Hair to help Gulf: Mount Airy salon hosts 'boom' drive [Carroll County
Times - 6/18/10]
Normally when hairstylists see a pile of shorn hair on
the floor of a salon, they see something to be swept
up and discarded. Not Mount Airy resident Denice
Conner. For the last month, this stylist has been
looking at hair in a whole different light: She has
been collecting hair to be used for making "booms."
Local Girl Scout honored for making recycling fun [Frederick
News Post 6/18/10]
Mount Airy -- Recent Linganore High School graduate
Stephanie James has more than a gold award to show for
her yearlong recycling education program.
She will also receive a $1,000 scholarship from the
Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital. And, most
importantly to her, she knows something good remains
from the hard work she put into the project...
Mount Airy man pleads guilty to selling guns, drugs
[The
Gazette - 6/17/10]
A Montgomery College student pleaded guilty in federal
court to selling guns and drugs to an undercover
police officer outside the Bethesda Metro station
earlier this year. In five meetings between Jan. 25
through April 28, David Glenn Bonett, 22, of Mount
Airy, sold four guns, OxyContin pills and marijuana to
the officer, according to a statement released by the
United States Attorney for the District of Maryland...
Man's music brings worldly feel to Mount Airy
[The
Gazette - 6/17/10]
When Bohuslav "Bob" Rychlik performs at a blues
festival, the Mount Airy resident doesn't tout a
guitar, harmonica or bass. Instead, the musician steps
up to the stage to rock out with a koncovka, a
traditional Slovakian flute — a new sight for many
audiences...
YouTube Video
Traffic stop leads to chase, charges [Frederick
News Post 6/16/10]
A Mount Airy man was charged after he led authorities
on a chase about 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, according to
Maryland State Police.
Trooper First Class David Thompson tried to stop a
speeding 2002 black Pontiac Grand Am going north on
East Street near Sixth Street. Police said the driver,
later identified as Antwin Dwayne Snowden, 48, did not
stop and kept driving through parts of Frederick...
Mayor hosts informal chats. Rockinberg said Saturday
morning sessions will be less intimidating
[The
Gazette - 6/17/10]
Mount Airy Mayor Pat Rockinberg waited in Town Hall
for someone to talk to on Saturday. And the newly
elected official got his wish, with some stopping by
to talk about their concerns with the town at
Rockinberg's first open community forum.
The biweekly event is an opportunity to drop by and
discuss any town-related issues informally, Rockinberg
said. "I'm going to try to keep it the same time and
same place," he said of the forum from 10 a.m. to 12
p.m. in Mount Airy Town Hall, 110 S. Main St...
Roadwork planned for Md. Route 27 later this month
[The
Gazette - 6/10/10]
The orange barrels lining Md. Route 27 in Mount Airy
will bring temporary headaches to motorists, but
hopefully long-term improvements. Workers have already
begun rerouting underground wires, but construction
that will affect traffic will probably start the end
of June, according to Eddie Poffenberger, a State
Highway Administration engineer... [21771dotcom
Special Report - Route 27 Roadwork Page]
Mount Airy, county need agreement on wells [Carroll County
Times - 6/8/10]
The Mount Airy Town Council will try to meet with
Carroll County officials within the next 30 days to
discuss an agreement to allow the town to use two
wells on county land. The wells are located on the
Harrison and Leishear properties, located east of Md.
27 and north of Watersville Road. One of the wells on
the land was tested and provided 200 gallons a minute
during a 96-hour period...
[21771dotcom
Special Report - Harrison Leishear Property Page]
Town Council Notes
[The
Gazette - 6/10/10]
Watkins Park bathrooms - special elections -
Twin Ridge neighborhood vandalism...
Council reintroduces plan to hold special
elections [Frederick News Post 6/8/10]
Town Councilwoman Wendi Peters introduced a
measure to fill the vacancy by a special
election for the office of mayor or council
should the office holder resign with more than
425 days remaining in a term...
In other business, members tabled an ordinance
that could change some aspects of the way an
annexation is considered by the council and
the planning commission...
New mayor is off to a bad start [Anissa
Hastings Letter - Carroll County
Times - 6/18/10]
I watched Mount Airy's first town council
meeting with our new mayor and council
members. I was very pleased to see the
cordiality among the members and the ability
of the council to work together. Sometimes you
do just need to change some of the players....
Unfortunately, it appears that Rockinberg has
already started off on the wrong foot...
Give the new mayor a chance [Rick
Blatchford Letter - Carroll County
Times - 6/22/10]
I was dismayed to read Anissa Hastings' June
18 letter where she seems all too ready to
criticize Mount Airy Mayor Pat Rockinberg
after less than two months in office. She
appears to write without possession of the
facts...
[Editor's note:
The two segments of the meeting discussed in
these letters can be found on the
CMC video at minutes 122 thru 130, and
minutes 134 thru 142.]
Jay D. Henley and the Stone Broke Band [Frederick
News Post 6/4/10]
Jay D. Henley likes playing in his old stomping
grounds. The summer carnival season gives him plenty
of opportunities to play for the hometown crowd.
Henley grew up on a Mount Airy farm where he spent a
lot of time milking cows and developed a work ethic
that continues to serve him well.
Henley and his Stone Broke Band will play at the Mount
Airy Lions carnival on June 7, the New Windsor Fire
Department carnival on June 12 and the Winfield
Community Volunteer Fire Department on July 13...
Defending champion Mount Airy has tall task
[The
Gazette - 6/3/10]
Last season's state and Mid-Atlantic Region winners
are target for opposing teams...
While the 2010 uniforms for the Mount Airy Gold Star
Post 191 American Legion baseball don't have large
bull's-eyes on the back, they might as well. Last
year, Post 191 finished 38-17 overall and won both the
American Legion Maryland and Mid-Atlantic Regional
tournaments, earning a berth in into the World
Series...
Principal ends 37-year career
[The
Gazette - 6/3/10]
After 14 years at Mount Airy Middle, Savell looks
ahead to new challenges...
On a recent morning at Mount Airy Middle School, the
notes of a trumpet scale faintly rose from the
basement to the main office floor.
"The first couple of years I was here I heard every
note played," said Principal Virginia "Ginny" Savell.
"I've gotten to the point I don't hear it anymore."
She laughs. "There were flutes down there yesterday
practicing ... I think ... ‘The Tempest,'" she said...
UPDATES - MAY 2010
Couple charged with Domino’s Pizza robbery [Carroll County
Times - 5/29/10]
A married couple charged with several armed robberies
in Frederick County now faces charges in Carroll as
well...
Shortly after 2 a.m. March 27, troopers from the
Westminster barrack of the Maryland State Police
