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Web Update: Council pushes street repairs up
Mary Scott 14.MAY.08
Street overlays and repairs previously pushed back in the City of Westminster will now be tackled sooner, according to the Westminster Mayor and Common Council.
Street projects previously pushed back to 2010 will now begin in the next fiscal year after the Westminster Common Council approved a revised version of the Capital Improvements Program Monday night. The approved version reworks the allocation of $7.4 million in funds designated toward street overlay projects over the six-year CIP.
Street overlay and repair projects were previously spread between fiscal years 2010 and 2014. Now, $2 million will be included in this year’s budget with another $1.5 million in fiscal year 2010. Overall, the original $7.4 million in street overlay funds has not changed.
(See full story)Students turn down iPod’s for hearing lesson
 | | Cathy Alles, an audiologist at the Carroll County Health Department talks to fifth-graders at Sandymount Elementary School about the dangers of noise-induced hearing loss on Thursday afternoon. / MARY SCOTT PHOTO |
Mary Scott 14.MAY.08
FINKSBURG — Fifth-graders at Sandymount Elementary School will most likely be turning the volume down after spending the last four weeks learning about noise-induced hearing loss.
The students spent the last four weeks in music class with vocal music teacher Joann Benson learning how ears work, what noise-induced hearing loss is and ways to prevent it.
“If I have them for six years and teach them to love music, but don’t teach them to protect their ears that’s just stupid. It’s short sighted,” Benson said.
Benson said research shows that noise-induced hearing loss is becoming an epidemic.
(See full story) |
Environmentalists push pedaling to save the environment
 | | White’s Bicycles in Westminster displays bikes outside on May 7. According to shop owner Brad White, the shop’s bike sales have increased due to the need for alternative transportation. / LAURA PETERSEN PHOTO |
Laura Petersen 14.MAY.08
As gas prices creep slowly towards $4 per gallon, people across the nation are looking for ways to cut back on their petroleum use.
For Richard Chambers, executive director of One Less Car, a local nonprofit organization committed to encourage biking and walking instead of commuting, helping people find another solution is a priority.
“With gas prices and obesity rates skyrocketing, we are doing everything we can to get people to reevaluate their lifestyles and give bicycling and walking a try,” Chambers said.
(See full story) |
Victims, witnesses gain furry friend to get through tough time
 | | Buddy, a 10-month-old Labrador-Newfoundland mix puppy helps child victims and witnesses feel comfortable before interviews and court testimony at the Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office. / MARY SCOTT PHOTO |
Mary Scott 14.MAY.08
For victims of abuse and witnesses to a crime, the courtroom can be a very scary place.
Buddy, a 65-pound Labrador-Newfoundland mix puppy, is making the judicial process less scary for children who are abuse victims and crime witnesses by providing comfort during interviews and before and after testifying in court.
Buddy works with the State’s Attorney’s Office and the Carroll County Advocacy and Investigation Center, and his role is to help child victims and witnesses feel comfortable when they come to the office to be interviewed by prosecutors, according to Joyce Schaum, director of the victim witness assistance unit at the state’s attorneys office.
Schaum and the State’s Attorney Jerry Barnes were recognized for their innovative “Canine Companions for Court” program recently with a Victim Assistance Award from the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention.
(See full story) |
Winfield Elementary teacher honored for accomplishments
 | | Mary Catherine Stephens teaches a math lesson to a fifth-grade class at Winfield Elementary School on May 7. She was recently named Carroll County 2008 Teacher of the Year. / MARY SCOTT PHOTO |
Mary Scott 14.MAY.08
Mary Catherine Stephens said she always wanted to be a teacher. As a child, she taught her seven younger brothers and sisters how to read before they even started school.
Stephens, a fifth-grade teacher at Winfield Elementary, was named Carroll County 2008 Teacher of the Year at the end of April.
“It’s quite an honor. It’s nice to be a voice for all of the hard working and dedicated teachers in the school system,” Stephens said.
(See full story) |
Quarry progress ahead of schedule
Mary Scott 14.MAY.08
Progress on the Medford Quarry pipeline is currently ahead of schedule, and the contracting company’s project manager said it could be completed as soon as the end of September.
At press time, nearly 2/3 of the pipeline had been laid in the ground and Victor Howard, Richard F. Kline project manager, said he expected the entire pipeline to be down by the end of August.
“I think this is the most intensive part of the project just because we’re going across a lot of different properties,” Howard said.
Jeff Glass, director of Public Works for the city, said he was happy with the progress made so far.
(See full story)
07.MAY.08 Biofuels a growing trend
07.MAY.08 Poverty project targets Appalachia
07.MAY.08 City prepares for 18th year of flowers, jazz
07.MAY.08 Residents to see less roadwork in FY 09
30.APR.08 Web Update: Westminster cuts back 2009 CIP
30.APR.08 Programs explain necessity of sun safety
30.APR.08 Mother, son thankful for habitat home
30.APR.08 Schools promote prom safety prior to annual dance
30.APR.08 Budget season in full swing
23.APR.08 Have a fun summer without the price tag
23.APR.08 Community College breaks ground
23.APR.08 Couple honored for service
23.APR.08 WRM celebrates 40 years of saving lives
23.APR.08 New bureau chief has high priority for county recycling
16.APR.08 Gas prices may be deterring vacationers
16.APR.08 Episcopal housing Corp. to purchase three properties
16.APR.08 Bakers show patriotism, creativity in challenge
16.APR.08 EMS to see changes if approval goes through
09.APR.08 AEDs may soon be available to for younger classrooms
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