Showing posts with label Journalists Jones-Katie Jones. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Journalists Jones-Katie Jones. Show all posts

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Getty family turns a new page in General Assembly

Getty family turns a new page in General Assembly



Madison Getty is just like any other page in Annapolis. She makes coffee, delivers papers to be signed, runs errands for legislators and helps get things ready in the morning for members of Maryland's House of Delegates.
She does have one tiny advantage, however.
Her dad is state Sen. Joe Getty, who serves Carroll and Baltimore counties in the District 5, and so Madison knows her way around the State House buildings, from the tunnels up.
"It's been helpful that I've been here," Madison, 17, said. "I know how to get places." ... http://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/carroll/news/ph-ce-page-getty-0212-20120212,0,2445417.story

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I’m a newspaper reporter. I’m pushy, inconsiderate and I do not respect boundaries.
Kevin Dayhoff is an artist - and a columnist for:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoffTwitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff
Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ = www.newbedfordherald.net

Tumblr: Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems www.kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/
Smurfs: http://babylonfluckjudd.blogspot.com/
Google profile: https://profiles.google.com/kevindayhoff/

E-mail: kevindayhoff(at)gmail.com
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/
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Thursday, January 12, 2012

Redistricting in Carroll County a hot topic from one end of the county to the other and more from Katie V. Jones at ExploreCarroll.com


ExploreCarroll.com writer Katie V. Jones is on a roll these days.

In yesterday’s ExploreCarroll.com article, “In letter to Gov. O'Malley, Sykesville officials denounce state redistricting plan,” she writes “The Sykesville Town Council adopted a resolution this week stating its disapproval of the proposed state legislative redistricting plan, one that would place the town in a legislative delegate district split between Carroll and Howard counties.

“And in a Jan. 10 letter to Gov. Martin O'Malley, Mayor Michael Miller suggested the redistricting plan runs, ‘contrary to the state's Constitution’ because it ‘does not give due regard to jurisdictional boundaries.’”

This follows her excellent coverage of “state Sen. Joe Getty(’s) … Jan. 4 ‘town meeting,’ held at J&P Pizza, in Hampstead;” – at the other end of the county – (“Shift in Carroll's district lines a hot topic for 2012”)in which

“In his 90-minute presentation, Getty discussed a topic that will be front and center this week as the Maryland General Assembly convenes its 2012 session in Annapolis. When the gavel falls on Jan. 11, state legislators will be faced with reviewing a sweeping change in state Senate and House of Delegates districts…”

Reading both articles will help you get your arms around the consequences and challenges of congressional and Maryland state redistricting in Carroll County:

In letter to Gov. O'Malley, Sykesville officials denounce state redistricting plan Proposal places Sykesville and part of Eldersburg in split delegate district with Howard County By Katie V. Jones January 15, 2012 http://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/carroll/news/ph-ce-sykesville-council-0115-20120115,0,1562350.story

Shift in Carroll's district lines a hot topic for 2012 Getty hosts town hall session on state, congressional plans By Katie V. Jones January 7, 2012


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The Carroll Eagle: www.explorecarroll.com: http://www.explorecarroll.com/search/?s=Dayhoff&action=GO

My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/ +++++++++++++++

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Shift in Carroll's district lines a hot topic for 2012

Shift in Carroll's district lines a hot topic for 2012

Getty hosts town hall session on state, congressional plans



There was pizza, salad, mozzarella sticks and, to the delight of state Sen. Joe Getty, a full house at his Jan. 4 "town meeting," held at J&P Pizza, in Hampstead.
"At the last town meeting in Manchester, we had 25 people," Getty said to the residents who gathered. "We've doubled that crowd. There is more here than I expected."
In his 90-minute presentation, Getty discussed a topic that will be front and center this week as theMaryland General Assembly convenes its 2012 session in Annapolis. When the gavel falls on Jan. 11, state legislators will be faced with reviewing a sweeping change in state Senate and House of Delegates districts... http://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/carroll/news/ph-ce-redistricting-0108-20120107,0,244855.story
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Kevin DayhoffI’m a newspaper reporter. I’m pushy, inconsiderate and I do not respect boundaries. Kevin Dayhoff is an artist - and a columnist for Patuxent Publishing Co., The Carroll Eagle: www.explorecarroll.com: http://www.explorecarroll.com/search/?s=Dayhoff&action=GO Soundtrack: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.net/Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/ or http://kevindayhoffart.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.com/Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/ or http://www.westgov.net/ = www.kevindayhoff.orgTwitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoffTwitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoffKevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ = www.newbedfordherald.net The Tentacle: www.thetentacle.com http://www.thetentacle.com/author.cfm?MyAuthor=41Tumblr: Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems www.kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/Smurfs: http://babylonfluckjudd.blogspot.com/ Google profile: https://profiles.google.com/kevindayhoff/

Westminster Patch: http://westminster.patch.com/search?keywords=Dayhoff
E-mail: kevindayhoff(at)gmail.com BEST VIEWED IN Chrome My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

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Friday, October 14, 2011

Home court is place to fight cancer at Manchester Valley

Home court is place to fight cancer at Manchester Valley

Home court is place to fight cancer at Manchester Valley

Home court is place to fight cancer at Manchester Valley



"Game on, cancer!"


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Thursday, March 26, 2009

Residents say new rates give them a sinking feeling by K Jones


Westminster residents say new water, sewer rates give them a sinking feeling

Council, mayor urged to reconsider timing of implementing both rate structures

By Katie V. Jones Posted http://explorecarroll.com/ 3/24/09

Too much, too soon.

Westminster residents told the city’s mayor and Common Council at a public hearing Monday that they will be flooded with high bills if the proposed new water and sewer rates are in place all at once.

Water and sewer users — both in and out of city limits — said that the rates should be phased in gradually over time, even if that meant there would be a deficit down the road causing higher rates as the council warned.

[…]

Many people in attendance also argued that the average use of 18,000 gallons of water per household, per quarter was beyond reality, and that the rate structure should be based on a higher average such as 22,500 gallons.

Landlords requested that apartment dwellers be given the benefit of residential rates, too, though the main pipes to their buildings are deemed commercial, placing it in a higher rate category.

Others argued for equal rates between city and non-city residents on the water and sewer system.

[…]

Public comment will be accepted on the proposed rates until March 31.

If approved by the council, the structure would be phased in over two years starting July 1 and then again on July 1, 2010.

[…]

In addition to the hearing, written comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31. Call the city office at 410-848-9000 for details on how to submit comments via mail and e-mail. Upon the council's approval, the rate structure will be phased in starting July 1.

[…]


Read Ms. Jones’ entire article here: Westminster residents say new water, sewer rates give them a sinking feeling

20090324 Residents say new rates give them a sinking feeling by K Jones
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/Kevin Dayhoff: www.westgov.net Westminster Maryland Online www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Recent Explore Carroll work by Katie V. Jones

Recent Explore Carroll work by Katie V. Jones

February 24, 2009 results for "Katie V. Jones"

news

1-5 of 75 articles

Olympians receive a special gift of warmth
Published February 18, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
When Sandi Schneider was 8, she awoke on Christmas morning to find her home's front hallway filled with toys and presents for her and her...

Council will review Westminster budget ordinance
Published February 18, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
While the City of Westminster's budget changes every year, the ordinance itself apparently, has not. At last week's meeting of the mayor and common council, Marge...

Band asks: 'Who'll stop the rain?'
Published February 4, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
The Westminster Municipal Band has been performing for more than 100 years at parades, special events and festivals throughout Maryland, but members may soon adopt...

Boyz in the Wood
Published February 1, 2009 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
Lessons of team work, adventure at Scouts' Klondike Derby It looked a little, well ... dangerous. On the edge of woods, standing on one side...

In their lifetimes
Published January 21, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
Until this week, Jean Lewis had considered Martin Luther King Jr. to be the one great leader of her lifetime. While she had never seen him...
more

Sports

1-2 of 2 articles

Ramped up over Westminster Skate Park project
Published October 22, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
Cathy Spencer, textile and fashion instructor at Carroll County Career and Technology Center, always tells her students, "knowledge is knowledge" and you "apply it where...

Rogue Runners take the field for annual 5K run, walk
Published September 3, 2008 by Eldersburg Eagle
Despite the holiday, the parking lot of Liberty High School was teeming with activity on Monday morning. People of all ages were stretching, jumping, talking...

Events

1-5 of 7 articles

For ballet students, 'Nutcracker' is experience that never fades
Published December 10, 2008 by Eldersburg Eagle
As the character Clara in "The Nutcracker," Rebecca Eastman has numerous costume changes with only minutes to spare. But the 17-year-old enjoys every minute of...

Back on Track
Published November 21, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
It was just after their vacation in July that the Gerhold family's thoughts turned to Christmas. At the Manchester Volunteer Fire Dept., they cleared a room...

Fun, charity at annual Fallfest
Published September 24, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
Westminster's largest charity fundraiser -- known to residents of all ages simply as Fallfest -- marks its 30th anniversary this year with its traditional mix...

Vintage tips and critiques
Published September 17, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
The amateur wine making contest at the Maryland Wine Festival features a variety of fruit wines made from strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and peaches. There have also...

'Crazy' idea is now plum opportunity
Published July 20, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
Perhaps it was a crazy move, but Gary Lane and his business partner John Rice decided several years ago to knock down the old Twin...

http://www.explorecarroll.com/search/?s=Katie+V.+Jones&action=GO
20090224 Recent Explore Carroll work by Katie V Jones
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/
Kevin Dayhoff: www.westgov.net Westminster Maryland Online www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Olympians receive a special gift of warmth By Katie V. Jones

Olympians receive a special gift of warmth

Westminster-based Hugs and Stiches knits its way into community's hearts By Katie V. Jones Posted
www.explorecarroll.com 2/18/09

When Sandi Schneider was 8, she awoke on Christmas morning to find her home's front hallway filled with toys and presents for her and her two brothers.

The gifts had not come from her family, but from complete strangers.

"My mother died when I was very young just before Christmas," Schneider explains of her childhood in Pittsburgh.

"My family grew up so poor," she said. "We had nothing."

While at the time she didn't think anything of it, today she is overwhelmed with the generosity that a local organization showered upon her family.

Today, Schneider is "warm and well fed" and wants nothing but to help others — just as she was helped those many years ago.

"I have just always wanted to do something to give back to the community," said Schneider, explaining the main purpose behind, Hugs and Stitches, an organization she helped create.

The local group provides knitted and crocheted items for Shepherd's Staff and other organizations. This month marks the weekly group's fourth anniversary.

"We typically knit between 800 to 1,000 scarves, 300 to 400 hats and about 100 pairs of mittens for Shepherd's Staff," Schneider said, adding with a chuckle, "We have only one little old lady who does mittens."

While Shepherd's Staff is the group's biggest project, Hugs and Stitches creates various items for other organizations and groups.

Recently, members made more than two dozen maroon and white scarves for Carroll County's Special Olympics team in preparation for the Olympians' ski trip.

"I thought it was fantastic, I thought it was wonderful they did this," said Karen Koenigsberg, whose daughter, Stephanie Carpegna, is a member of the ski team and a recipient of a scarf.

"This is the first year they've done it (for the team)," Koenigsberg added.

Every Tuesday evening about a dozen of the group's 20-plus members gather to knit or crochet items for the group's charities.

"Any yarn you take has to be made into one of our programs," Schneider said of the group's simple rules. "Anything made at our group (meeting) has to go to the group's programs."

Schneider provides all the yarn, though the group does accept donations. Members bring their own hooks and needles.

The charity recipients aren't the only ones who benefit from the sessions, however.

"We get benefits, too," said Rosalie Duncan, who has been a member almost from the start. "I like the camaraderie and the opportunity to learn different stitches and patterns."

Schneider noted that the group is not "a teaching group," but she acknowledges that members do "show and tell" what they've done over the week.

"One girl makes so much it is beyond words," Schneider said. "They're just a great bunch of girls in their mid-20s to late-80s, every age group you could possibly want -- but you would never know there was any age difference."

Even members who can't come every week often send in their completed items with someone.

"I have met some nice people," Duncan said. "We enjoy the giving part of it and helping some body else, and also enjoy the learning part and having a good time. It's a win-win situation."

"I'm just thrilled," Schneider said of her group. "They are all just so dedicated. They're there every week and turn in as much as they can."

For more information on Hugs and Stitches, contact Sandi Schneider at 410-848-8860 or e-mail crafter359@aol.com
.


http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/2352/olympians-receive-special-gift-warmth/

20090218
Olympians receive a special gift of warmth by KJones
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/
Kevin Dayhoff: www.westgov.net Westminster Maryland Online www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Friday, July 18, 2008

Westminster will impose job cuts by Katie Jones for the Westminster Eagle

20080718 Westminster will impose job cuts by Katie Jones for the Westminster Eagle

Westminster will impose job cuts

Layoffs, revision of benefits announced

By Katie V. Jones

Originally Posted on the Westminster Eagle 7/16/08

Westminster Mayor Thomas Ferguson announced Monday the elimination of several jobs within city government as a means to cut the city’s budget in the face of what he called a “challenging year.”

A press release issued Monday said the cuts are needed “to facilitate a balanced budget.”

The city will not fill two vacant positions in the Office of Finance and the Mayor’s Office, and will eliminate the position of Housing Rehabilitation Coordinator and Manager of Planning.

Additionally, the city’s Code Enforcement Officer and Section 8 Housing Inspector positions will be merged into one job, and the City Clerk position will be trimmed from a full-time position to part-time.

Two administrative assistant positions will be cut, but two “staff assistant” positions will be created.

The release said a severance package, including pay and benefits, will be set up for employees whose positions have been eliminated.

In addition, the release announced changes to current city employees’ benefit packages.

Employees will be asked to double their contribution to health care policies from 7 percent to 14 percent.

Also, retirees’ health care benefits will be modified, and employees hired after July 1 of this year will not be eligible for this benefit, the press release stated.

“This has been a challenging year for the city as revenues have declined and expenditures have continued to increase,” said Ferguson in the release.

“Our three-year operating projections do not indicate this situation will improve significantly in the immediate future,” he addded. “Accordingly, I am reluctantly outlining the steps we have taken to adapt to this financial situation.”

Borrowing $3.5 million

The job cuts were not discussed at Monday’s meeting of the mayor and council.At the meeting, though, city officials did discuss how they would spend the $3.5 million loan that the council authorized in a special session July 9.

The bond money is targeted at road overlay projects, and Jeff Glass, director of public works, briefed the council on which streets would be slated for repairs and the possible order of completion.

Glass said that while his office has organized 11 groupings of streets for “some orderly fashion,” the future contractor of the project may have their own suggestions on how the work should proceed.

Glass noted that while plans are to complete all 11 groups, the rising cost of asphalt could prevent all from completion.

At the special session on July 9, Ferguson had noted that if asphalt prices continue to rise, the city may opt to stall the road repair program and return some of the $3.5 million without using it.

Prices, he said at last week’s meeting, are “going due north,” and will already affect the number of projects the city thinks it can accomplish.

The general obligation bond will be with BB&T Bank and is structured for nine years, with a two-year interest-only component. If the city chooses not to use the full amount, there is no penalty for early repayment, officials said.

At Monday’s session, the council agreed to put the overlay project out to bid instead of extending an existing order with C.J. Miller. While this will delay the project, it is necessary, Ferguson said, to get “the best price we can.”

That process will take 30 days, which Glass described as “the fast track.”

“It has to be advertised and the companies have to put their bids together,” he said. “Thirty days is cutting it.”

While Glass was fairly confident that the first two groups of streets would proceed as planned, Ferguson reminded everyone that the proposal was a “plan.”

“This is a plan and it is subject to modifications and change,” he said.


Jim Joyner contributed to this story.


http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/221/westminster-will-impose-job-cuts/

Westminster will impose job cuts by Katie Jones for the Westminster Eagle

20080718 Westminster will impose job cuts by Katie Jones for the Westminster Eagle

Westminster will impose job cuts

Layoffs, revision of benefits announced

By Katie V. Jones

Originally Posted on the Westminster Eagle 7/16/08

Westminster Mayor Thomas Ferguson announced Monday the elimination of several jobs within city government as a means to cut the city’s budget in the face of what he called a “challenging year.”

A press release issued Monday said the cuts are needed “to facilitate a balanced budget.”

The city will not fill two vacant positions in the Office of Finance and the Mayor’s Office, and will eliminate the position of Housing Rehabilitation Coordinator and Manager of Planning.

Additionally, the city’s Code Enforcement Officer and Section 8 Housing Inspector positions will be merged into one job, and the City Clerk position will be trimmed from a full-time position to part-time.

Two administrative assistant positions will be cut, but two “staff assistant” positions will be created.

The release said a severance package, including pay and benefits, will be set up for employees whose positions have been eliminated.

In addition, the release announced changes to current city employees’ benefit packages.

Employees will be asked to double their contribution to health care policies from 7 percent to 14 percent.

Also, retirees’ health care benefits will be modified, and employees hired after July 1 of this year will not be eligible for this benefit, the press release stated.

“This has been a challenging year for the city as revenues have declined and expenditures have continued to increase,” said Ferguson in the release.

“Our three-year operating projections do not indicate this situation will improve significantly in the immediate future,” he addded. “Accordingly, I am reluctantly outlining the steps we have taken to adapt to this financial situation.”

Borrowing $3.5 million

The job cuts were not discussed at Monday’s meeting of the mayor and council.At the meeting, though, city officials did discuss how they would spend the $3.5 million loan that the council authorized in a special session July 9.

The bond money is targeted at road overlay projects, and Jeff Glass, director of public works, briefed the council on which streets would be slated for repairs and the possible order of completion.

Glass said that while his office has organized 11 groupings of streets for “some orderly fashion,” the future contractor of the project may have their own suggestions on how the work should proceed.

Glass noted that while plans are to complete all 11 groups, the rising cost of asphalt could prevent all from completion.

At the special session on July 9, Ferguson had noted that if asphalt prices continue to rise, the city may opt to stall the road repair program and return some of the $3.5 million without using it.

Prices, he said at last week’s meeting, are “going due north,” and will already affect the number of projects the city thinks it can accomplish.

The general obligation bond will be with BB&T Bank and is structured for nine years, with a two-year interest-only component. If the city chooses not to use the full amount, there is no penalty for early repayment, officials said.

At Monday’s session, the council agreed to put the overlay project out to bid instead of extending an existing order with C.J. Miller. While this will delay the project, it is necessary, Ferguson said, to get “the best price we can.”

That process will take 30 days, which Glass described as “the fast track.”

“It has to be advertised and the companies have to put their bids together,” he said. “Thirty days is cutting it.”

While Glass was fairly confident that the first two groups of streets would proceed as planned, Ferguson reminded everyone that the proposal was a “plan.”

“This is a plan and it is subject to modifications and change,” he said.


Jim Joyner contributed to this story.


http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/221/westminster-will-impose-job-cuts/