Westminster city clerk dies

Westminster city clerk dies

Laurell Taylor was also former county attorney

By Charles Schelle and Kevin Dayhoff

Posted http://explorecarroll.com/news/3514/cityclerk/ 10/09/09

Westminster and Carroll County officials are mourning the loss of City Clerk Laurell Taylor, who died at her home Thursday morning.

“She was a very dedicated city employee,” Mayor Kevin Utz said in an interview with The Eagle. “She did everything asked of her. She would never bat an eye at anything she had to do.”

Arrangements are pending, and the cause of death is unknown at this time, Utz said.

Read the entire article here: Westminster city clerk dies

20091009 SCE Westminster city clerk dies sceked

Posted http://explorecarroll.com/news/3514/cityclerk/ 10/09/09

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Westminster Maryland Online http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/ http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.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/

Zombies on the Town

Coming this week in the Sunday Carroll Eagle:

Living dead will invade 'Westmonster' for third annual Zombie Walk

By Charles Schelle

If you see the undead roaming the Westminster's Main Street next week, don't worry. The only thing they're hungry for is a good time and a free movie.

In fact, they're bringing their own food.

The Westmonster Zombie Walk will return for its third year at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, beginning at the Westminster Barber Shop, 140 Village Shopping Center, Westminster.

Zombies will shuffle down Main Street to the Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., for a free screening of "Night of the Living Dead."

Admission to the walk is canned food that will be donated to Carroll County Food Sunday food bank ... but please, no canned brains.

The annual walk is organized by Charlie "Ruckus" Pittinger, 27, a Finksburg resident and owner of a film production company, Ruckus Productions.

"It's fun to mill around out there with zombies," he said.

Read more at ...

http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/3491/zombies/

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*****

Westminster Maryland Online http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/ http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.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/

Carroll County recommendations for employment zoning campuses stem from 2007 study

Carroll County recommendations for employment zoning campuses stem from 2007 study

For more information click here:

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/search/label/Carroll%20Co%20Govt%20Planning%20Pathways

20090702 Pathways plan public hearing approaching By Schutt
http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2009/07/pathways-plan-public-hearing.html
http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2009/07/02/news/local_news/2_pathways_plan.txt

Pathways plan causing confusion for residents, officials By Charles Schelle http://www.explorecarroll.com/ http://tinyurl.com/m8c7ra
http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2009/06/pathways-plan-causing-confusion-for.html

Culleton on Carroll: We need industrial land & insurance it’ll stay that way http://www.explorecarroll.com/ http://tinyurl.com/ksx7p6 http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2009/06/culleton-we-need-industrial-land-in.html [20090625 Culleton We need ind land that will stay that way]

And especially read:
Carroll ‘unprepared’ to attract new jobs by Kelsey Volkmann, The Examiner
http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2007/03/carroll-unprepared-to-attract-new-jobs.html Mar 2, 2007 [20070302 Carroll unprepared to attract new jobs kvbe]

For additional reading go to where you may find previous columns I have written on the history of the Carroll County Comprehensive Plan process in Carroll County: http://tinyurl.com/clkwbn and http://twitpic.com/4f7ie
Planning a pathway in Carroll County from 1961 into the future
http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2006/06/planning-pathway-in-carroll-county-from.html

20051005 WE Urban sprawl is no good for all weked http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2005/10/urban-sprawl-is-no-good-for-all-but.html

20050929 Agriculture’s new social contract http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2005/09/agricultures-new-social-contract.html

20090502 SDOSM Comprehensive planning in Carroll County http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2009/05/comprehensive-planning-in-carroll.html

Perhaps one of the best explorations of the Pathways comprehensive master plan in front of the Carroll County Planning and Zoning Commission is found here in Charles Schelle’s article: Carroll County recommendations for employment zoning campuses stem from 2007 study

So far, most of the feedback I have received from folks who are unhappy with aspects of the plan have based their displeasure on misinformation and incorrect conclusions. Of course the facts of the matter has certainly not prevented some folks with being particular unpleasant…

Perhaps there are indeed problems, maybe not. I’m trying to maintain an open mind.

Carroll County recommendations for employment zoning campuses stem from 2007 study By Charles Schelle Posted on www.explorecarroll.com 6/28/09

Proposals for new employment campuses at Taylorsville and Mount Airy have drawn increased scrutiny — and the wrath of some residents — toward Carroll County’s comprehensive master plan review, known as the Pathways Plan.

More than 900 packed a public hearing at Century High School on June 15 many complaining that the Taylorsville plan, in particular, has emerged without adequate explanation and justification.

[…]

The plan includes many different aspects — Pathways is designed to update the county’s blueprint for land-use, zoning, transportation, county facilities, parks, conservation and other facets.

Yet the biggest issue at recent meetings is residents’ claim of a lack of explanation about the proposed rezoning of residential land, especially in Taylorsville as well as land rezoned south of I-70 in Mount Airy for a new classification — office park and employment zone.

The classification provides space for employment campuses, office, light manufacturing and assembly and limited commercial uses.

Overall, Pathways proposes 3,500 acres of new employment zoning in the county. Taylorsville is the biggest at 1,700 acres; the next is a 600-acre parcel in Mount Airy south of I-70.

The remaining 1,200 acres are divided up in pockets in Finksburg, Woodbine, Westminster, outside of Winfield along routes 26 and 85, and a small parcel off Main Street in Mount Airy.

The current lands are a combination of agricultural, conservation, residential and business uses.

[…]

2007 study set wheels in motion

While residents say the employment campus proposals have come from left field, planners say they stem from a 2007 study, the “Carroll County Economic Development Land and Employment Needs Study.”

The study was performed by Parsons Brinckerhoff-PlaceMaking Team, a New York-based company the county contracted to look at Carroll’s employment zoning needs. Also involved in the study was the Jacob France Institute from the University of Baltimore’s Economic Research Associates.

The study determined that several factors would play in creating the strongest areas for business development in the county. Those factors included:

• Sites designated for growth in municipal plans.

• Land within two miles of a major highway.

• Vacant parcels larger than 25 acres.

• Proximity to high-income areas.

• And “underdeveloped parcels” — those where assessed land values are higherthan the value of the land’s improvements.

The study also recommended excluding agricultural easements. From those factors, the study plotted sites that would qualify — and that turned into the Pathways list.

The Mount Airy tract south of I-70 was a special case. The study stated that a study would be needed there because the 600-acre parcel has issues including lack of direct access, water and sewer service and the site’s designation as an aquifer protection area for the Patapsco River.

But Vivian Laxton, the county government’s public information administrator, said the county also based the recommendations on input from residents.

She said during a 2006 project called “Map It Out” — part of the Pathways outreach process — people suggested grouping development in Taylorsville and in southern Mount Airy.

[…]

… planners said, but they note the 2007 study suggested water and sewer construction — estimated at about $177 million, excluding the cost of new reservoirs — would be needed for all of the employment clusters.

The study addresses some aspects of water and sewer needs, but notes the Route 26 corridor water and sewer estimates are “based on a quick analysis rather than detailed studies.”

Brenda Dinne, bureau chief of comprehensive planning for the county, said consultants are working on a study estimating the water and wastewater needs that the Pathways Plan would present.

That study should be in the hands of the Planning Commission shortly afterJuly 10, she said. That timing, though, will leave only a few days before the commission’s Pathways public hearing on July 14.

But Dinne said a separate hearing will be needed for the proposed rezoning if the planning commission passes it along. That hearing won’t take place until after Pathways is adopted this summer, she said, and could take until December.

Communication issues

Dinne said the county is working to answer residents concerns. She said people are brought in from various departments to help at the information meetings and answer questions — though every staff member might not know all the answers.

“We’re doing our best to answer from the people available,” she said. Laxton said some of residents’ angst might be from misunderstanding the difference between land-use and zoning.

She notes that if a home is on land that is proposed to be rezoned for employment, nothing will change until the homeowner sells and the buyer decides to take advantage of the rezoned classification.

Or, she said, the current homeowner could also turn his or her property into an office park/employment use.

Essentially, she said, the county wants that land to ultimately be used foremployment — but until it is, residential uses would still be allowable.

[…]

Read the entire article here: Carroll County recommendations for employment zoning campuses stem from 2007 study

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The Carroll County Planning Commission's public hearing on Pathways will be July 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Winters Mill High School, 560 Gorsuch Road, Westminster. Comments are limited to two minutes each.

Public comment to be reviewed by Planning Commission must be received not later than July 10 at 5 p.m. at Carroll County Planning, c/o Pathways Plan Comments, 225 N. Center St., Room 205, Westminster, MD 21157.

A hearing on any proposed rezoning will occur after Pathways is adopted.

Pathways Assistance

Click here to view the Carroll County Economic Development Land and Employment Needs Study. (This is a large file. Right-click to save as a file to desktop.)

Click here to view the executive summary for the Carroll County Economic Development Land and Employment Needs Study.

Click here to view the Frequently Ask Questions about the Carroll County Economic Development Land and Employment Needs Study.

Click here to view the full list of Carroll County studies for the Pathways plan.

Click here to view the Map It Out exercise where residents placed Lego blocks on area they wish to have development. Links to the maps are at the bottom of the linked page.

For more information on Pathways, visit www.carrollpathways.org

20090628 Emp rezoning proves Pathway to controversy by Schelle

The Carroll County Times also has plenty of information:

Pathways Maps
Current Map
Proposed Map

Pathways: Explaining Carroll's Comprehensive Plan: (Published May 24 - 26, 2009)

Day 1: Overview, the Water Resources Element and how the municipalities fit into the plan

20-year plan provides blueprint for growth
What will Carroll County look like in 20 years?

County, towns work to address water needs
As the county grows over the next 20 years, the availability of water and wastewater and preserving water quality will be major factors.
Municipalities have own plans for future development
Highlights of Finksburg plan draft to be unveiled
Day 2: Residential growth and agricultural preservation

Protecting farmland a priority in Carroll County
With Carroll County’s agricultural and rural heritage, protecting farmland has long been a county priority. This was recognized in the first county master plan in 1964.

Officials anticipate challenges in downsizing zoning
Carroll residents have shown strong support for the ag land preservation program, and Program Manager Ralph Robertson isn’t expecting much of a challenge to those portions of the comprehensive plan. But the proposed changes to downsize the zoning on the county’s conservation zoning is another challenge altogether.
Plan aims to reduce rural development
Day 3: Economic growth and plans for transportation projects

Pathways goal aims to bring jobs to Carroll
Building a community where residents work where they live is the vision guiding Carroll County’s Comprehensive Plan. County officials hope that vision creates thousands of jobs and builds a diverse tax base.

Plan calls for improvement in transportation
Achieving Carroll County’s long-term goal of communities that are easily accessible for pedestrians and bicyclists will require improvements to the county’s sporadic network of sidewalks, paths and trails.

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

Kevin Dayhoff: http://www.westgov.net/ Westminster Maryland Online http://www.westminstermarylandonline.net/ http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Pathways plan causing confusion for residents, officials By Charles Schelle

Pathways plan causing confusion for residents, officials

Related:

Culleton on Carroll: We need industrial land & insurance it’ll stay that way http://www.explorecarroll.com/ http://tinyurl.com/ksx7p6 http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2009/06/culleton-we-need-industrial-land-in.html [20090625 Culleton We need ind land that will stay that way]

And especially read:
Carroll ‘unprepared’ to attract new jobs by Kelsey Volkmann, The Examiner
http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2007/03/carroll-unprepared-to-attract-new-jobs.html Mar 2, 2007 [20070302 Carroll unprepared to attract new jobs kvbe]

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Pathways plan causing confusion for residents, officials By Charles Schelle Posted on www.explorecarroll.com 6/23/09

Carroll County’s comprehensive master plan draft, called Pathways, is causing some confusion for both residents and elected officials.

The biggest issues about the plan include lack of explanations about the proposed rezoning of some residential land, especially in Taylorsville, to an employment campus classification as well as land rezoned south of I-70 in Mount Airy for industrial and commercial use.

[…]

The two rezoning changes catching fire are both turning about 1,700 acres of residential land in Taylorsville’s routes 26 and 27 intersection to employment campus land and another being land south of I-70 in Mount Airy at the headwaters of the Patapsco River.

[…]

Krebs (Del. Susan Krebs (R-9B) of Eldersburg) said …

“There were planners to came to the Mount Airy and Eldersburg libraries a month ago and were suppose to answer questions,” she said. “The planners at the Eldersburg Library were not from the area; they had no idea to the questions they were asked. And you stood in line to ask a question about the map, they did not give you the proposal and you had to look it up online first.”

Krebs said it’s time for the county to step back and answer the unresolved questions correctly.

Read the June 28 edition of The Carroll Eagle for more on how land was selected to be rezoned and what your property rights are for the proposed rezoning and land use designations in Pathways.

Pathways resources

View information and studies about Pathways at www.carrollpathways.org.

Residents with questions about Pathways can call the Pathways hotline at 877-349-8309 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Residents can also visit the Pathways Assistance Center at Room 205 in the County Office Building, 225 N. Center St., Westminster from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Staff will be available to provide assistance and answer any questions related to the draft Pathways Plan document, the proposed zoning text, and the proposed zoning maps.

Read Charles Schelle’s entire article here: Pathways plan causing confusion for residents, officials

20090623 Pathways plan causing confusion

http://www.explorecarroll.com/news/3057/pathways-plan-causing-confusion-residents-officials/#comments

And be sure to read the comments… One example:

user songbird says...

I am resident of Carroll who happens to think that the Pathways plan is an excellent way forward for the county. I was not sure at first about it because of all the noise being made by some people - but I attended the meetings and listened to all the negative stuff. But apart from just saying that they did not like the plan - there was little substance in what was said beyond anger and noise. I did not speak and neither did others who agree with the plan because it did not seem to be the place to do so. The shouting and ruckus at the Century High meeting really put me off. I was not going to stand up and be shouted down - because that is all that would have happened. They did not seem to be in the mood to listen to an alternative view. But I made a point of reading the entire plan - I am not sure how many of those who disagree have actually read it all because they do not seem to understand that there is ample consideration of conservation in it. In fact, if the plan is followed we will have more conservation land in Carroll than we did before - granted it will not be in the same areas. I live in one of the contested areas and have no problem with the idea of a business park. It is a far better alternative than having residences and business springing up in every corner of the county in a hap hazard way without any planning.

Posted 2:42 PM, 06.25.09 Permalink

Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ (http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/)
Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://www.westgov.net/Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoffTwitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoffYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/kevindayhoffFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1040426835

Kevin Dayhoff: www.westgov.net Westminster Maryland Online www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

New Sykesville mayor objects but council OKs generator

New Sykesville mayor objects but council OKs generator

New mayor objects, but council OKs generator

For more on this unfolding story please see: Herman's loss in Sykesville is a blow to countywide economics by John Culleton http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2009/05/hermans-loss-in-sykesville-is-blow-to.html

Mr. Culleton’s column may be found in www.explorecarroll.com here: Culleton on Carroll - By John Culleton Posted on www.explorecarroll.com 5/18/09 Herman's loss in Sykesville is a blow to countywide economics

Miller upsets Herman in Sykesville mayoral race By Charles Schelle on “Soundtrack.”

Charles Schelle’s article may found here: Miller upsets Herman in Sykesville mayoral race By Charles Schelle

The election results may be found here: Sykesville, Carroll County Maryland May 5 2009 municipal election results

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Resident takes issue with mayor not taking public comment on matter By Charles Schelle cschelle AT patuxent.com

Posted on www.explorecarroll.com 5/31/09

The Sykesville Police Department will get an emergency generator despite opposition by newly-elected Mayor Mike Miller.

The mayor and members of the Town Council debated at a May 27 meeting whether to fund the generator in the $2.8 million fiscal 2010 budget -- despite the fact that the council had previously awarded a contract in April to Bangs Generator System for $43,511.

The 80-kilowatt generator will power both the police station and the Town House in emergencies.

Council members Leslie Reed, Frank Robert, Scott Sanzone and Chris True voted to approve to fund the generator in next year's budget, while Miller and council members Leo Keenan and Ian Shaw voted against the generator.

[…]

Miller then said he would not take additional public comment on the generator issue before the vote. That prompted resident Howard Saslow, who unsuccessfully ran for Town Council, to criticize the process.

"It is a slap in the face to all of us who take part in due process," he said.

Miller said he decided to not take public comment because the generator had been discussed at prior council meetings and he thought the audience "was aware of all the nuances."

Saslow said the mayor and council should consider public comment if they are considering reversing the outcome of a vote made by the previous by the mayor and council.

"I hope that the future of the town is not what I saw tonight," he said. "It is really upsetting to me as a member of this town to not be able to comment on something that important."

[…]

Be sure to read the entire article: New mayor objects, but council OKs generator

20090531 New mayor objects but council OKs generator by Schelle

http://explorecarroll.com/news/2950/new-mayor-objects-but-council-oks-generator/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff

www.explorecarroll.com New Sykesville mayor objects but council OKs generator by Charles Schelle http://tinyurl.com/mxkkfv

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

Westminster Maryland Online www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Recent Charles Schelle articles in Explore Carroll com

Recent Charles Schelle articles in Explore Carroll com

Hit-and-run suspect arraigned in Carroll court
Published May 1, 2009 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle
Carroll County Circuit Court Judge Francis Arnold denied bond Friday morning for Shawron Gabriel Bibbs, who arraigned for charges in a hit-and-run accident that killed a McDaniel College student.Bibbs was then returned to the Carroll County Detention ... ...

Health officials taking steps to track swine flu
Published May 1, 2009 by Carroll Eagle
Carroll County Health Officer Larry Leitch said this week that he sees swine flu as an extension of the seasonal flu.“This is a very, very mild virus so far,” he said Thursday at a Board of County Commissioners discussion in Westminster.Swine flu has the ... ...

Victims' rights activist urges families to push forward
Published April 27, 2009 by Eldersburg Eagle, Carroll Eagle
Roberta Roper this week urged victims and their families to persevere, sharing the words that her late daughter Stephanie wrote in her journal:“One person can make a difference, and every person should try.”Roper spoke Monday, April 27, at the kickoff to ... ...

Water wars
Published April 27, 2009 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle
Gov. Martin O'Malley's Mark Twain quote simply summed up what Westminster and Carroll County is facing: "Whiskey is for drinking, and water is for fighting over."Well, except for the whiskey part.Several Carroll municipalities, including ... ...

Victims' rights activist to speak in Sykesville
Published April 26, 2009 by Carroll Eagle, Eldersburg Eagle
Maryland's victims' rights pioneer Roberta Roper will be the keynote speaker Monday in Sykesville as part of the state's kickoff event for Victims' Rights Week.Roper will be part of the 10th annual open house and awards ceremony at the Public Safety ... ...

20090501 SDOSM Recent Charles Schelle articles in Explore Carroll com
Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/
Kevin Dayhoff Art: www.kevindayhoff.com
Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: www.westgov.net
www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Recent Charles Schelle articles on Explore Carroll com

Recent Charles Schelle articles on Explore Carroll com

November 23, 2008

'Munchie run' gone bad leads to MTV infamy
Published November 23, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
Lindsey Staymates of Westminster was just "walking on the feet" to the "hungry store." But she wound up on MTV with a ticket from police. Now,...

Century, Linton students celebrate veterans
Published November 19, 2008 by Eldersburg Eagle
Century High School students had a chance last week to interact one-on-one with veterans through the school's annual Living History Museum. Students such as Cadet...

Not right for Rosewood transfer?
Published November 19, 2008 by Eldersburg Eagle
Consultant study says Springfield building 'not well-suited' An analysis of Springfield Hospital Center's Muncie Building has found the space is not a good fit for...

Assembly says Sykesville details not good enough, withholds $4.9 million
Published November 19, 2008 by Eldersburg Eagle
The General Assembly has withheld $4.9 million from the budget of the state's Developmental Disabilities Administration because of a failure to submit a detailed plan...

News Briefs
Published November 16, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
Sykesville police start reading effort The Sykesville Police Department has introduced a reading program to increase interaction between the town's children and the police department....

Serious look at annexing in Sykesville
Published November 12, 2008 by Eldersburg Eagle
Sykesville's Town Council president said Monday she wants the town to hold a meeting dedicated to the proposal to annex Springfield Hospital Center. Town...

Yard of horror in Eldersburg
Published November 12, 2008 by Eldersburg Eagle
Jim Finneran of Eldersburg wants his children to remember how crazy their parents were. So for Halloween, he and his wife Carol transformed their Longleaf...

Foley, Seidel say budget is top issue
Published November 12, 2008 by Eldersburg Eagle, Westminster Eagle
Now that Cynthia Foley of Westminster reclaimed her Board of Education seat, she's not exactly looking forward to the biggest challenge."The budget used...

Nuclear simulator firm in Eldersburg
Published November 12, 2008 by Eldersburg Eagle
Carroll County officially welcomed GSE Systems to Eldersburg last week in the former London Fog building on Londontown Boulevard. The company brings about 85 jobs...

South Carroll 'hot' for business growth?
Published November 12, 2008 by Eldersburg Eagle
Larry Twele, Carroll County's director of economic development, said this week that the recently-proposed Liberty Crossing business park in Eldersburg is an appropriate fit and...

Click here for more Charles Schelle stories

20081123 Recent Charles Schelle articles on Explore Carroll com

“Munchie run” by a Salisbury University student from Westminster leads to MTV infamy

“Munchie run” by a Salisbury University student from Westminster leads to MTV infamy

Lindsey Staymates, 20, of Westminster, talks to Deputy First Class Rob Parker of Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office near Salisbury University. Staymates’ appearance on the MTV show “Busted” garnered her the dubious distinction of “Miss Busted 2008.” ((Photo courtesy MTV))

November 23, 2008

Score another great story by talented Explore Carroll writer Charles Schelle. If you are not reading Mr. Schelle’s stuff on http://www.explorecarroll.com/, you’re missing out…

First the video that Mr. Schelle found:

Munchie Run

After receiving a DUI just two days earlier, a 19-year Lindsay is again stopped by an officer, this time for underage drinking while walking.

http://www.mtv.com/videos/misc/268616/munchie-run.jhtml

MTV Shows

Now Mr. Schelle’s article in the Sunday Carroll Eagle:

'Munchie run' gone bad leads to MTV infamy

Westminster native 'Busted' on reality TV By Charles Schelle schelle@patuxent.com Posted on www.explorecarroll.com 11/23/08

Lindsey Staymates of Westminster was just "walking on the feet" to the "hungry store."

But she wound up on MTV with a ticket from police. Now, she's Miss Busted 2008.

"I actually don't regret it all," said Staymates, 20, a sophomore at Salisbury University. "I just see it as another life event."

Staymates received nationwide attention for her comical, yet eye-opening, appearance on the MTV show "Busted." The show is a sort of "Cops" for a younger generation, featuring footage of crimes committed by 17- to 25-year-olds and the consequences they face. In Staymates case, she says she was starving on May 11 after a night of drinking and headed to Hardee's. But after being previously cited for driving under the influence, she decided to jog to Hardee's.

That's when Deputy First Class Rob Parker of the Wicomico Sheriff's Office -- and an MTV crew -- spotted her.

The deputy performed a preliminary breath test, and Staymates blew a .16, twice the legal limit if you're 21. (The legal limit for people under 21 in Maryland is .00.)

But Staymates didn't see what was wrong with jogging to Hardee's, even if she was drunk.

"I was walking ... on the feet!" she told Parker in a plea that started her 15 minutes of fame. "I was hungry! ... I'm like, 'I'm walking to the ... hungry store!' "

Today, in retrospect, Staymates said she wasn't sure what would come out of the episode, mostly because she's not sure what happened.

"I didn't have any idea of what I said," she admits.

But suddenly, people recognized the Westminster High School graduate at Salisbury -- and back home in Westminster.

[...]

Read the entire article by Mr. Schelle here: 'Munchie run' gone bad leads to MTV infamy

http://explorecarroll.com/news/1628/munchie-run-gone-bad-leads-mtv-infamy/

20081123 Munchie run by Wster Sbury U student leads to MTV infamy