20070702 Grant of Executive Clemency for Libby by President Bush

Grant of Executive Clemency for Libby by President Bush

July 2^nd, 2007

GRANT OF EXECUTIVE CLEMENCY

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Home > News & Policies > Proclamation Archives

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/07/20070702-4.html

Statement by the President On Executive Clemency for Lewis Libby

Hat Tip: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11658207

WHEREAS Lewis Libby was convicted in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia in the case United States v. Libby, Crim. No. 05-394 (RBW), for which a sentence of 30 months' imprisonment, 2 years' supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and a special assessment of $400 was imposed on June 22, 2007;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, pursuant to my powers under Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution, do hereby commute the prison terms imposed by the sentence upon the said Lewis Libby to expire immediately, leaving intact and in effect the two-year term of supervised release, with all its conditions, and all other components of the sentence.

IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand and seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.

GEORGE W. BUSH

For additional information:

On “Soundtrack” click on: Plame Wilson Novak Libby CIA Leak Case

Timeline: CIA Leak Case: Follow the twists and turns in the CIA leak investigation that resulted in Libby's conviction — and in a sentence commutation from President Bush.

Read Libby's appeal denial (pdf file)

Libby becomes inmate No. 28301-016

Libby seeks delay of prison term

Read Bush's full statement on Libby

Libby denied request to remain free on bond

Bush spares Libby from 2 1/2-year prison term

The latest on Bush commuting Libby

MAIN REPORT PAGE

Bush Decision on Libby Draws Fire

Wilson: Commuting Libby's Sentence Is 'Corrupt'

President's Move on Libby Risks Fallout

Comment: Bush had nothing to lose over Libby

Timeline: 'Scooter' Libby trial

Libby suffers new court defeat

July 2, 2007: Libby Won't Go to Prison; Fine, Probation Remain

June 5, 2007: Libby Sentenced to 2 1/2 Years in CIA Leak Case

March 6, 2007: Lewis 'Scooter' Libby Found Guilty of Lying

Feb. 20, 2007: Final Arguments Made in Libby Perjury Case

July 2, 2007: The Trial of Lewis Libby

Feb. 8, 2007: Prosecution Rests Case in Libby Trial

Jan. 16, 2007: Jury Selection to Begin in Libby Trial

20070702 Full text of Bush statement on Libby decision

Full text of Bush statement on Libby decision

July 2^nd, 2007

References: Grant of Executive Clemency

Statement by the President On Executive Clemency for Lewis Libby

Read president's text on commuting ex-White House aide's prison sentence

Hat Tip: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19570172/

July 2, 2007

President Bush's released a statement Monday sparing former White House aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby from a 2 1/2-year prison term. The following is the full text of the document.

The United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit today rejected Lewis Libby's request to remain free on bail while pursuing his appeals for the serious convictions of perjury and obstruction of justice. As a result, Mr. Libby will be required to turn himself over to the Bureau of Prisons to begin serving his prison sentence.

I have said throughout this process that it would not be appropriate to comment or intervene in this case until Mr. Libby's appeals have been exhausted. But with the denial of bail being upheld and incarceration imminent, I believe it is now important to react to that decision.

From the very beginning of the investigation into the leaking of Valerie Plame's name, I made it clear to the White House staff and anyone serving in my administration that I expected full cooperation with the Justice Department. Dozens of White House staff and administration officials dutifully cooperated.

After the investigation was under way, the Justice Department appointed United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois Patrick Fitzgerald as a Special Counsel in charge of the case. Mr. Fitzgerald is a highly qualified, professional prosecutor who carried out his responsibilities as charged.

This case has generated significant commentary and debate. Critics of the investigation have argued that a special counsel should not have been appointed, nor should the investigation have been pursued after the Justice Department learned who leaked Ms. Plame's name to columnist Robert Novak. Furthermore, the critics point out that neither Mr. Libby nor anyone else has been charged with violating the Intelligence Identities Protection Act or the Espionage Act, which were the original subjects of the investigation. Finally, critics say the punishment does not fit the crime: Mr. Libby was a first-time offender with years of exceptional public service and was handed a harsh sentence based in part on allegations never presented to the jury.

Others point out that a jury of citizens weighed all the evidence and listened to all the testimony and found Mr. Libby guilty of perjury and obstructing justice. They argue, correctly, that our entire system of justice relies on people telling the truth. And if a person does not tell the truth, particularly if he serves in government and holds the public trust, he must be held accountable. They say that had Mr. Libby only told the truth, he would have never been indicted in the first place.

Both critics and defenders of this investigation have made important points. I have made my own evaluation. In preparing for the decision I am announcing today, I have carefully weighed these arguments and the circumstances surrounding this case.

Mr. Libby was sentenced to thirty months of prison, two years of probation, and a $250,000 fine. In making the sentencing decision, the district court rejected the advice of the probation office, which recommended a lesser sentence and the consideration of factors that could have led to a sentence of home confinement or probation.

I respect the jury's verdict. But I have concluded that the prison sentence given to Mr. Libby is excessive. Therefore, I am commuting the portion of Mr. Libby's sentence that required him to spend thirty months in prison.

My decision to commute his prison sentence leaves in place a harsh punishment for Mr. Libby. The reputation he gained through his years of public service and professional work in the legal community is forever damaged. His wife and young children have also suffered immensely. He will remain on probation. The significant fines imposed by the judge will remain in effect. The consequences of his felony conviction on his former life as a lawyer, public servant, and private citizen will be long-lasting.

The Constitution gives the President the power of clemency to be used when he deems it to be warranted. It is my judgment that a commutation of the prison term in Mr. Libby's case is an appropriate exercise of this power.

####

For additional information:

On “Soundtrack” click on: Plame Wilson Novak Libby CIA Leak Case

Timeline: CIA Leak Case: Follow the twists and turns in the CIA leak investigation that resulted in Libby's conviction — and in a sentence commutation from President Bush.

Read Libby's appeal denial (pdf file)

Libby becomes inmate No. 28301-016

Libby seeks delay of prison term

Read Bush's full statement on Libby

Libby denied request to remain free on bond

Bush spares Libby from 2 1/2-year prison term

The latest on Bush commuting Libby

MAIN REPORT PAGE

Bush Decision on Libby Draws Fire

Wilson: Commuting Libby's Sentence Is 'Corrupt'

President's Move on Libby Risks Fallout

Comment: Bush had nothing to lose over Libby

Timeline: 'Scooter' Libby trial

Libby suffers new court defeat

July 2, 2007: Libby Won't Go to Prison; Fine, Probation Remain

June 5, 2007: Libby Sentenced to 2 1/2 Years in CIA Leak Case

March 6, 2007: Lewis 'Scooter' Libby Found Guilty of Lying

Feb. 20, 2007: Final Arguments Made in Libby Perjury Case

July 2, 2007: The Trial of Lewis Libby

Feb. 8, 2007: Prosecution Rests Case in Libby Trial

Jan. 16, 2007: Jury Selection to Begin in Libby Trial

20070621 Westminster Eagle Week in Review

Westminster Eagle Week in Review

June 21^st, 2007

Local News

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News Briefs

By Kevin Dayhoff

City takes delivery of new diesel dump truck

Last Friday, instead of getting an early start on the weekend, many employees of the Westminster Street Department hung around the shop a few minutes after work.

They were waiting with anticipation for the expected delivery of a new, 2007 10-ton Inter...

[…]

The $125,400 truck replaces a vehicle that was 13 or 14 years old. The new truck was included in the fiscal year budget that will end June 30 and came-in $10,000 under budget, according to Larry Bloom, Westminster's superintendent of Parks, Buildings and Streets.

"We worked carefully with Bare Truck Center, used the state bidding contract, ordered it early, and saved the city money," said Bloom.

[…]

[Read full story]

Kevin E. Dayhoff

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Carroll working to save and share 'Our Barn'

I recently had the opportunity to visit Carroll County's historic Marlin K. Hoff log barn, which was built between 1785 and 1795.

Those accompanying me included Community Media Center videographers Joe Cimino and Rod Boudreaux, who are planning an educational video of the barn and its relocation t...

[…]

These two talented artists have completed a number of great documentaries, including recent videos on the work of the Westminster Municipal Band and the Carroll County Children's Chorus.

[…]

Who could deny the appeal of a dancing chorus line including Dave Roush, County Chief of Staff Steve Powell and Commissioner Dean Minnich singing "Our Barn" to the tune of Petula Clark's hit, "Downtown?"

[…]

[Read full story]

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Mom is the law

Prior to six months ago, Elizabeth Duvall of Westminster could be found driving her two sons around in her minivan.

While she still drives her family around in a minivan, Duvall's driving techniques have been "tweaked" a bit after attending the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission Academy in Sykesville.

Last Friday, Duvall graduated with the academy's latest class, and was recognized as the top driver of emergency vehicles.

"They would tease me that I probably don't drive my minivan the same way," Duvall laughed of her classmates' comments.

But she added ...
[Read full story]

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Airport groups vow to continue opposition
Despite last week's approval by the Carroll's Board of County Commissioners to expand the runway at Carroll County Regional Airport, citizen groups say they will continue to oppose the issue as it enters its next phase -- a two-year environmental study.

The results of the study could still halt th...
[Read full story]

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Family that plays, stays together

Ken, Stephanie and Ryan Koons have turned their love for music into a family affair.

The husband, wife and son trio, known as Wherligig, will perform traditional Celtic and Nordic music in celebration of the Summer Solstice this Thursday, June 21, at the Carroll Arts Center in Westminster.

Initially formed in 1985, Wherligig has evolved over the years in the type of music the group plays, the instruments they use and the members who play in the band.

Ken and Stephanie have been the core of the band since its inception, and several years ago son Ryan joined them to make it a...
[Read full story]

Business Briefs

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Main Street Minute
Turn up the heat for a new summer look

It's the first week of summer vacation and the transition from spring fashions to summer flip flops has begun.

If you're looking to add some pizzazz to your summer look without venturing too far from home, just take a walking, shopping tour of Downtown West...
[Read full story]

Recreation

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Sideline View

Athletes offered a banner year in Carroll County

It wasn't long ago that Carroll County was barely a factor when it came to state high school championships.

With the significant population boom of the past 15 years and the accompanying growth of youth feeder programs throughout the county, Carroll's high school teams started to become more competitive.

County programs took another huge step during the 2006 -07 school year, as five of seven Carroll high schools won state titles.

The run began in the fall, when the Francis Scott Key boys cross country team won the Class 2A...
[Read full story]

Opinion

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Familiar face at police barrack is benefit for Carroll County
Editorial

One of the first moves for the new Maryland State Police Superintendent Terrance Sheridan was a welcome one for Carroll County.

Last week Sheridan announced that he was reinstating longtime Westminster Barrack commander Lt. Dean Richardson to that post.

Richardson has been the comman...
[Read full story]

Wolf at the Door

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It's all over but the shouting, unless there's a legal battle
When Commissioner Michael Zimmer voted against the expansion of the Carroll County airport last week, my faith in human nature was renewed. I remember clearly who was holding up his signs on election day.

Now that the expansion has been included in the airport's master plan, there's still much to ...
[Read full story]

The Passing Parade

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There's a full house in the theater of the absurd ...
And it's little wonder, what with the series of absurdities that have dominated the media lately.

On center stage -- where I fear she'll remain until she's either carried off in a straight jacket or loses her girlish figure -- is that living Barbie doll, Paris Hilton, who was born into a fortune a...
[Read full story]

Healthy Recipe
Appealing taste comes from fresh bananas

This week's recipe focuses on the good health and taste of bananas, and is provided by JaDenna Jones, Health Educator and Cessation Coordinator for the Carroll County Health Department.

Discovered by Alexander the Great on his conquest of India in 327 B.C...
[Read full story]

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20070606 Torch Run – Annual Maryland Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Maryland

Flame of Hope Arrives in Carroll County!

Torch Run – Annual Maryland Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Maryland

June 6^th, 2007

Carroll County Law Enforcement Officers Join Forces to Escort the Special Olympics Maryland Torch, Ensuring its Safe Passage to the 2007 SOMD Summer Games

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kelley Wallace/SOMD

PH: 410-789-6677 x117

Cell: 443-386-7965

E-mail: kwallace AT somd.org

OR

Chief Jeff Spaulding

Westminster Police Department

PH: 410-848-4646

E-mail: jspaulding AT westgov.com

Law Enforcement officers representing the various police agencies throughout Carroll County will be out in force on Wednesday, June 6th beginning at 8:00 AM, escorting the Special Olympics Maryland Flame of Hope from five (5) separate points around the county to Westminster, where they will join together and officially present the Flame of Hope in a brief ceremony at noon in front of City Hall.

It is the duty of these Law Enforcement Torch Runners to ensure that the Flame is protected until it is delivered to the waiting hands of the Special Olympics athletes on Friday, June 8th at the Opening Ceremony of the SOMD Summer Games held at Towson University, Towson Maryland.

This portion of the Torch Run Relay is part of the Central Leg, and Torch Run volunteers from the Maryland State Police, Sykesville PD, Hampstead PD, Manchester PD, Taneytown PD, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, the McDaniel College Office of Campus Safety, Springfield Hospital Police, State Fire Marshals Office, and Westminster PD will escort the flame through various municipalities around the County, eventually converging at McDaniel College and traveling the Final Leg along Main Street to City Hall in Westminster.

With the support of Aerotek, the law enforcement volunteers are raising funds in conjunction with the run by selling Torch Run T-shirts, holding events, and soliciting donations. (See end of press release for details on each of the 6 legs).

“We are proud to join our brother and sister officers from around the world in demonstrating our support for these very special members of our community,” stated Chief Jeff Spaulding of the Westminster Police Department. “We are particularly pleased that we will be joined on each of our runs by Special Olympics athletes from right here in Carroll County. It is a great opportunity to further strengthen the long-standing relationship between law enforcement and Special Olympics that we enjoy in Maryland.”

Chief Spaulding invites the community to attend in a short ceremony at City Hall following the Final Leg during which the Special Olympics Athletes who participated as Torch Runners will be honored for their participation.

Statewide, the Maryland Torch Run Relay consists of four different legs – Eastern, Western, Central and Southern – and during the week of June 4 to 8, thousands of Torch Run volunteers will cover hundreds of miles, eventually converging on Towson where the individual flames will be united in the Final Leg Ceremony and then officers from around the state will travel the final three (3) miles to Opening Ceremonies at Towson University.

It is there that the Flame is handed off to the Special Olympics athletes who have the honor of lighting the cauldron and officially declaring the 2007 SOMD Summer Games open. Carroll County will be represented by Chief Jeff Spaulding and other members of the Westminster PD in the Final Leg on Friday, June 8th.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Maryland is a year-round movement whose goal is to raise both funds and awareness for the athletes who train and compete in Special Olympics Maryland, and 2007 marks the 22nd anniversary here in Maryland.

When the Maryland Torch Run began in 1986, only a handful of officers participated, raising $50,000. Since that time, the Maryland Torch Run has grown tremendously, including volunteer officers from nearly every law enforcement agency and correctional facility in Maryland; raising more than $2 million for Special Olympics Maryland in 2006.

For more information about the Carroll County Torch Run relay, or to support the Torch Run Relay by purchasing a commemorative Torch Run T-shirt for $10, contact the Westminster Police Department at 410-848-4646. For more information about Special Olympics Maryland and the 2007 Summer Games, contact Kelley Wallace at 410-789-6677 x117 or visit www.somd.org.

THE CARROLL COUNTY TORCH RUN EVENT INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING LEGS:

Sykesville Leg

Members of the Maryland State Police, Sykesville PD, Office of the State Fire Marshal, and the Springfield Hospital Police.

Runners/bikers will depart City Hall @ 8:15 AM and travel north on Route 32, west on Liberty Road, to Route 97 to McDaniel College.

Hampstead/Manchester Leg

Members of the Maryland State Police, Hampstead PD, and Manchester PD.

Runners/bikers will depart Hampstead City Hall @ 8:30 AM and travel north via Route 30 to Manchester where they will join the Manchester PD runners and travel south on Route 27 to McDaniel College.

Taneytown Leg

Members of the Maryland State Police and Taneytown Police Department.

Runners/bikers will depart Taneytown @ 9:00 AM and travel east on Route 140 to WMC Drive to McDaniel College.

Mt. Airy Leg

Members of the Maryland State Police.

Runners/bikers will depart Mt. Airy @ 8:00 AM and travel north on Route 27 to McDaniel College.

Union Bridge/New Windsor Leg

Members of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office.

Runners/bikers will depart Union Bridge @ 9:00 AM and travel east through New Windsor to McDaniel College.

Final Leg

– Includes all participating law enforcement agencies from Carroll County.

Runners/bikers will depart McDaniel College @ Noon and travel east along Main Street to City Hall where a Torch Run welcoming ceremony and celebration will take place.

####

20070602 Art in the Park, Westminster Maryland June 2nd, 2007

Art in the Park

What's Happening at the Carroll Arts Center

Saturday, June 2 10 am – 5 pm

On the Beautiful ground of Westminster City Hall

A festival of fine arts and crafts, strolling musicians, art demonstrations, unique food and a variety of family activities. Rain or Shine.

Free

For more information please call The Art Center at 410-848-7272 or check out our website, www.carr.org/arts.

Saturday, June 2 2007

Rain or Shine

“Art in the Park” is held the first Saturday of June in the park behind Westminster City Hall. This event is held rain or shine. “Art in the Park” is a juried venue that provides local and regional artists and artisans a chance to exhibit and sell their work in a relaxed, festive atmosphere.

This year’s Art in the Park will feature more than 80 talented artists. This is a great place to find that unique painting or gift. The festival has been expanded this year with more exhibitors and demonstrations. Live musical performances by some of the best local musicians will take place throughout the park. A craft tent provides free craft activities for youngsters. Specialty and traditional food and beverages are available for sale in the park.

This event is free and open to the public. The grounds have been carefully planned to offer ADA accessibility in order that everyone can enjoy the event. Food and beverages are available for sale in the park.

Art in the Park takes place on the grounds of Westminster City Hall. This area is located between Longwell Ave. Locust St. and Key St. In historic downtown Westminster.

Accessibility Notice: The Americans with Disabilities Act applies to the Carroll County Government and its programs, services, activities and facilities. If you have questions, suggestions, or complaints, please contact Jolene Sullivan, the Carroll County government Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator, at 410/386-3600, 888/302-8978 or TT# 410/848-9747. The mailing address is: 10 Distillery Drive, First Floor, Suite 101, Westminster, MD 21157

Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ (http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/)

20070502 This week in the Westminster Eagle

This week in the Westminster Eagle

Wednesday, May 2^nd, 2007 – Posted May 4^th, 2007

Kevin E. Dayhoff

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Recalling Westminster's Disney World: Bobby's Hobby Lobby

In the 1950s and '60s, Main Street in Westminster was the center of the entire known universe.

We could easily walk or ride our bicycles downtown and there we could safely visit Heagy's Sport Shop, G.C. Murphy's, Stu's Music Shop, Davis Library, Shaffer and Company Variety Store and Mather's -- to... [Read full story]

Local News

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Granite House calls on rockin' fund-raiser

Since it opened its doors 27 years ago, Granite House in Westminster has offered help to those suffering with mental illness.

Usually, Granite's functions are covered by insurance, but state funding for mental illness has seen cuts in recent years, and officials at the center say they see more and...
[Read full story]

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'Looking up' to appreciate local history

Members of the City of Westminster's Historic District Commission believe preservation efforts in the city are "looking up," and they hope local residents will also look up -- literally -- to participate in a contest designed to promote the community's historic architecture.

This month the c...
[Read full story]

Recreation

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Woods' pitching leads Panthers over Knights
North Carroll tied for first in county standings

Girls Softball

The modern athletic era often values power, speed, and statistics above all other factors.

In contrast, the North Carroll softball team offers proof that you can be successful simply by being resourceful and executing the fundamen...
[Read full story]

Opinion

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Study of waste-to-energy sites is a signal of decisions to come
Editorial

It was just a little road trip, but Monday's journey by the Board of County Commissioners and staff to Lancaster County, Pa., was more than symbolic.

The commissioners toured a waste-to-energy facility -- i.e. incinerator -- to see first-hand the technology, the issues and the practica...
[Read full story]

Culleton on Carroll

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Slogan sadly changing from 'Buy America' to 'Bye, America'
In 1813, after the battle of Lake Erie, Commodore Oliver Perry sent the triumphant message, "We have met the enemy and they are ours."

About one-and-a-half centuries later, cartoonist and satirist Walt Kelly parodied the boastful message with respect to the environment: "We have met the enemy and ...
[Read full story]

Community Calendar

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Community Calendar
ARTS

The Maryland Ensemble Theatre will present the Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill 1928 musical, "The Three Penny Opera" at the Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster, on Friday, May 4, 8 p.m., and Saturday, May 5, at 2 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $17 adults; $14 for arts council members, s...
[Read full story]

People Forms

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Engagement Announcement

Share the big news! Engagement announcements run free of charge in The Westminster Eagle.

Just print out the following form, or cut and paste it into either a word document or an e-mail. Remember – you are NOT bound to follow this form, it is simply designed to give you an idea of the type of information that might be included. Feel free to include more, or less, information.

When you’re done, you can send this in the mail to The Westminster Eagle, 121 E. Main St., Westminster, MD 21157. Or, you may fax to 410-386-0340, or e-mail to thewestminstereagle@patuxent.com.

[Read full story]

[Local news archives]

Local News Friday, May 04 Wild Blue Yonder

It was a brilliant, clear day last October for the Carroll County Experimental Aircraft Association's Autumn Fly-In.

Unfortunately, not a single plane could fly, as 40 mph winds kept planes grounded and the event had to be canceled.

This Saturday, May 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the group will host a ...
[Read full story]

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Partnership based on health, and choice
As far as Susan Rill is concerned, serving a menu with healthy choices wasn't a matter of trying to influence her clients at the Dutch Corner Restaurant in Manchester, it was an attempt to cater to them.

In her seven years running the home-style restaurant on Manchester's Main Street, Rill and her...
[Read full story]

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News Briefs
Nearly two dozen apply for Board of Ed vacancy

The Board of Education of Carroll County has solicited applications from individuals interested in serving on the board, and that search netted 22 applicants from across the county.

Applicants from Eldersburg, Sykesville and Marriottsville include M...
[Read full story]

From soccer to artwork in Sandymount rec
Sandymount Recreation Council is hosting the following registrations for upcoming sports, fitness and health programs. For information, see the contact information listed.

* A summer co-ed beginner soccer clinic for youngsters in grades one through five (2006-07 school year) will be held June 17-2...
[Read full story]

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More Headlines

Education Notes

Education Notes

05/02/07
By Heidi Schroeder

Business Briefs

'Looking up' to appreciate local history

Community Calendar Friday, May 04 Community Calendar
ARTS

> The Maryland Ensemble Theatre will present the Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill 1928 musical, "The Three Penny Opera" at the Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster, on Friday, May 4, 8 p.m., and Saturday, May 5, at 2 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $17 adults; $14 for arts council members, s...
[Read full story]

Kevin E. Dayhoff Friday, May 04 Who was Kate Wagner, and why did she rule the road?
How many folks pass by Kate Wagner Road in Westminster and wonder to themselves, “Just who was Kate Wagner?”

I did not know myself until recently, when I happened to have a conversation with one of my Westminster High School class of 1971 classmates, Steve Sinnott.

...
[Read full story]

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Recalling Westminster's Disney World: Bobby's Hobby Lobby
In the 1950s and '60s, Main Street in Westminster was the center of the entire known universe.

We could easily walk or ride our bicycles downtown and there we could safely visit Heagy's Sport Shop, G.C. Murphy's, Stu's Music Shop, Davis Library, Shaffer and Company Variety Store and Mather's -- to...
[Read full story]

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This 'Candy drive' benefits the East Middle School Bulldogs ... and the three Rs

Westminster East Middle School PTA president Candy Arnold is on a mission.

Ever since she took over the reins of the Parent Teacher Association, she has dreamed of having "an Art Deco-style marquee in front of our beautiful school."

East Middle School, which is located in the same building which...
[Read full story]

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In the storied history of Carroll Hospital Center, Steve Bohn poised to take a 'SPIRIT'-ed place

As Carroll County grows and changes, folks too often take for granted past improvements in our community that have been the result of visionary leaders overcoming enormous obstacles.

Also too often in today's deliberations, it's the usual naysayers that get all the newspaper attention.

O... [Read full story]

20070423 What’s going on?

What’s going on?

April 23, 2007

I was a big Marvin Gaye fan when I was young and I always liked this song.

Go over to The Tentacle and read Derek Shackleford’s column:

"What's Going On?" by Derek Shackelford writing in The Tentacle:

Yesterday I was having a flashback and popped in my Marvin Gaye CD. Why I had decided to listen to Marvin Gaye on this particular occasion I could not answer. I think I just wanted to hear something with a nice beat.

One particular song caught my attention. It was "What's Going On." For some reason on this particular day, I listened with a more reflective consciousness.

As I surveyed the current landscape of the world and in my conversations with others, the question that is before all of is "What's Going On?" We really want to know that because - to a large degree - it appears we cannot make sense out of anything.

Marvin Gaye- What's Going On

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20070424 The Washington Post Sleuth

The Sleuth - Mary Ann Akers

Compilation as of Tuesday, April 24^th, 2007

Posted at 2:15 PM ET, 04/24/2007

Kucinich Halts Impeachment Hunt Against Cheney

UPDATE, 3:45 p.m. ET: Kucinich now plans to hold his news conference announcing articles of impeachment against the vice president at 5 p.m. ET today. (Kucinich was in the Speaker's Lobby off the House chamber just moments ago personally handing out press releases announcing that the big event is back on.) Let's hope Cheney doesn't have a dental appointment or anything between now and then!...

Open Government, What Open Government?

UPDATE, 4:00 P.M. ET: After the letter circulated widely on the Internet, Rep. Obey changed his mind and will now allow cameras into the conference committee proceedings. Original Post: Radio and television reporters who cover the House aren't so pleased with Speaker Nancy Pelosi's (Calif.) notion of transparency. After the Democrats won control of the House, Pelosi promised to make Congress "the most open...Congress in...

Rich Little Bravely Answers Washington's Call

Most people who endured Rich Little's performance at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner Saturday night had the same reaction ... bless his heart. Rich Little brought his presidential voices to Washington on Saturday night. (Getty Images) Bless his heart for getting trapped in a time warp that won't let him escape 1981. (The man is still hinging his act on Richard "Tricky Dick" Nixon...

White House Dinner: Stomping Ground

Tomorrow's White House Correspondents' Association Dinner is shaping up to be a Republican presidential primary cattle show. The most bizarre cattle show ever, considering the side attractions include the singing, faux-hawked pop culture icon Sanjaya and oh-so-last century icons Jane Fonda and Rich Little, who's emceeing the event. While none of the major Democratic presidential contenders are taking a break from campaigning to attend the...

Congressman Hits on Actress Kerry Washington

Who knew that a Congressman's funding request for sewer projects in his district could be so... so sexy? When Rep. Artur Davis (D-Ala.) went before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Thursday, he found himself appealing instead for the affection of famed silver screen beauty Kerry Washington. Washington, who starred in "Ray" and "The Last King of Scotland" among other films,...

Rummy and Newt, War and (In)Fidelity

Donald Rumsfeld and Newt Gingrich have more in common than being out of power. They're both apparently fans of the legendary German composer Richard Wagner (that's pronounced VAHG-ner, while lifting your head and looking down your nose).

Rummy and Newt were spotted Tuesday night - separately - at the Kennedy Center enjoying Placido Domingo's stirring performance in Die Walkure, the second of four operas that make up Wagner's Ring cycle.

Brownback Wins This Week's Fundraising "Award"

Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner. Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kansas) has won this week's Most Outrageous Fundraising Solicitation award. In an email to potential supporters today, Brownback, who is running for president, prays for the families of those killed in the Virginia Tech shooting tragedy, then segues to Tuesday's Supreme Court ruling on partial birth abortion, and then - you guessed it - to...

Romney: In the Bunker on Shooting Incident

It seems Mitt Romney, who's been working hard of late to establish his pro-gun bona fides, is the only major presidential candidate whose campaign web site does not prominently feature the candidate's reaction to the Virginia Tech massacre. Others have made the incident front and center on their web sites. Take, for example, former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani. The very first thing you see...

Articles of Impeachment To Be Filed On Cheney

Looks like he's reached his boiling point.

Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), the most liberal of the Democratic presidential candidates in the primary field, declared in a letter sent to his Democratic House colleagues this morning that he plans to file articles of impeachment against Vice President Dick Cheney.

Kucinich has made ending the war in Iraq the central theme of his campaign. He has even taken aim at the leading Democratic presidential candidates in the field for their votes on authorizing the war.

Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution gives Congress the authority to impeach the president, vice president and "all civil Officers of the United States" for "treason, bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors."

Bush Administration: Breakdown

Is this is a metaphor for something? Congressional oversight committees and reporters covering the U.S. attorneys firing scandal waited with bated breath Thursday night for yet another huge document drop revealing more details in the Bush administration's plan to fire eight U.S. attorneys. They waited, and waited. But the documents weren't delivered to the House and Senate Judiciary committees until this morning because -- no...

Flacking the Good Flack

Here's a good one: Guess who's giving crisis communications advice on how Don Imus should have spun his way out of the derogatory slur he made about the Rutgers women's basketball team? Answer: the former spokesman for ex-Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Mont.), whose racist and sexist gaffes contributed to his downfall in the 2006 mid-term elections. That's right, Burns' former press secretary, Matt Mackowiak, is dispensing...

The Imus Factor

Finally, a meaty issue that divides Democratic presidential candidates -- Don Imus. To shun or not to shun the embattled radio show host for uttering some demeaning remarks about the Rutgers women's basketball team, that is the question. Sen. Chris Dodd(D-Conn.), who announced his presidential candidacy on "Imus in the Morning" instead of some place in his home state, won't rule out going on Imus's...

Race for the Golden Gavel

Two freshman senators are locked in a tight race over who will be class geek. Both Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) want to be the very first among their class of nine senators to win the Golden Gavel Award, which was created in the 1960s as an incentive to get wide-eyed new senators to learn the rules and procedures of the snootier...

Edwards Campaign Modifies Online Fundraising Practice

John Edwards's presidential campaign has modified its online fundraising approach to give visitors an "opt-out" option if they are just trying to send a sympathy note to Elizabeth Edwards about her cancer recurrence. The change reflects an apparent attempt to separate the handling of Mrs. Edwards's illness from the incessant need for money to fund her husband's campaign for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination. The...

Biden Slams Sam Fox Recess Appointment

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Joe Biden (D-Del.) finally weighed in today on the Bush administration's surprise recess appointment of Sam Fox to be ambassador to Belgium. Democrats are outraged, arguing it is illegal for President Bush to use a recess appointment to install someone whose nomination was no longer even pending before Congress. Biden, who is running for president and was stumping in Iowa...

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