Recent The Tentacle columns by Kevin Dayhoff

Recent The Tentacle columns by Kevin Dayhoff

April 8, 2009
Thanks, but no thanks
Kevin E. Dayhoff
An opinion piece appeared in The Wall Street Journal last Sunday, relatively unnoticed except by economics geeks, citing the growing trend among banks that accepted Troubled Asset Relief Program –TARP – money who are begging the government to take the money back.

April 1, 2009
And Atlas Wept
Kevin E. Dayhoff
In a move that has given many pause, last Sunday the administration of President Barack Obama ventured boldly into the latest worrisome intrusion into the nation’s private sector by firing Rick Wagoner, General Motors’ chief executive officer.

March 25, 2009
Spellbound by Salvador Dali
Kevin E. Dayhoff
Last month I enjoyed a bit of respite from Maryland’s winter by visiting Florida. Finding myself within reasonable driving distance of St. Petersburg, I jumped at the chance to visit the Salvador Dali Museum.

March 18, 2009
Think Globally, Bank Locally
Kevin E. Dayhoff
If you are banking with any of the ginormous intergalactic financial institutions that are at the center of the current financial crisis, then you are part of the problem.

March 11, 2009
The Dangerous Diplomacy of Pandering
Kevin E. Dayhoff
I recently had the delightful opportunity to go to Washington and have lunch with a member of the Estonian Parliament, Tõnis Kõiv.

March 4, 2009
The Great Man Theory of History
Kevin E. Dayhoff
Even before his election to the office of the president last November, many in the liberal chattering class were already using hype and hyperbole that then-Senator Barack Obama was destined to be one of our country’s greatest presidents.

February 25, 2009
Pulling The Plug
Kevin E. Dayhoff
One of the key talking points of the new Obama Administration is its commitment to lead our nation by maximizing technology. Yet within a few scant weeks, the new kids in the Oval Office have endured their fair share of glitches, error boxes and system crashes.

February 18, 2009
Repackaged Isn’t Change
Kevin E. Dayhoff
In the end, the economic stimulus legislation signed yesterday by President Barack Obama, only garnered a total of three Republican votes from all of Congress, and, while traveling the yellow brick road on the way to Oz, the legislation lost the vast majority of public support.

February 11, 2009
Political Heresy and Unvarnished Truth
Kevin E. Dayhoff
Yesterday, in 1899, the future 31st president of the United States, Herbert Clark Hoover, married Lou Henry in Monterey, CA. Happy anniversary, Mr. President.

February 4, 2009
When Stimulus Ain’t
Kevin E. Dayhoff
Last Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed its $819 billion version of the economic stimulus package by a vote of 244 to 188. Not a single Republican voted for the measure – for good reason.

January 28, 2009
The 2009 Intergenerational Theft Act
Kevin E. Dayhoff
As you read this column Congress is attempting to put the finishing touches on an $825 billion economic stimulus package – otherwise known as the 2009 Intergenerational Theft Act.

January 21, 2009
A Tale of Two Inaugurations
Kevin E. Dayhoff
By the time you read this column our nation will have witnessed the inauguration of our nation's 44th president. Today is the first day for President Barack Obama and it marks the merciful end of the 78-day transition period.


January 14, 2009
Barack Rhymes With Tupac
Kevin E. Dayhoff
Noticeable, yet relatively underreported in the scandal-filled rhetoric that passes for meaningful political commentary these days, is the passing of an historic era that will occur when President George W. Bush takes off in the presidential helicopter after President-elect Barack Obama takes the oath of office next week.

January 7, 2009
Pallywood – When Pictures Lie
Kevin E. Dayhoff
After Hamas, the terrorist organization that has controlled the Gaza Strip since June 2007, unilaterally broke a cease-fire on December 19 and resumed shelling southern Israel, Israeli warplanes sprang to Israel’s defense December 27 by attacking Hamas throughout Gaza. Hamas responded immediately with “Pallywood.”

20090408 recent The Tentacle columns by Kevin Dayhoff
http://www.thetentacle.com/author.cfm?MyAuthor=41
http://www.thetentacle.com/
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/
Kevin Dayhoff Art: www.kevindayhoff.com (http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/)

Recent Explore Carroll columns by Kevin Dayhoff

Recent Explore Carroll columns by Kevin Dayhoff

Which comes first: a great person, or the great deed needing to be done?
Published February 20, 2009 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
As fate would have it, I've recently had a number of exciting conversations with readers as to how it is that I approach the history...

Luncheon in Washington has an international flavor
Published February 18, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
I recently had the delightful opportunity to go to Washington, D.C., and have lunch with Tõnis Kõiv, the former mayor of Paide, Estonia. ...

Reading, 'riting and raiding the money for schools
Published February 13, 2009 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
They say history repeats itself, and while reviewing old newspaper articles recently (I have no other hobbies ... really) I came across a number of...

Porkulus Spending Act of '09
Published February 11, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
This could be the week the U.S. Senate passes its version of an economic stimulus package. It comes on the heels of the House of...

Winter months turned up the heat to create fire departments
Published February 6, 2009 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
Sixty years ago, Carroll County community leaders made good use of the winter months to get together and plan for fire protection. In a February 2006...

Not that our presidents are exactly trivial, but ...
Published February 4, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
The election and inauguration of our nation's first black president has had many wonderful benefits. However, for those of us who are history geeks, the...

When 'breaking news' was all about horse and buggy accidents
Published February 1, 2009 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
EAGLE ARCHIVE More than 100 years ago, horse and buggy accidents were a staple of the "breaking news" diet of local newspapers. One example occurred Feb....

Remembering the life of former mayor David E. Walsh
Published January 28, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
On Jan. 27, 1927, former Westminster mayor David E. Walsh passed away. His passing was headlined in a newspaper article the next day. His granddaughter,...


Fitzhugh was just what the doctor ordered in Carroll's medical past
Published January 25, 2009 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
On Jan. 25, 1935, Dr. Henry Maynadier Fitzhugh, a well-known local physician, died at the University of Maryland Hospital in Baltimore. Today, the name Fitzhugh is...

Even when Carroll County was dry, it really wasn't
Published January 21, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
The Union Bridge Pilot carried a curious news story on Jan. 21, 1921, under the heading of "Local Items," about a gentleman "who had violated...

60 years ago, Davis opened the first chapter of the library book
Published January 16, 2009 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
Bob Allen's piece in last week's edition of The Sunday Carroll Eagle on the future of the Carroll County Public Library reminded me that it...

Martin Luther King and Marvin Gaye still show us the way
Published January 14, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
For those who remember the push-button, dashboard AM radios in your cars in the 1960s, you may want to sit down before your read another...

A connection of Biblical proportions and a few presidential pet projects
Published January 9, 2009 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
I'm excited about the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama. It is quite a testimony to our great country to have overcome the yoke of...

There is no such thing as a 'simpler time'
Published January 7, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
It's the first week of 2009 and, by now, most of us are back to work with the extra pounds of the holidays and the...

New Year celebrations filled with joy, hope ... and great food
Published January 2, 2009 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
Well, The calendar on the wall tells me 2008 is now but a memory. Now we can look forward to the twists, turns and opportunities...

New beginnings, new hopes and new adventures of 2009
Published December 31, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
Happy New Year. It is not happenstance that the month of January was named for the Roman god, Janus, who is pictured with two heads....

Carrying a tune, and its words of harmony, into the new year
Published December 28, 2008 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
As the 2008 Christmas and Hanukkah holidays come to a close, I do hope everyone has recovered from the shock and awe of spending the...

(Also see stories in which I appear:
Gallery taps Carroll's eclectic mix
Published February 20, 2009 by Sunday Carroll Eagle
Carroll County's art scene recently revealed a bright spot in a bleak winter landscape with the opening of Off Track Art Gallery in downtown Westminster....
Off Track gets on track with local artists
Published February 18, 2009 by Westminster Eagle
Between winter's gray skies and dark news headlines, the world can seem pretty bleak these days. However, a trip to Westminster reveals a veritable rainbow emerging...)

http://explorecarroll.com/search/more.php?f=news&p=1&s=Dayhoff
20090224 Recent Explore Carroll columns by Kevin Dayhoff
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/
Kevin Dayhoff Art http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/

Estonian movie “Headwind Hall” – “ Vastutuulesaal” comes to Maryland

Estonian movie “Headwind Hall” – “ Vastutuulesaal” comes to Maryland

February 14, 2009

The English narrative is cobbled together from an e-mail… The Estonian material is from: http://eestiasi.co.cc/2008/11/27/vastutuulesaal/

Vastutuulesaal (2007) [Headwind Hall]
Estonia
Directed by Priit Valkna.
Cinematography by Rein Kotov (Somnambuul), Margus Malm, and Tauno Sirel.

Friends of Estonia,

Because Estonia is now in its final stages of being an official Sister State of Maryland, Estonia has been added to the list of being part of the State's International Art and Film events. In 2009, the first part of this is the showing of some international films around the state. An Estonian film, a documentary, will be shown at the following locations on the following dates at no charge: .

Monday, February 16 – Headwind Hall (Vastutuulesaal (Salisbury University, Caruthers Hall Auditorium);

Friday, February 27 – Headwind Hall (Vastutuulesaal ) (Towson University, Van Bokkelen Hall Auditorium);

Wednesday, March 4 – Headwind Hall (Vastutuulesaal ) (Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, Annapolis); and

Tuesday, March 10 – Headwind Hall (Vastutuulesaal ) (Room 201) (Frostburg University, Lane University Center).

All shows are at 7:00 PM.

Producer and co-writer of Headwind Hall, Artur Talvik, offers a light-hearted summary of the film.

Headwind Hall is a documentary film about the conductor Tõnu Kaljuste and his crazy idea of building an opera house on the estate of the past inventor Schmidt in Naissaar; an island which even today has no regular ferry line, no electricity and only one permanent resident.

In order to carry his idea through, Kaljuste must face situations bordering on the absurd, involving potential investors, snobby bureaucrats, construction workers, and the general public.

He transports construction materials and other necessities to the island with his own small boat.

The press and the representatives of different institutions cannot refrain from gloating - what is he trying to prove? The idea is almost as crazy as inventor Schmidt's erstwhile headwind ship that used the energy of headwind in order to move ahead with double power. However, in the summer of 2006, the Nargen Opera is completed and the first performances are carried through.

This amusing and dynamic film follows the activities of Tõnu Kaljuste during a period of five years.

The building of an opera house may not strike most people as a subject for a very dramatic film. Notwithstanding, sometimes the most extreme circumstances can be the setting for the most compelling stories.

The charismatic conductor Tõnu Kaljuste resigned his position as music director and chief conductor of the world renowned Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir in late 1999 and set out on a quixotic quest to build an opera/concert hall on the island of Naissaar, located about 12 miles north of Tallinn (the Estonian capital).

Naissaar, also known as the Island of Nargen, was once the family home of world renowned telescope and optical lens inventor Bernhard Schmidt (1879-1935) among whose other theoretical inventions was a wind-powered sail/propeller boat which used the force of the wind to sail directly into the wind itself.

The idea of this "against the headwind ship" becomes the metaphor for Kaljuste's dream to realize the construction of his opera/concert hall despite all the forces of bureaucracy, financing, and common sense working against him. Naissaar Island had no electrical supply, a barely functioning harbor, and only one or two permanent residents at the time this story begins.

How Kaljuste overcame nearly endless adversity and ultimately achieved his goal is shown in this exhilarating film.

Headwind Hall ends with the pop hit Minu inimesed [My People] by the Estonian rap/dance-club performer Chalice (the stagename of singer Jarek Kasar) and provides a musical benediction to Kaljuste's efforts.

At the same time, composer Arvo Pärt declares on-screen that "the Estonian people can't begin to appreciate the trouble that Tõnu has gone through"

Thanks to director Priit Valkna's triumphant film, audiences get the chance to see it and appreciate it for themselves.

Headwind Hall was given standing ovations at the 2007 Nordic Film Days in Lübeck. The film runs 60 minutes.

Vastutuulesaal

http://eestiasi.co.cc/2008/11/27/vastutuulesaal/

“Vastutuulesaal” on dokumentaalfilm dirigent Tõnu Kaljustest ja tema hullust ideest rajada kunagise leiutaja Schmidti talumaadele ooperisaal. Idee pöörasus seisneb aga selles, et leiutaja Schmidti maad asuvad Naissaarel. Saarel, mis hiljuti oli Nõukogude Armee kinniseks sõjaväebaasiks ja millel tänaseni puudub regulaarne laevaühendus, kus pole elektrit ja kus elab aastaringselt ainult üks elanik. Kes seal ooperis käima hakkab? Mis mõte see selline on? Karismaatiline Tõnu Kaljuste aga tahab kõigi kiuste ja hoolimata üldsuse ning rahamaailma vastuseisust rajada sinna omanäolist kultuurikeskust, kus traditsioonid ja kaasaeg kohtuvad. Kus ooperi kõrgstiil kohtub looduslähedusega. Idee elluviimiseks peab Kaljuste läbima absurdseid situatsioone potentsiaalsete rahastajatega, üleolevate ametnikega, ehitajate ja laiema üldsusega. Ta veab oma isikliku väikepaadiga saarele ehitusmaterjale ja muud hädavajalikku. Laiem üldsus ja eri instantside ametnikud aga ei suuda oma muiet varjata – mida ta tahab sellega tõestada? Võiks öelda, et idee on sama hull, nagu omal ajal leiutaja Schmidti loodud vastutuulelaev, mis kasutas vastu puhuva tuule energiat topeltjõuga edasi liikumiseks.

Aga 2006. aasta suvel saab Nargen Opera valmis.

Lõbus ja hoogne film jälgib Kaljuste tegemisi viie aasta jooksul.

Režissöör: Priit Valkna
Idee autor: Artur Talvik,
Monteerija: Tambet Tasuja
Muusikaline kujundus: Priit Valkna
Operaatorid: Margus Malm, Rein Kotov, Tauno Sirel
Stsenaristid: Artur Talvik, Andri Luup, Priit Valkna
Produtsent: Artur Talvik
Tootja: RUUT
allikas: EFSA
Tags: dokumentaal, RUUT

20090216 SDOSM Headwind Hall Vastutuulesaal

Kevin Dayhoff Art http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/

Stratfor: The Russo-Georgian War and the Balance of Power

Stratfor: The Russo-Georgian War and the Balance of Power

http://www.stratfor.com/weekly/russo_georgian_war_and_balance_power

August 12, 2008 1508 GMT

By George Friedman

Related Special Topic Pages

Crisis in South Ossetia
U.S. Weakness and Russia’s Window of Opportunity
The Russian Resurgence
Kosovo, Russia and the West

The Russian invasion of Georgia has not changed the balance of power in Eurasia. It simply announced that the balance of power had already shifted.

The United States has been absorbed in its wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as potential conflict with Iran and a destabilizing situation in Pakistan. It has no strategic ground forces in reserve and is in no position to intervene on the Russian periphery.

This, as we have argued, has opened a window of opportunity for the Russians to reassert their influence in the former Soviet sphere. Moscow did not have to concern itself with the potential response of the United States or Europe; hence, the invasion did not shift the balance of power.

The balance of power had already shifted, and it was up to the Russians when to make this public.

They did that Aug. 8.

Let’s begin simply by reviewing the last few days.

On the night of Thursday, Aug. 7, forces of the Republic of Georgia drove across the border of South Ossetia, a secessionist region of Georgia that has functioned as an independent entity since the fall of the Soviet Union. The forces drove on to the capital, Tskhinvali, which is close to the border. Georgian forces got bogged down while trying to take the city. In spite of heavy fighting, they never fully secured the city, nor the rest of South Ossetia.

On the morning of Aug. 8, Russian forces entered South Ossetia, using armored and motorized infantry forces along with air power. South Ossetia was informally aligned with Russia, and Russia acted to prevent the region’s absorption by Georgia. Given the speed with which the Russians responded — within hours of the Georgian attack — the Russians were expecting the Georgian attack and were themselves at their jumping-off points. The counterattack was carefully planned and competently executed, and over the next 48 hours, the Russians succeeded in defeating the main Georgian force and forcing a retreat. By Sunday, Aug. 10, the Russians had consolidated their position in South Ossetia.





(click image to enlarge)

On Monday, the Russians extended their offensive into Georgia proper, attacking on two axes. One was south from South Ossetia to the Georgian city of Gori. The other drive was from Abkhazia, another secessionist region of Georgia aligned with the Russians. This drive was designed to cut the road between the Georgian capital of Tbilisi and its ports. By this point, the Russians had bombed the military airfields at Marneuli and Vaziani and appeared to have disabled radars at the international airport in Tbilisi. These moves brought Russian forces to within 40 miles of the Georgian capital, while making outside reinforcement and resupply of Georgian forces extremely difficult should anyone wish to undertake it.

The Mystery Behind the Georgian Invasion

In this simple chronicle, there is something quite mysterious: Why did the Georgians choose to invade South Ossetia on Thursday night? There had been a great deal of shelling by the South Ossetians of Georgian villages for the previous three nights, but while possibly more intense than usual, artillery exchanges were routine. The Georgians might not have fought well, but they committed fairly substantial forces that must have taken at the very least several days to deploy and supply. Georgia’s move was deliberate.

The United States is Georgia’s closest ally. It maintained about 130 military advisers in Georgia, along with civilian advisers, contractors involved in all aspects of the Georgian government and people doing business in Georgia. It is inconceivable that the Americans were unaware of Georgia’s mobilization and intentions. It is also inconceivable that the Americans were unaware that the Russians had deployed substantial forces on the South Ossetian frontier. U.S. technical intelligence, from satellite imagery and signals intelligence to unmanned aerial vehicles, could not miss the fact that thousands of Russian troops were moving to forward positions. The Russians clearly knew the Georgians were ready to move. How could the United States not be aware of the Russians? Indeed, given the posture of Russian troops, how could intelligence analysts have missed the possibility that the Russians had laid a trap, hoping for a Georgian invasion to justify its own counterattack?

It is very difficult to imagine that the Georgians launched their attack against U.S. wishes. The Georgians rely on the United States, and they were in no position to defy it. This leaves two possibilities. The first is a massive breakdown in intelligence, in which the United States either was unaware of the existence of Russian forces, or knew of the Russian forces but — along with the Georgians — miscalculated Russia’s intentions. The second is that the United States, along with other countries, has viewed Russia through the prism of the 1990s, when the Russian military was in shambles and the Russian government was paralyzed. The United States has not seen Russia make a decisive military move beyond its borders since the Afghan war of the 1970s-1980s. The Russians had systematically avoided such moves for years. The United States had assumed that the Russians would not risk the consequences of an invasion.

If this was the case, then it points to the central reality of this situation: The Russians had changed dramatically, along with the balance of power in the region. They welcomed the opportunity to drive home the new reality, which was that they could invade Georgia and the United States and Europe could not respond. As for risk, they did not view the invasion as risky. Militarily, there was no counter. Economically, Russia is an energy exporter doing quite well — indeed, the Europeans need Russian energy even more than the Russians need to sell it to them. Politically, as we shall see, the Americans needed the Russians more than the Russians needed the Americans. Moscow’s calculus was that this was the moment to strike. The Russians had been building up to it for months, as we have discussed, and they struck.

The Western Encirclement of Russia

To understand Russian thinking, we need to look at two events. The first is the Orange Revolution in Ukraine. From the U.S. and European point of view, the Orange Revolution represented a triumph of democracy and Western influence. From the Russian point of view, as Moscow made clear, the Orange Revolution was a CIA-funded intrusion into the internal affairs of Ukraine, designed to draw Ukraine into NATO and add to the encirclement of Russia. U.S. Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton had promised the Russians that NATO would not expand into the former Soviet Union empire.

That promise had already been broken in 1998 by NATO’s expansion to Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic — and again in the 2004 expansion, which absorbed not only the rest of the former Soviet satellites in what is now Central Europe, but also the three Baltic states, which had been components of the Soviet Union.

The Russians had tolerated all that, but the discussion of including Ukraine in NATO represented a fundamental threat to Russia’s national security. It would have rendered Russia indefensible and threatened to destabilize the Russian Federation itself. When the United States went so far as to suggest that Georgia be included as well, bringing NATO deeper into the Caucasus, the Russian conclusion — publicly stated — was that the United States in particular intended to encircle and break Russia.

The second and lesser event was the decision by Europe and the United States to back Kosovo’s separation from Serbia. The Russians were friendly with Serbia, but the deeper issue for Russia was this: The principle of Europe since World War II was that, to prevent conflict, national borders would not be changed. If that principle were violated in Kosovo, other border shifts — including demands by various regions for independence from Russia — might follow. The Russians publicly and privately asked that Kosovo not be given formal independence, but instead continue its informal autonomy, which was the same thing in practical terms. Russia’s requests were ignored.

From the Ukrainian experience, the Russians became convinced that the United States was engaged in a plan of strategic encirclement and strangulation of Russia. From the Kosovo experience, they concluded that the United States and Europe were not prepared to consider Russian wishes even in fairly minor affairs. That was the breaking point. If Russian desires could not be accommodated even in a minor matter like this, then clearly Russia and the West were in conflict. For the Russians, as we said, the question was how to respond. Having declined to respond in Kosovo, the Russians decided to respond where they had all the cards: in South Ossetia.

Moscow had two motives, the lesser of which was as a tit-for-tat over Kosovo. If Kosovo could be declared independent under Western sponsorship, then South Ossetia and Abkhazia, the two breakaway regions of Georgia, could be declared independent under Russian sponsorship. Any objections from the United States and Europe would simply confirm their hypocrisy. This was important for internal Russian political reasons, but the second motive was far more important.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin once said that the fall of the Soviet Union was a geopolitical disaster. This didn’t mean that he wanted to retain the Soviet state; rather, it meant that the disintegration of the Soviet Union had created a situation in which Russian national security was threatened by Western interests. As an example, consider that during the Cold War, St. Petersburg was about 1,200 miles away from a NATO country. Today it is about 60 miles away from Estonia, a NATO member. The disintegration of the Soviet Union had left Russia surrounded by a group of countries hostile to Russian interests in various degrees and heavily influenced by the United States, Europe and, in some cases, China.

Resurrecting the Russian Sphere

Putin did not want to re-establish the Soviet Union, but he did want to re-establish the Russian sphere of influence in the former Soviet Union region. To accomplish that, he had to do two things. First, he had to re-establish the credibility of the Russian army as a fighting force, at least in the context of its region. Second, he had to establish that Western guarantees, including NATO membership, meant nothing in the face of Russian power. He did not want to confront NATO directly, but he did want to confront and defeat a power that was closely aligned with the United States, had U.S. support, aid and advisers and was widely seen as being under American protection. Georgia was the perfect choice.

By invading Georgia as Russia did (competently if not brilliantly), Putin re-established the credibility of the Russian army. But far more importantly, by doing this Putin revealed an open secret: While the United States is tied down in the Middle East, American guarantees have no value. This lesson is not for American consumption. It is something that, from the Russian point of view, the Ukrainians, the Balts and the Central Asians need to digest. Indeed, it is a lesson Putin wants to transmit to Poland and the Czech Republic as well. The United States wants to place ballistic missile defense installations in those countries, and the Russians want them to understand that allowing this to happen increases their risk, not their security.

The Russians knew the United States would denounce their attack. This actually plays into Russian hands. The more vocal senior leaders are, the greater the contrast with their inaction, and the Russians wanted to drive home the idea that American guarantees are empty talk.

The Russians also know something else that is of vital importance: For the United States, the Middle East is far more important than the Caucasus, and Iran is particularly important. The United States wants the Russians to participate in sanctions against Iran. Even more importantly, they do not want the Russians to sell weapons to Iran, particularly the highly effective S-300 air defense system. Georgia is a marginal issue to the United States; Iran is a central issue. The Russians are in a position to pose serious problems for the United States not only in Iran, but also with weapons sales to other countries, like Syria.

Therefore, the United States has a problem — it either must reorient its strategy away from the Middle East and toward the Caucasus, or it has to seriously limit its response to Georgia to avoid a Russian counter in Iran. Even if the United States had an appetite for another war in Georgia at this time, it would have to calculate the Russian response in Iran — and possibly in Afghanistan (even though Moscow’s interests there are currently aligned with those of Washington).

In other words, the Russians have backed the Americans into a corner. The Europeans, who for the most part lack expeditionary militaries and are dependent upon Russian energy exports, have even fewer options. If nothing else happens, the Russians will have demonstrated that they have resumed their role as a regional power. Russia is not a global power by any means, but a significant regional power with lots of nuclear weapons and an economy that isn’t all too shabby at the moment. It has also compelled every state on the Russian periphery to re-evaluate its position relative to Moscow. As for Georgia, the Russians appear ready to demand the resignation of President Mikhail Saakashvili. Militarily, that is their option. That is all they wanted to demonstrate, and they have demonstrated it.

The war in Georgia, therefore, is Russia’s public return to great power status. This is not something that just happened — it has been unfolding ever since Putin took power, and with growing intensity in the past five years. Part of it has to do with the increase of Russian power, but a great deal of it has to do with the fact that the Middle Eastern wars have left the United States off-balance and short on resources. As we have written, this conflict created a window of opportunity. The Russian goal is to use that window to assert a new reality throughout the region while the Americans are tied down elsewhere and dependent on the Russians. The war was far from a surprise; it has been building for months. But the geopolitical foundations of the war have been building since 1992. Russia has been an empire for centuries. The last 15 years or so were not the new reality, but simply an aberration that would be rectified. And now it is being rectified.

Tell Stratfor What You Think

This report may be forwarded or republished on your website with attribution to http://www.stratfor.com/

20080812 Stratfor: The Russo Georgian War and the Balance of Power

20080306 Recent Eagle columns

Recent Eagle columns

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Thursday, March 06

Trouble with trash is nothing new, but the technology may be
One of the difficult decisions currently facing our community is the trouble with trash.

When the last major decision occurred in 1996 and 1997, I was chair of the county's Environmental Affairs Advisory Board.

At that time, I was impressed with the combination of an aggressive recycling program...
[Read full story]

---

Don't let 'wrap rage' leave you in stitches
It's been two months since Christmas and, with any luck and the power of prayer, perhaps you have been able to break free most of your family's gifts from the dreaded, adult proof, clamshell plastic "blister" packaging.

This oppression of over-packaging is not only a leading cause of holiday depre...
[Read full story]

---

Looking at Bowling Brook one year later
More than a year has passed since, on a cold Jan. 23, 2007, Isaiah Simmons III, 17, died after being restrained by staff at Bowling Brook Preparatory School in Middleburg.

Mr. Simmons, from Baltimore, had only been at the facility for a couple of weeks -- since Jan. 10, after a court had sent him...
[Read full story]

---

'Tech Tax' will have crippling impact on Carroll
The frenzied and frenetic Maryland General Assembly special taxing session has been over for several months, yet the more the layers of this onion are peeled-away, the more it just wants to make you cry.

In a recent phone conversation, Ted Zaleski, Carroll County's director of management and budge...
[Read full story]

---

It's easy to demonstrate for peace; harder to work for it
Watching the movie, "The Singing Revolution," discussed in last week's column, brought back memories from my trip to Estonia back in Sept. 17-23, 2004.

It was a unique opportunity to represent Westminster in an "assessment and support tour" for the Maryland and Estonia Partner City Partners For Pe...
[Read full story]

---

More Headlines

How culture and song can save a nation

Dr. Martin Luther King's enduring words

Courthouse history seems to match theatrical flair of current case

Something we really must talk about

####

20080224 Recent Westminster Eagle columns

Recent Westminster Eagle columns

Kevin E. Dayhoff Sunday, February 24 Looking at Bowling Brook one year later
More than a year has passed since, on a cold Jan. 23, 2007, Isaiah Simmons III, 17, died after being restrained by staff at Bowling Brook Preparatory School in Middleburg.

Mr. Simmons, from Baltimore, had only been at the facility for a couple of weeks -- since Jan. 10, after a court had sent him...
[Read full story]

---

'Tech Tax' will have crippling impact on Carroll
The frenzied and frenetic Maryland General Assembly special taxing session has been over for several months, yet the more the layers of this onion are peeled-away, the more it just wants to make you cry.

In a recent phone conversation, Ted Zaleski, Carroll County's director of management and budge...
[Read full story]

---

It's easy to demonstrate for peace; harder to work for it
Watching the movie, "The Singing Revolution," discussed in last week's column, brought back memories from my trip to Estonia back in Sept. 17-23, 2004.

It was a unique opportunity to represent Westminster in an "assessment and support tour" for the Maryland and Estonia Partner City Partners For Pe...
[Read full story]

---

How culture and song can save a nation
On Jan. 13, I had the opportunity to travel to the Charles Theater in Baltimore and watch "The Singing Revolution," a documentary by James Tusty and Maureen Castle Tusty about Estonia's nonviolent "singing struggle" -- which ended the brutal Soviet occupation of the tiny Baltic nation on Aug. 20, 19...
[Read full story]

---

Dr. Martin Luther King's enduring words
American civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., wrote in a book, "Strength to Love," published in 1963:

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence and toughness multipli...
[Read full story]

---

More Headlines

Courthouse history seems to match theatrical flair of current case

Something we really must talk about

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster Maryland USA.

www.kevindayhoff.net

E-mail him at: kdayhoff AT carr.org or kevindayhoff AT gmail.com

His columns and articles appear in The Tentacle - www.thetentacle.com; Westminster Eagle Opinion; www.thewestminstereagle.com, Winchester Report and The Sunday Carroll Eagle – in the Sunday Carroll County section of the Baltimore Sun. Get Westminster Eagle RSS Feed

“When I stop working the rest of the day is posthumous. I'm only really alive when I'm writing.” Tennessee Williams

20070909 Westminster Common Council Meetings Information

Westminster Common Council Meetings Information

Updated September 09, 2007

For posts and information about Westminster Common Council meeting agenda on “Soundtrack” click here: Westminster Common Council Mtg Agenda

For posts and information about Westminster Common Council meeting minutes on “Soundtrack” click here: Westminster Common Council Meeting Minutes

For other things – all Westminster, on Soundtrack: 20070909 Westminster Common Council Meetings Information

Westminster City Public Works Solid Waste Management

Westminster Advocate

Westminster Annual Main Street Mile

Westminster businesses

Westminster City Employees

Westminster City Finance

Westminster City Government

Westminster City Hall

Westminster City Planning and Zoning

Westminster City Public Works

Westminster City Public Works Street Department

Westminster Common Council Meeting Minutes

Westminster Common Council Meeting Report

Westminster Common Council Mtg Agenda

Westminster Councilman/Mayor Dayhoff

Westminster Eagle

Westminster events

Westminster Fire Department

Westminster Flower and Jazz Festival

Westminster matters

Westminster Municipal Band

Westminster Police Department

Westminster Profile

Westminster Road Runners Club

Westminster Rte 140

Carroll County Regional Airport

Estonia Paide Westminster Maryland Sister City Partnership

Humor Westminster City Government

Elections History Westminster

Elections 20070514 Westminster Councilmatic Election

Elections 20050509 Westminster Mayoral Election

Elections 19990510 Westminster Councilmatic Election

Elections 20010514 Westminster Mayoral Election

GWDC Greater Westminster Dev. Corp.

####

20070711 Westminster Eagle Week in Review

Westminster Eagle Week in Review

July 11^th, 2007

Kevin E. Dayhoff

---

Continuing saga of Westminster's Library

Throughout Carroll County history there's always been an emphasis on education, church, civic and fraternal organizations, theatrical and singing clubs, community bands and seasonal celebrations.

Historically, folks in Carroll are known for coming together to overcome adversity and make things hap... [Read full story]

Local News

News Briefs

Barnes is new graduate of FBI Academy

Captain Randy D. Barnes of the Westminster Police Department recently graduated from the 229th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. Westminster Chief Jeffrey Spaulding last week announced Barnes' graduation.

Barnes, a 28 year veteran of the W... [Read full story]

More Headlines Business Briefs

---

City praises purchase of quarry

The Board of County Commissioners' decision last week to purchase Hyde's Quarry as a potential water source for Westminster was applauded Monday evening by the Westminster City Council.

Last week the commissioners approved the purchase of the quarry, located off Jasontown Road, as a means of provi... [Read full story]

---

Project will reconstruct Hap Baker

After a fire that forced its closure this past February, the rifle range at the Hap Baker Firearms Facility in Westminster is one step closer to being reopened with a $300,000 proposal to rebuild its roof.

A review of the reconstruction project is slated to go before the Carroll County Planning an... [Read full story]

---

Paide visitor explores ideas for recreation

Last week, Margit Udam, 31, had her first-ever snow cone -- much to the delight of the students she was with at Common Ground.

The Estonia native has enjoyed many new things during her first trip to the United States, including visiting Washington, D.C. and New York City and eating Vidalia onions ... [Read full story]

---

The Eagle & The Owl

The latest Harry Potter book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," by J. K. Rowling, will hit book stores and libraries July 21, and everyone from young muggles to teen wizards are reserving copies.

Many parents and other adults STILL don't get what the fuss is about, so once again The Eagle is... [Read full story]

Focus on People

---

Anniversary Notice

65 years together for Delbert, Margaret Ebeling

Delbert and Margaret Ebeling, formerly of Carroll County, celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary this past spring.

The couple, who currently reside in Sandgates, Md., were married on April 11, 1942.

They have four children -- JoAnne, Joyce, Je... [Read full story]

Opinion

---

Quarry is investment to help address county vision of growth

Editorial

Last week's approval by the Board of County Commissioners to purchase the 60-acre Hyde's Quarry property is an important step in the evolving strategy to tackle water needs in Carroll County.

The quarry property is seen primarily as a water resource for the City of Westminster, but cou... [Read full story]

Wolf at the Door

---

Milking a story does a disservice to farm industry

It's easy to make news.

One way, apparently, is to be Paris Hilton.

Another way, though, is to write an article that's based on a fact, but then expand that article on pure supposition.

Agriculture, because most city dwellers know so little about it, is always a good target.

Case in point is... [Read full story]

For Better or Worse

---

Trouble with summer TV is the networks aren't creative enough

It's summertime, and with the sultry weather and backyard barbecues comes another sign of the season:

Summer replacement shows on TV.

In recent years the networks have actually tried to bring us something other than the usual endless hot-weather reruns -- mostly because research showed that nobo... [Read full story]

---

[Local news archives]

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Thursday, July 12

How fortunate we are to celebrate the 4th of July As we prepare to celebrate another Fourth of July, let us cherish the fact that we live in a country where we can criticize our government and our leaders – in complete safety with our mouths full, the television remote control in one hand and an iPhone in the other.

Perhaps, as we... [Read full story]

---

Continuing saga of Westminster's Library Throughout Carroll County history there's always been an emphasis on education, church, civic and fraternal organizations, theatrical and singing clubs, community bands and seasonal celebrations.

Historically, folks in Carroll are known for coming together to overcome adversity and make things hap... [Read full story]

---

Library has been at the center of the bookshelf in Westminster history As noted in Katie Jones' story in The Eagle on June 13, plans were recently announced for the renovation of the 27-year-old Westminster branch of the Carroll County Public Library.

This news prompted some discussions of the history and origins of the library in Westminster.

Of course, the histor... [Read full story]

---

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... [Read full story]

---

Commissioners should start 'coffin' up cash on 144-year-old debt On June 23 and 24, Westminster and the Pipe Creek Civil War Round Table will host a commemoration of the 144th anniversary of Corbit's Charge.

For those unaware of this piece of history:

On June 29, 1863, Capt. Charles Corbit led approximately 100 Union cavalrymen from the 1st Delaware Cavalry, ... [Read full story]

Community Calendar Thursday, July 12 Worship Notes

Faith in Action greets new coordinator

The Partnership for Healthier Carroll County recently welcomed the Rev. Linda Fernandez as the new program coordinator of Faith in Action Carroll County Neighbors Helping Neighbors.

The program is a volunteer caregiving program to support a network of indiv... [Read full story]

---

Senior Scene Westminster Senior Center, 125 Stoner Ave., Westminster, will host the following events. A well-balanced meal is served daily at 11:30 a.m. The cost for the meal is a donation up to $3.48 for seniors 60 years and older; for those under 60 years the cost is $3.48. Reservations for lunch must be mad... [Read full story]

---

Community Calendar

ARTS

Common Ground on the Hill will present Summer Concert Week at the Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Center St., this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, July 11, 12 and 13, with the following performances. Cost is $10 for adults; $5 children 12 and under.

*Wednesday, July 11, 7 p.m., Bob Franke and... [Read full story]

####

20070110 Westminster Eagle Dayhoff Archives

Westminster Eagle Archives search on “Dayhoff”

from June 1^st, 2004 up through January 10^th, 2007

http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?NPV2Datasource=mywebpal&pnpid=978&show=archivelist&searchsel=archives

Sheriff 'Monk' Campbell, 91, helped shape public safety in Carroll County 01/10/07 - by Kevin Dayhoff In November 1962, a Western Maryland College graduate and former Washington Redskins football player, H. LeRoy "Monk" Campbell, was elected the 54th Sheriff of Carroll County.

Over the next 20 y...

News Briefs 12/20/06 - City completes phase of West Green Street

City work crews last week put the finishing touches on the second portion of the $2.2 million West Green Street rebuilding project.

By 5 p.m. last Fri...

Donations, wishes for Workman 12/20/06 - By Kevin Dayhoff and Katie V. Jones

On Sunday, the Maryland Troopers Association Lodge No. 20 gathered for its annual "Christmas for Kids" event in Westminster. The party was festive for the attendees, but a bit subdued for some of ...

WEB UPDATE: Train derails along Patapsco on Howard and Carroll line 12/15/06 - by Kevin Dayhoff and staff reports At about 3:15 a.m. on Friday, Carroll County, Howard County, Maryland Department of the Environment, and CSX Railroad Hazmat personnel responded to the scene of a CSX freight train derailmen...

Donations accepted for injured trooper's family. 12/14/06 - By Kevin Dayhoff Donations are being accepted to help the family of the Maryland State Trooper critically injured this week in a raid in Baltimore County.

Tfc. Eric D. Workman (Westminster Maryland State...

Zen and the art of being Jack Price 11/29/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

On Nov. 15, Carroll County and the agriculture community lost a great friend and community leader, Jack Price.

Mr. Price was a nationally-recognized breeder of Hampshire sheep, a gifted horticul...

Giving thanks for history, and future, of America 11/21/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

This Thursday, America celebrates the American version of the "Harvest Festival," gathering families together and watching football; though it should be noted that this annual holiday originated a...

Birthday for Marines recalls Carroll's connection to the corps 11/15/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Last Friday was the birthday for the U.S. Marine Corps. It was on Nov. 10, 1775, that the Continental Congress commissioned Samuel Nicholas to raise several Battalions of Marines. Nicholas establi...

Era that created 'Veterans Day' also produced societal change 11/08/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

This Saturday is Veterans Day, a day originally set aside to pay our respects to the veterans who fought in World War I.

Veterans Day commemorates "the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th mont...

Homes are for hugging 11/01/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

This Saturday, Carroll County is in for a treat as the talented and melodious voices of the Children's Chorus of Carroll County, Masterworks Chorale, McDaniel Gospel Choir, McDaniel Madigrals, Old...

Of ghosts, witches and goblins, real and imaginary 10/25/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

The Halloween season is always interesting for story telling, celebrating imaginary ghosts and goblins and handing-out candy to children dressed up in costumes.

For the economic historian, it is...

FSK nears playoff berth with win over South Carroll

10/25/06 - By Steve Jones

Running game leads Eagle attack on offense

High school football

The Francis Scott Key football team is not flashy. The Eagles run the ball about 40 to 45 times per game, with nearly 75 percent...

Ritz scores four Panther TDs in 27-7 romp over Cavaliers 10/18/06 - By Steve Jones

High school football

In the first year of his second stint as head football coach at North Carroll High School, Jeff Oeming has the Panther program moving in a positive direction.

The Panther...

Positive thinking along the Yellow Brick Road 10/18/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

This Friday, we can all take one more trip down the Yellow Brick Road to see "The Wizard of Oz" at the Carroll Arts Center.

The movie will be shown at the arts center, 91 W. Main St., on Oct. 20...

Off to see the 'Wizard' at Carroll Arts Center 10/11/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Just in time to answer my wish from last week, the Carroll Arts Council has announced that it's showing the classic fantasy movie, "The Wizard of Oz," based on the 1900 book by L. Frank Baum, on F...

Oz followed 'yellow brick road' of economics 10/04/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Everyone has their own favorite memories of the "Wizard of Oz." When I first saw it I was afraid of the Wicked Witch.

At the turn of the last century in Carroll County and across the country, lo...

Mayor Schaeffer brought Westminster into the light 09/27/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Several weeks ago we were remembering the life and accomplishments of Mayor Milton Schaeffer (1853-1902.)

When we last left the good mayor, it was Feb. 5, 1878.

Mr. Schaeffer had been in busin...

News Briefs 09/27/06 - City police investigate Route 140 fatal accident

City of Westminster Police are continuing to investigate the fatal accident involving a bicyclist and a Carroll County Sheriff's Deputy that occu...

Letters 09/27/06 - My favorite Westminster Fallfest event: Friendraising

In my duties as chairperson for Westminster Fallfest 2006, I have enjoyed the opportunity to make many new friends.

Fallfest, also known a...

Who put the fun in Fallfest fund-raising? 09/20/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Westminster's 29th annual Fallfest celebration begins tomorrow and continues through Sunday.

For many of us, this is one of the highlights of the year. It's always fun when our greater Carroll C...

WEB UPDATE: Bicyclist killed in late night accident on Route 140 09/20/06 - Article and Photo by Kevin Dayhoff A fatal accident involving a bicyclist and a Carroll County Sheriff’s Deputy occurred late Tuesday evening on a dark stretch of eastbound Route 140 between the Route 27 overpass and Cent...

Mayor Schaeffer and Westminster Hardward Co. 09/13/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

This month, more than a hundred years ago on Sept. 16, 1902, one of Westminster's most celebrated businessmen and elected officials, former Westminster Mayor Milton Schaeffer, died of complication...

News Briefs 09/13/06 - Mile run and parade kick off FallFest activities

Westminster's annual FallFest doesn't officially get under way until Sept. 21, but the event kicks off this weekend with the FallFest Mile Run an...

Just say no to reality TV in Carroll County election campaigns 09/06/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Now that Labor Day has passed; perhaps Carroll Countians are finally focusing on next week's primary election (Sept. 12).

Voters are yearning to hear an honest and direct discussion of issues - ...

Battle looms for county title, playoff berths 09/06/06 - By Steve Jones

Football Preview

When the Carroll County high school football season kicks off this Friday, Sept. 8, it will be nine months since that unprecedented day last December when two county teams playe...

Hoff Log Barn is on the move to a future role recalling Carroll County's history 08/30/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

By 1798, the area of western Carroll County - between Big Pipe Creek and Westminster, had 10 brick, 13 stone and 248 log homes, according to Carol Lee's 1982 "Legacy of the Land."

It also had 21...

Babylon, 82, placed focus on Westminster 08/30/06 - By Jim Joyner

In his life of service and community activism, David Snider Babylon Jr., wore many hats.

Last Friday, as scores of friends, relatives, public servants and officials paid tribute to Babylon's lif...

Hornberger blazed a trail for women in Carroll 08/23/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

The election season is upon us. Like late summer blooming flowers, festive signs are along roads everywhere. The news media is full of letters to the editor and advertisements.

There are some ne...

Harry's has lasting 'grille marks' on Main Street 08/17/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Last week Harry's Main Street Grille had a fire, which closed the restaurant for several days.

Fortunately, the fire was quickly put out by local volunteer fire departments.

I was listening to...

Fringer family one of the 'Belles' of Westminster 08/09/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

At the Westminster Cemetery Memorial Day ceremonies this past May, one of Carroll County's native sons, Lt. Colonel John W. Fringer Jr., U. S. Army (retired) returned home to give the Memorial Day...

Building ramps to information highway will pave the way to Carroll's future 08/02/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

The politics and economics of roads, growth, development, business and agriculture have always played a prominent role in Carroll County.

In 1804, the Maryland legislature chartered the Baltimor...

Some things at the county fair change for the better - wormseed vs. funnel cake 07/26/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Some things at the county fair change for the better: wormseed vs. funnel cake

The Carroll County 4-H and FFA Fair begins in a few days at the Agricultural Center and will continue through the f...

Obituaries 07/19/06 - Cleveland J. Dell, 82, of Westminster

Cleveland J. "Dempsey" Dell, 82, of Westminster, died July 13 at the Carroll Hospital Center.

Born May 29, 1924, in Patapsco, he was the son of the late R...

Local beetle-mania can be counteracted by Barry White... or even Steve Allgeier 07/19/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

From June until Labor Day in Carroll County, that munching sound in your backyard may very well be a gang of Japanese beetles, seemingly devouring everything in sight.

Japanese beetles (Popillia...

Former circuit court judge nominated to new PSC 07/13/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff Lost in the shuffle of the on-going new cycles over the fate of the Public Service Commissioners is that a prominent Carroll countian, former Judge Raymond E. Beck Sr., was one of the names su...

'Aunt Kay' celebrates a milestone birthday, but her presence is the gift that keeps giving 07/12/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Last Thursday was a milestone birthday for the receptionist at the Carroll County office building information desk, Kay Church, aka everyone's "Aunt Kay."

How old is she did you ask? Well, here ...

On July 4th, we celebrate our nation's birthday ... in spite of ourselves 07/05/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

In case you overslept, yesterday was the Fourth of July.

Hopefully, you had an opportunity to spend the day with your family and loved ones and take time to reflect upon our nation's birthday, a...

What are local candidates for office proposing for the future of Carroll County? 06/28/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

The political season is upon us, and folks are getting involved and geared up for a long summer of discussion and debate.

Many Carroll Countians are clamoring to hear discussions about plans and...

45 years ago, when residents said 'Y,' our commuity leaders said, 'why not?' 06/21/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Forty-five years ago on June 29, 1961, a group of 16 community leaders met at the old Davis Library to begin the formation of one of Carroll County's premier institutions - the Carroll County Fami...

News Briefs 06/21/06 - School bus patrols see spike in violations

Carroll County Sheriff's Deputies issued 38 citations to motorists who failed to stop for the flashing red lights of a school bus during the 2005-06 sc...

Planning, and cows, created a pathway in Carroll County from 1961 to the future 06/14/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

As the work continues on an update of the Carroll County Comprehensive Plan - "Pathways to Carroll's Future Landscape" - it is a good time to reflect on some of the history of master planning in C...

William Roberts McDaniel- Renaissance man 06/07/06 - By Kevin Dayhoff

Carroll County is fortunate to have had a rich historical legacy of gifted, visionary, renaissance men and women in leadership roles.

Throughout Carroll County's history, much of our leadership ...

A mix of history and New England on Willis Street for community tag sale 05/31/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

On May 20, the usually quiet Willis Street in Westminster looked like a New England bazaar, as folks packed the street in search of bargains and treasures at the Willis Street Tag Sale.

First, a...

On Memorial Day, Westminster's own Freddy Magsamen is No. 11 in our hearts 05/24/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Next Monday, Carroll County will commemorate Memorial Day.

The tradition of the Memorial Day parade and ceremony in Westminster began in 1868. That year, Mary Bostwick Shellman followed General ...

Local ride in memory of Jeff Graham celebrates the power of friendships 05/17/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Much has been written about the value of friends in our lives. The concept of friendships has been the source of everything from whimsical novels and movies to serious scientific studies.

This ...

Celebrating the dedication of the county's splendid new guinea pig: Carroll's Non-Profit Center 05/10/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

After more than four years in the making, the Carroll Non-Profit Center in Westminster will have a grand opening dedication next Tuesday, May 16.

Many have wondered about this $4 million, 40,000...

Tales of the Liberty Pole, squawking geese and the Westminster city budget 05/03/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff Perhaps one of the most difficult tasks for any local government is preparation of its annual budget.

There simply is never enough money to go around.

Even before there was a Carroll County, C...

Community of Westminster is winner in Main Street Mile's silver 04/26/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Last Wednesday, friends and family came together for a rite of spring - the 25th annual Westminster Road Runners Club Main Street Mile.

The Main Street Mile is one of the fastest one-mile course...

April is for Alcohol Awareness, but issue of underage drinking lives with us daily 04/19/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

The timing of April as Alcohol Awareness Month couldn't be better.

However, in Carroll County, every month needs to include awareness of underage alcohol use.

Several weeks ago, the Office of ...

Getting exercised about YMCA Healthy Kids Day 04/12/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Last Saturday was gray, overcast and rainy outside, but indoors at the Carroll County Family Branch of the YMCA, it was all sunshine as more than 250 folks attended Healthy Kids Day.

The YMCA ce...

Obituaries 04/05/06 - Kimberley Holly Schmidt, 31, of Westminster

Kimberley "Kim" Holly Schmidt, 31, of Westminster died March 29 from injuries received in an automobile accident on Route 140 in Westminster.

Born N...

Carroll County may truly be God's country, but only Westminster 04/05/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

As we end the driest March on record, we pray for rain, but are reminded of past experiences with drought.

Folklore tells of a terrible drought in Westminster in the late 1...

Senator Larry Haines ... in his own words, part 6 03/30/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff On February 18, 2006, we had the opportunity for a face-to-face interview with Senator Larry Haines in which a wide variety of topics were discussed. I have divided the interview into sev...

Senator Larry Haines ... in his own words, part 5 03/29/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff On February 18, 2006, we had the opportunity for a face-to-face interview with Senator Larry Haines in which a wide variety of topics were discussed. I have divided the interview into s...

Where's the Fire?? ... More on Schaeffer Lumber Company 03/29/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff The WinchesterKevin Dayhoff Report More on the 1947 Schaeffer Lumber Company Fire March 22, 2006 by

When the Schaeffer Lumber Company fire occurred on December 29, 1947, it was one of...

Carroll County Children's Chorus plans 20-year reunion 03/29/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Many readers cannot easily recall events from 20 years ago. For me, all I can remember is that 1986 was a really good year for mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Of course, for other folks, the firs...

Nearly 60 years ago, aftermath of Schaeffer fire showed communi 03/22/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

As promised, it's time to finish the tale of the Schaeffer Lumber Company fire, which occurred on Dec. 29, 1947.

In the first half of the century, before the fire, Westminster continued to expan...

Senator Larry Haines ... in his own words, part 4 03/21/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff On February 18, 2006, we had the opportunity for a face-to-face interview with Senator Larry Haines in which a wide variety of topics were discussed. I have divided the interview into s...

Senator Larry Haines ... in his own words, part 3 03/21/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff On February 18, 2006, we had the opportunity for a face-to-face interview with Senator Larry Haines in which a wide variety of topics were discussed. I have divided the interview into s...

Mature communication in Carroll County’s contemporary pluralistic society 03/21/06 - by Kevin Dayhoff Before you read this column, younger folks are encouraged to reach into their CD collections and pull out “Call Me,” by Debbie Harry’s band “Blondie.”

Accor...

Annexation Legislation in the Maryland General Assembly 03/21/06 - By Kevin Dayhoff On a statewide level, tension between the counties and municipalities has been going on since the State of Maryland was founded. However, recently, the tension in other parts of the state - -...

Senator Larry Haines ... In his own words, part 2 03/17/06 - By Kevin Dayhoff On February 18, 2006, we had the opportunity for a face-to-face interview with Senator Larry Haines in which a wide variety of topics were discussed. I have divided the interview into s...

Senator Larry Haines ... In his own words, part 1 03/16/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff March 16, 2006

On February 18, 2006, we had the opportunity for a face-to-face interview with Senator Larry Haines in which a wide variety of topics were discussed. I ha...

Who's responsible for this? ... Contact Kevin Dayhoff 03/16/06 - "Life has a value only when it has something valuable as its object". HEGEL, Introduction to Philosophy of History (1852)

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster. E-mail hi...

Popcorn, movies, entertainment... and other meaningful benefits 03/15/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Carroll County Arts Council executive director Sandy Oxx recently shared some real attention-grabbing statistics about the Carroll Arts Center here in Westminster.

Among the many successes in 20...

Former council member Russell Sellman dies at 82 03/15/06 - By Kevin Dayhoff

Russell Sellman, a Westminster civic leader, veteran, musician and banker passed away March 7.

He had been ill for years with Pick's Disease and spent his final hours at Carroll Lutheran Village...

Fires mark milestones of loss, and of courage 03/08/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Many have asked that I tell more of the story that I began back on Jan. 11, when I called attention the Schaeffer Lumber Company fire of 1947.

Now seems an appropriate time to revisit that event...

Russell Sellman, Civic Leader and Musician passes away at 82 03/08/06 - Kevin E. Dayhoff Russell Sellman, a Westminster civic leader, veteran, musician and banker passed away Tuesday afternoon, March 7.

He had been ill for many years with Pick’s Disease and spent his fina...

Westminster and the Singing Revolution 03/07/06 - Kevin E. Dayhoff Current whispers that Westminster will soon declare its independence and form an independent city-state are not true, although it can be admitted that many of the signs are in place.

Afte...

Carroll Arts Center rides on the wings of success 03/01/06 - Carroll Arts Center rides

on the wingsof success

The Carroll Arts Center in Westminster has been performing for almost three years, and by all accounts the innovative adaptive reuse of the o...

Feeser, Meeks cited as Pioneers, champions of county agricultu 03/01/06 - By Kevin Dayhoff

On Feb. 14, more than a hundred farmers took a break from the cold and winter's farm chores to recognize Frank Feeser and Lawrence Meeks as the Carroll County Agriculture Center Pioneers for 2006....

Letters 03/01/06 - Lowering the tax rate cap would not drain coffers

Senate Bill 519, to cap assessments on owner occupied homes to a maximum 5 percent annual increase - the Homestead Credit Act - provides for a s...

Agriculture’s new social contract 02/24/06 - By Kevin Dayhoff As we continue to manage residential growth better in Carroll, many feel we need to adjust our focus to supporting existing businesses in our county (of which agriculture is the biggest) and a...

Pleasant Valley Fire Company celebrates 75 years 02/22/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Fire companies in Carroll County have long been the heart and soul of the community.

Folks usually come together in a community for public safety and protection, commerce, education, worship and...

Westminster’s Code Talkers, the Unsung Heroes of the Snow 02/17/06 - By Kevin Dayhoff Just after dinner, Saturday, February 11, 2006, as the snow continued to fall, I took advantage of an opportunity to visit the Westminster Street Department to say “hi and thanks” ...

Westminster works for understanding, peace through partnership 02/15/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

In September 2002, Westminster established a partner city program with Paide, Estonia.

It was not the first such enterprise; in the past, Westminster has had several informal sister city relatio...

City crews hit the street in first snow of the year 02/15/06 - By Kevin Dayhoff
Special to The Eagle

After months of unusually warm weather, Mother Nature revisited Carroll County over this past weekend and covered the area with an attractive snowy white outfit.

It was the first major snow even...

Feminine touch eased Westminster growing pains 02/09/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

In the 50 years after the Civil War, Westminster expanded rapidly.

And along with the growth came many interesting growing pains.

Nancy Warner, a classmate of mine at Westminster High School, ...

At McDaniel, Brazile calls for revival of King's ideals 02/09/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff
special to The eagle

Donna Brazile, former campaign manager for the Gore-Lieberman presidential campaign in 2000, was a featured speaker last week at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at McDaniel Colle...

Donna Brazile and the McDaniel Connection 02/02/06 - By Kevin Dayhoff Donna Brazile, former campaign manager for the Gore-Lieberman presidential campaign in 2000 was the featured speaker at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration at McDaniel College,...

Agricultural preservation in Carroll County is important, but issues are complicated 02/01/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Today, several critical quality of life challenges face Carroll County: managing growth, maintaining an excellent education system, maintaining and improving water and sewer service, tax relief an...

Letters 02/01/06 - Option 2 was people's choice, not choice of Dems

I have heard a few members of our delegation say - and one wrote in a letter - that Option 2 is the Democrat's map.

That's a big fat lie.

Opt...

More on Agricultural Land Preservation 02/01/06 - Kevin Dayhoff Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2006 • 9 a.m.

In my column currently in the Wednesday, February 1, 2006 edition of The Westminster Eagle, I discuss agricultural preservation ...

Days of swine and ice cream greeted 20th century Westminster 01/25/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

In the 1890s, Westminster was undergoing profound changes as the dawn of a new century awaited.

The city was recovering from the disastrous fire of April 9, 1883, when essentially an entire blo...

Dr. King, and other trailblazers, have a lasting place in Westm 01/18/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Jan. 15, 1929 is the birthday of one of the world's best-known advocates of non-violent social change strategies, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

We all know of King's contribution to our na...

Ending year on musical note, Municipal Band looks to 2006 01/18/06 - by Kevin Dayhoff
Special to The Eagle

It's gray and cold outside, and spring concerts and summer parades seem so far away, but on a recent Monday, the Westminster Municipal Band started warming up for another busy 2006 schedule.

"W...

Schaeffer Lumber fire was costly, yet set a stage for growth 01/11/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

"The citizens of Westminster were aroused from their slumber at 12:30 Tuesday morning, (December 29,1947) by an alarm of fire that damaged the Schaeffer Lumber Company É and other property. The fi...

Cunningham was a model Carroll Countian 01/05/06 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

As we look forward to a new year, it is only fitting that we pause to remember one of the many great Carroll Countians that have gone before us - John H. Cunningham.

Forty years ago, on Dec. 31,...

CFCC on lookout for good deeds in honoring philanthropists 01/05/06 - by Kevin DayhoffSpecial to The Eagle

"Charitable giving comes from the heart and mirrors the soul," said Kathy Brown, director of Shepherd's Staff, as she answered questions and waited on customers at the center's front desk.

"Comm...

Holiday traditions, from 'Krigling' to pink suspenders 12/28/05 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

There is a rich history and tradition of Carroll County coming together as a community to celebrate the holidays.

In several articles in 1995, Jay Graybeal wrote in the Carroll County Times that...

History of Farm Museum reflects the legacy of Carroll County 12/28/05 - Kevin E. Dayhoff In 2006, the Carroll County Farm Museum will celebrate its fortieth anniversary.

The official opening was Aug. 13, 1966. The very first event was a fall harvest festival on Oct. 22, 1966, wh...

Holiday traditions, from 'Kringling' to pink suspenders 12/22/05 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

There is a rich history and tradition of Carroll County coming together as a community to celebrate the holidays.

In several articles in 1995, Jay Graybeal wrote in the Carroll County Times that...

Troopers, Santa form dynamic holiday duo 12/22/05 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff
Special to The Eagle

After a year of planning, about 25 Maryland State Troopers executed a planned undercover operation last Sunday and rounded up a fat jolly man, 85 children and their families at the Westminster Fir...

Civil rights tour follows a path that stretches to Westminster 12/14/05 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

This January, local Carroll Countians Dr. Pam Zappardino and Dr. Charles Collyer are headed south.

Are they "snow-birds" looking for an escape from the cold and the snow? No, though we certainly...

McDaniel students tackle bioterrorism scenario 12/14/05 - By Heidi Schroeder

Members of the Carroll County emergency response team gathered at McDaniel College last week to discuss the release of an aerosol of plague at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore.

Bu...

In Carroll, some valuable lessons come after school 12/07/05 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

While researching last week's column on the 1951 football game between City College and the Westminster High School, I leafed through the 1951 and 1952 Owl yearbooks, graciously loaned to me by Dr...

Westminster, City College set to renew old football ties 11/30/05 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

This Friday at 7 p.m., City College of Baltimore and Westminster High School will face off in the state football semifinals - at Westminster.

The only other time these two teams played each othe...

Parade will march back from history 11/30/05 - By Kevin Dayhoff
Special to the Eagle

This Saturday, Dec. 3, Westminster will witness the return of an old community tradition when the Christmas Parade hits the street.

Led by the Westminster Police Honor Guard and ending with Mr. ...

Burnett- Students today perform on global stage 11/30/05 - By Kevin Dayhoff
Special to The Eagle

Several hundred people attended the fourth annual Carroll County NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet on Nov. 19, and heard an address from fellow Carroll County resident and Maryland Secretary of Higher Ed...

Local teams' success adds to holiday glow for Westminster 11/30/05 - EDITORIAL

Pardon us if you happen to notice a particularly deep shade of blue this week in the pages of The Eagle - like much of Westminster, we seem to have become caught up in the fever of the...

EAGLE EXTRA: Westminster, City College set to renew old football ties 11/29/05 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff This Friday at 7 p.m., City College of Baltimore and Westminster High School will face off in the state football semifinals — at Westminster.

The only other time these two teams pl...

EAGLE EXTRA: Westminster, City College set to renew old football ties 11/29/05 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff This Friday at 7 p.m., City College of Baltimore and Westminster High School will face off in the state football semifinals — at Westminster.

The only other time these two teams pl...

Burnett: Students today compete on global stage 11/23/05 - By Kevin Dayhoff, Special to The Eagle Several hundred people attended the fourth annual Carroll County NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet last Saturday, and heard an address from fellow Carroll County resident and Maryland Secretary of Hi...

Giving thanks that Martha Stewart is now free to help with holiday planning 11/22/05 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Please celebrate this holiday as quickly as possible before the ACLU finds out that it is an historic American event steeped in wholesome family values ... and files suit...

Tracking down history of business groups, Marines and veterans 11/16/05 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

There have been several events in the last few weeks that have kept me busy answering readers' questions. In this short amount of space I'll try and answer those questions.

"When did the Chamber...

Memorial to veterans took root under Mather's care 11/09/05 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff This Friday, Nov. 11 is Veteran's Day.

Many will have the day off - hopefully it will be a day spent with family and friends and time will be set aside to reflect upon the meaning of the day.

...

Real scoop on ice cream leads to peace, prosperity and kids 11/02/05 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

According to "Dayhoff's Nutrition Pyramid," aka the DNP, ice cream is at the top of all the major food groups. (Please take notes.)

The DNP also includes macaroni and cheese, yogurt, grilled che...

News Briefs 11/02/05 - NAACP Freedom Fund banquet set for Nov. 19

The Carroll County NAACP will celebrate its annual Freedom Fund Banquet on Saturday, Nov. 19, beginning 6:30 p.m. at Martin's Westminster.

The event,...

Snallygasters steal my papers, and eat lots of candy 10/26/05 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Get ready: This Monday is Halloween!

Celebrated in much of the western world for centuries, its observance in the United States is celebrated as a part of pop culture.

Harkening back to its an...

Politics of personal destruction puts limits on future leaders 10/19/05 - In the scalding criticism and politics of personal destruction that passes for contemporary political realism and the social commentary of the day, not a day passes when we don't read scathing cri...

Compared to glacier movements, change comes relatively quickly 10/12/05 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Throughout Carroll County's history, we have had many different forms of government.

Through them all we faced our challenges by coming together, rolling up our sleeves and getting to work.

A ...

Newest and best 10/05/05 - Kevin E. Dayhoff And here's the new entry for today. And here's the new entry for today. And here's the new entry for today. And here's the new entry for today. And here's the new entry for today.

How is...

Urban sprawl is no good for all, but don't ignore the legal rea 10/05/05 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Recent articles and letters in local publications regarding water allocation, land use and municipal annexation are well intentioned - but clearly indicate a basic lack of understanding of the law...

Even after 140 years, Westminster still hasn't gotten over 'The 09/28/05 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

For nearly 140 years, McDaniel College has made a difference and a contribution to Carroll County. Through the 1860s, the area now occupied by McDaniel College was called "The Commons" - or "Old C...

Report from the 'Left Coast' discovers (sort of) intelligent li 09/21/05 - By Kevin Dayhoff

Greetings from sunny Southern California. I'm writing this week from the "Left Coast" - San Diego to be exact.

Traveling this week with my better half, Miss Caroline, I've learned quite a few th...

Letters 09/21/05 - If bypass is gone, what is solution to local traffic?

While the decision to take the Westminster Bypass off the county plan may come as a disappointment to the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce...

DeLay rallies faithful at GOP event 09/14/05 - By Jim Joyner

Saying that the Republican party is poised for "an historic opportunity to strengthen our security, strengthen our prosperity and strengthen our families," House Majority Leader Thomas DeLay last ...

Katrina should be a wake-up call for preparedness 09/14/05 - By Kevin Dayhoff

Three cheers for all the Carroll County individuals and organizations that have come together to lend a helping hand for the victims of Katrina.

Let's mull this over: The population of New Orlea...

If technology available, why not Wi-Fi? 09/07/05 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

I've been fascinated with public Wi-Fi and all the possibilities it can provide Carroll County.

On Aug. 15, Silver Spring, in Montgomery County, announced that it now has public Wi-Fi - this put...

Pitch for hospital in Carroll was strong medicine 08/31/05 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

I recently came across an old "Program of Dedication," dated "two o'clock in the afternoon, Sunday, August 27, 1961," for Carroll County General Hospital.

We all take for granted our local hospi...

Letters 08/24/05 - 'Pistol Pete' bites the dust, and so does our heritage

I found myself saddened as I listened to a report of the renaming of New Mexico State University's school mascot, "Pistol Pete."

The poli...

On a wing and prayer, answering the call of summer cicadas 08/24/05 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

As perhaps you have gleamed from previous columns, I keep my finger on the pulse of the community by way of the questions I'm asked in the grocery checkout line.

Recently, as I was obtaining my ...

Going to market for Maryland agriculture, now and in the future 08/17/05 - By Kevin Dayhoff

On Aug. 1, I took a break from volunteering at the Carroll County 4-H & FFA Fair (helping the Grange's liberty fry booth sell 2.59 tons of liberty fries, working for Nancy Watt in Burn's Hall kitc...

In summer of 1863, Westminster felt additional heat from Getty 08/10/05 - By Kevin Dayhoff

In the Historical Society of Carroll County publication, "Carroll Record Histories of Northwestern Carroll County Communities," Dr. Theodore E. Woodward wrote:

"É I have always enjoyed the compa...

Obituaries 08/03/05 - William Wesley Weisgerber, 86, of Westminster

William Wesley Weisgerber, 86, of Westminster, died July 25 at Carroll Hospital Center.

Born May 27, 1919, in Baltimore, he was the son of the lat...

For fair week, here's a hearty 'Cowadunga!' 08/03/05 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

In the far away distant land of Absurdistan - not the People's Republic that Ron Smith of WBAL often refers to here in Maryland, but the left coast version in California - there is a new law requi...

Good medicine is a key element in history of Carroll County 07/27/05 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Some time ago, I ran across a short article buried in the June 20, 1947, edition of the old Democratic Advocate. I found it noteworthy because it was about three Carroll County physicians who were...

Back in the good ol' days when Maryland was flush with money 07/20/05 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

When I was appointed, by Gov. Robert Ehrlich, to the Bay Restoration Fund "Flush Tax" Advisory Committee, I began to field many questions about Westminster's water and sewer system. Especially the...

Good deeds, and donations, from AARP benefit all of Carroll Cou 07/13/05 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Six community initiatives now have another $1,000 in their coffers to help do good things - in Carroll County and beyond - thanks to the hard work of the Carroll County AARP Chapter 662.

At a J...

Fourth is always special, but I'd love a parade 07/06/05 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

The Fourth of July has always been one of my cherished holidays. As a student of history, I have accepted Independence Day as the celebration of the American Spirit.

I'm not alone. According to ...

Westminster's traffic is issue that can't simply be bypassed 06/29/05 - By Kevin E. Dayhoff

In 1892, a Baltimore American newspaper writer wrote a highly complimentary description of Carroll County. The article went into great lengths to discuss the highly successful farms, high quality ...

Ask not for whom the road tolls; just get your dimes and quarte 06/29/05 - By Hoby Wolf

Recently, the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce issued a public statement backing a new plan to build a Westminster bypass. Countering have been statements from county commissioners Dean Minnich ...

One report, many voices on bypass 06/22/05 - Alex Gayhart A bypass is needed.

A bypass is too expensive.

A bypass may or may not impact local business.

If a bypass is built, it should go where planners last said it should go.

Those were th...

Westminster, Paide making beautiful music together 06/22/05 - By Kevin Dayhoff From Carroll County's earliest beginnings, faith and church, family, art and cultural events - and especially music - have been the touchstones of our community. Music and singing groups form a...

Obituaries 06/15/05 - Blanche K. Redgrave, 91, of Westminster

Blanche K. Redgrave, 91, of Westminster, died June 7 at Golden Crest Assisted Living in Westminster, where she had been a resident since August 2003.<...

Letters 06/15/05 - Let's make memories, not enemies, among our kids

I would like to address "memory makers" - specifically, the parents of children who participate in recreational team sports.

All of us need...

Art is food for the soul, and can also fuel our town's economy 06/15/05 - Kevin E. Dayhoff My wife Caroline and I had the chance to enjoy the annual Art in the Park on the grounds of Westminster City Hall, June 4.

Art in the Park has been held the first Saturday in June every year...

Special Olympics 'Flame of Hope' burns brightly in Westminster 06/08/05 - Kevin E. Dayhoff Next Tuesday, June 14, the Law Enforcement Torch Run arrives in Westminster, as Carroll County law enforcement officers join forces to escort the Special Olympics Flame of Hope to Westminster C...

Residents still kicking the tires on this newfangled district idea 06/08/05 - With its last public hearing scheduled for last night in Westminster, the committee charged with drawing five new commissioner districts in Carroll County is now slated to hold one last sessio...

Students, veterans gather to remember 06/01/05 - Heidi Schroeder The students and faculty of Sandymount Elementary School gathered with local veterans and active duty military to start off their Memorial Day celebrations on May 27 with breakfast, stories ...

Memorial Day ceremonies recall sacrifice and service 05/20/05 - Jim Joyner Memorial Day is Monday, May 30, and the Westminster community is hosting a trio of events to commemorate the holiday - from an event with local youngsters on Friday to the city's annual parade o...

Letters 05/20/05 - Thanks for support; good luck to Westminster leaders

I loved being the mayor of Westminster and I will miss many aspects of the job, but perhaps what I will miss the most is working with the ...

Mr. Mayor no more, Dayhoff looks ahead 05/18/05 - Alex Gayhart "Hello, this is Kevin Dayhoff, and I'm unemployed," he says to the "hello?" at the other end of a telephone connection.

But the smile on his face is evident to the person on the end, even if...

People 05/11/05 - Carroll farm museum honors volunteer service

The Carroll County Farm Museum honored volunteers on Sunday, April 24, with a recognition dinner and awards ceremony.

Volunteers at the museum ...

FERGUSON ELECTED AS MAYOR 05/11/05 - Story by Alex Gayhart / Staff photos by June Lee There was hustle and bustle in the Westminster City Council chambers Monday night with the announcement of election results placing Tom Ferguson at the helm of the city as mayor, and Roy Chi...

Casting votes or not, residents make rounds at Westminster polls 05/11/05 - Alex Gayhart Gail Stuart was disappointed to find out Monday morning that she couldn't vote.

For years, she had worked in Ellicott City - too far from Westminster to take the time to drive all the way ...

After a civil election, changing of the guard in Westminster 05/11/05 - It's all over in the Westminster municipal elections, including the shouting, and in retrospect we're glad to say there wasn't much of that.

In an age where often the loudest, most shrill voi...

City formally unveils $26.2M budget proposal 04/27/05 - Alex Gayhart Westminster this week formally introduced to the public a budget proposal that's smaller than last year, and includes water and sewer rates that won't go up - at least for one more year.

Wes...

High school teams venture to state Envirothon 04/27/05 - Heidi Schroeder Spring has sprung! And with the tulips in bloom and the rain in season, 10 teams of students from local high schools competed in last Wednesday's county envirothon at Bear Branch Nature Center....

Don't let local elections be greeted with a silent majority 04/27/05 - When it comes to presidents and governors, Carroll County turns out the vote.

In 1998, during Maryland's gubernatorial election, 60.6 percent of the state's registered voters turned out to v...

People 04/20/05 - SOTA team competes at Hagerstown 'challenge'

The State of the Arts Dance Center and the new competition team, SOTA Divas, have announce the results of the On Tour Dance Challenge competition,...

Police would get double boost in salary in city budget proposal 04/20/05 - Alex Gayhart Westminster police officers would get a "double step" increase in salary next year, based on a proposal by the City Council on Monday night.

The pay raise for officers would come in addition ...

Alt adds third option in mayor's race 04/20/05 - Story and Photo by Alex Gayhart Westminster has one more candidate to add to the mix of those running for city government positions - this one for mayor.

Westminster resident, business co-owner and stay-at-home dad Kev...

Growth, police services are top issues at candidates' forum 04/13/05 - Alex Gayhart There were still a few days before the deadline to file for candidacy for Westminster City Council and mayoral seats, but seven of those who had already filed gathered last week - and few of t...

Main Street Minute 04/13/05 - Randi Buergenthal and Missie Wilcox On May 9, Westminster will elect its mayor. We recently sat down with the two candidates who had declared as of last week to learn about their specific vision for Main Street and business distri...

Mayor's race shapes up 04/06/05 - Alex Gayhart And they're off!

The mayor's race of Westminster officially begins today, as current Mayor Kevin Dayhoff was expected to file for his candidacy in the 2005 election.

Dayhoff, who has ...

Boys & Girls Club gets lift from helping hands 03/23/05 - Alex Gayhart No one could have wiped the big smile off of Phyllis Hammond's face when she walked into Union Street United Methodist Church last Thursday morning.

That's when she saw the sign for the fir...

Celebrating Dr. Seuss with Woman's Club 03/23/05 - The Woman's Club of Westmisnter Inc., celebrated Dr. Seuss' 101st birthday by reading to 1,100 students March 4-7.

The participating schools were Elmer Wolfe, Westminster, William Winchester...

Heading WEST to help those in need 03/09/05 - Alex Gayhart In 1983, long before he became mayor of Westminster and just after purchasing a farm and establishing his own business, Kevin Dayhoff was rear-ended in his vehicle by a drunken driver.

T...

Business Briefs 03/09/05 - Robertson in the kitchen at Carroll Lutheran

Scott Robertson was recently hired by Sodexho Senior Services, the food service provider at Carroll Lutheran Village, as chef manager.

A gradua...

Snow impact piling up on budgets 03/09/05 - Alex Gayhart It didn't begin to "look a lot like Christmas" until some time after the holiday had already come and gone. In fact, the area didn't see much of the white stuff until the season's first storm on...

Mayor says state program boosts home ownership 02/23/05 - Alex Gayhart Westminster City Mayor Kevin Dayhoff was in Annapolis last week, testifying for a bill he says could help bring citizens closer to their jobs.

House Bill 449 asks that the governor reinsta...

Underground utility debate surfaces on Green Street 02/16/05 - Heidi Schroeder Cost was the name of the game last week as Green Street residents heard options for placing their utility lines underground.

Residents indicated the price tag of the options - and more import...

Town Hall Ticker 02/09/05 - From the desk of Mayor Kevin Dayhoff

Next Monday, Feb. 14, is Valentines' Day, so please be sure to shop in Westminster and buy that special person in your life a great gift.

Hopefully, ...

Town Hall Ticker 02/09/05 - From the desk of Mayor Kevin Dayhoff

Next Monday, Feb. 14, is Valentines' Day, so please be sure to shop in Westminster and buy that special person in your life a great gift.

Hopefully, it...

Utz tosses fire hat in the ring for city council race 02/02/05 - Alex Gayhart He's a Westminster High School graduate, a former Maryland State Police trooper, chief of the Westminster Volunteer Fire Department, and owned a business in Westminster.

Now Kevin Utz has hi...

Transfer tax among proposals for Jan. 29 hearing 01/26/05 - Alex Gayhart Proposals for a countywide transfer tax, a senior property tax credit and a ban on roadside solicitations all will be on the agenda Saturday when the Carroll County delegation to Annapolis hosts...

Annexation a hot topic for neighbors 01/26/05 - Alex Gayhart It was 146 acres, perhaps 300 homes, more than 300 signatures on a petition, five city council members, several expert witnesses and more than 100 people cramped in a small space.

Monday's m...

Westminster house tour proceeds top $10,000 for hospice 01/12/05 - By Alex Gayhart There was something worth applauding at Monday evening's meeting of the Westminster City Council - more than 10,000 somethings, to be exact.

Through the annual holiday house tour on De...

Weighing alternatives,costs along Green Street 12/30/04 - By Alex Gayhart What's going to happen with W. Green Street?

Westminster City Councilman Robert Wack wants to make sure that the city, and more specifically, residents of Green Street, know what could ...

Council debates pros, cons of traffic control measures 12/22/04 - By Alex Gayhart An overpass at the intersection of Route 140 and Malcom Drive is what the city of Westminster would like to see - but at the expense of as few businesses as possible.

That was the desire ...

Main Street Minute 12/22/04 - Randi Buergenthal and Missie Wilcox Happy New Year! That greeting will be exchanged beginning Dec. 31, and throughout the first few weeks of 2005.

Did you know that the celebration of the new year is the oldest of all holidays? ...

Editorial 12/22/04 - In our travels around Carroll County this holiday season we've run into Santa at several locations gathering up information about residents' wish lists, but as yet we haven't offered our own sug...

Education Notes 12/08/04 - Heidi Schroeder Carroll County Public Schools is celebrating its fourth annual National Inclusive Schools Week through Dec. 10, promoting the capacity of schools to provide education to an increasingly diverse ...

Cops, kids join forces on holiday mission 12/08/04 - By Alex Gayhart The scene was poignant - a tall, lean police officer striding across the jam-packed parking lot, holding the small hand of a girl wearing a shiny lavender coat and pink sweat pants.

Sgt. ...

Education Notes 12/08/04 - Heidi Schroeder Carroll County Public Schools is celebrating its fourth annual National Inclusive Schools Week through Dec. 10, promoting the capacity of schools to provide education to an increasingly diverse ...

Cops, kids join forces on holiday mission 12/08/04 - By Alex Gayhart The scene was poignant - a tall, lean police officer striding across the jam-packed parking lot, holding the small hand of a girl wearing a shiny lavender coat and pink sweat pants.

Sgt. ...

Wreaths, movies, historic houses: all holiday gifts from Westminster 12/01/04 - From the desk of Mayor Kevin Dayhoff It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. OK, that's a song, but it's also the theme for the Downtown Westminster Main Street Program and the City of Westminster, as we invite residents and...

Families off, running on quest for a tree-mendous Chistmas 12/01/04 - By Debra Taylor Young It's a holiday ritual for the Winslow family.

For the past 15 years, every Thanksgiving weekend, family members head out to make sure they get the best selection of fresh-cut Christmas tree...

County commissioners name 13 to panel studying bypass 12/01/04 - By Alex Gayhart The Carroll County Board of Commissioners last week appointed 13 people to a new "blue ribbon" panel to discuss the possibility of reinstating a plan to build a bypass around Westminster to re...

Downtown dressed up for arrival of holidays 12/01/04 - By Alex Gayhart "Santa, Santa! Santa's here!" the tiny voices exclaimed Saturday evening in the Rosenberg Park on Locust Lane in downtown Westminster.

The scene was straight out of a Norman Rockwell p...

Westminster City Hall shines as Woman's Club holiday ornament 11/24/04 - By Jim Joyner The mansion at 1838 Emerald Hill Lane in Westminster has served many roles over the years: residence to famed Col. K. Longwell, home to the owners of the Albaugh and Babylon Grocery Company,...

Dayhoff seeks to curb roadside soliciting 11/17/04 - By Alex Gayhart You see them at intersections all the time - a group of volunteers with buckets, going from car to car seeking donations; or people selling roses at stop lights.

According to Westminster...

Business Briefs 11/10/04 - Dayhoff marks birthday of Carroll Child Care

In celebration of Carroll County's oldest child care center, Westminster Mayor Kevin Dayhoff presented the Board of Directors, staff and children ...

Business Briefs 11/10/04 - Dayhoff marks birthday of Carroll Child Care

In celebration of Carroll County's oldest child care center, Westminster Mayor Kevin Dayoff presented the Board of Directors, staff and children of...

Change, but not much, preferred for Route 140 11/04/04 - By Alex Gayhart Westminster likes Route 140 the way it is - at least that's what the consensus seemed to be at a public hearing held last week by the Maryland State Highway Administration.

And they woul...

Change, but not much, preferred for Route 140 Limited upgrades, new review of bypass suggested After hearing, a pit stop to review Route 140 comments 11/04/04 - By Alex Gayhart Westminster likes Route 140 the way it is - at least that's what the consensus seemed to be at a public hearing held last week by the Maryland State Highway Administration.

And they wouldn...

Change, but not much, preferred for Route 140 Limited upgrades, new review of bypass suggested After hearing, a pit stop to review Route 140 comments 11/04/04 - By Alex Gayhart Westminster likes Route 140 the way it is - at least that's what the consensus seemed to be at a public hearing held last week by the Maryland State Highway Administration.

And they wouldn...

Change, but not much, preferred for Route 140 Limited upgrades, new review of bypass suggested After hearing, a pit stop to review Route 140 comments 11/04/04 - By Alex Gayhart Westminster likes Route 140 the way it is - at least that's what the consensus seemed to be at a public hearing held last week by the Maryland State Highway Administration.

And they wouldn...

USPS could stamp out Main Street substation 10/27/04 - By Alex Gayhart When Jennifer and Joseph Wawrzynski came to Westminster from western New York last year to scope out the town that would become their home, the couple saw a main street that epitomized "Home...

Witching hours fall on Oct. 31 for Westminster trick-or-treating 10/27/04 - By Mayor Kevin Dayhoff Ghosts, superheroes, cowboys and ballerinas will be out in force this week, so let's all pledge to be a little extra careful on our roads.

This year, Halloween trick-or-treating will take pl...

Council calls for highway 'hybrid' on Route 140 10/27/04 - By Alex Gayhart A marriage of ideas is what the Westminster City Council is seeking for the future of Route 140.

At its biweekly meeting Monday night, the council discussed a letter to be sent to the Sta...

Neighbors see ideas, changes taking root 10/20/04 - By Alex Gayhart In the summer of 2002, a group of committee members - Westminster residents and business owners, as well as city officials and some clergy - took a field trip to Pennsylvania Avenue after da...

Council puts spotlight on Pennsylvania Avenue effort 10/13/04 - By Alex Gayhart The Westminster City Council shed some light on its plans for Pennsylvania Avenue on Monday evening - in particular where pedestrian-level streetlights will soon be constructed.

In a un...

Dayhoff says business, trust are net results of Estonia trip 09/29/04 - By Lauren Taylor Pulling restaurant menus, museum brochures, paper copies of presentations and business cards from a large binder, Westminster Mayor Kevin Dayhoff works long into the night in his hotel lobby in Ta...

Lesson in global relations via Estonian tour of West Middle 09/29/04 - By Meagan Dilks The visit was part diplomacy and part education, but the highlight proved to be when Mark Harrison's band class at Westminster West Middle School performed a song for JŸri Hansen last week.

H...

UPDATE FROM ESTONIA: Mayor addresses Estonian Parliament 09/24/04 - By Lauren Taylor By Lauren Taylor

TALLIN, ESTONIA Mayor Kevin Dayhoff spent five days this week in Estonia, including three days in Westminster's sister city, Paida. The trip was part of a Maryland Partner Ci...

Jump-start for home ownership 09/22/04 - By Alex Gayhart Home ownership helps create autonomy and a stable community, and that's what Westminster officials hope to do by purchasing and renovating a duplex along Union Street.

Last week the Wes...

While Dayhoff is away, Estonian guests stay 09/22/04 - By Alex Gayhart and Jim Joyner By Alex Gayhart and Jim Joyner

Westminster Mayor Kevin Dayhoff took flight last week to visit the city of Paide in Estonia, and while he’s away, a contingent from that town is returning the fa...

While Dayhoff is away, Estonian guests stay 09/22/04 - By Alex Gayhart and Jim Joyner Westminster Mayor Kevin Dayhoff took flight last week to visit the city of Paide in Estonia, and while he's away, a contingent from that town is returning the favor.

Several local officia...

Council mulls options for fixing City Park wall 09/16/04 - By Alex Gayhart It might not be fair to say the Westminster City Council hit a stone wall on Monday night.

But council members sure did talk about one.

Members of the council and Mayor Kevin Dayhoff...

Obituaries 09/16/04 - Janet E. Persinger, 72, of Sykesville

Janet Eva Persinger, 72, of Sykesville, died Monday, Sept. 13, at Washington County Hospital, Hagerstown.

She was born February 16, 1932 in Marylan...

Office Depot is first piece of Westminster Crossing Office Depot opens with donations to local groups 08/18/04 - Story By Jim Joyner With fanfare, official greetings and more than a few references to back-to school supplies, the first major addition in the birth of the new Westminster Crossing shopping center arrived last w...

Residents mobilize after 'gang' meeting 08/04/04 - By Jim Joyner Concerns over recent vandalism and potential gang activity have given rise to a fledgling community action group in the Center, Charles and Court streets area of Westminster.

The group, w...

Town Hall Ticker 08/04/04 - Story From the desk of Mayor Kevin Dayhoff There are many exciting events in Westminster these days.

With the 2004 Carroll County 4-H & FFA Fair and the Ravens training camp under way this month, as many as 140,000 visitors will be ...

Merchants ravin' over Ravens' fiscal boost 07/29/04 - By Meagan Dilks The Ravens are coming, the Ravens are coming _ which is good news for businesses in Westminster.

"If there was training camp every month we'd be happy," said Harry Sirinakis, owner of Harry's...

Driven by challenge, memories of Nathan 07/21/04 - By Kelly Miller Melvin Blizzard Jr. has had a lot of jobs in his law enforcement career - hostage negotiator, captain with the Baltimore County Police Department, patrol officer and commander of a drug unit.

...

Town Hall Ticker 07/14/04 - From the desk of Mayor Kevin Dayhoff Summertime skating

The Westminster Skate Park is located at the corner of Tuc Road and Locust Street. It is a great place for skateboarders and in-line skaters to have the opportunity to test th...

News in Brief 07/14/04 - Dayhoff again on board for Municipal League

At the Maryland Municipal League summer convention, Westminster Mayor Kevin Dayhoff was elected to his fifth consecutive term on the league's boa...

Parking garages give city room to grow on 07/14/04 - By Meagan Dilks Hoping to spur downtown business growth, the Westminster town council Monday night took the first step toward letting businesses expand without having to add as many parking spaces as they would n...

Blizzard is selected to head MEMA preparedness 07/07/04 - Story Melvin Blizzard of Westminster, a captain with the Baltimore County Police Department, was named last week by Gov. Robert Ehrlich to lead the Maryland Emergency Management Agency's Domestic Prepar...

####