Balloon fest plans mark county 250th celebration
The planning committee and business leaders unveiled a balloon fest slated for August 21 to 23 to celebrate the county's 250th anniversary. Organized by Kevin Poppleman, Adventures Aloft, the event features moon glow, balloon lifts, races, and a two hour choreographed display with up to 30 balloons. Sponsorship costs 5000 dollars and includes an advertising balloon plus two company riders.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Paul Gordon
Kevin Poppleman
Adventures Aloft
Gordon
Bomb threat at Middletown High school evacuates 1000 students
A man with a deep voice called Middletown High School at 7 35 a m demanding 50 000. About 1000 students and staff were evacuated for nearly three hours while bomb dogs searched the building. Hansi the explosive detection dog found no bombs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
MHS
Middletown
Middletown High School
Robert Scire
Frederick County
Bill Green
County presents fiscal 98 budgets with discretionary funds
Frederick County Commissioners face a 192 million dollar budget for fiscal 1998 with only 1.9 million dollars in discretionary funds. Budget Officer Mark Sneadner outlined operating and capital plans, noting a 1 percent cut to most departments to fund potential raises. He expects 98 million in property taxes, 68 million in income taxes, and a 1.1 million surplus from 1996 to support the plan. The Board of Education would receive 3.5 million in maintenance funding, bringing its total to 106 million, while a tax rate hearing on April 14 may consider a 20 cent increase that could raise 10 million if approved.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Krista Brick News-Post
Frederick County
Mark Sneadner
Sneadner
Board of Education
City officials urged lean budgets for 1997-98 drive
Frederick Mayor Jim Grimes told Public Works Director Fred Eisenhart to cut his department budget after hours of talks. He pressed for a 10 million dollar reduction and urged all departments to think slim. Eisenhart sought a 17.2 million dollar budget, up 1.6 million from this year, mainly for vehicles equipment and upgrades. He said no new hires were requested and the rest covers ongoing costs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Frederick
Jim Grimes
Public Works
Fred Eisenhart
Grimes
Jean
Eisenhart
Public Works Division
House OKs weakened Smart Growth bill in Maryland
Maryland House approves its version of the Smart Growth bill 121 to 12, aiming to curb suburban sprawl and focus spending in priority areas. Critics say the measure gutted oversight by state planners, elevating county control and property rights, while lawmakers express hope for a workable compromise in conference with the Senate.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Annapolis
House of Delegates
House
Senate
Parris Glendening
Petra
Dru Schmidt-Perkins
Clean Water Action
Glendening
Casper R. Taylor Jr
Topaz Rejected as State Gem in Maryland Debate
In Annapolis the House rejected a Senate bill to name golden topaz the state gem on a 60 60 vote. Senator Paula Hollinger faced questions about influence on related bills while Delegate Louise Snodgrass pressed for reconsideration amid broader municipal reform discussions. The milk state drink bill faces uncertain fate as lawmakers trade symbolic naming for policy priorities.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Annapolis
Paul Stull
House of Delegates
Senate
Paula Hollinger
Baltimore
Senate Economic and Environmental Affairs Committee
Stull
Mr. Stull
House
Hollinger
Commerce and Government Matters
Louise Snodgrass
Frederick Washington
Gerald Curran
Residents weigh floodplain buyout options in Point of Rocks
About 40 residents met with Frederick County officials to discuss flood mitigation after two severe floods damaged 25 homes. Fourteen homeowners expressed interest in a buyout program using state federal and county funds to remove properties from the floodplain. Some residents oppose selling, citing familiarity with flood cycles and reluctance to abandon starter homes.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Frederick County
Joseph Legg
Clay Street
Leggs
Fran
Brenda Tatives
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Vernon Shores
Commerce Street
Tom Darry
Evalyn Fisher
Maryland Emergency Management Agency
Local gambling bill dead in Maryland General Assembly
Frederick County seeks change to gaming law but two identical bills sit in House and Senate committees with little chance of passage. The measure would drop expense disclosure for tavern tip jars earning 30 percent of proceeds, while other local bills also fail to advance. House chair Joseph Vallario cites governor opposition to slots or casinos and fears uneven treatment among counties. Continuous coverage on Page A-101.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Annapolis
Frederick County
General Assembly
House
Senate
Washington County
House Judiciary Committee
Joseph Vallario
Prince George’s
Also Mentioned on This Page
Krista Brick
News-Post
Kate Leckie and
Douglas Tallman
Thomas Winebrenner
Monnikendam
Secret Service
Harford County
Hansi
Barry
Oks
Matthew Barakat
Harhive
By Skip Lawrence
Point of Rocks
Inside the News
Daegenteer Sirenneel Svenes
Eeecaus
Aeideaeiveens
Fercerick News
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