e-George

Commissioners' Comment, September 2008 #1

kartz@washco-md.net — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:30:00 +0000

Commissioners' Comment, September 2008 #1

The Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) summer meeting brought local government officials up to date on what's on the horizon with government at the state level. Washington County Commissioner Jim Kercheval talks about hot topics at the summer conference, key issues in other counties and how solutions to those problems may benefit Washington County citizens. Plus a tribute to our youth baseball champs, Federal Little League 11-12 year-old All Stars and PONY League 14 year-old All Stars, for reaching their respective World Series' play.

14:48

Commissioners' Comment, August 2008 #1

kartz@washco-md.net — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:05:00 +0000

Commissioners' Comment, August 2008 #1

Washington County Commissioner Kristin Aleshire is young, outspoken and dedicated to local government. Aleshire talks about getting information about government to the people, and combatting misinformation and disinformation about the Board and its intentions.
Aleshire discusses the Funkstown Bridge repair project, the PATH project--a massive power grid upgrade that will impact ciounties in West Virginia and Maryland, and the County's role in current zoning, annexation and development. Aleshire says that having served as Town Planner for both Middletown and Myersville in Frederick County, then 6 years as a Hagerstown City Councilman and now as both Town Manager for Myersville and a County Commissioner, provides a different perspective to the job of governing Washington County.

14:50

Commissioners' Comment, July 2008 #1

kartz@washco-md.net — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:59:00 +0000

Commissioners' Comment, July 2008 #1

What is ther HEPMPO and why should you care? Robert Goprdon, Directopr of rthe Hagerstpown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization talks about transportation planning needs in Washington Couynty MD, Berkeley County and Jefferson County WV. HEPMPO assesses transportation needs and conducts planning in order that federal and state funds are available to improve interstate, federal and state roads in the region.

13:21

Commissioners' Comment, June 2008 #2

kartz@washco-md.net — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:46:00 +0000

Commissioners' Comment, June 2008 #2

Kevin Lewis was named Director of the Washington County Division of Fire and Emergency Services on June 10th, by the Board of County Commissioners. Lewis, who served in the Acting Director Capacity for the past 6 months, was called on to manage two of the larger emergency incidents in recent years, the Boone Hotel Fire in February, and the severe wind storms of June 4th. Lewis talks about the two incidents, response from Fire and EMS companies, the Emergency Operations Center and interaction with state agencies. Lewis also oversees implementation of the County's Emergency Medical Services Master Plan. That plan is underway and Phase I is nearing completion, Lewis says.

14:28

Commissioners Comment, May #1

kartz@washco-md.net — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:49:00 +0000

Commissioners' Comment
By Norman Bassett,
Public Information Officer-Washington County, Maryland

May 2008 #1
Washington County Administrator Greg Murray presented the County budget, balanced at 338.4 million dollars to the annual Public Hearing held on May 13th at the Kepler Theater on the Hagerstown Community College campus. Murray explains factors driving budget increases: Public Safety, Education, highway infrastructure and environmental mandates. Murray describes strategies the Commissioners and staff used to minimize increases to County citizens in a time of economic downturn.

14:50

Commissioners Comment, April 2008 #2

kartz@washco-md.net — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:41:00 +0000

Commissioners' Comment
By Norman Bassett,
Public Information Officer-Washington County, Maryland

April 2008 #2
Washington County's economic forecast remains stable, says Hagerstown/Washington County Economic Development Commission office Executive Director Tim Troxell even though the national economy is in a downturn,. In excerpts from an "Eggs and Issues" address to the Chamber of Commerce, Troxell talks about opportunities for economic development in biotechnology, manufacturing and government support that have taken place in the County over the past year, and what they will mean for the local and area economy. Audio courtesy CofC.
14:50

Commissioners Comment, March-April 2008

kartz@washco-md.net — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:35:00 +0000

Commissioners' Comment
By Norman Bassett,
Public Information Officer-Washington County, Maryland

March-April 2008
Spring is here, and that means the start of County construction season. Division of Public Works Director Joe Kroboth talks about the $5 million pavement maintenance program, paving strategies and outcomes. Several major road projects will get underway, including realignment of the U.S. 40/Mount Aetna Drive intersection. Maugans Avenue will be finished this year, and bridge projects will keep County contractors busy as well. In light of a Commissioner's Goal to make County Government more efficient and cost-effective, Kroboth talks about why and how the Engineering Department was recently split into two new departments.
14:10

Commissioners Comment, March 2008 #1

kartz@washco-md.net — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:13:00 +0000

Commissioners' Comment
By Norman Bassett,
Public Information Officer-Washington County, Maryland

March 2008 #1

Communications Maintenance Manager Pete Loewenheim talks about the purpose and progress on Washington County's $20 million Public Safety Communications System. Construction of facilities to house the communications equipment, which will allow all police, fire and government services in the County to communicate with each other using a single system, is underway. A public information meeting is set for March 26th at Pleasant Valley Elementary School in the southern Washington County. Loewenheim explains the purpose of that meeting.
14:00

Commissioners' Comment February 2008#1

kartz@washco-md.net — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 20:20:00 +0000

http://www.washco-md.net/podcasts/commiss_comments/08feb1.mp3Commissioners' Comment
By Norman Bassett,
Public Information Officer-Washington County, Maryland
February 2008 #1

The State of the County Address 2008. County Commissioners' President John Barr delivers the 2008 address before 200+ at the Sheraton 4-Points Hotel in Hagerstown, MD on February 5th. Theme-Where we were, where we are and where we are going. Barr talks about the first year of the current Board's term, goals accomplished, ongoing projects and projections for the future.

34:09

Sheriff's Citizen Academy 2008

kartz@washco-md.net — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:10:00 +0000

The 2008 Sheriff's Citizens' Law Enforcement Awareness Program will begin March 18th. Listen to the podcast for all the details.

Podcast

Commissioners' Comment January 2008

kartz@washco-md.net — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 20:44:00 +0000

Commissioners' Comment
By Norman Bassett,
Public Information Officer-Washington County, Maryland
January 2008
One of 4 Maryland Access Points (MAP) opens in Washington County. State Secretary of Aging Gloria Lawlah talks about how the site will help persons over 50 and adults with disabilities.
The Maryland Legislature is in session. Commissioner Jim Kercheval, a member of the Maryland Association of Counties' legislative committee talks about what the session may have in store and how is could affect County citizens.
Washington County's Gaming Revenue, taxes on gambling used to fund charities and Emergency Services, continue to be a topic of interest in the legislature. Gaming Director Jim Hovis explains how that revenue benefits the County.
14:29

Commissioners' Comment December 2007 #2

kartz@washco-md.net — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 18:12:00 +0000

Commissioners' Comment
By Norman Bassett,
Public Information Officer-Washington County, Maryland

December 2007 #2
After planning and construction for 8 years, the ribbon was cut for the 1500-foot extension to the Hagerstown Regional Airport main runway on November 30th. Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation Thomas Barrett, Senior Senator Barbara Mikulski, State Senator Don Munson, local contractor C. William Hetzer and HGR Director Carolyn Motz all talk about why the project will be of economic benefit to Washington County. At 7,000 feet, the runway is the second longest in Maryland.

14:43

Commissioners' Comment December 2007 #1

kartz@washco-md.net — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:32:00 +0000

Commissioners' Comment
By Norman Bassett,
Public Information Officer-Washington County, Maryland

December 2007 #1
Everybody's going Green. Washington County always has been and continues to be green in its environmental programs and practices. Recycling Coordinator Harvey Hoch on what to do with your Christmas Tree after the holidays, and other Green solid waste programs. Division of Environmental Management Director Julie Pippel on how water quality programs help keep Maryland green. Our Agricultural heritage helps maintain the County's Green image. Hear what's new at the Rural Heritage Museum from curator Leslie Hendrickson.

14:38

Holiday Shopping Safety

kartz@washco-md.net — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 13:27:00 +0000

The Washington County Sheriff's Office has put together tips to keep yourself, your money, and your purchases safe during the Holiday shopping season.

Holiday Shopping Safety

Commissioners' Comment October, 2007 #2

kartz@washco-md.net — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 13:36:00 +0000

Commissioners' Comment
By Norman Bassett,
Public Information Officer-Washington County, Maryland

October 2007 #2
October is Disabilities Awareness Month in Washington County. Secretary of the Maryland Department of Disabilities Cathy Raggio talks about employment for people with disabilities, at the Western Maryland Disabilities Forum held on October 15th in Hagerstown. MDOD staffer Michael Dalto details the Maryland Employed Individuals with Disabilities Outreach Project and help available through the state's Technical Assistance Program, which provides assistive equipment to enable people to work and live independently. The Washington County Disabilities Advisory Committee sponsored the event, along with local partners.
14:49

Commissioners' Comment October, 2007 #1

kartz@washco-md.net — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 19:06:00 +0000

Commissioners' Comment

By Norman Bassett,
Public Information Officer-Washington County, Maryland

October 2007 #1
Maryland Senior Senator Barbara Mikulski paid her annual visit to the Board of County Commissioners on September 13th. Commissioners and staff discuss projects and programs to benefit County Citizens that will need federal assistance. Mikulski talks about new federal funding for local libraries, and availability of funding for future transportation, economic development and public safety projects.

14:49

Commissioners' Comment September, 2007 #1

kartz@washco-md.net — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:46:00 +0000

Commissioners' Comment

By Norman Bassett,
Public Information Officer-Washington County, Maryland

September 2007 #1
The Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) 2007 summer meeting provided opportunities for networking and lobbying that garnered direct and indirect benefits for Washington County. Commissioner Jim Kercheval talks about Commissioners' meetings with the Secretaries of Public Safety and Corrections, the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Maryland Department of Planning. Commisasioners' 2007-2010 Goals will be announced soon, and Kercheval discusses his top priority.
14:47

Teen Driver Safety Class

kartz@washco-md.net — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 11:41:00 +0000

The Washington County Sheriff's Office is offering a Teen Driver Safety Class. To learn more about the class, please listen to the following brief podcast:

Teen Driver Safety Class

Commissioners' Comment August, 2007 #1

kartz@washco-md.net — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 13:57:00 +0000

Commissioners' Comment
By Norman Bassett,
Public Information Officer-Washington County, Maryland

August 2007 #1

U.S. Senator Ben Cardin announced a $2.9 million grant to Hagerstown Regional Airport in cooperation with Senator Barbara Mikulski's Office in a Press Conference on August 7th, 2007.
Cardin and Juliana Albowicz, Western Maryland Representative for Sen. Mikulski, talk about the ecoinomic benefits the airport provides. Representatives of three of the more than 50 businesses at the airport talk about opportunities for economic growth at the facility.

14:37

Car Safety Tips from the Washington Co. Sheriff's Office

kartz@washco-md.net — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 12:22:00 +0000

A message for the Washington County Sheriff's Office with useful information to help you avoid the theft of your vehicle and keeping yourself safe in your vehicle.

Listen to the Car Saftey podcast

The Washington County Sheriff's Office will be hosting the Citizen's Police Academy starting September 11, 2007. Listen to the podcast below for additional information.

Listen to the Citizen's Police Academy podcast

Commissioners' Comment July, 2007 #2

kartz@washco-md.net — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 18:20:00 +0000

Commissioners' Comment
By Norman Bassett,
Public Information Officer-Washington County, Maryland

July 2007 #2 Washington County's economic picture is bright, says Tim Troxell, Executive Director of the Hagerstown/Washington County Economic Development Commission office.
Troxell talks about projects on the horizon for the Copu8nty, projects on thne bubble, the process involved in ":landing" new business and industry in the County, and the conversion of the Fort Ritchie complex to a high-tech, high-security commercial/retail.industrial site that could bring 4.500 jobs to the county.

14:35

Commissioners' Comment July, 2007 #1

kartz@washco-md.net — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 12:32:00 +0000

Commissioners' Comment
By Norman Bassett,
Public Information Officer-Washington County, Maryland

July 2007 #1
NEWS!--Washington County citizens may now pay their property taxes on-line. Accounting Supervisor Daryl Brown talks about that new e-service.
Board of County Commissioners' President John Barr is a successful businessman who brings that acumen to County government. Barr talks about goals and directions for government, what he's learned about County Government during the first 6 months of office, about the complex issues this Board is facing including the excise tax and funding for education.

13:55

Commissioners' Comment June, 2007 #2

kartz@washco-md.net — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 13:52:00 +0000

Commissioners' Comment
By Norman Bassett,
Public Information Officer-Washington County, Maryland

June 2007 #2 County Administrator Greg Murray worked his way up through the ranks, and was appointed to the post in February 2007. He serves as a member of the Governor's Task Force on water quality for Maryland, has authored state regulations, and is widely respected for his knowledge of environmental issues. Murray talks about the recently completed budget, about the new Department of Environmental Management, and on directions County government will take over the next 4 years.

14:19

05/29/07 Summary of Commissioners Meeting

kartz@washco-md.net — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 19:32:00 +0000

Summary of Commissioners Meeting 1:46
By Norman Bassett
Public Information Officer
Washington County, MD

To read the complete Summary of this meeting visit Summary Table.

To read the official Minutes of this meeting visit Minutes Table.Note: The minutes are not published until they are approved by the Commissioners at the next regular meeting and therefore are at least a week behind

05/22/07 Summary of Commissioners Meeting

kartz@washco-md.net — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 19:29:00 +0000

Summary of Commissioners Meeting 5:22
By Norman Bassett
Public Information Officer
Washington County, MD

To read the complete Summary of this meeting visit Summary Table.

To read the official Minutes of this meeting visit Minutes Table.Note: The minutes are not published until they are approved by the Commissioners at the next regular meeting and therefore are at least a week behind