The Carroll County Health Department is tracking COVID numbers as cases rise in some areas of the state and region due to the BA2 variant. According to new CDC guidance, Carroll County and all of Maryland are currently at low levels of COVID transmission, but it’s important to be prepared for new variants, and to protect people at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19.
The best way to protect yourself and others is to stay up to date on vaccinations. Boosters help increase protection against infection, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. People over 50 and some others can now get a 2nd booster. The Health Department continues to hold vaccination clinics, and most pharmacies still offer the vaccine.
If exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms, it’s important to test for COVID so you can be treated right away and let your contacts know they were exposed. The Health Department continues to offer PCR testing and distributes at-home test kits through the libraries and other organizations.
New test to treat sites, including some CVS clinics, offer testing and treatment together. Other treatments are available by prescription. One treatment can help high-risk individuals prevent COVID. Talk to your doctor about the best options for you.
Those at higher risk of serious illness or with loved ones at risk may choose to take additional steps to prevent COVID. Wearing a KN95 or N95 mask helps protect you even if others aren’t masking, though masks are most effective when everyone wears one. Increasing ventilation by opening windows and doors and installing ventilation systems or air purifiers in public spaces is also recommended. Avoiding large indoor gatherings, planning outdoor events, and testing before get-togethers are all great ways to reduce risk.
To keep up with the most recent local data, information, and services, visit the Health Department’s COVID-19 website and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
County's Budget Community Events and Public Hearing on May 10th
The County's FY23 Proposed Budget reveal is scheduled for Tuesday, April 26th.
Director of Management and Budget Ted Zaleski will hold a series of community meetings to review and explain the Proposed Budget. These meetings are currently scheduled as follows:
Wednesday, April 27th 7:00 pm Eldersburg Library
Thursday, April 28th 7:00 pm Mount Airy Library
Monday, May 2nd 7:00 pm Westminster Library
Tuesday, May 3rd 7:00 pm Taneytown Library
Monday, May 9th 7:00 pm North Carroll Library
A Budget Public Hearing is scheduled to be held in person on Tuesday, May 10th at 7:00 pm at the Carroll County Arts Center, 91 W. Main St in Westminster. Anyone wishing to contribute public comments on the budget should attend the event or email Director Zaleski at tzaleski@carrollcountymd.gov.
All deliberations regarding the county budget can be viewed on the county's website.
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Carroll County Veterans Celebration May 15th
Carroll County invites all residents and interested parties to attend a new county event to celebrate and honor Carroll County Veterans, the Military, and their families.
The exciting new event, Carroll County Veterans Celebration, will be held Sunday, May 15, 2022, from noon – 4:00 PM at the Carroll County Farm Museum in Westminster. All Veterans, the Military, their families, and Carroll County residents are invited to attend the free celebration.
More information on the event and its activities are available on the Veterans Celebration webpage.
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend! For more information, please contact the Department of Citizen Services at 410-386-3800.
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Aging's 50th Anniversary Event
The Carroll County Bureau of Aging & Disabilities is excited to celebrate its 50-year anniversary and invites all residents, colleagues and partners to join the event recognizing this milestone. The celebration will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, from 10am to 2pm on the campus of the Bureau of Aging & Disabilities and Westminster Senior & Community Center at 125 Stoner Avenue in Westminster. The celebration includes the launch of AARP’s Age-Friendly Community Initiative. No registration needed.
For more information on this event please contact the Carroll County Bureau of Aging & Disabilities at 410-386-3800 or visit the website at www.carrollcountymd.gov/aging-and-disabilities.
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MDOT SHA Roadway Project Updates
MD 851 (Springfield Avenue) in Sykesville
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) has a project to upgrade the aging drainage system on MD 851 (Springfield Avenue) in Sykesville later this year. The $2.5 million project is currently in the design phase at MDOT SHA. The existing storm drain between Main Street and Vantage Point Drive will be replaced and the storm drain network will be extended to Central Avenue to improve performance. Sidewalks and driveways impacted by construction will be replaced. New sidewalk, curb and gutter will be installed north of Central Avenue to improve pedestrian safety.
Carroll County is simultaneously working on a project to upgrade aging water and sewer infrastructure along MD 851. The County will start their portion this summer. MDOT SHA is closely coordinating with the County’s schedule and expects to start the storm drain construction this fall.
(Near District 5) MD 97 (New Washington Road) between MD 140 (Baltimore Boulevard) and the Fenby Park & Ride, south of MD 32 (Sykesville Road)
This highway maintenance project started on Sunday, April 3. Crews are removing the top layer of roadway, patching potholes and installing a new driving surface to three miles of roadway. They will work overnight from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday night through Friday morning. There will be a single lane closure and flagging operation during work hours. The project is expected to be complete by June.
Looking Ahead
MD 97 (New Washington Road) between MD 32 (Sykesville Road) and Morgan Run, just south of Nicodemus Road
This highway maintenance project is expected to start in May. The work will remove the top layer of roadway, patch potholes/cracks and install a new driving surface to more than three miles of roadway. Work will be overnight from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday night through Friday morning. There will be a single lane closure and flagging operation during work hours. The project is expected to be complete by June.
District 5 Roadways Scheduled for Construction
Carroll County Department of Public Works expects work to be completed on the following roads during the upcoming construction season.
Old Liberty
Fern Way
Green Valley Way
Fairfield Lane
Ash Grove Court
Martz Road
Avonshire Court
Roads Operations webpage.
 Sykesville News
Please check out Sykesville's Historical Story Map. This project started in 2020: Sara Bondroff, a Liberty High School intern - created the map with its content as part of a project administered by the DSC Design Committee. With the support of the Community Media Center, voice artist Megan Forbes created the audio component that nicely compliments Sara's work. Sykesville is thrilled to share the finished product with you and the Sykesville community.
State Veterans Home Project Update
Meetings and plans are moving forward on the new state Veterans Home project in Sykesville. The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs earmarked funding in its FY22-26 Capital Improvements Plan for a new state Veterans Home project to be built in Sykesville. The project, with expected costs of over $81M, constructs a 120-bed skilled nursing facility to provide additional bed space for Maryland's aging Veteran population at a more centrally located and state-of-the-art establishment. The designated location is at the end of Raincliffe Road in the vicinity of Buttercup Road, currently part of the state police training area. Funding will be 65% federal funds and 35% state GO Bonds. The State of Maryland is actively meeting and working on the project.
Carroll Environment on Facebook – Like, Follow, and Share!
The Department of Land & Resource Management (LRM) recently launched the Carroll Environment page on Facebook. The new page will promote opportunities for Carroll County’s public to learn about and engage in information, projects, and activities that promote environmental stewardship and understanding in Carroll County.
Posts will highlight ongoing and completed projects, solicit interest in volunteer opportunities, and promote environmental initiatives within the department and beyond. Watch for updates to find out about stream cleanups, tree plantings, and invasive species removal events hosted by the department.
Follow Carroll Environment on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/carrollenvironment/.
For more information, contact Patrick Varga, CFM, Content Coordinator, at 410-386-2844 at CarrollEnvironment@carrollcountymd.gov.
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Hurricane Agnes 50th Anniversary
Hurricane Agnes bombarded the East Coast from June 19-25, 1972 with this year marking the 50th anniversary of the disaster. Carroll County, like much of Maryland, was impacted by the wind and flooding. The damage from Agnes was the costliest to that point and is still one of the most expensive hurricanes of all time. Nationwide damages estimates exceeded $3.1 billion and Maryland sustained over $110 million in damage. Locally, the total damage in Carroll County was estimated at $10 million, including an estimated $5 million in road damage. Power, water, sewer, and telephone services were disrupted for days as the water receded. Flooding and erosion caused an estimated $1 million in damage to local farms. While we remember the storm and its aftermath 50 years later, community response, preparedness, and mitigation have come a long way since that time. The losses suffered during and after Hurricane Agnes were, in some cases, immeasurable. But we can best commemorate the disaster by looking back at how far we’ve come and by taking action to limit future losses. Another storm like Agnes could come at any time, and as we see more frequent, more intense storms, we must remain vigilant. The County will continue to protect our residents, their property, and the natural and built environment from hazards through public outreach, mitigation, preparedness, and resiliency.
Carroll County's Emergency Management Division of the Department of Public Safety is responsible for the overall coordination of the response to emergencies and disasters that affect Carroll County. Check out their helpful website here.
Stone Manor Project Update
The Board of Commissioners approved the contract to award the retrofit of the Stone Manor Stormwater Management Facility to Hamilton Site Construction, Inc. in the amount of $264,170. Construction is underway on the facility which is located at the end of Millstone Court. The facility is being retrofitted to address some maintenance items and to provide an increase in water quality treatment for the runoff. Construction is anticipated to last several months.
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Development Review Updates
Commercial developments in the plan review process:
- Brosenne Solar Energy Facility, 5128 Klees Mill Road
- 1332 Londontown Boulevard
- Northeastern Supply Eldersburg, Londontown Boulevard
- Carroll Station III, 1702 Liberty Road, retail
- Long Reach Farms Lot 20, Planned Commercial Center, commercial 1st floor
- Northrop Grumman, 7301 Sykesville Road
- Stonehouse Restaurant, 7591 College Avenue
- 7518 Main Street
- Fairhaven Main Entrance Improvements, 7200 Third Avenue
- Fairhaven Welcome House Renovations , 7200 Third Avenue
The Developments in Process GIS map layer provides information on commercial and residential projects that are currently in the review process. https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/services/gis-maps/gis-interactive-maps/
The Development Review launch page includes Technical Review Committee meeting and Planning and Zoning Commission meeting agenda items with links to an overview plan. https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/development-review
The Department of Planning continues its work with the commissioners on Comprehensive Rezoning efforts. The final phase of the Comprehensive Rezoning is underway with the creation of a multi-member work group comprised of private and public sector individuals who will review and provide insight on the Agriculture and Conservation zoning text.
Agriculture/Conservation Zoning Text Work Group Mission Statement: The mission of the Agriculture/Conservation text work group is to review the research prepared by the Carroll County Department of Planning staff and how it relates to the Zoning Code (chapter 158) and Subdivision Code (chapter 155) of the Carroll County Code of Laws and Ordinances, to identify challenges, discuss emerging trends and find opportunities in Agricultural/Conservation land uses as they relate to Carroll County and to make recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Commission regarding changes to the county code. This will be accomplished by providing input and advice to the interagency Concept Team drafting the Agriculture/Conservation district zoning text. This Work Group consists of private and public sector members from the agricultural, development, legal, and real estate communities with expertise in conservation, farming, land use and development in Carroll County.
Upcoming Timeline available on the dedicated website.
Residents are welcome to send written comments to the Department of Planning, 225 North Center Street, Room 106, Westminster, Maryland, 21157 or email ccplanning@carrollcountymd.gov. Questions should be addressed to the Department of Planning at ccplanning@carrollcountymd.gov or 410-386-5145.
For more information, please go to: https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/government/directory/planning/carroll-county-comprehensive-rezoning/
Overview of District 5 Recreational Facilities
District 5 features 7 Carroll County parks, 9 schools and 1 senior & community center that all provide a home for numerous recreational activities. Many of these activities are sponsored by the Freedom Area Recreation Council (FARC), the Department of Recreation & Parks’ largest council.
This inventory of local county parks includes 1,102 acres, including 831 at Piney Run Park. In addition, local schools provide usage of 12 gymnasiums, over 30 athletic fields and ball diamonds for activities. Also, additional fields that are leased include Springfield Hospital Center and the Fairhaven Complex on Obrecht Road.
The South Carroll Dog Park serves hundreds of members annually and is located behind the South Carroll Senior & Community Center which also features a middle school sized gym.
Whether it’s fishing or hiking at Piney Run Park, meeting friends at the dog park or enjoying FARC sponsored activities, there’s always something to do. For more info, please visit ccrecpark.org.
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Share Your Story – Over 50 Years of Recreation & Parks
Carroll County Recreation & Parks will be wrapping up its 50th-anniversary celebration with a video tribute that will be posted on its website. This video will consist of short messages from those who have been a part of our successful 50-year history.
Visit https://carrollcountymd.gov/ccrpstory to share how Carroll County Recreation and Parks impacted your life or a story from one of your program or park experiences – all ages welcome! For more information, please visit ccrecpark.org.
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2022 Therapeutic Recreation Day
Join us from 11am-2pm on Tuesday, June 14 at the Carroll County Farm Museum for TR Day! All-inclusive event, everybody is welcome! The event will include Birds of Prey Exhibit, Creepy Crawler Exhibit, line dancing, DJ music, corn hole toss, game wheel, great food, snow cones, balloon creations, 50/50 raffle, vendors & more.
For more details contact Ann Marie at 410-386-2686 or email afoster@carrollcountymd.gov. To register visit https://bit.ly/TRDay2022.
Fee: $5 per person (pre-registration); $7 per person (day of event).
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Piney Run Park Job Openings
Please visit the Carroll County Government job board https://careers.carrollcountymd.gov/openings/ for employment opportunities at Piney Run Park. This is a GREAT place to work and helps make park amenities such as the boat house, picnic facilities, nature center and summer camps available to the public.
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Helping Hands Keep Parks Green
Recreation & Parks continues to leverage the efforts of staff with volunteers. The Helping Hands program enlists volunteer groups to perform regular park clean up days. Special thanks and recognition to the Freedom District Lions Club who continue to do an excellent job of keeping the park clean and green!
Krimgold Park Kids Fishing Rodeo
On May 22nd, Recreation & Parks will hold a Kids Fishing Rodeo at Krimgold Park from 8 am to noon. This free event is held rain or shine and is for kids ages 15 and under. Bring your own fishing gear. Krimgold Park is located at 5355 Woodbine Road, Woodbine, MD.
The ponds will be closed that morning to any age 16 and older. Awards for each age group will be given. Register for age groups: 6 & under, 7-9 years, 10-12 years, and 13-15 years.
To register visit https://bit.ly/2022KrimgoldFishingRodeo.
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Family Summer Bash!
Recreation & Parks is offering the first Family Summer Bash at the Carroll County Sports Complex on July 15 from 4-9 pm. Admission to the event includes Moon Bounce/Obstacle Course, Field Games for both Kids & Adults, Live Music by Poison Whiskey, Beer & Wine Garden ($), Dunk Tank ($), Corn Hole & Horseshoes, Face Painting, Balloon Art, Kona Ice ($), Food & Beverages ($), and more! $10 per person; ages 2 and under FREE. All proceeds benefit the Carroll County Park Legacy Fund which supports a variety of local park improvements. More info at ccrecpark.org.
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Seeking Businesses for Summer Youth Program
Carroll County Workforce Development (CCWD) is seeking business partners to work with youth during a summer paid work experience program. The program will begin July 7th and run for six weeks.
CCWD’s Summer Youth Employment Program serves Carroll County youth who have never worked or who have one or more barriers to employment. Most of the summer program participants are high school age - 16 to 18 years old and the program plan is to employ a minimum of 15 youth. CCWD offers career guidance and opportunities for youth to gain meaningful work experience onsite with Carroll businesses while getting paid through the county’s workforce grants – eliminating the financial risk for the business partners. Participants will earn $12.50 an hour.
CCWD is currently recruiting for both youth participants and business partners; interested participants should contact CCWD’s youth program coordinator, Eileen Vozzella, at 410-386-2807 or email evozzella@carrollcountymd.gov. Tammy Haines, CCWD’s Employment Services Supervisor, may also be contacted at 410-386-2831 or tshaines@carrollcountymd.gov for more information.
Manufacturing Funds/Training
Maryland MEP is offering EARN Maryland Manufacturing Funds / Training Opportunities - $100,000 in funds for Manufacturing incumbent worker training grants for western Maryland manufacturers including those located in Carroll County. Contact Kerry Wells, Director of Partnerships & Program Development at 301-785-7172 or email kwells@mdmep.org.
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Small Business Development Center Information
Prep for Pathways to Entrepreneurship Certificate – Open enrollment 2x/month Learn the nuts and bolts of becoming an entrepreneur, from business planning to legal business entity formation. Get an overview of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), its services, and what you can expect entering the business world including the business plan, finance management, funding sources and marketing – your guide to a successful future in the business world. Meet 1-on-1 with a consultant to better understand your business venture and to help you create your individualized content for Pathways to Entrepreneurship (second course in series) as well as provide resources for success.
Cottage Foods Seminar – May 25 & 26, 4:30-7:30 at CCPL Exploration Commons at 50 East The Cottage Food Industry Law of 2012 in Maryland opened the door for small-scale food entrepreneurs to launch a food business without investing in a commercial kitchen. This change in Maryland’s regulations allows individuals to prepare certain types of food items in their home kitchen. However, cottage food production does have its requirements and laws to be followed, including packaging and labeling, types of foods allowed, and location of sales. This seminar will provide information regarding laws and regulations as well as marketing and financial processes that will make your business a success!
For more information and to sign up email Bryan Laing at blaing@carrollcc.edu.
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Veterans Benefits and Claims Clinic June 7th
Carroll County Government, in partnership with Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs and the Chesapeake Veterans Alliance, will hold a Veterans Benefits and Claims Clinic on June 7, 2022 from 9am – 3pm at the South Carroll Senior & Community Center. Veterans will be able to meet with Veteran Services Officers (VSO) to file for pension and compensation claims on the day of the event. Registration is required in order to meet with a VSO. The event will also offer informational sessions, Veteran resources, information about VA medical care and cemetery benefits. For more information, please call 410-386-3800. Registration details will be available soon.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Event
Citizen Services will recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day at all five senior and community centers with a viewing of “Last Will and Embezzlement,” a 2012 documentary film about elder financial abuse. The day will include a facilitated discussion of the documentary, information on how to protect from financial exploitation, lunch catered by a local restaurant and, to aid in prevention, a shredding event. Reservations are required to attend lunch. Please call your local senior and community center to reserve lunch or for more information.
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South Carroll Senior & Community Center (410-386-3700) – June 9th – lunch beginning at 12:00pm followed by the documentary, discussion and information – Shredding will take place 1-3pm.
For information on similar events at other Senior and Community Centers, please contact those centers.
Veterans Assistance in Carroll County
The Carroll County Veterans Services Program provides guidance and assistance to Carroll County veterans, their dependents, and survivors with applying for Federal and State benefits. This assistance includes help with an application for veteran’s benefits via the system administered by the State of Maryland and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
If you are a Veteran or know a Veteran, please contact the Veterans Services Program today at:
Phone: 410-386-3800
Email: CarrollVeterans@carrollcountymd.gov
Eviction Prevention Assistance Available
If you or someone you know is behind in rental payments due to COVID-19, there may be eviction prevention assistance available. Visit the county's webpage or the Human Services Programs of Carroll County page.
Carroll Transit Tickets
Older adults and adults with disabilities who are interested in donation/reduced priced CTS transportation tickets may call the Bureau of Aging & Disabilities at 410-386-3800 or their local Senior Center.
Carroll County Commissioners
225 N. Center Street, Westminster, MD 21157
410.386.2043
www.carrollcountymd.gov
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