Washington

Washington Co. delegation reflects on judge privacy, water study, vehicle fees

Published

2 years ago

May 2, 2024

Washington Co. delegation reflects on judge privacy, water study, vehicle fees

Del. William Valentine, R-Frederick/Washington, was the last of six Washington County state legislators to speak at a forum Wednesday hosted at Hagerstown Community College by the area’s chamber of commerce, but he summed up the recently concluded 90-day session deftly.

His list of three concluding items turned into four while thanking the staff (including an intern), which does a lot of the behind-the-scenes work for members of the Maryland General Assembly.

Regarding Washington County, the second-year delegate referenced legislation that passed named after slain county Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson, designed to shield judges’ personal information; he relayed fellow legislator’s compliments regarding the community’s Day in Annapolis, held at the state’s capital in January; and repeated a sentiment shared by several delegation members.

REVIEW: Transportation top issue
as Washington County comes to capital for ‘Day in Annapolis’

“Working with this delegation is second to none,” Valentine told the early morning crowd of several dozen people packed into two rooms in the college’s career programs building.

“It made me feel really good that you guys are working together,” said Hagerstown resident Mary Ann Keyser, during a concluding question-and-answer period. “For Washington County, we need to see more of that,” she said.

Regional water study bill falls short. Study receives some funding.

The chair of the Washington County delegation to the General Assembly, Del. William Wivell, R-Washington/Frederick, referenced successes like the legislation paying homage to Wilkinson and a new law with residency requirements for Washington County Board of Education members. He also acknowledged instances where the delegation fell short with proposals this year.

More: After attack on Maryland judge, bill brought to protect judiciary members, their families

“The one that we were not successful in establishing was the regional study on water and wastewater in the county,” said Wivell, alluding to an issue he brought up during the pre-legislative session forum held in the same room about six months earlier. “Hopefully, we can work together to get a similar bill to that in a future legislative session.”

Sen. Paul Corderman, R-Washington/Frederick, also brought up the water and wastewater issue, one where a Hagerstown/Washington County disagreement caused a bill that would have studied the area’s needs to be withdrawn during the latter part of the legislative session.

More: Key for Washington County community growth, state water bill turned off for this year

“We encourage the city and county and other municipalities to work together to hopefully be able to come to the table and come up with a study that’s hopefully amenable to all,” he said, while also noting an approved $250,000 operating grant to Hagerstown for a future study.

Increase in vehicle registration fees discussed. Education funding, too.

Critical to the budget at the state level are two topics — transportation and education — that delegation members discussed with the Chamber crowd.

Corderman alerted those on hand that fees for vehicle registrations, including for electric vehicles, are going to be going up. (In 2023, the Legislature backed a multi-year commission to study transportation funding to pay for roads and other projects as revenue from the gas tax declines as cars become more fuel-efficient and more electric vehicles are on the roads.)

He said the current typical vehicle registration fee is between $135 and $187, every two years.

“That is going to be about double here in about two or three years,” said Corderman, while also noting a surcharge of several hundred dollars on registrations for electric vehicles.

More: With days left in session, Maryland Senate and House leaders agree to budget deal.

According to reporting last month from Maryland Matters, cars weighing under 3,500 pounds will pay $92 more for the two-year registration, and cars over 5,000 pounds will pay an additional $151 every two years. (A Ford F150 pickup, for example, weighs about 5,000 pounds.)

A spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Administration responded to an inquiry regarding fees with a link to the legislation that includes the proposed schedule for specific vehicle weights and fees.

Del. Brooke Grossman, D-Washington, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the delegation’s sole Democrat, discussed a different aspect of the state’s budget: education.

“That budget that we passed this year funded the Blueprint for Maryland’s (Future) through 2027,” she said. “That included an additional $457 million to local government to help support and offset the cost.”

She also noted money in the budget for the state’s Child Care Scholarship program.

Bipartisan local initiative that became law lauded

Corderman and Grossman, who both represent Hagerstown while members of different political parties, also discussed working together on legislation to allow students at the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts to play on their local sports teams — a historic practice that had been discontinued around last year because of a law.

“We were told that bill was dead a variety of times, but we were able to work together and get that over (into law),” Corderman said. “The kids over at Barbara Ingram, if they choose to play athletics, can play back in their home communities.”

“That deserves applause,” an audience member said.

More: Funds shifted by MD for roads that received federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law cash

“You don’t get things done at the extremes. You get things done in the center,” Keyser explained in an interview after the forum. “That was a very positive, for the most part, presentation. They complemented one another, they worked together on bills. We need more of that, at all levels of government.”

Dwight A. Weingarten is an investigative reporter, covering the Maryland State House and state issues. He can be reached at dweingarten@gannett.com or on Twitter at @DwightWeingart2.

Source link

Click to comment

Washington

No. 21 James Madison plays Washington State

Published

4 hours ago

November 17, 2025

Press Room

No. 21 James Madison plays Washington State

Washington State (5-5) at No. 21 James Madison (9-1), Nov. 22 at 1 p.m. EST.

BetMGM College Football Odds Opening Line: James Madison by 13.5. Against the spread: James Madison 7-3, Washington State 6-4.

How to watch: ESPN+

Key stats

James Madison Offense

Overall: 457.3 yards per game (19th in FBS)

Passing: 215.7 yards per game (83rd)

Rushing: 241.6 yards per game (7th)

Scoring: 37.1 points per game (14th)

James Madison Defense

Overall: 257.1 yards per game (5th in FBS)

Passing: 168 yards per game (13th)

Rushing: 89.1 yards per game (7th)

Scoring: 16.2 points per game (11th)

Washington State Offense

Overall: 309.9 yards per game (119th in FBS)

Passing: 199.4 yards per game (96th)

Rushing: 110.5 yards per game (119th)

Scoring: 20.7 points per game (115th)

Washington State Defense

Overall: 304.1 yards per game (18th in FBS)

Passing: 168.9 yards per game (14th)

Rushing: 135.2 yards per game (49th)

Scoring: 21 points per game (34th)

Washington State ranks 102nd in third down percentage, converting 35.9% of the time. James Madison ranks 10th on defense, allowing its opponents at convert at 30.2%.

Washington State ranks 123rd in the FBS with a -9 turnover margin, compared to James Madison’s 67th-ranked even margin.

James Madison is 132nd in the FBS averaging 69.8 penalty yards per game, compared to Washington State’s 64th-ranked 53.5 per-game average.

Washington State is 15th in FBS in red zone offense, scoring on 92.9% of trips.

Both teams rank high in time of possession. James Madison is 2nd in the FBS with an average time of possession of 35:09, while Washington State’s 18th-ranked average is 32:11.

Team leaders

James Madison

Passing: Alonza Barnett III, 2,089 yards, 16 TDs, 5 INTs, 61.6 completion percentage

Rushing: Wayne Knight, 840 yards on 136 carries, 7 TDs

Receiving: Landon Ellis, 532 yards on 32 catches, 5 TDs

Washington State

Passing: Zevi Eckhaus, 1,390 yards, 10 TDs, 8 INTs, 64.0 completion percentage

Rushing: Kirby Vorhees, 473 yards on 105 carries, 4 TDs

Receiving: Josh Meredith, 588 yards on 44 catches, 3 TDs

Last game

James Madison won 58-10 over Appalachian State on Saturday, Nov. 15. Barnett led James Madison with 303 yards on 22-of-35 passing (62.9%) for no touchdowns and one interception. He also carried the ball 11 times for 0 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Jobadiah Malary carried the ball eight times for 105 yards and scored three touchdowns. Jaylan Sanchez put up 69 yards on two catches.

Washington State won 28-3 over Louisiana Tech on Saturday, Nov. 15. Eckhaus led Washington State with 146 yards on 17-of-25 passing (68.0%) for one touchdown and no interceptions. He also carried the ball 11 times for 56 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Vorhees had 76 rushing yards on 16 carries and one touchdown, adding two receptions for 12 yards. Meredith put up 70 yards on five catches with one touchdown.

Next game

James Madison plays at Coastal Carolina on Nov. 29. Washington State hosts Oregon State on Nov. 29.

Source link

Washington

This Washington City Is As Underrated As It Is Wildly Scenic, Boasting Riverside Trails And Exceptional Food – Islands

Published

22 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Press Room

This Washington City Is As Underrated As It Is Wildly Scenic, Boasting Riverside Trails And Exceptional Food – Islands

J.D.S/Shutterstock

Washington is full of beautiful and scenic destinations, to the point that it’s hard to know where to visit first. For those who enjoy trying out new foods, rivers, wine, and beautiful scenery, there is a city near the border of Washington and Oregon that will feel tailor-made to be a perfect vacation destination: Pasco.

Pasco is part of Washington’s Tri-Cities in the south of Washington, along with Richland and Kennewick. They all reside where the Yakima, Columbia, and Snake rivers meet up. While all three have some amazing reasons to visit, Pasco is the perfect stop for lovers of the outdoors, featuring plenty of hiking trails, natural spaces, and riverside views. Because of its closeness to three major rivers, almost anywhere you explore will be on the water. However, that’s not all Pasco has to offer. There is also the chance to try out amazing food, especially during some of their more notable festivals, like the Pasco Taco Crawl and the Fiery Food Festival.

You also have plenty of dining options. Magill’s Restaurant is one highly recommended spot. Not only does it have the best breakfast in all three local cities (which is served all day), but its mac and cheese is famous as well. Ciao Trattoria is also an amazing option, with house-made pasta that delivers a delicious and authentic Italian meal. The romantic atmosphere makes it an ideal date location, too.

Eat and drink your fill in Pasco

Rows of grape plants on a hilly area in Pasco, Washington

Danita Delimont/Shutterstock

If the restaurants here aren’t quite enough for your tastebuds, there are also food-related events in the city to enjoy, including the Fiery Foods Festival held in September. During the event, visitors can enjoy hot pepper eating contests, food trucks, competitions, and a space for kids. There is also the Pasco Taco Crawl in late April to May. This foodie event that lasts two whole weeks, featuring a competition for the best tacos in the area, where visitors can try 20 different vendors. There is also a weekly farmer’s market that is the largest in the area. Here, you’ll find locally grown food, snacks, and delicious meals.

Pasco has a lively wine scene, as well. Thanks to the climate, the area’s vineyards produce high-quality grapes that go on to create delicious wine. The Gordon Estate Winery and Vineyard, for example, is the oldest estate winery in Washington, offering 12 different styles for visitors to enjoy while exploring the land. It might not be Warm Springs Inn, the luxurious Washington wine getaway delivering riverfront luxury, bold pours, and orchard views, but it offers refreshing and delicious drinks to go alongside your outdoor adventures. In fact, Pasco is a part of Washington’s wine and waterfall road trip with sweet sips and stunning sites in one scenic route.

Exploring trails around Pasco

A mountainside view of Pasco and Kennewick on a sunny day in Washington

J.D.S/Shutterstock

Near Pasco is the Sacajawea Historical State Park. The area has plenty of history, with opportunities for fishing, boating, biking, hiking, and even geocaching. The merging of the two rivers is part of the attraction of this park, and many of the trails also run alongside the water. There are places to sit along the bank and enjoy the view, offering beautiful views of all sorts of wildlife. Mostly, Sacajawea is mainly for day-use activities, but there is one campsite for visitors looking to stay the night.

While not near the water, Candy Mountain is another beautiful hiking destination closeby. The 3.4-mile hike takes you to the peak and offers breathtaking views of the Tri-City area. The trail to the top is just as impressive, showing basalt stone to keep your attention. If you’re not done being outside, Pasco is also home to two golf courses: the Sun Willows Golf Course and Pasco Golfland.

Pasco might be the best option for outdoor lovers out of the three cities, but all have their charm and attractions. If you have enough time during your vacation, it’s worth checking out all three and discovering what makes them unique. To get to Pasco, you can fly directly into the Tri-Cities Airport, just on the outskirts of this destination. Walla Walla is another nearby attraction worth visiting. It’s about 40 minutes away and is considered one of America’s most charming small-town main streets, nestled in a Washington wine region.

Source link

Washington

Recap: Spirit Takes Down Portland 2-0 to Advance to Club’s Fourth NWSL Championship

Published

2 days ago

November 15, 2025

Press Room

Recap: Spirit Takes Down Portland 2-0 to Advance to Club’s Fourth NWSL Championship

Washington, D.C. (11/15/2025) – The Washington Spirit beat Portland Thorns FC 2-0 in the semifinal round of the 2025 NWSL Playoffs this afternoon in front of yet another sellout crowd of 19,365 at Audi Field. With the shutout win, Washington advances to its second consecutive NWSL Championship and fourth in club history.

The Spirit was on the front foot early, generating several quality chances and even finding the back of the net — only for the goal to be ruled offside. After a VAR review, the call was confirmed, keeping the match level.

In the 27th minute, the breakthrough finally came. Following a cleared Portland corner, the Spirit launched a clinical counterattack. Rosemonde Kouassi sprinted down the field, using her pace to drive into the box and squared a perfect ball to Gift Monday, who calmly slotted it home to make it 1-0 for the home side. Kouassi now has seven assists across all competitions this year, six of which have come on goals by Monday.

The Spirit didn’t let up, continuing to apply pressure and called Portland goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold into a pair of strong saves as the first half progressed. Washington went into halftime leading 1-0 as it looked to advance in its sixth straight home playoff match.

Both teams traded opportunities to start the second half, with the Spirit firing on all cylinders, though the hosts’ shots on target went unanswered. The match shifted in the 83rd minute as Croix Bethune found herself charging up from midfield. With Portland’s goalkeeper out of position, Bethune made a move around her and converted on her own, extending the Spirit’s lead with precision and intensity. The match entered seven minutes of stoppage time, with Portland seeking a breakthrough. Met with the Spirit’s defensive momentum, the visitors were unable to create a clear chance.

As the final whistle blew, the Spirit clinched a 2-0 victory and a berth in its second consecutive NWSL Championship, the fourth in club history. The title match will take place at PayPal Park in San Jose, California on Saturday, November 22 at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST and air on CBS.

-NWSL Match Report-

Match: Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns FC

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025

Venue: Audi Field (Washington, D.C.)

Kickoff: 12 p.m. EST

Weather: Cloudy, high-50s

Scoring Summary:

Goals	1	2	F
Washington	1	1	2
Portland	0	0	0

WAS – Gift Monday – 27′ (assisted by Rosemonde Kouassi)

WAS – Croix Bethune – 83’

Lineups:

WAS: 1 – Aubrey Kingsbury; 6 – Kate Wiesner; 9 – Tara McKeown; 4 – Rebeca Bernal; 24 – Esme Morgan; 19 – Rosemonde Kouassi (26 – Paige Metayer, 89’); 7 – Croix Bethune; 17 – Hal Hershfelt; 10 – Leicy Santos (20 – Deborah Abiodun, 72’); 27 – Sofia Cantore (2 – Trinity Rodman, 90’); 21 – Gift Monday

Unused Substitutes: 28 – Sandy MacIver; 5 – Narumi Miura; 13 – Brittany Ratcliffe; 16 – Courtney Brown; 22 – Heather Stainbrook; 25 – Kysha Sylla

POR: 18 – Mackenzie Arnold; 2 – Reyna Reyes; 5 – Isabella Obaze; 16 – Sam Hiatt (24 – Jayden Perry, 86’); 20 – Kaitlyn Torpey (29 – Mallie McKenzie, 63’); 21 – Jessie Fleming; 13 – Olivia Moultrie; 17 – Sam Coffey; 10 – Deyna Castellanos (4 – Laila Harbert 82’); 66 – Reilyn Turner (34 – Daiane, 82’); 77 – Alexa Spaanstra (19 – Pietra Tordin, 63’)

Unused Substitutes: 1 – Bella Bixby; 25 – M.A. Vignola; 33 – Naomi Powell; 88 – Valerin Loboa

Stats Summary: WAS / POR

Shots: 16 / 10

Shots On Goal: 8 / 3

Saves: 3 / 6

Fouls: 11 / 7

Offsides: 2 / 0

Misconduct Summary:

WAS – Rosemonde Kouassi – 44’ – Yellow Card

POR – Jessie Fleming – 67’ – Yellow Card

Source link