In Carroll County

Town to increase fines for outdoor water use

MANCHESTER - To toughen the town's ban on outdoor water use, Manchester officials have stopped issuing warnings and plan to increase fines from $25 to at least $100 for violators who water lawns or fill swimming pools.

The Town Council abolished the practice of issuing warnings at a meeting Tuesday and next will draft an ordinance to adjust the fines, first set in 1988, for inflation.

"This is a serious problem, and we need to impose a serious fine that goes along with that problem," said Steven L. Miller, director of public works.

Under the proposed changes, first-time violators would face a $100 fine. Second-time offenders could face a $200 fine.

Manchester officials aren't alone in responding to water shortages with tougher penalties for outdoor use. In Frederick County, the board of commissioners in Thurmont also is considering eliminating warnings and raising fines, from $50 for a first offense to $250.

In Howard County

Woman remains in hospital after escalator injury

COLUMBIA - A department store employee injured Saturday at The Mall in Columbia when her head became wedged between the rail of an escalator and a low ceiling remained in critical condition last night at Maryland Shock Trauma Center, authorities said.

Andrea Albright, 24, of Cedar Lane in Columbia, an employee of J.C. Penney at the mall, was riding up the escalator and leaning over the rail about 4:40 p.m. when her head became caught, according to police and fire officials.

It took rescue personnel about 20 minutes to free the unconscious woman. The incident remained under investigation.