Identity

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. - The identity of a man who was killed Wednesday at a limestone quarry while operating a large haul truck that plunged about 120 feet to the bottom of a pit was not released at the request of his family, authorities said Thursday. "I'm not sure all family members have been identified," said Amy Louviere, spokesperson for the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration. Marco Barbesta, director of communications for ESSROC, the quarry operator, said the company also was respecting a wish of the family of the deceased and not releasing his name.

North Hagerstown will begin its foray into the Maryland Class 2A tournament next week knowing it will have to do what it didn't get accomplished on Wednesday night. Against Middletown, which will also be in the 2A mix, North did not display its usual aggressive style of play. The consequence was a 55-45 loss to Middletown (16-5) in the regular-season finale as the No. 1 Hubs (19-3) had their 11-game win streak snapped. "We were very passive on offense and had no pressure on defense and you won't beat a team like Middletown playing that way," said North coach Barry Brown.

Washington County Sheriff's Department deputies still are withholding the identity of the man struck and killed early Sunday on Downsville Pike until they are sure they have the right person. "We believe he is a transient from somewhere in the Pacific Northwest," Lt. Tim Baker said Monday afternoon. Deputies were waiting for confirmation from police in that area, Baker said. The man, who was struck by two vehicles around 3 a.m., apparently was lying in the roadway, deputies said.

Imagine walking into school, not wanting to be there. All you want to do is get to your locker quickly and get to first period. You get to the main hallway, and guess what? You can't move. Heck, you can't even breathe. Random clots of students are in the middle of the hallway. Like a school of fish, they weave back and forth. You play a complicated game - if you make a wrong move, you are bombarded by football players or hassled by skaters. Finally, if you're lucky, you make it to your locker and get your books.

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. - Authorities have received several telephone calls about the discovery Sunday of a female's dismembered remains along Back Creek, but her identity remains unknown, Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney Pamela Games-Neely said Thursday. "They're running down some leads," said Games-Neely, noting West Virginia State Police and her office have been contacted about the case. Investigators also have been contacted about missing person cases and Games-Neely said officials now are expected to try to make a positive identification through fingerprints, dental records or a possible forensic artist rendering.

No. 4 of a nine-part series WESTMINSTER, Md. - McDaniel College has great difficulties in conveying its character. In an effort to revamp its image and distinguish itself as a refined, private institution, the school changed its name from Western Maryland College to McDaniel College in 2002. Famous for its tailgating festivities, the football stadium, which hosts the Baltimore Ravens' training camp, also has witnessed changes - from the replacement of its turf to the renaming of its team.

WAYNESBORO, Pa. - The identity crisis facing Locust Street was laid to rest Monday when Waynesboro's borough solicitor told the planning commission she feels that Locust Street is, indeed, a street and not an alley. The planning commission then made a recommendation to the Waynesboro Borough Council that it approve development plans for a single-family house on Locust Street, ending several months of back-and-forth talk about whether the house could front what some believed to be an alley.

The Central Maryland AFL-CIO Council, in conjunction with affiliate United Auto Workers Local 171, will hold an educational presentation designed to help people protect themselves against identity theft. Fred Burton, an expert on identity theft prevention, will present the program to be held at UAW Local 171 Hall at 18131 Maugans Ave. on Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m., according to a prepared release. The public is invited to attend the hour-long presentation. For information, contact Bobby Fouche at 301-739-9500.

The Central Maryland AFL-CIO Council, in conjunction with United Auto Workers Local 171, is hosting a presentation to help people protect themselves against identity theft. Fred Burton, an expert on identity theft prevention, will speak at the presentation Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m. at the UAW Local 171 Hall, 18131 Maugans Ave. It is expected to last one hour. For information, contact Bobby Fouche at 301-739-9500.

A Hancock woman charged with identity theft was sentenced Wednesday to 18 months at the Washington County Detention Center, according to documents. Brandy Jo Allen, of 13916 Orchard Ridge Road, who was known as Brandy Jo Morgan at the time of her arrest, pleaded guilty to fraud by identity theft stemming from a May incident, according to Washington County District Court charging documents. Her boyfriend at the time, Matthew Gerald Allen, also of 13916 Orchard Ridge Road, failed to appear in court Wednesday, and a warrant was issued for his arrest, documents state.