Political Notes: Prince George’s cuts vendor costs for Farmer’s Market

Olson said the new permits, which cost $175, more accurately reflect the cost of operating the stands for a limited time each year while encouraging vendors to set up shop at open-air markets that sell local produce and crafts.

‘‘These markets are important to our communities,” he said.

Vendors are only allowed to operate up to 50 days per year under the new permits. The bill requires food vendors to cook and sell food only at the markets and to have a letter of permission from the market operator.

‘‘This isn’t for something on the side of a road,” Olson said.

The new permits are administered through the county health department, which inspects all food-service facilities.

Police, fire voices retiring

Two of the county’s most quoted spokespeople will be stepping down at the end of the month, officials announced.

Maj. Chauncey Bowers of the county fire department and Cpl. Diane Richardson of the police department are retiring, officials for both public safety agencies said.

Bowers, who served in the fire service for 21 years, worked for the press office for the county department from 1999 to 2004 but continued to help as needed. He is currently heading risk-management services for the county.

‘‘No one can really replace Chauncey,” said Mark Brady, fire department spokesman.

Richardson, a former homicide detective, also spent 21 years with the county.

Press office officials are currently interviewing potential replacements.

Bladensburg to joinhistoric trail

History buffs may soon be making a pilgrimage to Bladensburg to commemorate the British invasion there nearly 200 years ago.

Congress this month approved a bill establishing the city as one of several stops on a new historic trail. The ‘‘Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail” will run from Calvert County up to Fort McHenry in Baltimore, tracing the routes British and American forces took in the War of 1812.

During the invasion in 1814, a British fleet sailed up the Chesapeake Bay and its army marched into Washington, D.C., burning the White House and city. The fleet later sailed to Baltimore, where they attacked the fort but were driven back after 25 hours.

The siege of Fort McHenry inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem.

Bladensburg was the site of one battle in the British campaign. English troops forced the American army to retreat after a battle on Aug. 24, 1814, opening up the chance for the army to invade the nation’s capital.

Officials hope to map out the exact route of the historic trail and have it open in time for the bicentennial of the war in 2012.