ANNAPOLIS -- At Frederick-based Stroup Flooring America, about half the staff are related, so it seems unlikely that managers would be confused about who is on the payroll.

Unlikely, but true, since several weeks ago Stroup managers learned the employee roster is three people longer than they thought it was. According to state officials, at least.

"The state says our independent contractors should be employees," said Jerry Bush, a manager for Stroup, which opened its doors in 1932. "But they don't want to be employees. They enjoy their freedom." From the Frederick News Post.