Month: March 2020

County Unveils New Fund to Support COVID-19 Response


Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski today announced the Baltimore County COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, which will support the County’s efforts to promote public health and support residents during to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fund will be managed by the Baltimore Community Foundation, and County leadership will determine how the fund is allocated.

“We know that in addition to health concerns, many residents are facing job loss, food insecurity, and other challenges during this extraordinary time, and this fund will help us keep them healthy and safe, while boosting our ability to respond to this evolving crisis,” Olszewski said. “We’re grateful to BCF for lending their expertise and infrastructure to help Baltimore County tackle the challenges we’re facing.”

“This fund meets a pressing need for Baltimore County and represents a model for cross sector collaboration,” said Shanaysha Sauls, President & CEO of the Baltimore Community Foundation. “We are thankful for County Executive Olszewski’s leadership and tenacity in service to his residents and to the region. As a result, we can be nimble, aligned and strategic to stem the coming tide.”

Individuals, foundations and private sector donors can contribute to the fund in order to assist the county’s efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contributions to the fund may be used to support various efforts, including providing groceries to food-insecure families and seniors, ensuring first responders and public health workers have adequate personal protective equipment, and other things the county is doing to prevent the spread of the virus and support residents.

Contributions to the fund can be made at:
http://www.bcf.org/EmergencyResponseFund

Maryland State Police Clarify Stay-at-Home Order


Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Woodrow Jones III has directed troopers to continue their public education and enforcement efforts regarding the Governor’s Executive Orders and last night issued specific instructions regarding the stay-at-home order. Those instructions are as follows:

– Enforcement of the expanded Governor’s Executive Order will be conducted by Maryland state troopers. However, troopers will not make traffic stops simply to ask drivers where they are going to determine if their travel is essential or not.

– If, in the course of the regular performance of his/her duties, such as during a crash investigation or a traffic stop, the trooper develops information indicating the individual was engaged in non-essential travel, enforcement action can be taken, in consultation with the state’s attorney’s office in that jurisdiction.

– While it is not necessary for drivers in Maryland to have documentation about the purpose of travel, having such documentation may help resolve questions.

– Troopers will continue to initiate enforcement action when a business or group of more than 10 people is observed in violation of the Governor’s Executive Order.

– The Order does not prohibit people from going to the store to get groceries or prescriptions, seeking medical attention at an urgent care facility, getting cleaning or laundry supplies. In addition, the Order does not prevent people from going out to get necessities for pets or other livestock.

– The Order allows for travel to care for a family member, friend, pets, etc. Citizens are also permitted to travel for transporting family, friends, pet or livestock for essential health and safety activities.

– The Order also allows for travel to and from an educational institution to receive meals or instructional materials for distance learning.

– The Order allows for outdoor exercise activities (done in accordance to with social distancing guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and crowd gatherings of 10 people or less. However, such actives may not be done at a park that has been closed by state or local government.

– Restaurants can be visited if obtaining food for carry-out or drive-thru only.

Police Arrest Suspect in Overlea Domestic-Related Shooting


Baltimore County Police arrested a man after responding to a domestic-related shooting on Sunday afternoon.

Police responded to the 100 block of Walnut Avenue in Overlea at 3:47 p.m. for a call of a shooting. Detectives determined that the suspect was involved in an altercation with a woman at his home when another man attempted to intervene. The suspect shot the man in the lower body, and was then subdued and disarmed by other people in the home who held him until officers arrived on the scene.

Both the victim and the suspect were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Both are expected to survive.

The suspect, identified as James Thomas Blue (59) of the 100 block of Walnut Avenue, 21206 is charged with attempted first degree murder, first degree assault, second degree assault, and the use of a firearm in a felony. He is held on a no bail status at the Baltimore County Detention Center pending a bail review hearing.

Dundalk High Junior Selected as Student Member for Board of Education


Students from across Baltimore County have selected Dundalk High School junior Joshua Muhumuza to be the next student member of the Board of Education of Baltimore County.

That was the result of an online vote held Thursday, March 12, just days before schools in Baltimore County and across Maryland closed as a result of Coronavirus precautions. A total of 8,072 middle and high school students from across the county cast online ballots for one of three student board member candidates. Opening the balloting process to all secondary students was a first for BCPS.

Muhumuza’s name will now be forwarded to Gov. Larry Hogan for consideration and appointment to the one-year position.
A member of Dundalk’s National Honor Society, Student Government Association, and Homeland Security Program, Muhumuza has participated in his school’s debate team, AVID program, soccer team, Model Congress, and Model U.N. programs. He also serves as the southwestern representative for the Baltimore County Student Councils and a member of its infrastructure committee.

Outside of school, he tutors with his church, serves as a volunteer soccer coach at Dundalk Middle School, and is a senior patrol leader with the Boy Scouts of America.

In addition to Muhumuza, candidates in the three-student election – also a first for Baltimore County – were Vinay Khosla of Dulaney High School and Rosalind Marfo of Franklin High School.

For the past four years, student Board member candidates were vetted and voted upon during a special convention with student representatives and council leaders. Prior to 2016, student members were chosen and recommended by a committee of BCPS educators, staff, and student leaders.

This year, the application process was expanded to allow and encourage participation from all BCPS middle and high school students. Students were able to view videotaped speeches from each of the three candidates as well as a videotaped question-and-answer session for each candidate.

Hogan Signs Order for all Marylanders to Stay at Home


Governor Larry Hogan announced this morning that he signed an executive order where effective on Monday, March 30 at 8 p.m., Maryland is under a stay at home order. This order is to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Under this executive order, All Marylanders must stay at home if that are not considered essential personnel. Exceptions are being made for picking up medicine, groceries, or seeking urgent medical care. More information can be found at the Governor’s website https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Gatherings-FOURTH-AMENDED-3.30.20.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0j4dxy-ZvQji8tAR8Py9OUGFOov18sM06rOzOwINnNtujp7tt3HZITMy4.

Gov. Hogan explained this executive order is needed because the amount of deaths from the coronavirus has tripled from 5 to 15 over the weekend. There are 1,413 cases in Maryland and 186 reported cases in Baltimore County.

Over the weekend, there was a reported case of COVID 19 at Oak Crest Senior Living Community in Parkville.

Social Distancing Not Being Practiced at Local Parks?


With the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many social restrictions in place in Baltimore County and Maryland.

Among those regulations are a ban on the usage of playgrounds and no more than 10 people may gather in a group.

With warmer temperatures arriving, many people are starting to venture out and have been spotted at local parks. According to Baltimore County, parks are still open and are permitted for usage. However; the rule for gatherings of less than 10 people is still in effect and there have been concerns that rule is being violated at parks.

There were reports on the Parkville and Perry Hall social media community pages of an abundance of visitors to multiple parks in the region. Some of the parks mentioned on the sites were Double Rock Park in Parkville, Honeygo Park in Perry Hall and the fields of Perry Hall and Towson High Schools.

Some of these reported gatherings included soccer games, basketball games and a large crowd on school tracks on Friday afternoon. Fifth District Baltimore County Councilman David Mark’s expressed disapproval of these big groups.

“This afternoon, I received separate complaints about large crowds at the Perry Hall and Towson High School athletic complexes. The police have also received the same complaints,” Marks said on Friday.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan was critical of large crowds at the Cherry Blossom Festival and at the Boardwalk in Ocean City last weekend. The Town of Ocean City closed down the Boardwalk last week. Marks stated he is fearful that local parks and fields could be shut down next if people don’t use social distancing.

“This is not the time for sports practices and games. We are very close, in my opinion, to these facilities and others being shut down – which unfortunately hurts everyone, including those who use these fields in small groups spaced apart,” Marks said on social media.

Police Arrest Suspect for February Murder on Comet Court


Baltimore County Police have arrested Michael Kevin Richardson Jr. (25) in connection with the death of Anthony Laron Richardson Jr. (not related). Suspect Richardson has been charged with first degree murder. He was arrested on March 26th. Police have determined that the suspect targeted the victim.

On Feb. 25, police responded to the unit block of Comet Court off Perring Parkway in Parkville for a shooting. The initial investigation determined that Victim Richardson was shot at least once while on Comet Court. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Suspect Richardson is held on a no bail status pending a bail review at the Baltimore County Detention Center. Anyone with information is asked to call 410-887-2222 or the Baltimore County Police Department’ s Homicide Unit at 410-887-3943.

Essex Man Arrested in Royal Farms Robbery Case


Baltimore County Police arrested a man after responding to a hold-up alarm at a Rosedale Royal Farms in the 8800 block of Philadelphia Road.

On March 25 at 2:25 a.m., Daniel Michael Mitchell (42) of the 500 block of Franklin Avenue in Essex was found by police walking on Philadelphia Road towards Rossville Boulevard as they responded to the call. He was arrested without incident.

Police determined that Mitchell displayed a note to a cashier, implied a weapon and demanded cash.
Mitchell is charged with first degree assault and armed robbery. He is currently being held at the Baltimore County Detention Center without bail.

MDTA to Cut Toll Penalties & Accelerates Toll Rate Discount


With its next generation electronic toll collection system coming online this summer,
the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Board today approved a measure that cuts in half the civil penalties for non-payment of a video toll, from $50 to $25, and accelerates a 15 percent toll rate discount for customers who pay video tolls within a certain timeframe. Both changes are anticipated to take effect July 1.

The change in the civil penalty comes as costs associated with processing and collecting citations have decreased over time. Currently, if a Notice of Toll Due is not paid within 45 days, a $50 civil penalty is assessed for each unpaid transaction. The vote by the MDTA Board cuts the penalty to $25, and is the result of analysis and feedback from customer, legal and financial perspectives.

“Today’s vote by the MDTA Board to lower the civil penalty is the right decision for our customers,” said Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Secretary and MDTA Chairman Gregory Slater. “Our goal is to make our facilities accessible, reliable and affordable for everyone, and this vote helps us toward that mission.”

The reduction in civil penalties is expected to save Marylanders $7.4 million annually, and represents one segment of toll relief implemented under the administration of Governor Larry Hogan. Since 2014, Governor Hogan has announced up to $351 million in combined savings for Marylanders through toll related reductions.

The MDTA next generation electronic toll collection system coming online in July will allow new payment options that previously were limited by existing technology.

“As we continue converting our facilities to all-electronic tolling, we want to improve the customer experience by providing as many payment options as possible,” said MDTA Executive Director James F. Ports, Jr. “And we are always looking for more ways to reduce costs for our customers.”

Early Payment Discount
The early payment discount also approved by the MDTA Board provides customers with a 15 percent discount, up to $5 off the video toll rate, when they pay their Notice of Toll Due within a specified timeframe and prior to the mailing of the notice. This passes operational savings onto customers who proactively use one of the MDTA’s self-service options, including payment online or through MDTA’s phone interactive voice response system. In addition, a mobile app is coming soon.

Originally approved to go live in December 2020, the early payment discount will begin July 1. This discount is part of the overall toll modernization plan approved by the MDTA Board in November to enhance customer service and save Marylanders more than $28 million over five years. The package also includes a new Pay by Plate method and new vehicle classes with lower toll rates.

Pay by Plate
This new payment method benefits infrequent customers and those who don’t want to maintain an E-ZPass® account prepaid balance. Customers pay “as they go” by registering their license plate and credit card.
Originally scheduled to go live June 2020, the MDTA Board approved Pay by Plate to start July 1 to coincide with the new toll system implementation.

Pay by Plate toll rates were approved in November, and mirror the cash and non-E-ZPass® Maryland rates for MDTA bridges, tunnels and the JFK Memorial Highway (I-95). They are 25 percent higher than the E-ZPass® rates on the Intercounty Connector (ICC)/MD 200 and I-95 Express Toll Lanes (ETL).

Pay by Plate will benefit customers who pay by cash today and prefer not to open an E-ZPass® account when the MDTA transitions to all-electronic tolling at all its facilities in the future. Customers who choose Pay by Plate will save money versus video tolling, which includes a 50% surcharge.

New Vehicle Classes & Lower Toll Rates
Another part of the plan approved in November is lower rates for certain vehicle classes, providing a 50 percent reduction in tolls for motorcycles and reductions of 25 percent and 17 percent, respectively, for “light” vehicles towing one- and two-axle trailers. These new classes and rates will go live in September.