Eastern Baltimore County News
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) reported that all lanes were shut down on I-95 South in White Marsh on Tuesday, May 25 for a vehicle fire around 2:20 p.m.
The White Marsh Volunteer Fire Company reported the fire on I-95 Southbound past Exit 67 (White Marsh Blvd.) prior to King Avenue. WMVFC units reported a box truck was on fire, with no propane.
All lanes were reported reopen at 3:05 p.m. on Tuesday.
A 19-year-old man was hospitalized just before 10:30 p.m. on Friday after being shot in the 6000 block of Lanette Road in Overlea.
Officers found the man outside, shot multiple times in the upper body, after responding to the location for calls of a shooting.
Anyone who may have information about the incident or the individuals who committed the crime is asked to contact police by calling 410-307-2020.
Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward when submitting tips through Metro Crime Stoppers.
BCPS Superintendent Darryl L. Williams sent out a letter to BCPS Parents and Students announcing that all BCPS students can return to school four days a week.
Elementary school students returned to school in-person four days a week on May 10. Now Middle and High School students can return for four days starting next Monday.
“As shown on our COVID Data Dashboard, Baltimore County is now in the “orange zone” for COVID-19 transmission, which allows us to reduce social distancing for all students to three feet,” Williams explained.
“Beginning Monday, May 24, 2021, all students will have the opportunity to return for four days of in-person learning. Each middle and high school will let families know how to choose this option.”
Read more information about BCPS mitigation updates based on improved metrics in Baltimore County.
The dashboard is available at www.bcps.org/covid19 and the mitigation updates are at www.bcps.org.
MacKenzie Brady, a 2017 graduate of Kenwood High School and a senior at Washington College, is one of only six 2021 finalists for the Sophie Kerr Prize in literature, worth $65,580 this year.
The winner of the nation’s largest undergraduate literary prize will be announced on Friday, May 21, at 7:30 p.m. during a ceremony livestreamed on YouTube. The prize is awarded each year to the Washington College graduating senior demonstrating the greatest literary promise.
“The achievements of our graduates bring honor to and reflect the strengths of our schools,” said Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams. “We will be listening for MacKenzie Brady’s name to be called on Friday, and we look forward to her literary endeavors.”
Brady, an English and studio art major at Washington College, is editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Elm; poetry editor for the student literary and arts magazine, Collegian; managing editor of the student journal of liberal arts and sciences, Washington College Review; president of Writers’ Union; a poetry screener for the national literary journal, Cherry Tree; and a member of the National English Honor Society, Sigma Tau Delta.
Brady’s portfolio contains poems, flash fiction, and essays. Last year, Brady participated in a summer journalism experience, funded by the Harwood Journalism Endowment Fund, at the Kent County News. After graduation, she will join the newspaper staff as a reporter, with plans to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree in poetry.
Vedansh Sawhney of Parkville Middle School and Lila Kassouf of Dumbarton Middle School earned honors in the 2021 Maryland History Day competition.
Sawhney, a student of teacher Molly Ricciardi, won second place in the junior individual website category for research on Nazi propaganda. As a second-place winner, Sawhney qualifies to compete in the National History Day competition.
Sawhney and Kassouf were among more than 300 middle and high school students who submitted extensive historical research projects online for the 2021 Maryland History Day competition. The competition, usually held in person, is the culmination of a year-long program from Maryland Humanities (an area nonprofit organization). Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, Maryland Humanities once again administered the contest in a digital format this year, with project evaluation across five categories taking place over several weeks.
“We are so proud of our students Vedansh Sawhney and Lila Kassouf for their achievements in the Maryland History Day competition and so proud of their teachers Molly Ricciardi and Kathleen Barry for preparing them to succeed,” said Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams.
Maryland History Day, coordinated by Maryland Humanities since 1999, is open to public, private, parochial, and homeschool students in Grades 6 through 12. Working solo or in small groups, students create original documentary films, exhibits, performances, research papers, or websites exploring a historical topic of their choice on an annual theme, which this year is “Communication in History: The Key to Understanding.” Maryland History Day sparks critical thinking and helps develop skills in research and analysis, writing, and public speaking.
Competitors at Maryland History Day have already won first or second place in their category at school and/or district levels. Students from 11 counties and Baltimore City received special awards, designated for outstanding Maryland History Day projects that cover specific subjects.
Sawhney will be among students from six Maryland counties and Baltimore City to represent Maryland in the National History Day competition, where they will compete among 3,000 participants from across the nation and beyond. National History Day, held in June, will also be virtual in 2021. The competition involves students from all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and international schools in China, Korea, and South Asia.
Maryland History Day is an affiliate of National History Day, a nonprofit education organization that promotes an appreciation for historical research among middle and high school students through multiple annual programs, including the National History Day Contest
As an administrative assistant in the front office of Shady Spring Elementary School in Rosedale, Steven “Brad” Fisher prides himself on knowing just about everything happening at his school.
On Tuesday morning, however, he had no idea that Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams would be stopping by with other education leaders to announce that he (Fisher) is the 2021 BCPS Office Professional of the Year.
“As a former principal, I know the positive difference outstanding office professionals can make in a school,” said Williams. “Congratulations to Brad Fisher on his well-deserved honor. In highlighting his excellence, we hope to bring attention to office professionals throughout the school system.”
Fisher joined BCPS in 2012 as an office professional at Elmwood Elementary School. He moved into his current role at Shady Spring Elementary in 2018.
“Since Brad arrived, he has worn many hats at Shady Spring,” said Principal Sandra Jimenez, “like best-dressed, first smile to see in the building, and prime organizer, but some unusual roles as well, such as first responder to student and teacher needs, Black History Month schoolwide event organizer, and this year, schoolwide mailman! Brad is dedicated to all the staff and students in the building and shows his care and support daily. Brad even sponsors his own Teacher Appreciation Day for the staff.”
Jimenez also notes that Fisher frequents classrooms and makes it a point to connect with some of the school’s students. “The younger students love to see his face because they know that he will most likely be reading a special story to them,” Jimenez said. “Brad helps many staff members with his problem-solving approach. Brad is loved and appreciated by staff, students, and parents. He also supports the ESPBC [Education Support Professionals of Baltimore County] organization and regularly presents at the annual conference. The school runs more smoothly because of him.”
In addition to Supt. Williams and Principal Jimenez, others participating in the surprise announcement were Dr. George Roberts, community superintendent, East Zone; Mildred Charley-Greene, acting chief of staff; Jane Lichter, executive director – elementary and secondary, East Zone; Jeannette Young, president, ESPBC; Joe Coughlin, vice president, ESPBC; Dianna Woodlon, chair, ESPBC Recognition and Retirement Committee; and Seleste Harris, director, UniServ.
Baltimore County agencies will begin offering in-person services at County buildings in the coming weeks. Safety precautions will remain in place to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19.
All individuals entering county buildings are required to use the www.bacosafe.org mobile health screening prior to entry.
County agencies will adjust service offerings as explained below.
Additional services will be offered in-person at a later date to be announced in the future.
Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability
• In-person services currently being provided:
o Services limited to field appointments. No in-person services in County Office Building.
• In-person services to resume Monday May 17, 2021 include:
o Customers may request by phone 30-minute in-person meetings in the County Office Building by appointment.
For more information and telephone numbers to schedule meetings with individual sections please visit: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/environment/
Department of Economic and Workforce Development
• In-person services currently being provided:
o Career Center Services – Available at two Career Centers by appointment only. To schedule an appointment: https://bcgappt.cxmflow.com/Appointment/Index/d74f48b1-33a9-428c-acd1-d7d1bfc9555c or by phone 9am – 3pm, Monday through Friday:
410-887-7940 to make an appointment at our Hunt Valley Career Center;
410-887-8912 to make an appointment at our Liberty Career Center
• The following in-person services will be offered by appointment only beginning Tuesday June 1, 2021:
o Access to computers, internet, fax, copy machines
o Job Search Assistance
o Labor Market Information and Career Assessment Tools
o Career Planning & Guidance Assistance
o Planning for short-term Skills Enhancement Programs
o Planning for Occupations Skills Training
• The following online services will continue to be provided:
o Workshops and Virtual appointments
Department of Permits Approvals and Inspections
• In-person services to resume Tuesday June 1, 2021:
o Permitting for electrical services through appointment only. Information for scheduling will be provided.
• The following online services will continue:
o Permit applications and online payment of fees:
o File a code complaint: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/permits/codeenforcement/codecomplaint.htm
o Attend Administrative Hearings both Zoning and Code Enforcement: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/adminhearings/
o Attend Development Management Meetings: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/permits/pdm_devmanage/devmgmtmeetings.html
o Schedule an inspection, access here: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/permits/inspectionconnection/
Department of Aging
• In-person services currently being provided:
o Food Distribution by appointment. Slots open Mondays at 8am for the following week. Appointments can be scheduled online.
o Senior Center Orientation at Nine Regional Centers. Appointments can be scheduled online.
• In-person services to resume beginning Monday May 17, 2021 by appointment or walk-in at the 611 Central Avenue, Towson, MD 21204 location:
o Maryland Access Point (MAP) – for information and assistance including durable medical equipment loan closet, contact by phone at 410-887-2594 Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm.
o Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) – contact by phone at 410-887-2059 Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm.
• The following online services will continue:
o Online programming will remain available at the County’s senior centers and can be accessed here: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/aging/centers/onlineclasses.html
Office of Budget and Finance
• In-person services currently being provided:
o Real Property Tax payments
o Personal Property tax Payments
o Red Light Payments
o Speed Payments
o Telephone and Transient Tax and other payments
o Some inquiry and support.
o OBF Fiscal Operations managers are available to customers at the kiosk
o Mail Services
• In-person services to resume Monday May 17, 2021 include:
o OBF Customer Services Window
o Tax payer Services (real and personal)
o Traffic and False alarm Services
• The following online services will continue:
o Procurement Services pre-bid/pre-proposal conferences and bid/proposal openings via webex.
o Vendor Disbursements: By Email
o Pay Services (payroll): By Email
o General Accounting : By Email
o Sponsored programs (Grant and Project Accounting): By Email
o Taxpayer Services Tax and Credits
Real and Personal Property Tax
o Traffic and False Alarm services
o Lien Request
For more information, please visit: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/publicworks/
Department of Recreation and Parks
• In-person services currently being provided:
o Access to County parks, trails and open spaces, and various outdoor facilities and activities.
• In-person services to resume Monday May 17, 2021 include:
o Permits to indoor facilities
o Indoor Nature classes and programs
o Indoor games and scrimmages
o Indoor tournaments
o Licensed Day Care at all locations
o Indoor tennis courts
o Stage rental requests
• On Friday May 28, 2021 (Memorial Day Weekend) Rocky Point Beach will be open.
• Please check with your local Recreation and Parks Council or Nature Council for virtual program schedule.
For more information please visit: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/recreation/programdivision/
Department of Public Works
• In-person services currently being provided:
o The Bureau of Utilities – Cash, Check and Charge payments for waste hauler permits, waste hauler invoice payments. Water meter repair, fire hydrant permit, and water meter rental for fire hydrants.
o The Bureau of Solid Waste – Full service
• All in-person services will resume beginning Monday May 17, 2021 and will transition to appointment only beginning June 1, 2021.
• The following online services will continue:
o The Bureau of Engineering & Construction – Professional Service solicitation proposals; Capital project bids
o The Bureau of Highways – Utility permitting within the roadway, tree removal, sidewalk replacement, adopt-a-road and driveway permits.
o The Bureau of Utilities – Reports of water main breaks, sink holes, sewer and water line blockages, inquiries for basement sewage backup, street sewage overflow, manhole cover cracks or missing manholes, inquiries for copies of video of sewage or water pipeline, reports of grinder pump overflows, grinder pump malfunctions, illicit FOG (fats/oils/grease) dumping into County sewage pipeline, reports of illegal fire hydrant hookups
For more information, please visit: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/publicworks/
Department of Health and Human Services
• In-person services currently being provided:
o COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination – by appointment or walk-in. Testing and Vaccination schedules can be accessed by calling COVID-19 Hotline at 410-887-3816 or online here: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/health/index.html
o Animal Services – current operation at 50% capacity.
o Social Services – contact Department of Human Services Call Center at 1-800-332-6347.
o Health Services – Environmental Health Services, Family Planning, WIC, Harm Reduction, Hearing & Vision, Audiology
• In-person services to resume by appointment only beginning Monday May 17, 2021 include:
o TB testing
o HIV testing (walk-in)
o Partner Services
o Maryland Children’s Health Program
o Housing Services
o Administrative Care Coordination Unit
For more information, please visit: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/hhs/
Fire Department
• In-person services to resume Monday May 17, 2021 :
o In person public education and outreach events
o Non-emergency access to fire department (career) stations
For more information, please visit: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/fire/
Department of Planning
• In person services currently being provided:
o Community planning related services by appointment only.
• In person services to resume Monday May 17, 2021 include:
o Historic aerial photos review, by appointment only
o Inquires of historic and future County plans, by appointment only
• The following online services will continue to be available:
o Virtual meeting and engagement for various community planning processes; including the master plan.
For more information, please visit: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/planning/
Police Department
• In-person services currently being provided:
o Walk in lobby service at police precincts
o Response to public calls for service
o Retrieving property from evidence management
o Fingerprinting services
• The following online services will continue to be provided:
o Crime reporting
o Data dashboards
For more information, please visit: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/police/
Baltimore County Police are alerting the public about an alleged incident that occurred at a local park involving a registered sex offender.
The man reportedly approached a young girl last week at Cox Point Park, which is located in the 800 block of Riverside Drive in Essex.
Attached is a picture of the man police arrested in connection to the case; he’s 57-year-old Rodney Key.
Detectives are concerned there may be additional victims in the community. You can contact officers at 410-887-0220.
Police are investigating a shooting in Middle River that left a man injured.
Just after 9 p.m. on Thursday. May 13, the victim was walking in the area of Holcumb Court in Middle River when he was shot in the lower body.
The victim was transported to Bayview Medical Center where he was treated and released.
Police are asking neighbors to check any exterior cameras they may have and contact police with any possible information.
Anyone who may have additional information to offer can contact detectives from the Baltimore County Police Violent Crimes Unit by calling 410-307-2020.
-photo courtesy of Providence Volunteer Fire Company of Towson-
Baltimore County Fire Department were on the scene of a two alarm apartment fire in the unit block of Cedarburg Court in Parkville.
The fire was reported on Friday, May 14 at 4:29 p.m.
First arriving units reported fire from the second and third floors of a three-story apartment building.
The fire was reported under control at 5:04 p.m. One civilian was evaluated for medical cause.
