Man Dies in Towson Crash on Charles Street


Baltimore County Police Officers responded to a crash in the 6500 block of Charles Street in Towson on March 8, 2023, at approximately 8:30 p.m.

Upon arrival, investigators with the Baltimore County Police Crash Team determined the crash occurred after a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder traveling northbound struck the center median and two trees.

The driver of the Nissan Pathfinder, 73-year-old Ty Ararso, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

This crash remains under investigation by the Baltimore County Police Department Crash Team.

Man Dies in White Marsh & Pulaski Crash


Baltimore County police officers responded to a fatal crash at Pulaski Highway and White Marsh Boulevard intersection in White Marsh on Friday, Feb. 24 just before midnight.

Upon arrival, investigators with the Baltimore County Police Crash Team determined the crash occurred when a 2013 Infiniti G37x was traveling eastbound while a 2008 Hyundai Tucson was traveling westbound on Pulaski Highway approaching White Marsh Boulevard.

The Hyundai attempted to turn left onto White Marsh Boulevard when the Infiniti struck it. The driver and passenger of the Infiniti were transported to an area hospital. The driver of the Hyundai Tucson, 32-year-old Rahmel Summerlin, was pronounced deceased at the scene, and the passenger was transported to an area hospital.

This crash remains under investigation by the Baltimore County Police Department Crash Team.

Homicide of Artis Holt Remains Unsolved


The Baltimore County Police Department continues to seek information in the homicide of 27-year-old Artis Holt. On February 21, 2019, Holt was fatally shot after leaving a restaurant in the 8000 block of Liberty Road. The homicide of Artis Holt remains unsolved.

Holt attended Mount Saint Joseph High School and Merrimack College in Massachusetts. Holt played cornerback for the Merrimack Warriors from 2009 to 2013, according to his team.

Family members describe Holt as a loving and loyal son, father and friend. Anyone with information regarding the homicide of Artis Holt is asked to contact Baltimore County homicide detectives by calling 410-307-2020 or 410-887-3943. Callers may also contact Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-756-2587.

BCPS Students Named to All-County Honors Dance Ensemble


Thirty-two high school students and 30 middle school students have been selected to
participate in the Baltimore County Public Schools 2022-2023 All-County Honors Dance Ensemble.

The ensemble will rehearse weekly at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology
throughout the winter and spring. The culminating event for the ensemble will be a gala concert
performance on Monday, June 12, at 7 p.m. at Carver Center.

“A total of 100 students – 50 high school students and 50 middle school students – were nominated by
their teachers to audition for the honors ensemble,” said Darryl Pilate, BCPS dance and theatre resource
teacher. “The adjudicators were impressed by all of the students’ technical and professional skills. The
students accepted for the All-County Honors Dance Ensemble demonstrated not only their technical
ability but also the ability to think ‘on their feet’ and be expressive through the art form while applying
feedback.”

The members of the 2022-2023 All-County Honors Dance Ensemble are:

HIGH SCHOOL MEMBERS
Franklin High School
Trinity Hicks

George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology
Olivia Anderson; Camila Abrego Argueta; Isabel Armstrong; Annelese Atkinson; Simone Brown; Dante
Campbell; Melody Cole; Jada Daniels; Jaia Dinkins; Jadin Holiday; Sharon Kasibante; Ja’Zara Lane; Devin
Nichelson; Shoshana Paley; Madisyn Rice- Evans; Makenzie Smith; Jase Woolcock

Lansdowne High School
Sa’Ni Betts; Giulia Mendes

Milford Mill Academy
Toimar Allen; Melaya Barker; Jahnai James; Zyaire McMillan; Kyla Randall

Owings Mills High School
Shayla Johnson

Parkville High School
Lyndsey Hoxter; Ariel Parker
Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts
Zarrah Allen; Madison Cosden; Aashyah de Vries; Armani Woods

MIDDLE SCHOOL MEMBERS
Deep Creek Middle School
Malia Terry

Deer Park Magnet Middle School
Morgan Clinton; Kendall Davison; Nyiemah Gibbs

Franklin Middle School
Madison Beyer; Elon Bryant; La’Nae Coldin; Bailey Ferrel; Masio Pearson; Jada Sellers

Loch Raven Technical Academy
Joshua Nichols

Middle River Middle School
Madison Cooper; Arianna Hunt; Makayla Ortiz

Pikesville Middle School
London Bailey; Maya Chase; Sophee Fields; Larae Jones; Cydney Polk; Kayden Sorrell

Southwest Academy
Kaleb Jenson; Makyli Williams

Sudbrook Magnet Middle School
Solae Beaman; Shabraya Dennis; Claire Jabaji; Timara Keyes; Ibunkun Ojemuyiwa; Nylah Queen; Jaelyn
Sabb

Olszewski Creates Street Tree Replacement Program


–photo courtesy of Baltimore County Government-

County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced the new Street Tree Replacement program, continuing his administration’s ongoing efforts to restore critical green infrastructure throughout Baltimore County.

The County Executive, local community members and business owners kicked off the initiative — which will see more than 1,300 trees planted in six concentrated areas — by planting a native hackberry tree in downtown Towson.

“Baltimore County is fully committed to making our communities greener, cleaner, and more sustainable – and we are all in on trees as an important part of that commitment,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski.

“This new Street Tree Replacement Program will help bring back the tree-lined neighborhoods and business corridors that make our County a beautiful and healthy place to live and work.”

Baltimore County’s Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability (DEPS) will begin the $625,000 County-funded project by planting 72 street trees in Towson and 31 trees along Dolfield Road in Owings Mills this winter.

Beginning in May, crews will plant approximately 250 trees each in Dundalk, Owings Mills/Randallstown, Parkville, Pikesville and the Security Square area of Woodlawn.

DEPS will reach out to community leaders and adjacent property owners before each planting operation.

“We are excited about County Executive Olszewski’s commitment to add street trees in downtown Towson,” said Baltimore County Councilman Mike Ertel.

“Over the years, we have had many trees that have been lost to aging, disease, construction, vandalism and even car accidents.

The reality is that trees are an important part of a complete streetscape and create a more congenial, walkable and safer atmosphere.”

Trees are critical infrastructure supporting health and well-being by improving air quality, lowering summer temperatures and absorbing greenhouse gasses and stormwater. They are proven to reduce cooling costs and enhance property values.

Last year, Olszewski launched Operation ReTree Baltimore County, a hyper-local tree equity program designed to expand the tree canopy in the urban communities most in need of greening. Through this program, more than 1,000 trees have been planted in Dundalk, Essex Owings Mills, Randallstown and Lansdowne.

Between Operation ReTree Baltimore County and the new Street Tree Replacement Program, the County will plant more street trees in one year than the past eight years combined.

This year, DEPS created two new Forestry Management divisions focused on urban forestry and tree maintenance.

Since 2000, Baltimore County has reforested more than 1,000 rural acres in support of the County’s requirements under the Forest Conservation Act, tree canopy goals and municipal stormwater permit. For the past two decades, Baltimore County has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the US Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

Baltimore County’s goal is to achieve and maintain a 50 percent tree canopy Countywide and within the three drinking water reservoirs by the year 2025.

Additionally, the County is striving to achieve and maintain 40 percent tree coverage within the more populated areas inside the Urban Rural Demarcation Line (URDL) and for each of the Census Designated Places (CDPs).

County to Give $2.67 Million Local Organizations for Relief


Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced that Baltimore County and the Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF) have awarded more than $2.67 million in American Rescue Plan (ARPA)-funded grants to nearly 30 local community-based organizations to support their recovery and enhance efforts to strengthen neighborhood resiliency.

“Baltimore County remains committed to helping our residents recover from the long-lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I am very happy to provide these grants to local organizations that continue to advocate for and work on behalf of their communities,” said County Executive Johnny Olszewski.

“We are grateful to our federal partners for providing much-needed recovery funding, allowing Baltimore County to make these awards to nonprofits dedicated to providing critical services on behalf of our residents for years to come.”

Announced in June 2022, the Baltimore County COVID-19 Nonprofit Recovery Grant Fund offered grants starting at $25,000 to Baltimore County community-based organizations to support residents amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants, initially capped at $1.3 million and expanded to more than $2.6 million, were made possible through the County’s allocation of ARPA funding. Baltimore Community Foundation (BCF) will administer the grants on behalf of Baltimore County.

Funds will to support a diverse range of community efforts, such as behavioral healthcare, conflict resolution services, food access, senior engagement, bilingual outreach emergency shelter and advocacy services for victims of domestic violence and much more.

Additionally, funds will help cover revenue reductions or operating expense increases that have occurred due to the pandemic.

“This marks our third time partnering with Baltimore County on COVID relief and recovery and the process has really become seamless,” says Shanaysha Sauls, BCF President & CEO.

“The County Executive’s team is very thoughtful about how to meet the needs of the community and we are proud to put our expertise to use stewarding these critical funds to impactful organizations addressing the mental health crisis, supporting the vulnerable immigrants and refugees and ultimately building a stronger, safer, more resilient region.”

“Our local non-profit community serves critical functions for a surprising number of Baltimore County residents. That’s why we built flexibility into the federal investments we made through the American Rescue Plan, so that local governments could better partner with groups in their communities,” said U.S. Senator Ben Cardin.

“Team Maryland will continue finding ways to deepen investments in essential community services and to strengthen the non-profit partnerships on which so many Marylanders depend.”

“For many of our communities, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated hardships that already existed,” said U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen.

“That’s why we passed the American Rescue Plan to provide direct resources to help our communities come back even stronger than before COVID-19. I’m pleased to see County Executive Olszewski using these funds to boost many local nonprofits’ efforts – whether they are getting food and clothes to families in need, facilitating access to mental health services, or connecting people to good jobs. This is the American Rescue Plan at work strengthening Baltimore County.”

A full list of the Baltimore County Emergency Response Fund awardees announced today is below:

Afrithrive, Inc.
Assistance Center of Towson Churches
Associated Catholic Charities, Inc.
Associated Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore
Asylee Women Enterprise, Inc.
Baltimore Association of Nepalese in America
CASA, Inc.
Center for Adoption Support and Education, Inc. (C.A.S.E.)
Civic Works, Inc.
Community Assistance Network (CAN)
Conflict Resolution Center of Baltimore County
Enterprise Community Partners, Inc.
Episcopal Church of Christ the King/RISE
Foundation for Baltimore County Public Library
House of Ruth Maryland, Inc.
Improving Education
Jewish Community Services, Inc.
Life Builders Church
MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
Mental Health Association of Maryland
NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore
Northwest Hospital Center
Outcast Food Network
Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland
Student Support Network
The Family Crisis Center of Baltimore County, Inc.
TurnAround, Inc.
World Relief Corporation of National Association of Evangelicals

“The American Rescue Plan is game-changing legislation. Nearly two years after it was signed into law, we are still seeing its positive impacts on the lives of everyday people,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume.

“This bold, congressional action helped our nation avoid another Great Recession, or perhaps even Great Depression, by investing in real communities that needed help then and now. I look forward to seeing the results the selected organizations will produce with this federal support,” he concluded.

“The organizations that are receiving grants today have been on the frontlines throughout the pandemic and during our recovery, providing essential services in so many areas including healthcare, education, food assistance and even legal aid,” Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger said.

“I supported the American Rescue Plan Act, in part, so that we can empower our community nonprofits to do what they do best – serving people – and I have no doubt we will see an exponential return on this investment.”

The COVID-19 Nonprofit Recovery Fund is the latest in a series of partnerships between Baltimore County and BCF. In March 2020, the County and BCF launched the Baltimore County COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, which provided 50 local community-based organizations grants totaling $400,000 to enhance the County’s response to the COVID-19 crisis last summer.

In June 2021, the County and BCF established a fund to support the Baltimore County Summer Youth Jobs Program, providing skills training, coaching and paid work experience at public and private sector organizations for 300 Baltimore County youth.

BCPS Celebrates Local Athletic Champions


Dundalk High School football made it to the State Semifinals-

Baltimore County Public Schools celebrates its high school athletic teams and individual student athletes recognized as state and regional champions during the 2022 fall season.

The following eastern Baltimore County teams were honored:

State Runners-up

Cheerleading 4A – Perry Hall High School

Regional Champions

Boys Soccer 2A North – Sparrows Point High School

Football 3A/4A North – Dundalk High School

Football 3A/4A North – Perry Hall High School

Girls Soccer 2A North – Sparrows Point High School

“I’d like to congratulate all of our student athletes on a successful fall season,” said BCPS Superintendent

Dr. Darryl L. Williams. “Their participation helps them develop skills that improve their performance both on and off the field. I’d like to express my gratitude to their coaches, trainers, physical education teachers and families for their tremendous support.”

“It is wonderful to see so many of our student athletes perform at a high level,” said Michael Sye, BCPS coordinator of athletics. “We are so proud of their determination, teamwork, and work ethic.

County Purchases Rec Center for Halethorpe


-photo courtesy of Baltimore County Government-

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced the purchase of the approximately 24,000-square foot Leadership Through Athletics indoor recreation facility, located at 2900 Hammonds Ferry Road in the Halethorpe community.

The site, acquired for $3.17 million with funding assistance through Maryland’s Program Open Space, continues the Olszewski administration’s ongoing efforts to expand recreational opportunities throughout Baltimore County.

“We remain fully committed to expanding recreational opportunities in every community across our county and are excited to have the opportunity to continue the rich legacy of this beloved Halethorpe facility,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “I am grateful to our state partners, our colleagues on the County Council, and former County Executive Mohler for their support in helping to make this exciting new project a reality.”

The Leadership Through Athletics center was acquired from the Grace family, lifelong residents of southwest Baltimore County, who operated the facility for nearly 18 years.

The newly-acquired facility features a double gymnasium, second floor half gymnasium, activity room, and basement activity space.

This is the Olszewski administration’s eleventh recreation and parks acquisition since the start of 2021.

The Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks will operate the facility as a public recreation center, with activities and programs that will build upon the legacy of the beloved community-oriented center.

“We are very excited about this new facility acquisition,” said Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks Director Roslyn Johnson. “The Grace family wanted to ensure this Lansdowne asset was accessible to the community and we will ensure it is. Lansdowne is an area that is in need of more recreational opportunities and, for us, this was an ideal opportunity to fulfill an important need.”

Established under the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in 1969, Program Open Space provides financial and technical assistance to local jurisdictions for park acquisition, development, and enhancements.

Since 1970, the County has utilized over $155 million in POS funding to assist in the acquisition of more than 6,800 acres of parkland, and for the construction, enhancement and renovations of recreational facilities at parks and public school recreation centers. The parkland acquisition program has allowed for the preservation of thousands of acres of woodlands, stream valleys and other sensitive lands.

With the support of POS funding, Baltimore County has secured, expanded, and improved a wide range of public parks and recreation sites including Oregon Ridge Park and Nature Center, Cromwell Valley Park, Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, seven regional parks and athletic facilities, and nearly 100 neighborhood and community parks.

Man Fatally Shot in Arbutus on Monday


Baltimore County homicide detectives are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Monday, Dec. 12 at approximately 5 p.m. in the 4400 block of Wilkens Ave in Arbutus.

Officers responded to the location for a report of shots fired. When they arrived on the scene, officers located a male suffering from gunshot wounds to his upper body.

The victim, 39-year-old Alquamaar Royal, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Preliminarily, this appears to be a targeted incident.

As this remains an ongoing investigation, detectives are asking anyone with information about this incident or the person responsible to call 410-307-2020.

Information may also be provided through the Baltimore County Police Department iWATCH program.