Month: March 2020

Rosedale Resident Dies in Camper Fire


A 56-year-old man died yesterday in a fire that destroyed his camper.

The victim is James Benidict Smith. His camper was parked in the 1300 block of Seling Avenue in Rosedale when the fire occurred.

BCoFD crews responded to the Seling Avenue address at on Monday, March 16 at 8:47 a.m. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and found the victim, deceased, in the rear of the camper.

Baltimore County Police fire investigators have ruled this an accidental fire that began on top of the camper’s built-in range.

BCPS Expands Meal Options for Their Students


In addition to the previously announced free meals available from Baltimore County Public Schools, the school system expanded meal sites today and will begin providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner at all sites tomorrow, Wednesday, Mar. 18.

Free meals have also been announced by the Maryland State Department of Education (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and Baltimore County Government (lunch).

BCPS program

By tomorrow, BCPS will be providing free Grab and Go meals for its students at 41 sites during the state-mandated closure of schools. Please continue to check the BCPS Coronavirus Updates webpage for the latest list.

• Grab and Go lunch from the BCPS Office of Food and Nutrition Services is available on weekdays through Mar. 27.
• New sites added today include Cove Village Apartments—Essex, Dulaney HS, Kings Point Shopping Center, Rosedale Library, and Sollers Point Multi-Purpose Center.
• Tomorrow, Wednesday, Mar. 18, BCPS will begin providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner to students at all sites.
• New sites beginning on Mar. 18 include Carney ES, Chadwick ES, St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church on Eastern Avenue, and Woodmoor ES.

Students must be present to receive meals in the parking lots of the locations identified below on weekdays through Mar. 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Northeast/Central Areas
• Carney ES (as of Wednesday, Mar. 18)
• Dulaney HS (as of Tuesday, Mar. 17)
• Elmwood ES
• Halstead Academy
• Middle River MS
• Oakleigh ES
• Padonia ES
• Parkville HS
• Pleasant Plains ES
• Rosedale Library (as of Tuesday, Mar. 17)
• Stemmers Run MS

Southeast Area
• Battle Grove ES
• Chesapeake HS
• Cove Village Apartments, Essex, in front of rental office (as of Tuesday, Mar. 17)
• Deep Creek MS
• Dundalk ES
• Dundalk HS
• Hawthorne ES
• Logan ES
• Sandy Plains ES
• Sollers Point Multi-Purpose Center (as of Tuesday, Mar. 17)
• St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, Eastern Ave. (as of Wednesday, Mar. 18)
• Sussex ES

State program

Maryland has announced free meals for students – three meals per weekday – available from all its summer meal sites. The state’s website includes a map feature at mdsummermeals.org to help families find the meal site closest to them.

County program

Beginning Tuesday, March 17, the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks is offering limited meal distribution to children 18 and under through the Maryland Food Bank and Healthy Food Access St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore. Take-away meals will be offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays. Meal supplies are limited, and meals will be distributed on a first come first serve basis at the following locations:

• Arbutus Community Center, 865 Sulphur Spring Rd., 21227
• Cockeysville PAL Center, 9836 Greenside Dr., 21030
• Dundalk PAL Center, 15 Commerce Pl., 21222
• Hillendale PAL Center, 1111 Halstead Rd., 21234
• Mars Estates PAL Center, 1498 East Homberg Ave., 21221
• Scotts Branch PAL Center, 3651 Rolling Rd., 21244
• Shady Spring PAL Center, 8876 Goldenwood Rd., 21237
• Winfield PAL Center, 8304 Carlson Ln., 21244
• Woodmoor PAL Center, 7111 Croydon Rd., 21207

State & County Place More Restrictions to Deal with Coronavirus


Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced that all restaurants, bars, movie theaters and gyms will be shut down on Monday starting at 5 p.m. Events with over 10 people will not be permitted too.

On the county level, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced a series of new efforts to further expand Baltimore County’s coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to promote social distancing in order to slow the spread of the virus.

Olszewski issued an executive order prohibiting gatherings or events of 50 or more people at all locations and venues, providing local officials and law enforcement with the authority to enforce the limit. The order was part into place for Wednesday but that rule will change to Monday after Hogan announced the limitations of crowds 50 starting on Monday at 5 p.m.

This order also grants the Health Officer the authority to further reduce this number and to adopt additional rules or regulations governing places of public or social gathering as needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect public health and safety.

Extension of Licenses and Permits

Olszewski issued an executive order providing an extension of all County licenses, permits, registrations and other authorizations until 30 days following the end of the local state of emergency. The order also authorizes the head of each government agency to suspend the effect of any legal or procedural deadline, due date, time of default, time expiration, period of time or other statute, rule or regulation that it administers. This applies to suspensions concerning payments of late fees owed to Baltimore County. In addition, the order cancels or postpones all non-essential meetings of public boards, commissions or committees, and prohibits members of the public from attending those meetings deemed essential. Members of the public will be provided a way to participate in or observe all essential meetings. Guidance will be provided on a case-by-case basis.

Evictions Suspended

At the County Executive’s request, Sheriff R. Jay Fisher has agreed to suspend all evictions for the duration of the state of emergency in the County.

County Government Building Restrictions

County office buildings remain open at this time, but the County is instituting steps to limit public access. Permit requests and all other meetings with County department staff will be by appointment only as of Wednesday, March 18. All meetings and appointments currently scheduled with County departments or staff are cancelled unless individuals are otherwise notified. Instructions for scheduling appointments with County departments will be available in the next several days and posted to the County’s website. Until such time, members of the public will be restricted from entering County buildings. Visitors and those requesting appointments will be screened for illness prior to gaining access to County buildings.

“In the midst of this public health crisis, we must act decisively to ensure the health, safety and well-being of the public,” Olszewski said. “This situation continues to evolve rapidly and we remain committed to taking whatever action necessary to promote social distancing, limit the spread of COVID-19 and save lives.”

Other Protective Measures

County Executive Olszewski previously issued an Emergency Declaration to address COVID-19, and the County has taken the following actions to protect employees and members of the public and minimize the spread of COVID-19.

Baltimore County Health Department Hotline

The Baltimore County Department of Health has a hotline for residents to call with questions or concerns about COVID-19: the number is 410-887-3816. The hotline is open seven days a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Library and Senior Center Closings

Baltimore County Public Libraries Closed: All Baltimore County Public Library branch locations are closed from Monday, March 16, through Sunday, March 29.

Baltimore County Senior Centers Closed: All Baltimore County Senior Centers will be closed to the public beginning on Monday, March 16, until further notice. Seniors can call the Maryland Access Point hotline at 410-887-2594. Calls are answered by a team of Certified Information and Assistance Specialists, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Water Shutoffs Halted

County Executive Olszewski and Mayor Young announced that neither municipality will turn off water service for failure to pay.

Department of Recreation and Parks

Buildings Closed: All Department of Recreation and Parks buildings are closed to the public effective Saturday, March 14, until further notice. County parks remain open to the public.

Department of Recreation and Parks Providing Meals: Beginning Tuesday, March 17, the Department of Recreation and Parks will be offering limited meal distribution to children 18 and under through the Maryland Food Bank and Healthy Food Access St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore. The Department will offer the take-away meals from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays. There is a limited number of meals available and they will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis at the following locations:
•Arbutus Community Center: 865 Sulphur Spring Rd, Halethorpe, Maryland 21227
•Dundalk PAL Center: 15 Commerce Place, Dundalk, Maryland 21222
•Cockeysville PAL Center: 9836 Greenside Drive, Cockeysville, Maryland 21030
•Hillendale PAL Center: 1111 Halstead Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21234
•Mars Estates PAL Center: 1498 East Homberg Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21221
•Scotts Branch PAL Center: 3651 Rolling Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21244
•Shady Spring PAL Center: 8876 Goldenwood Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21237
•Winfield PAL Center: 8304 Carlson Lane, Baltimore, Maryland 21244
•Woodmoor PAL Center: 7111 Croydon Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21207

CCBC Classes Canceled

All in-person CCBC classes are canceled Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 22, and will resume remotely via alternative teaching methods starting Monday, March 23. Online classes will continue to be held as scheduled.

County Employees

Non-Essential Employee Telework: Baltimore County has instituted telework for all non-essential employees who are able to do so.

Suspension of County Travel: Suspending all County government-related travel through April 30.

Dundalk Man Killed in Eastern Boulevard Accident


The Baltimore County Police Crash Investigation Team is continuing the investigation into a Middle River crash on Sunday night that killed a Dundalk man.

The preliminary investigation determined that a Dodge Journey made a left turn across traffic after exiting a parking lot in the 2800 block of Eastern Boulevard near Martin State Airport around 8:25 p.m.

As the Dodge Journey pulled out onto Eastern Boulevard it was struck in the driver side door by an Acura Integra traveling eastbound on Eastern Boulevard.

The driver and a passenger in the Dodge were transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Acura was pronounced deceased at the scene. He is identified as Wade Bryant (41) of the 8700 block of Wise Avenue.

The Crash Investigation Team is working to determine all of the factors involved in this fatal crash.

State Police Investigating Fatal Crash in Dundalk


Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred on Friday morning in Dundalk.

Troopers from the Maryland State Police Golden Ring Barrack responded to a report of a vehicle off the road in the area of Interstate 695 East near Cove Road around 4:30 a.m.

According to a preliminary investigation, a female driving a 2007 Chevy Cobalt exited the right side of the road for unknown reasons and struck a guardrail.

After crashing, the vehicle caught fire with the victim trapped inside. The driver, whose identity has not been confirmed, was pronounced deceased at the scene by responding Baltimore County emergency medical service providers.

Troopers are working to identify the driver and locate any possible witnesses. The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration assisted at the scene with traffic delays as the right lane and shoulder were closed for about three hours before being reopened shortly before 8 a.m.

Baltimore County Library Closing All Locations Until March 29


Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Baltimore County Public Library locations will be closed Monday, March 16 through Sunday, March 29. Programs and mobile services will be cancelled through May 3. All branches will be open on Saturday, March 14 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 15 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Book drops will be closed during the closure, fines not incurred, and all books on hold will remain available for pickup for seven (7) days after the library reopens.

For those who still wish to use library services, the library offers a variety of digital options, including e-books, e-audiobooks, streaming movies and e-magazines. The library’s virtual branch, bcpl.info, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“We will miss you all, dear customers, and look forward to seeing you again soon. In the meantime, we will continue to post on social media and share information and news as needed,” said a statement from BCPL.

County Announces New Measures to Prevent the Spread of the Virus


Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski provided updated information about government actions to respond to the pandemic and released additional community guidance.

The Maryland Department of Health confirmed on Wednesday that a Baltimore County resident in his 60s who worked at the recent American Israel Public Affairs Committee conference in Washington, D.C., has contracted the virus.

“Keeping residents safe and informed remains our highest priority, Olszewski said. “Baltimore County’s agencies have been coordinating in preparation for the arrival of COVID-19, and we are prepared to respond to any potential impacts the virus has on our communities.”

“We’re taking the steps necessary to protect the health of our residents and minimize the spread of this virus in Baltimore County.” said Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch, Director of the Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services and Health Officer. “We strongly urge residents to continue following public health best practices and rely on credible sources including the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and your state and local health departments for accurate and up-to-date information.”

Hotline

The Baltimore County Department of Health has opened a hotline for residents to call with questions or concerns. The number is 410-887-3816.

Current and New Measures

The County is taking a number of actions to keep residents safe and minimize the spread of the COVID-19.

•Out of an abundance of caution, activities at Baltimore County Senior Centers will be suspended immediately. Based on state guidance, all Baltimore County senior centers will be closed to the public beginning on Monday, March 16, until further notice. County officials encourage individuals to coordinate with senior center staff to ensure they are prepared for the closure, and we encourage those individuals to call the Maryland Access Point hotline at 410-887-2594.

•The Recreation and Parks Department is cancelling all organized recreational activities until further notice. The Department is also advising the County’s Recreation Councils to cancel organized activities. This cancellation includes all travel programs out of state. Recreational facilities will remain open during normal operating hours at this time.

•The County Executive’s remaining budget town hall meetings have been cancelled. Information about a virtual town hall to allow residents to share their priorities will be shared in the coming days.

•The remaining scheduled Comprehensive Zoning Map Process (CZMP) hearings have also been cancelled. Additional information will be shared in the coming days.

•The Code Enforcement Working Group meeting scheduled for this evening, March 12, is cancelled. Further information will be provided in the coming days about virtual options for future meetings.

•The Baltimore County Women’s Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 19, has been cancelled.

•The County is suspending all non-essential out of state travel for employees until further notice.

•The County has implemented new protocols at our 911 call center to screen for COVID-19 risk in order to protect and prepare our first responders.

•The County is reviewing telework and sick leave options for all County employees.

•The County has issued emergency procurements for soap, hand sanitizer and other necessary cleaning materials, with a particular emphasis on jails, courts and other areas with large traffic flows and concentrations of vulnerable populations.

This evening’s Landmarks Preservation Commission meeting for Thursday, March 12 will occur as scheduled. The meeting is statutorily required and is expected to have a small number of attendees. Additional guidance about all future board and commission meetings will be provided in the coming days.

All in-person CCBC classes are canceled Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 22, and will resume remotely via alternative teaching methods starting Monday, March 23. Online classes will continue to be held as scheduled. CCBC remains open and services are available.

Additional guidance regarding programs, classes and activities at CCBC and BCPS will come directly from those organizations.

More Information

All County residents are encouraged to take the proper precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including regular hand-washing and social distancing as appropriate. All residents, and particularly those at high risk, should follow CDC guidance.

For up-to-date fact sheets and information about COVID-19, please visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov.

For the latest information from Baltimore County, please visit: www.baltimorecountymd.gov/health.

Baltimore County Identifies First Positive COVID-19 Coronavirus Case


The Maryland Department of Health has confirmed Baltimore County’s first positive COVID-19 case. The individual is in their 60s and worked at the recent American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) conference in Washington, D.C., and is not hospitalized. The individual had limited contacts, and they have been identified and notified.

Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch, Director of the Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services, informed County Executive John Olszewski of the case late Wednesday evening and remains in regular communication with Maryland Department of Health officials.

“We have been preparing for this situation and we are ready to respond to any potential impact of the COVID-19 virus in our communities,” said County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “We continue to work with our partners across County government and at the state level to monitor this rapidly evolving situation.”

“Keeping residents safe and informed remains our highest priority,” said Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch, Director of the Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services and Health Officer.

“We strongly urge residents to continue following public health best practices and rely on credible sources including the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and your state and local health departments for accurate and up-to-date information.”

Police Need Help to Identify Eastpoint Movie Theater Burglars


Baltimore County Police need your help identifying these two burglary suspects who broke into Flagship Cinemas Eastpoint.

Officer Bull from the Essex Precinct was conducting business checks during his routine patrol around 3 a.m. on Feb. 17, when he came across an unlocked door at the movie theater in the 7900 block of Eastern Avenue. Surveillance cameras in the theater caught the two burglars on video, making themselves some snacks in the concession stand and stealing candy and electronics. They also discharged fire extinguishers inside one of the theaters before leaving.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact detectives from the Baltimore County Police Burglary Unit by calling 410-307-2020. Callers may remain anonymous.

Reward Offered

Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland, an organization that is separate from the Baltimore County Police Department and Baltimore County Government, offers rewards of up to $2000 for information that leads to the arrest and charges in connection with felony offenses.