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Four Eastside Schools Named Best for Athletes

Baltimore County Public Schools announced that 13 of its schools was named in the top 50 schools in the region for athletes. The list compiled by Niche, based on data from the U.S. Department of Education and the region consists of schools from Baltimore City, and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, and Howard counties. Sparrows Point High School was ranked 8th, Perry Hall ranked 11th, Eastern Tech 30th and Kenwood 45th.

Most for Athletes
School, ranking

Hereford High School, 1st
Sparrows Point High School, 8th
Milford Mill Academy, 9th
Dulaney High School, 10th
Perry Hall High School, 11th
Franklin High School, 12th
New Town High School, 14th
Towson High School, 19th
Eastern Technical High School, 30th
Loch Raven High School, 35th
Pikesville High School, 44th
Kenwood High School, 45th
Randallstown High School, 47th

Eastern Tech, Perry Hall & Sparrows HS Rank in Top 50

Nearly a quarter of the region’s 50 best public high schools are in Baltimore County, according to 2021 annual rankings compiled by Niche, based on data from the U.S. Department of Education and test scores, college data, and ratings collected from Niche users.

For the regional rankings, schools from Baltimore City, and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, and Howard counties were reviewed, and Eastern Tech, Perry Hall and Sparrows Point are among 12 BCPS high schools to appear in the top 50 overall:

School, ranking
Eastern Technical High School, 6th
Hereford High School, 8th
Dulaney High School, 9th
George W. Carver Center for Arts & Technology, 10th
Towson High School, 12th
Western School of Technology, 13th
Catonsville High School, 27th
Pikesville High School, 29th
Perry Hall High School, 31st
Franklin High School, 34th
Loch Raven High School, 41st
Sparrows Point High School, 44th

In addition, Niche compared schools in the same region for best teachers, best college prep, most diversity, and best athletics. BCPS claimed more than a quarter of the top 50 schools on the list for best teachers and 29 percent of the 42 ranked schools on the college prep list. BCPS schools claimed 40 percent of the top 50 slots on the list for most diversity and more than a quarter of those on the top 50 list for best athletics.

Best Teachers
School, ranking
Hereford High School, 2nd
Dulaney High School, 5th
Eastern Technical High School, 8th
Carver Center, 13th
Towson High School, 17th
Catonsville High School, 19th
Perry Hall High School, 22nd
Pikesville High School, 28th
Western School of Technology, 30th
Loch Raven High School, 40th
Sparrows Point, 45th
Franklin High School, 46th
Chesapeake High School, 50th

Best College Prep
School, ranking
Dulaney High School, 7th
Towson High School, 9th
Eastern Technical High School, 10th
Carver Center, 13th
Hereford High School, 14th
Western School of Technology, 17th
Pikesville High School, 23rd
Catonsville High School, 25th
Perry Hall High School, 32nd
Franklin High School, 33rd
Loch Raven High School, 37th
Parkville High School, 41st

Most Diverse
School, ranking

Parkville High School, 5th
Ridge Ruxton School, 7th
Lansdowne High School, 10th
Dundalk High School, 12th
Kenwood High School 20th
Perry Hall High School 22nd
Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts, 23rd
Eastern Technical High School, 24th
Carver Center, 26th
Owings Mills High School, 27th
Catonsville High School, 29th
Western School of Technology, 30th
Battle Monument School, 31st
Franklin High School, 34th
Dulaney High School, 37th
Pikesville High School, 39th
Chesapeake High School, 41st
Loch Raven High School, 46th
Maiden Choice School, 47th
Crossroads Center, 49th

Second Suspect Arrested in July Rosedale Murder

On September 30, Lateef Amir Maple (32) of the 1100 block of Myrtle Avenue, 21201 was the first suspect arrested in connection with the July 28 murder of Trevor Hamlet.

As a part of the on-going investigation, Baltimore County Homicide detectives were able to identify Donwin Rumeal Brooks (30) of the 2200 block of Linden Avenue in Baltimore City as being the second suspect. On October 21, Brooks was arrested and charged in connection with the murder of Trevor Hamlet.

Maple and Brooks are charged with first-degree murder and various other charges. Maple remains held at the Baltimore County Detention Center on a no bail status. Brooks is held at the Baltimore County Detention Center on a no bail status pending a bail review hearing.

Overnight Fire Reported at Al’s Seafood

–photo courtesy of North Point Edgemere Volunteer Fire Company-

Baltimore County fire crews reported a building fire at Al’s Seafood in the 1500 Block of Eastern Boulevard in Essex early this morning.

Firefighters reported heavy smoke from the second floor early Thursday morning. Roads were shutdown in the area.

There were no reports of injuries.

Al’s Seafood released a statement on their Facebook page.

“My family would like to give a huge thank you to all of our friends, family, Essex and Rosedale Fire Departments and Police for the help, support, security, and encouragement through this difficult time.
I want to also thank Johnny Salling, Ric Metzer, and Val Mcdonough for the support and positive reinforcements.”

Kenwood High Featured in Pandemic Book

These Strange Times: Young Writers Reflect on the Pandemic,” a new anthology released by Maryland-based Salt Water Media, includes writing by nine 2020 graduates of Kenwood High School and one Kenwood High senior.

The book, which is available free in Kindle and iPad e-pub versions, features poetry and prose by students about their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The following Kenwood graduates and student are the only BCPS students whose work appears in the book: Class of 2020 – Brianna Allen, Myasiah Bilola, Raven Brooks, Alexia Crook, Halle Kerr, Miciah Patterson, Taylor Soutar, Luvia Thomas, and Breanna Wickham; Class of 2021 – Desiree Jones.

“At a time when our seniors could have easily given up last spring, they threw their frustrations into writing, and I’m immensely proud of their grit and perseverance to overcome in these tough times,” said Angela Glenn, Kenwood High English teacher and newspaper and literary magazine advisor.

Glenn noted that this is the second published book that Kenwood students have been a part of this past year. Three students – 2020 graduate Luvia Thomas and current juniors Linda Neewary and Kaylee Norton — were published in the Young Writers USA Mission Contamination series anthology.

The anthology features student-written mini-sagas about a virus outbreak. Glenn said that it was “creepily ironic” that the students received printed copies of the books about one week before schools closed

160 Foot Pole Takes Photos of Communities

Do you want a bird’s eye view of your neighborhood? How about a 160 foot high pole view of your community?

James Lingg is a photographer that has taken 3D photos from a high point with a 160 foot pole.

“The equirectangular photos we feature on our website and Facebook page are shots using a combination of special optics, real world mechanics and some digital manipulation after the fact. Many devices can take 360 spherical panoramas like these, including cell phones, drones and specialized cameras with multiple lenses,” Lingg told East BaltCo News.

“Not many have witnessed our unorthodox method for taking our popular photos.., and we like it that way. Part of the joy of the 160 foot pole is the way it captures the imagination.”

According to Lingg, he is an independent producer/editor and has worked in the TV/film profession for over 25 years. He taught at the Sheffield Institute and worked in lasers at Image Engineering, Inc.

“Like many out-of-work production pros, I was looking for a way to fill my free time, stay safe and socially distant, but Still keep active, connected and sane until work picks up again,” Lingg said.

“So, I started taking photos of the neighborhood, discovered just the right height to get the most compelling views- and then I learned how to stitch them together. I started publishing the photos on [Facebook] in September.”

A view of Essex from Kenwood High School

Lingg has place his photos on local neighborhood Facebook pages. He has taking photos all over eastern Baltimore County and beyond.

He started off in hometown of Dundalk photographing multiple communities in that area. He has also went out to Middle River, Parkville, Towson, Perry Hall and the Inner Harbor to take aerial footage of those communities.

“The response to the Facebook page has been overwhelmingly positive. Folks enjoy seeing local sites from a new perspective. The photos are fun to interact with… panning around and zooming, but intentionally lacking any rich detail so as to respect privacy,” Lingg explained.

“The focus of the photography is to highlight and celebrate the beauty of the community. Some folks have made special requests that the 160 Foot Pole go up in their neighborhood next.”

One secret that Lingg wants to keep is the identity of the pole. He respectively declined a request to share a photo of his camera.

He did share that his photographs are classified as “elevated photograph” and wants to see how long he can hide his 160 foot pole camera from the community.

“We have not yet decided to publish any photographs of our mechanism at work. Honestly, the mystery is more fun. One day, someone will photograph us and the world will know,” Linng said with a smile.

For more information on 160 Foot Pole and to see more photos in paramonic view go to, www.facebook.com/160footpole

Arrests Made in Kingsville Political Incident

Baltimore County police released more information about the incident in 11000 block of Cedar Lane in Kingsville on Saturday.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the victims, adult males, drove past the intersection of Cedar Lane and Mt. Vista Road with a political campaign sign in the back of their truck while the suspect put up a political campaign sign on his property.

The victim honked his horn several times at the suspect. The suspect picked up a shotgun and discharged it as they drove by. The victims drove to a safe location and called police. No one was injured and the truck was not damaged.

Douglas Edward Kuhn (50) of the 11000 block of Cedar Lane, 21087 was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault and various other charges.

He is being held at the Baltimore County Detention Center on a no bail status pending a bail review hearing.

Gun Shots Fired at Election Volunteers

Councilman David Marks reported that two Republican volunteers had gun shots fired at them as they were placing election signs in Kingsville, MD on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 17.

“Neal Houk and his son Bradley Lang were fired upon while driving to their next spot as they put up election signs in Kingsville, near Mount Vista Road and Cedar Lane,” Marks said.

Neither were hurt. Lang is a member of the Baltimore County Republican Central Committee and Marks reported a suspect was detained and questioned by police.

Mark said this incident was unexpectable.

“We are not used to this type of violence in our area, where Democratic and Republican elected officials tend to collaborate on local issues and respectfully disagree where there is a difference of opinion, ” Mark said in a statement.

“Freedom of expression belongs to all, and all should practice it without fear.”

BCPS Addresses Inappropriate Audio During Meeting

The Board of Education of Baltimore County and Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams released the following statement regarding Inappropriate Audio that could be heard on it Tuesday, Oct. 13 virtual online meeting. There were media reports of possibly pornographic moaning during the meeting.

“The Board of Education of Baltimore County and Superintendent are very concerned about the incident that occurred near the end of the Board of Education meeting Tuesday night when inappropriate audio was heard by those in attendance at this virtual meeting. The Board officers, Kathleen Causey and Julie Henn, have consulted with the Superintendent, Board counsel, and have contacted the Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education to investigate.

The information available at this time indicates that numerous individuals, in addition to board members, were online at the time. We do not know if someone hacked the meeting; however, that will be part of any investigation.

Recordings of Board meetings constitute the official record. As advised by Board counsel, the Board directed that the inappropriate portion be deleted from the publicly available recording, but has directed the Superintendent and his staff to preserve the original recorded version for further inspection as part of any investigation.

We regret that this incident occurred and are looking at what steps can be taken in the future so nothing like this occurs again.”

Family Halloween Events in Eastern Baltimore County

Here is a list of public Halloween events in Eastern Baltimore County. It appears that all events are free and family friendly. All events are following COVID-19 safety protocols. There are probably many more. If your organization is hosting a free and kid friendly Halloween event, please contact us at eastbaltco@gmail.com so we can add your event to our list.

Sunday, Oct. 18

Dundalk Merchants In The Park Halloween

Support Soup For A Soul and the merchants of Dundalk Village & over 60 vendors of Merchants In The Park.
Trick-or-Treating is allowed with an adult with merchants & participating stores from 11am – 2pm. Vendor event is 10am – 3pm. Food will be available also.

The 4th Merchant’s In The Park event will take place Sunday, Oct. 18 from 10am – 3pm. This time bring your children between 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and have them dressed up in a costume to receive a treat from each of the vendor tables and participating Merchants in Dundalk Village Shopping Center.
**OVER 60 VENDORS WILL BE PARTICIPATING!**

Most importantly don’t forget to bring donations for Soup For The Soul & purchase raffle tickets from them to win items from all of our AWESOME VENDORS/CRAFTERS.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Everyone must wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Friday, Oct. 23

Boo Drive Thru at Honeygo Park
Baltimore County Department of Rec, and Parks will hold a Boo Drive Thru on Friday Oct. 23 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Honeygo Regional Park in Perry Hall. This event celebrates Halloween with a drive-though style. Local organizations will pass out prepackages bags to families in vehicles.

Saturday, Oct. 24

Fort Howard Trunk or Treat
The Fort Howard Haunted Dungeons will hold a park wide trunk or treat on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 2 to 5 p.m. Fort Howard park 9500 North Point Road. Social distancing measures will be in place. Participates must wear a mask / face covering while in the park where social distancing is not possible and during the event. It is free event.

Friday, Oct. 30
Eastpoint Mall Trunk or Treat
Eastpoint Mall will hold Trunk or Treat from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the overflow parking lot off of North Point Blvd (between JCPenney and Burlington)
This is in partnership with Eastern Regional Lions, Dundalk Optimist Club, Holabird Middle PTSA & Dangerously Delicious Pies
All patrons and participants will be required to wear face masks at all times throughout the event.

Saturday, Oct. 31

Dundalk Post 38 Trunk or Treat

Post 38 is having a ‘Trunk-or-Treat’ event on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 3 – 6 p.m. for all the little ghosts and ghouls in our community. This will be a great and safe way for our kids to enjoy Halloween, come in costume, load up on great candy, play games, sit on a prop Electric Chair and other surprises.
We invite parents, our neighbors and local businesses to come with trunks full of candy (commercial wrapped only please) to distribute. You can decorate your vehicle and come in costume (we will have a contest for best decorated car!)
The event will be held in the Parking Lot and Outdoor Patio of Post 38 at 3300 Dundalk Ave.
Call 443-421-5001 or 410-288-2297 for more info.
Cars with candy should arrive by 2:30 pm to setup. Of course we will be observing all COVID-19 safety protocols.