Author: eastbaltco

Bowleys Quarters Residents Killed in Crash


Baltimore County Police investigate a crash that left two dead and one hospitalized on Wednesday afternoon.

On July 23, just after 3 p.m., a 2013 Buick Lacrosse was traveling south on Ebenezer Road near Meyers Lane in White Marsh.

The Buick drove off of the road for unknown reasons and struck a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu and a Baltimore Gas and Electric pole in the 6000 block of Ebenezer Rd. The Chevrolet was parked and unoccupied when the crash occurred.

The driver of the Buick, identified as Shirley Ellsworth (84), and the rear passenger, identified as Leona Schleicher (83), both of the 600 block of Bowleys Quarters Road in Middle River were pronounced deceased at the scene by medics.

The front passenger, an adult male, was transported to a local hospital to be treated for his injuries. He is in stable condition.

Investigators from the Baltimore County Police Crash Investigation Team are asking anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact police at 410-307-2020.

Pedestrian Struck by Vehicle in Rosedale


Baltimore County Police are asking for help from the public in finding the vehicle that hit a woman and fled the scene early Wednesday morning.

The woman, 39, was on the westbound side of Pulaski Highway just west of Chesaco Avenue in Rosedale around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday morning when she was struck by a vehicle. The vehicle made no attempt to stop and continued driving in the direction of Baltimore City.

The woman was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries and remains in critical condition.

Investigators from the Baltimore County Police Crash Investigation Team are asking anyone who may have seen any portion of the incident or who may have information regarding this incident to contact police at 410-307-2020.

Overlea High Resource Officer Named SRO of the Year


Officer Danielle Moore, a member of the Baltimore County Police Department since 2012, has been named 2020 Floyd Ledbetter National SRO (School Resource Officer) of the Year by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO).

Officer Moore has served as a school resource officer at Overlea High School since 2018.

“Officer Moore has quickly made an impression on Overlea High School’s scholars, families, and staff,” said Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams. “She serves the school community in a way that affirms each student’s potential and promotes a healthy school climate. We are so thankful for her service and so proud of her for earning this national honor.”

According to Overlea High Principal Monica Sample, Officer Moore is the school’s “biggest cheerleader” and someone who “demonstrates commitment, loyalty, empathy, discipline, and diplomacy” and interacts with students “in a positive and restorative manner.”

“Many female scholars,” Sample wrote, “consistently approach Officer Moore for guidance, support, and mentorship with social-emotional issues. She is viewed by many as an honorary mother who represents confidence, optimism, and hope.”

Three of the many ways that Officer Moore contributes to the school culture are by serving as co-coordinator of the female mentoring I.T. Girls of Overlea High School, as a member of the Overlea student support team, and as a member of the Restorative Practices team. According to Sample, Officer Moore has “conducted over 100 restorative conferences,” thereby preventing numerous altercations in the school and community.

“SRO Moore is non-judgmental in her role and gives each scholar endless opportunities and support despite their disciplinary histories,” Sample wrote. “She inspires and gives hope to our scholars that each day is a new day and that our scholars are all capable of being model citizens who will make a great impact on society.”

Mo Canady, executive director of NASRO, said of Officer Moore, “It is apparent that she demonstrates the SRO Triad Concept in serving as a coach and mentor, educator, and law enforcement officer while seeking opportunities to serve her school community. It is our privilege to bestow this honor to one who exemplifies the title of school resource officer so well.”

Officer Moore will receive her award during the Aug. 5 opening ceremonies of the virtual 30th Annual NASRO School Safety Conference.

Serious Crash Reported on Ebenezer Road


The White Marsh Volunteer Fire Company reported fire/rescue units on scene of multi-vehicle crash with rescue in the 5800 block of Ebenezer Road near Vincent Farm Elementary School around 3:30.

This crash happened after a vehicle struck another vehicle and a utility pole. Two people were trapped and three seriously injured.

All occupants were rescued and Maryland State Police Medevac is transporting one person to a trauma center in life-threatening condition.

Ebenezer Road will be closed for crash reconstruction into the evening hours. Motorists are encouraged to use White Marsh Boulevard as an alternative route.

Eastern Tech Honored by Future Business Leaders


The Eastern Technical High School chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and students from Dulaney, Eastern Tech and New Town high schools earned honors during the 2020 FBLA National Leadership Online Experience.

In past years, a cadre of students from BCPS has traveled to an in-person FBLA National Leadership Conference, involving as many as 20,000 attendees. This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference, scheduled to be held in Salt Lake City, Utah, was replaced with an online experience.

“Our students were challenged with creating videos and taking online tests to demonstrate their skills in the areas of business, computer science, and computer networking,” said Dr. Kara Lynch, BCPS supervisor of business, computer science, and homeland security education. “Our students have been preparing all year long by participating in regional and state level events. Some of our chapters have also prepared yearlong service projects. Congratulations to all of the BCPS FBLA members who competed.”

Eastern Tech Awards
Eastern Technical High School was named an FBLA Outstanding Chapter, based on its membership, community service, and education
Recognized for completing the Chapter Challenge, tasks related to recruitment, retention, membership involvement and FBLA Awareness.

Andrei Mapilisan, Eastern Technical High School earned Business Achievement Awards for creating a portfolio of real-world accomplishments

Eastern Tech students Andrei Mapilisan,Neha Mupparapu and Kamalmeet Singh earned Community Service Awards.

BCPS Board Approves Remote Classes Plan


The Baltimore County Public School Board of Education approved the school systems’ Reopening Plan for the Fall of 2020. Eastbaltco.com reported on the plan earlier today.
The school year would still start on Tuesday, Sept. 8 but the year will start virtually for everyone for the first two quarters until Friday, Jan. 29.

According to the plan, the amount of online class time for this remote learning will increase compared to the remote learning in the spring as schools will follow a bell schedule.
Students would receive two to 3.5 hours of class time each day and would have up to three hours for independent work.

“This decision was made based on the health and safety of students and staff,” said a statement from BCPS.

If better safety measures are in place for COVID-19 in January, a hybrid learning environment would start in the second semester where a student would receive in-person instruction at the school for a few days a week on a rotating basis.

Parents and students would still have the option of full-time remote learning in the second semester after Jan. 29.

Olszewski Orders Face Coverings Indoors


As jurisdictions in Maryland and across the country see increasing COVID-19 cases, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced that Baltimore County Health Officer Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch has issued a new public health order requiring all individuals ages 2 and over to wear face coverings in all indoor public spaces, and also strongly encouraging residents to wear face coverings in outdoor public spaces wherever six-foot social distancing is not possible.

This new public health advisory supplements existing state orders (PDF), which currently require residents to wear masks in some indoor locations.

“The advice of scientific experts is clear: face coverings work. This commonsense step will help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and save lives,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “I want to thank our neighbors and businesses who continue to take the necessary steps to keep our loved ones safe. We must all do our part, or we risk jeopardizing the progress we’ve made together.”

Despite current prevention measures, Baltimore County is experiencing the highest seven-day average of 97 community cases per day—exceeding the previous peak of 94 cases per day over a seven-day period in May. Meanwhile, Baltimore County’s positivity rate has increased since July 7 to 5.92 percent, demonstrating continued community transmission of COVID-19. On Sunday, Maryland saw the largest number of cases reported in a single day in nearly two months.

CDC guidance has demonstrated the effectiveness of face coverings in preventing transmission of COVID-19 by symptomatic, pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. The suppression of COVID-19 will be critical in supporting future school reopening, continuing Baltimore County’s economic
recovery, and safeguarding public safety.

“Our fight against this virus is not over. Without a vaccine or a cure we must continue to follow the science and the evidence which shows that face coverings—paired with social distancing and avoiding large gatherings—can slow the spread of this disease,” said Baltimore County Health Officer Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch. “Our data is beginning to show initial troubling signs. To keep us from losing ground, we must act now.”

Face Covering Requirements
Beginning Thursday, July 23 at 9 a.m., Baltimore County residents ages 2 and up will be required to wear face coverings in any indoor business, service, organization, or establishment that serves the general public. This includes, but is not limited to, retail establishments, recreational establishments, houses of worship, and other locations open to the public.

Residents are strongly encouraged to wear masks in outdoor public areas where social distancing of at least six-feet is not possible.

Individuals will not be required to wear a mask if:

Eating or drinking while seated at food service establishments. In accordance with Governor Hogan’s orders, face coverings are still required when otherwise moving in or about a restaurant or bar premises.
A face covering cannot be worn due to a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability.
County to Swiftly Act to Protect Health
Additionally, under the order issued today, the Baltimore County Health Officer may also issue a warning, modify operations, or immediately shut down any business or place of assembly that presents an immediate threat to public health or demonstrates unreasonable risk of exacerbating the spread of COVID-19.

“We’ve focused on education before enforcement with our business community, because we understand how hard they have been hit by this pandemic. While the vast majority are doing their part, we will do whatever is necessary to protect the health and safety of our people,” Olszewski added.

Olszewski Calls on Hogan to Reconsider Indoor Dining
Following nationwide COVID-19 spikes, over a dozen other states or localities have taken steps to re-close bars and restaurants. County officials noted that, similar to statewide trends, young people now account for the majority of cases. Over the past three days, 53 percent of Baltimore County cases are residents under the age of 35.

County Executive Olszewski
called on Governor Hogan to limit bars and food service establishments to outdoor dining and takeout or delivery service.

“Maryland’s increasing case numbers are troubling and public health officials have consistently warned us about how indoor dining and congregating in bars can play a significant role of increased COVID-19 case counts. We have also seen that patchwork approaches to determining which businesses should be opened don’t work. I urge Governor Hogan to reengage with local leaders so that we can work in partnership to take statewide action to protect public health and save lives.

BCPS Plan Calls for Remote Learning Until Jan. 29


Baltimore County Public School released their Reopening Plan for Fall 2020. The proposal is expected to be voted by the Board of Education tonight.
Under the plan, the start of the school year would still start on Tuesday, Sept. 8 but the year will start virtually for everyone for the first two quarters until Friday, Jan. 29.

According to the draft, the amount of online class time for this remote learning will increase compared to the remote learning in the spring as schools will follow a bell schedule. Students would receive two to 3.5 hours of class time each day and would have up to three hours for independent work.

If better safety measures are in place for COVID-19 in January, a hybrid learning environment would start in the second semester where a student would receive in-person instruction at the school for a few days a week on a rotating basis.

Parents and students would still have the option of full-time remote learning in the second semester. The draft of the plan is pictured below

High School Sports Still Hoping for Season


The end of July and early August means that the start of the school year is not far away and the start of the fall sports season is even closer.

This year there is a different feel as no one knows what is in store for the 2020-21 school year with COVID-19. However; high schools are still preparing for a fall sports season.

The Parkville High School Athletic Boosters Club reported that their fall season which includes Football, Boys/Girls Soccer, Volleyball, Cross Country, Cheer and Badminton was set to start with practices on Aug. 12.

Parkville Athletic Director Jeff Markle told EastBaltco News that no official decision has been made on the fall sports season but Parkville and all schools are preparing to start practice in August.

“I was told to gear up for an Aug 12th start date since the state made a comment back in June that everything would start on Aug 12th and that has not changed,” Markle said. “I think the start may be delayed, but we are still awaiting word.”

Kenwood head football coach Derrick Krumholtz said he too is hoping and preparing for a season and is hoping that his players will be ready if there is a season. Krumholtz explained that his staff has been allowed zero in-person contact with students.

“We have been in communication with them all spring and summer in order to drive home the point that it is their responsibility to continue to find ways to work out and stay in shape,” Krumholtz said to EastBaltco News.

“If/When practice starts, we have to commit almost all of our time to install and game planning, we won’t have time to set aside for ‘conditioning’ they need to do that on their own.”

The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association listed a roadmap to the return of sports on July 7 with training regulations during this COVID period. That is roadmap expected to be updated as we get closer to Aug. 12.

Local rec. youth football is still set to have a season, but CCBC Essex had their fall sports seasons canceled.

Many school districts throughout the state has decided to continue remote learning until January. There is speculation that Baltimore County Public Schools will also have remote learning in the fall. Could that jeopardize the fall sports season?

“I have no idea if athletics can continue if we are in a virtual setting. I assume that would be up to BCPS and the State,” Markle said.