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Police Report Car Breakins in Essex

Baltimore County Police are investigating several thefts from autos in Essex on Sunday.

Police estimate that sometime on May 10 4:15 a.m. to 6:22 a.m, eight parked cars in the unit block of Urbanwood Court,the 800 block of Dorsey Avenue, and the 400 block of Virginia Avenue were broken into in the Essex area.

The investigation determined that several suspects walked through the neighborhoods, targeting unlocked vehicles parked in residential driveways and on the street.

As a reminder, please always lock your car doors and remove any visible and valuable items. Thefts from autos are crimes of opportunity that you can prevent. Additional crime prevention tips are available online.

Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the thefts. If anyone has residential security video or information that may lead to identifying the suspect responsible, please call the Essex Precinct at 410-887-0220 or dial 911. Callers may remain anonymous.

School Lunches Added to Fontana Village Community Center

The Fontana Village Community Center in Rosedale been added to the list of distribution locations for the Baltimore County Public Schools’ Mobile Meal Program, effective today Monday, May 11.

At all sites, Baltimore County Public Schools students will receive a breakfast, lunch, and snack on Monday through Wednesday. On Thursday, students will receive two breakfasts, two lunches, and two snacks for Thursday and Friday. Meals are no longer distributed on Friday.

Meals will be distributed from the following 67 locations. While students are encouraged to be present when picking up meals, accommodations will be made for students who are unable to be present. Please note the specific distribution times for each location

•Arbutus Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Baltimore Highlands Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Battle Grove Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Bear Creek Elementary School, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•Berkshire Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Carney Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Carriage Hill Apartments, 3456 Carriage Hill Cr., 21133, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•Chadwick Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Chesapeake High School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Church Lane Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Cove Village Apartments, Essex, in front of rental office, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Deep Creek Middle School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Deer Park Middle School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Drumcastle Apartments, 6306 Holly Ln., 21212, in front of leasing office, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•Dulaney High School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Dumbarton Middle School, from 12:10 – 1 p.m.

•Dundalk Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Dundalk High School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Dunfield Apartments, 55 Insley Way, 21236, in front of leasing office, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•Elmwood Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Featherbed Lane Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Fontana Village Community Center, 20 Serpens Ct., 21237, from 12:10 – 1 p.m. (new location as of Monday, May 11)

•Garrison Forest Apartments, at the corner of Beaver Head and Tahoe Circle, from 12:10 – 1 p.m.

•General John Stricker Middle School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Glyndon Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Grange Elementary School, from 12:10 – 1 p.m.

•Halstead Academy, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Hawthorne Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Hereford High School, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

•Holabird East Apartments, 1705 Holaview Rd., 21222, from 12:10 – 1 p.m.

•Johnnycake Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Kings Point Shopping Center in front of Kiddie Koach, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Lansdowne High School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Logan Elementary School, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•Martin Boulevard Elementary School, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•Middle River Middle School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Milbrook Elementary School, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•New Town High School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Norwood Elementary School, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•Oakleigh Elementary School, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•Owings Mills Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Padonia International Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Parkville High School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Patapsco High School, from 12:10 – 1 p.m.

•Pine Grove Elementary School, from 12:10 – 1 p.m.

•Pleasant Plains Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Riverview Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Rosedale Library, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Saddle Brooke Apartments, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Sandy Plains Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Scotts Branch Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Seneca Elementary School, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•Sollers Point Multipurpose Center, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Sparrows Point High School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, Eastern Ave., from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Stemmers Run Middle School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Sussex Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Wellwood International School, from 12:10 – 1 p.m.

•Westchester Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Westland Gardens Apartments, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Westowne Elementary School, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•Whispering Woods Complex, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Winfield Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Woodbridge Elementary, from 12:10 – 1 p.m.

•Woodlawn Middle School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Woodmoor Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Woodmoor Shopping Center, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Heritage Fair and Fireworks Canceled; Parade Might Still Go On

The Dundalk Heritage Fair Association released an official statement on Saturday that the Heritage Fair & Fireworks will be canceled this year as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Heritage Association added that the Parade Committee is exploring other options to possibly conduct the parade and 6K Race in an alternative form or at a later time in 2020. There are plans to bring back all Heritage events in July 2021.

“The Association and all its partners will continue to look for alternative ways to celebrate the nation’s birthday while we plan for the triumphant return for our traditional 4th of July festivities in 2021.”

When Gov. Larry Hogan announced the COVID-19 recovery guidelines last week for Maryland, the Heritage Association stated that it appeared the guidelines to hold large events such as the fair and fireworks would not be in place before July.

A member of the Heritage Fair Committee told EastBaltco.com that there were many factors into this tough decision of such as government permits are not being handed out at this time with COVID-19 regulations and the lack of financial backing. Since many people are out of work and many small businesses have been closed, the Heritage Fair and fireworks was not able to get the donations as in past years and those events funding comes from donations.

“So without financial backing, without permits and safety being the number one priority the cards are stacked against us this year. We were backed into a corner and had to make a decision,” a source said.

According to the release, this is the first time that the Heritage Fair has been canceled since it started in 1976.

The Dundalk events join the Fullerton Fireworks ,the Kingsville Parade and other July 4th events that have been canceled.

Man Arrested in December Back River Neck Road Murder

Baltimore County Police charge the man responsible for the murder of Tyron Deandre Davis.

On December 4, 2019 just before 6 p.m. police responded to McDonald’s in the 200 block of Back River Neck Road, 21221 for a shooting. Arriving officers found Tyron Deandre Davis (18) of the 900 block of Lowe Road, 21220 suffering from at least one gunshot wound. He was transported to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center by medics. The next day, Davis died of his injuries in the hospital.

Detectives determined that Davis and another male subject approached a group of males who stood outside of McDonald’s. Davis briefly spoke with them before walking away. As Davis walked away, one of the members of the group, identified as Anton Hosea Elsezy Jr. (18) of the unit block of Moline Circle, 21221, pulled out a gun and shot Davis.

On December 6, 2019, Baltimore County Police Homicide detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Elsezy. He was captured by the US Marshals Task Force in North Carolina on Tuesday, May 5, and faces extradition. Elsezy is charged with first degree murder and use of a firearm in a felony.

Parkville High Students Nominated for Unsung Hero Awards

McCormick & Company presents their annual McCormick Unsung Heroes where they honor high school athletes who have been models of sportsmanship and team. The 2020 McCormick Unsung Heroes Awards will take place in a virtual format on May 11. Every school in the region has a male and female athlete nominated for the award and Eastbaltco.com will profile each athlete from eastern Baltimore County over the next week. Eastern Tech, Mount Carmel, Patapsco, Perry Hall, Chesapeake have already been profiled.

Parkville
Girls soccer player Korionna “Kori” Skinner and Football player Da’Vaghn Curbeam are the two nominees from the school.

Korionna “Kori” Skinner

Coach Emily Wolf has coached Skinner for four years and said she is a true role model for her peers both on the field and in the classroom.

“Academically, Kori excels and is in the top 10 percent of Parkville’s graduating class. She participates in our magnet program as well as our AVID program. Electing to meet the requirements of both of these programs is a testament to Kori’s dedication to her education and desire to be the best version of herself,” Wolf said.

“Kori has even opted to take two of her graduation requirements at the college level in order to maintain space in her schedule to take all of the courses that she was interested in here at Parkville. After high school, Kori plans to pursue a degree in political science and pre-law.”

Wolf added that Skinner was born with albinism which had an impact on the senior’s vision.

“Not only was she learning and developing in her sport(s), but she also had to figure out how to accommodate the limitations of her eyesight. Never did Kori use this obstacle as an excuse to not work hard or keep trying to improve,” Wolf said.

“She also never complained about this disadvantage and would often advocate for her abilities.”

Skinner was also described as someone with a positive attitude and as a teammate that encourages others. She is one of the last athletes to leave the field. That included waiting for teammates to finish up running laps after practice.

“The mark of an unsung hero is someone who is willing to do things that no one else wants to do. And the last thing teenage athletes want to do after a tough practice or a long bus ride is to put away equipment<" Wolf said. "As trivial as equipment duties may seem, I believe it truly represents Kori’s character that she would always volunteer to help and even pick up her teammates’ slack to make sure that the task was done. Not only did Kori care about helping her teammates, she cared about helping her coaches as well."

Da’Vaghn Curbeam

Curbeam played both football and lacrosse. On the football field, Curbeam help the Knights to 9-0 regular season. Curbeam was a running back on offense and played cornerback on defense.

In an opening playoff game, Curbeam had an interception and fumble recovery in a 49-0 win over Wheaton. It was the first playoff win in team history.

Curbeam and the Knights made it to the 4A State Quarterfinals before losing to Old Mill.

School Board Releases Statement About Virtual Graduation

After Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) announced that it will hold virtual graduations for the Class of 2020, BCPS board members described their decision to host virtual graduations for BCPS seniors in a statement.

“This was a difficult decision for all of us,” said Board Chair Kathleen Causey.
“We have heard from students and parents that what they want is an in-person graduation. We want that for them, too, but in the midst of this pandemic, for the safety of everyone, that is simply not possible. These virtual graduations will still provide opportunities to recognize students individually and to celebrate online together. In fact, the degree of personalization will be even higher than a standard graduation.”

“If it becomes possible, perhaps this summer, to host in-person celebrations, we want to make that happen,” said Board Vice Chair Julie Henn. “We are committed to honoring our seniors for their hard work and accomplishments in whatever ways we can. We recognize the tremendous disappointment our seniors and their families are feeling right now. But we also know that our graduates will remain connected to one another and to their extended BCPS family and that we will cheer and celebrate their successes – past, present, and future long beyond our current circumstances.”

Once plans are finalized, the revised graduation schedule will be posted on the BCPS website.

Kenwood Students Nominated for Unsung Hero Awards

Kenwood
Track athlete Jade Malone is the female nominee and football and lacrosse player Austin Boothe is the male nominee for Kenwood High School in Essex.

Jada Malone

Malone was described by Indoor Track Coach Chris Mattern as team MVP and two-time captain for the Indoor Track team. She is a multiple time scholar-athlete award winner and a member of the schools AVID program. Mattern added that Malone has overcome and persevered through some hardships and adversity.

“The family tragedies she has overcome are truly remarkable,” Mattern said.

Kenwood Athletic Director Tony Ruocco said that Malone has been accepted to many four-year colleges and he said he is proud of how Malone has handled adversity.
[She is an] excellent student and has a very charismatic personality,” Ruocco said.

Austin Boothe

Boothe was a two-sport athlete at Kenwood where he played football and lacrosse. His football coach Derrick Krumholtz stated that Boothe was accepted to Towson and Stevenson but he decided to attend Alvernia University in the fall to play football.

“Austin was a Captain of the Varsity Football Team for 2019, and also was our team Unsung Hero award winner. He was a starter on the Varsity Football team in both his Junior and Senior years, sometimes both sides of the ball,” Krumholtz said.

“Austin was a Baltimore County Senior All-Star game nominee.”

Maryland DNR Clarifies Expanded Outdoor Opportunities

Given the announcement of the governor’s Roadmap to Recovery, the state has now expanded opportunities for outdoor exercise and recreation in the state and on Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) properties.

BEACHES

Effective Thursday, May 7, at 7 a.m., DNR-owned beaches will be opened and outdoor exercise such as walking, jogging, running, swimming, and fishing will be permitted, however:

Guidance on social distancing must be followed. The prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed.
Chairs, blankets, and picnics will be prohibited.

BOATING

Effective Thursday, May 7, at 7 a.m., recreational boating activities, including motorized and non-motorized vessels and personal watercraft, are permitted, however:

Boaters must be with immediate family members or people with which they reside.

No more than 10 people can be on a boat at one time, including captain and crew.
Boats must be distanced from each other by at least 10 feet and are prohibited from rafting up, beaching, or having rendezvous events. Boats are prohibited from docking at restaurants or bars.
Vessel and boat races remain prohibited.

Marinas can reopen to recreational boaters, but must adhere to Maryland Departments of Commerce and Health guidelines.

Pump-out stations and boats may resume operations under the Departments of Commerce and Health guidelines.
Local jurisdictions may choose to open public boat ramps, but must ensure social distancing guidelines.
All normal boating rules and regulations are in effect and must be followed.

CAMPING

Effective Thursday, May 7, at 7 a.m., DNR will begin accepting reservations for overnight tent and RV camping in state forests, parks, and other campgrounds, however:

Campers must be with immediate family members or people with which they reside. Guidance on social distancing must be followed.

No parties or reservations for more than 10 people will be granted for any one site. Reservations for cabin rentals will not be accepted at this time, however DNR will begin to consider protocols for accepting reservations again in the near future.
Reopening will likely proceed on a gradual or regional basis based on guidance from the Maryland Department of Health.

FISHING

Effective Thursday, May 7, at 7 a.m, recreational fishing activities, including catch-and-release, are allowed, however:

When fishing from a boat, one must be with immediate family members or people with which they reside.

No more than 10 people may be on a boat at one time, including captain and crew.
When fishing from onshore or at a pier, social distancing guidelines must be followed. DNR fishing piers will reopen immediately.Fishing tournaments remain prohibited at this time.

All normal rules and regulations regarding fishing are in effect and must be followed, including creel limits, gear restrictions, and seasons.

HORSEBACK RIDING

Effective immediately, horseback riding activities, including riding in state parks, is allowed, however:

Equestrians must be riding with immediate family members or people with which they reside. No more than 10 people may be included in a given party.
Social distancing guidelines must be followed. No organized rides, gatherings, or races will be authorized.

HUNTING/TRAPPING

Effective immediately, all hunting activities are allowed on private and public lands under following conditions:

Hunters on public lands must be with immediate family members or people with which they reside. No more than 10 people may be included in a given party.

All normal rules and regulations regarding hunting are in effect and must be followed, including bag limits, firearm restrictions, and seasons.

OFF-ROAD VEHICLES

Effective immediately, off-road vehicles can be ridden on DNR-owned lands where they are allowed, however:

Drivers/riders must be riding with immediate family members or people with which they reside. No more than 10 people may be included in a given party. Gatherings and organized events remain prohibited.

POOLS

All DNR-owned swimming pools remain closed at this time.

SHOOTING RANGES

Effective immediately, DNR will reopen shooting ranges on state land, however:

Groups of no more than 10 will be allowed on the range at any time.
Social distancing guidelines must be followed.

Perry Hall Students Nominated for Unsung Hero Awards

Perry Hall
Amanda Butz, who played badminton, basketball and softball is the female nominee and soccer player Kaleb Todjo is the male nominee for Perry Hall High School.

Amanda Butz
Butz almost had the rare distinction of being a 12-season Varsity starter at Perry Hall. Butz made Varsity for four years for Badminton and Softball but only made Junior Varsity for her freshman year of basketball.

Her basketball coach Linda Caccavalla said making the Varsity Perry Hall basketball team in her second year is still remarkable.

“I use to tease her that she is one of the only sophomores who is a three-sport varsity athlete at PHHS,” Caccavalla said.

Her softball coach Ally Bittner said that Butz would have been a four-year starter if the season would have not be canceled for COVID-19. Butz was Captain for her Junior year and was expected to have that title again for her senior season.

On the field, Butz made 1st County Outfielder as a freshman and made the 2nd County team in 2018 & 2019. Butz will be softball at McDaniel College in 2021.

“She has stepped up in different positions in times of need. Always on top of anything that needs to be done. Always a good attitude towards her teammates and opponent,” Bittner said of Butz.

“[She] works hard in the classroom and on the field. Great kid who is deserving of the recognition.”

Kaleb Todjo

Todjo was a three-year Varsity Soccer player, two year starter and the Captain of the Perry Hall Boys Soccer team his senior year. According to his coach Pete Eibner, Todjo has been a blessing to coach as he possesses skill, quickness and vision that most do not.

“As a sophomore, he worked hard and learned, developing each practice and improving each day. By the time he reached his senior year, he had matured as a young man and became a leader.” Eibner said of Todjo.

“While his ‘on the field’ accomplishments were impressive, it was his off the field resume that led him to be nominated for the McCormick Unsung Hero.”

Eibner added that Todjo is an unsung hero for his ‘behind the scenes’ work. Eibner gave an example on how his hard work would motivate his teammates. He was a good model for the underclassmen.

“Most impressively, Kaleb, along with Andrew Fitch and Sid Katilla, changed the culture of our program. Where, in years past, the underclassmen would have to pick up cones, get water, fill the ice bucket, carry the balls and move the goals, this year’s team had the seniors voluntarily do those tasks” Eibner explained.

“They did it in order to set the example of what it is like to serve others.”

Serving others is what Todjo did indeed as he drove underclassmen to off campus practices and he tutored teammates that needed help with academics.

“In 2018-19, we had 11 players on the ineligible list throughout the year and four with academic honors. This fall we had 13 make academic honors and none on the ineligible list,” Eibner noted.

“Aside from teammates, he helped underclassmen through the African American Male Mentorship Program.

Eibner added that Todjo’s hard work transferred in the classroom too as Todjo maintained a 3.74 GPA, is a three year National Honor Society Member and he also made the Honor Roll in every quarter of his high school career.

“He often goes unnoticed because of his humble and unassuming nature, but to our program, he is invaluable, and certainly worthy of this nomination,” Eibner said.

State of Maryland Officially Ends The 2019-20 School Year

As expected, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and State School Superintendent Karen Salmon officially announced on Wednesday afternoon that all Maryland public schools would remain closed for the rest of the school year as a result of COVID-19.

Schools were originally closed for the coronavirus pandemic from March 16 to March 27. Then in late March, Salmon made an announcment that the closure was extended until April 24.

On April 17, there was speculation that Salmon was going to close schools for the rest of the year but the announcement was to extend the closure until May 15.

Baltimore County Public School’s last day for the 2019-20 school year was set for Monday, June 22. BCPS has held online classes for its students

BCPS announnced it had already cancelled all senior activities for its students. and announced it will hold virtual graduations for BCPS seniors.