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Sparrows Point HS Teacher Nominated Teacher of the Year


Kristine Saja, a science/special education teacher at Sparrows Point High School, is one of four educators from across Baltimore County as this year’s finalists for the BCPS Teacher of the Year.

The four finalists are among two high schools, a middle school, and an elementary school educators and were chosen from among 157 school teacher of the year nominees by a committee composed of BCPS administrators, staff, students, TABCO representation and current BCPS Teacher of the Year Robert Runk.

Stephanie Lawrence of Milford Mill Academy, Sheri Metzbower, of Carroll Manor Elementary School and Brianna Ross, a history teacher at Deer Park Middle Magnet School, are the other three BCPS nominees.

Saja has spent 11 of her 14 years at Sparrows Point. Certified in biology, chemistry, and special education, she has also taught mathematics in Harford County.

Saying she is an eternal optimist, Saja helped to begin a student-led Student Racial Justice Alliance at SPHS and has immersed herself in a variety of school activities ranging from curriculum writing to sponsoring the school’s LBGT club to leading a team to create the school’s motto and vision.

Serious Crash at Belair & Honeygo Blvd.


– photo courtesy of Kingsville VFC-

The Kingsville Volunteer Fire Company reported that crews responded to an accident at the intersection of Belair Road and Honeygo Boulevard in Perry Hall on Tuesday, March 9 around 11 p.m.

Crews arrived to find no entrapment but a vehicle was turned over.

One patient was transported to University of Maryland Shock Trauma. Another was transported to a local medical center.

Parkville and Perry Hall HS Students Win 1st & 2nd in Black History Contest


Ava Wehr of Perry Hall High School and Breanna Pompey of Parkville High School were honored as first- and second-place winners respectively in the 34th Annual Champions of Courage Black History Month Essay Competition.

Wehr received a $200 scholarship, and in her honor, Perry Hall High received a $200 award. Pompey was awarded a $150 scholarship, and Parkville High was presented with $150 in her honor. The awards were announced during the broadcast special “Saluting Maryland’s Champions of Courage,” which aired on FOX45, CW Baltimore, and myTV Baltimore on Feb. 21. This was the first year that the awards program was broadcast for public viewing.

The “Champions of Courage” Black History Month Essay Competition challenged area students in Grades 6 through 12 to write a brief essay saluting a personal hero who has shared with them the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. More than 1,000 students submitted essays.
The essays by Wehr and Pompey follow:

First Place – AVA WEHR, Perry Hall High School

In the weeks and days leading up to this year’s election, [Stacey] Abrams helped to register more than 800,000 people in Georgia to vote. She founded and currently leads the organization Fair Fight 2, which works to educate people about voting, combat voter suppression and give every American a say in their government. Abrams has helped many African Americans to overcome the barriers to voting, bringing the nation closer to Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream of equality and fairness.

Second Place – BREANNA POMPEY, Parkville High School

My Champion of Courage is the late Chadwick Boseman. At nine, I sat on the edge of my seat as he swung his bat with an amount of vigor, I didn’t know was possible. At fourteen, I sat proud and mesmerized as I saw the first black superhero in a movie of his own. And at sixteen, I’m dejected and downcast at his passing. Like Dr. King, they both persevered and triumphed through adversity leaving people more empowered and inspired. And to them, I say thank you!

Fullerton Man Dies in Fire on Fitch Avenue


A 75-year-old man has died of injuries sustained on Thursday in a Fullerton area house fire.

The victim is Michael Richard Praglowski. He was pronounced deceased at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center.

BCoFD units were dispatched at 11:08 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3 to a dwelling fire in the 4500 block of Fitch Avenue.

OhCrews did not see fire from the exterior, but they found the victim in the second-floor bedroom, unconscious on the floor. There was a small, extinguished fire beside him.

BCoPD investigators found that the victim had been smoking while attached to medical oxygen. This is an accidental fire.

Police Seek Victims of Middle River Suspect


Baltimore County Police are searching for other possible victims after charging a 26-year-old man with rape.

William Pervis McNeill, Jr. of the 500 block of Carrollwood Road in Middle River is being held without bail on charges of second degree rape, fourth degree sex offense and perverted practice after he sexually assaulted a man on Oct. 22.

McNeill met the victim by creating fake job opportunities on social media. The victim answered the ad and went to the suspect’s apartment for an interview. The victim was then sexually assaulted during the interview.

Police are asking the public to contact detectives if they believe they were solicited for a job opportunity and were sexually assaulted by McNeill.

Detectives confirmed that McNeil used cell phone apps and fake profiles to make the job opportunity appear realistic. McNeill’s booking photo is being released due to the fake profiles.

Police said they believe victims may recognize his photo and come forward. Victims are urged to contact detectives from the Baltimore County Police Special Victims Unit by calling 410-307-2020

Middleborough Staffer Named Paraeducator of the Year


Middleborough Elementary School’s Rebecca Feser has been named the 2020 Education Support Professionals of Baltimore County (ESPBC) Paraeducator of the Year.

Feser has been described by her peers as an invaluable resource who works tirelessly on behalf of students and staff alike.

“Paraeducators are such important members of instructional teams,” BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams said. “Rebecca Feser does whatever it takes for the students she works with, and I’m excited to see she is being recognized for all her hard work.”

Feser has served as a paraeducator at Middleborough Elementary for four years. Prior to that, she served as an additional adult assistant at Perry Hall Elementary. She was nominated for the ESPBC Paraeducator of the Year award by Middleborough Elementary Principal Jamie Basignani.

The ESPBC Paraeducator of the Year award is presented annually. All schools can nominate a paraeducator for this honor. Paraeducators provide instructional support to students and have job responsibilities that relate to academic achievement and school safety.

Parkville Man Shot in His Lambros Road Home


Baltimore County police responded to the 3400 block of Lambros Road in Parkville for a call of a shooting on Mpnday at 1 a.m.

The investigation determined that the victim, an adult male, was in his house when someone fired several shots at the house. One of those bullets entered the house and struck the victim in the upper body. The victim was treated at R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center for his injuries and later released.

Detectives from the Baltimore County Violent Crimes Unit are continuing the investigation into this shooting and believe that the victim was targeted. The suspect fled the scene before police arrival.

Anyone who may have additional information on this incident is asked to contact detectives by calling 410-307-2020. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward when submitting tips through Metro Crime Stoppers.

Man Arrested for Threatening Crabhouse Protesters


Baltimore County Police arrested a man in front of Vince’s Crabhouse after he threatened demonstrators with a bat.

The suspect, who appeared intoxicated, retrieved a bat from his car after engaging in a verbal exchange with the demonstrators in the 600 block of Compass Road in Middle River at 5:16 p.m. Officers were already present and intervened when the suspect approached the demonstrators with the bat He was placed under arrest without incident.

The suspect will be identified following formal charging.