New Traffic Pattern Scheduled on I-895 Near Holabird Exit


In November 2018, the MDTA began the I-895 Bridge Project to replace the 60-year-old bridge north of the
Harbor Tunnel. Two-way traffic has been in place on the I-895 southbound bridge between the Baltimore
Harbor Tunnel and Boston/O’Donnell Street (Exit 11) while crews demolished and rebuilt the northbound
bridge. In addition, the I-895 Holabird Avenue exit ramp (Exit 10) has been closed during for a full rebuild.
With those portions of the project complete, crews will implement a phased switchover of two-way traffic
from the existing southbound bridge to the newly constructed northbound bridge beginning late
February or early March.

The rebuilt Holabird Avenue exit ramp also is anticipated to reopen during this
transition. Once the switchover occurs, crews will begin demolishing and rebuilding the southbound bridge.
Motorists are encouraged to continue avoiding I-895 whenever possible and use I-95 and I-695 as alternate
routes. Those who must use I-895 should stay alert and expect changing traffic patterns. The ongoing two-way
operation – with one lane in each direction – will remain in effect until the new southbound bridge is complete
in 2021.

Work also includes rehabilitating the Harbor Tunnel with repairs to the tunnel portal, approach ramps and walls,
deck and tiles. This spring, the southbound bore of the Harbor Tunnel will close 24/7 for 60 days with two-way
traffic operating in the northbound bore.

The bridge replacement project is expected to be complete summer 2021. The MDTA will continue updating
motorists on changing traffic patterns via traffic advisories and social media and will utilize roadway messaging
signs to alert drivers of ongoing traffic conditions. Motorists may also visit 895bmore.com or follow
#895bmore on Twitter.

Franklin Square Hospital Employee Arrested on Child Sex Offense


Baltimore County Police have arrested a former hospital employee, charged with a number of sex offenses, following a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Detectives arrested Donald Joseph Benson Jr (40) of the 3400 block of Park Falls Drive in Perry Hall on Thursday, charged with a number of sex offenses, including the sexual abuse of a minor.

Benson became the subject of an investigation after detectives received a tip that he may be involved in the viewing of child pornography.

As a result of the ensuing investigation, detectives uncovered explicit images of a juvenile female being sexually assaulted, who detectives determined was a patient at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center at the time of the assault. Benson was an employee of the hospital at the time the assault occurred in September of 2016.

Detectives are asking anyone who may have additional information on this case or any other incidents that Benson may have been involved in to contact detectives by calling the Baltimore County Police Crimes Against Children Un

State Legislators & County Exective Announce Bill to Ban Convicted Sex Offenders From School


Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski Jr. and members of the District 8 State Legislative Team announced a bill that would prohibit registered sex offenders from attending schools in Maryland.

This is after a registered 21-year old sex offender was reported attending Parkville High School. Olszewski said he spoke with BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams about updating their protocol to prevent a similar situation from happening again in the future.

“As a parent, I understand that every time when we send our kids to school, we rightly expect that school to be a safe place where they will be protected from any harm,” Olszewski said.

Olszewski added that he is working with District 8 state Senator Kathy Klausmeier and Delegates Harry Bhandari, Joe Boteler and Carl Jackson to present a statewide bill that would ban all registered sex offenders from attending schools in Maryland.

“Sex offenders have no place in our school period,” Olszewski said.

Klausmeier is the lead sponsor of the bill in the senate and agreed with Olszewski that sex offenders do not belong in school.

“I was appalled to hear what happened at Parkville High School and I regret that this ever happened. But, I along with the delegates and senators will stop this from ever occurring again,” she said.

Klausmeier added that there might be some concern about the education of the sex offender but said the priority should be the safety of other students.

“There are other ways to get an education other than sitting next to a student in a high school or a student in a middle school. This should not happen again,” Klausmeier explained.

Marks Wants Revised Plan for Gerst Farm Project


After receiving community criticism at a Feb. 6 meeting for the proposal of the Gerst Farm project in Perry Hall, Councilman David Marks announced that he is asking the developer of the property for a revised plan that addresses the concerns of the community.

Gerst Farm is located at 9328 Gerst Road behind the Honeygo Village Center and near the Joppa and Cowenton road traffic circle in Perry Hall.

“Specifically, I am calling for far fewer units, as well as deed restrictions that require the senior housing to be owned by older residents,” Marks said in a statement. “I have also asked the developer to work with Baltimore County to set aside a large section of the property near the Honeygo Village Center as a public park.

Elm Street Development’s plan calls for the building of 317 townhomes/rowhomes on 47.61 acres of land. Some of the community concerns were more traffic to the area and adding to an already overcrowded school system.

Police Look for Suspect in Three Robberies Near Perry Hall High


Baltimore County Police are looking for a suspect in three separate incidents in the robbery of students. All three incidents took place near Perry Hall High School and police believe the same suspect is involved in all three cases.

The first reported armed robbery took place on Nov. 12 around 3:30 p.m. at the Perry Hall High school basketball courts. According to police, an unknown suspect implied he had a gun and robbed two students of their iPhones and iWatches.

Police reported other incidents took place on Nov. 4 and again on Jan. 28. In both cases, the suspect approached female students and demanded their cellphones. One victim chased the suspect, but she stopped when the suspect implied he had a gun and would shoot her.

In both cases, the suspect was reported running in a wooded area near Parlo Road. Police have a photo (above) from a residential video surveillance. Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Baltimore County Police at 410-887-5040.

Police Investigate Gunshot Wound in Middle River


Baltimore County Police Violent Crimes Detectives are investigating an incident in Middle River that left a victim injured on Thursday.

Officers responded to the unit block of Oak Grove Drive in Middle River for a call of a gunshot wound on 4:42 p.m. Responding officers located a victim who sustained trauma to the lower body. Medics responded and transported the victim to a local hospital to be treated for injuries. The victim is expected to survive.

Baltimore County Police Violent Crimes Detectives are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident. More information will be provided as it becomes available. Anyone with information should contact the Baltimore County Police Violent Crimes Unit by calling 410-307-2020.

Middle River’s Klacik & Mfume Win Party’s Nominations in 7th


According to the Maryland Board of Elections, it appears it will be a show down between Middle River resident Kimberly Klacik and former Congressman Kweisi Mfume in April for the Congressional seat vacated by the death of Congressman Elijah Cummings.

Klacik appears to be the winner of the Republican nomination in the 7th District Congressional Special Election. She is a member of the Baltimore County Republican Central Committee and a contributor for Fox News.

Klacik was one of seven Republicans battling for the nomation. Glen Arm resident and 2018 2nd Congressional GOP nominee Liz Matory finished in second place. Klacik and Matory, both African American females, combined for over 66 percent of the GOP vote.

Mfume, a former Congressman and former leader of the NAACP, was one 23 Democrats in the race, but still received over 40 percent of the unofficial vote. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, Elijah Cummings’ widow, finished a distant second to Mfume.

The 7th District covers parts of Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Howard County. Although Middle River is not in the 7th, Klacik and other Maryland residents living outside the district are eligible to run for the Congressional seat in the district.

The General Election to this race will take place during the Presidential Primary on Tuesday, April 28.

Nottingham Man Killed in I-95 Catonsville Accident


Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred early Tuesday morning in Baltimore County.

Shortly before 1:25 a.m., troopers from the Maryland State Police Golden Ring Barrack responded to Interstate 95 North south of I-195 for a report of a single-vehicle crash that involved a pedestrian.

According to a preliminary investigation, the driver of a Mercedes sedan was traveling north on I-95 when he felt something strike the left side of his vehicle.

After coming to a complete stop, the driver saw a body lying on the left shoulder. The victim, identified as Joel Hopkins, 34, of Nottingham, was transported by ambulance by EMS personnel from the Baltimore County Fire Department to St. Agnes Hospital, where he was declared deceased.

According to a preliminary investigation, there is no indication that drugs, alcohol and/or speeding was a factor in this crash. It is also currently unclear why the victim was on the interstate at the time of the crash. The only vehicle at the scene was the Mercedes that struck the victim.

The crash remains under investigation.

Perry Hall Rec. Founder Jerry Soukup Dies


A Perry Hall icon has died. Jerry Soukup, who has dedicated his life to sports and rec in Perry Hall has passed at the age of 91.

Soukup founded the Perry Hall Rec. Council in 1955 and served as its first president until 1988. Soukup – along with his wife Pat, who proceded him in death- raised $1.5 million in funds to pay for half of a sport arena on Joppa Road. The arena was named Soukup Arena after Jerry and Pat.

Councilman David Marks, who is a friend of Soukup, released a statement on his passing.

“I am so sorry to pass along the news of the passing of Gerald Soukup, a towering figure in Perry Hall’s recent history – although one who did so much of his work modestly, behind the scenes. Jerry Soukup helped found the Perry Hall Recreation Council in 1955. For decades, he and his wife Pat raised money from concession stand sales and events for a gymnasium to house the organization’s sports leagues. That gym opened in 2015 and was named in their honor,” Marks said in a statement.

“We have lost so many of the local leaders who guided Perry Hall during the postwar years. Jerry’s service began when Dwight Eisenhower was in the White House and continued to the present. On behalf of all whose lives he touched, we thank him. My prayers are with his family and many friends.”

Joe Butta, who is a volunteer at Perry Hall Rec., said Soukup is responsible for the success of today’s Perry Hall program.

“For everyone that has played ANY sport in the Perry Hall rec area you have this man to thank. Mr. Jerry Soukup passed away today. He founded the rec office here and watched it grow into something special,” Butta said in a social media post.
“I’ve had the honor of working for him and with him for the past seven years and he truly was Mr Perry Hall!”

Police Arrest Man in Sunday Afternoon Middle River Stabbing


Police arrested a suspect in the afternoon home-invasion robbery and stabbing of a man in Middle River on Sunday, Feb. 2.

The suspect knocked on the door of a home in the unit block of Oakgrove Drive in Middle River shortly after 1 p.m. When a female resident answered the door he displayed a handgun and a knife, entered, and demanded cash and personal items. The suspect struck the woman with the gun and forced her into a closet, then stabbed a male victim and fled the location on foot. The suspect later threatened his girlfriend with the gun.

The victim suffered life-threatening wounds but is expected to survive. Detectives learned that the suspect frequented the area and were able to locate him and take him into custody shortly after 5 a.m. this morning. The suspect is identified as Reginald Louis Barber Jr (29) of the unit block of Oakroad Drive, 21220. He is held on denied bail status at the Baltimore County Detention Center, charged with attempted first degree murder, three counts each of first and second degree assault, and two counts of misdemeanor theft.