Former County Executive Roger Hayden Dies


Former Baltimore County Executive and Baltimore County Board of Education of Member Roger B. Hayden has passed away.

Hayden served as Baltimore County Executive from 1990 to 1994. He was the last and only second Republican to serve at the highest position in Baltimore County. He upset Democratic incumbent County Executive Dennis Rasmussen in 1990. Hayden would lose his-re-election bid to C.A. “Dutch” Rupperberger in 1994.

County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Jr. released a statement about the passing of Hayden.

“We collectively mourn the passing of former Baltimore County Executive Roger Hayden. A dedicated public servant and tireless advocate for public education,” Olszewski said.

“County Executive Hayden exemplified what it means to give back to our communities. Baltimore County is stronger for his service and my sympathies and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Hayden served on the BCPS Board of Education of Baltimore County twice from 1974 – 1987 and from 2017 – 2019.

BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams said Hayden was a strong advocate for Baltimore County Public School

“Roger Hayden, in every conversation and with every vote, was focused on making the best decisions for the students and staff of Baltimore County Public Schools,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams.

“I, unfortunately, did not have the opportunity to work with him for long, but I know that his voice and his leadership will be missed on the Board of Education. We all benefited from the depth of his knowledge of Baltimore County government and schools. The nearly 15 years that he spent on the school board are only part of his substantial legacy in this community. We join his family in celebrating his life and achievements.”

Hayden was also known as a successful business man in the area. His business career spanned management positions in finance, operations, facilities management, and transportation at Eastern Stainless Steel, George Transfer, the Baltimore Orioles, and Towson University. His career began in the mailroom at Eastern Stainless Steel and ended as president of The Hayden Consulting Group, which specializes in business and organizational issues.

All Electronic Tolling Begins Next Week at Key Bridge


There’s one week to go before the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) begins cashless toll collection at the Francis Scott Key Bridge (I-695) in Dundalk. Prior to the morning rush hour on Wednesday, Oct. 30, all-electronic toll collection will begin at the Key Bridge via E-ZPass® and Video Tolling.

With all-electronic tolling, cash will no longer be accepted as payment at the Key Bridge. New overhead tolling structures, or gantries, have been installed to collect tolls electronically. The existing toll plaza will still be up until 2021. Drivers will continue through the plaza without stopping and must obey all roadway signs and speed limits, as the plaza will remain an active work zone.

Officials announced the move to all-electronic tolling at the Key Bridge and the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge (US 40) in northeast Maryland this past spring. All-electronic toll collection began at the Hatem Bridge on Oct. 16. In spring 2021, work at these bridges will be completed, including demolition of the toll plazas. At that time, motorists will be able to travel at highway speeds.

Cashless tolling eases congestion and results in less idling time, which allows better fuel efficiency and reduced vehicle emissions. It is anticipated that cashless tolling at the Hatem and Key bridges will save $1 million in fuel and 44,000 hours each year. The change also increases driver safety and results in a safer work environment for employees.

At the Key Bridge, 80 percent of drivers are E-ZPass® users. E-ZPass® Maryland customers receive significant discounts at most state toll facilities. At the Key Bridge, the two-axle E-ZPass® Maryland toll rate is $3, and the two-axle Video Toll rate is $6. E-ZPass® commuter plans are available. Due to higher processing costs, the Video Toll rate is 50 percent above the base rate with a maximum of $15 above the base rates.

Standard E-ZPass® transponders are free and there is no monthly fee for customers with Maryland addresses. Interested motorists can sign up for E-ZPass® Maryland at ezpassmd.com or by visiting E-ZPass® Maryland Customer Service Centers at MDTA toll facilities, at many Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) locations and at retail partners. A full list of locations is available at ezpassmd.com.

While the schedule has not yet been finalized, additional MDTA facilities will be all-electronic in the future. To help traffic flow through the toll plaza during the westbound deck rehabilitation project, the MDTA has begun cashless tolling at the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Bay) Bridge (US 50/301) on Thursday and Friday afternoons and evenings. In addition, MDTA is developing a construction timeline to implement all-electronic tolling full-time at the Bay Bridge.

MPSSAA Boys Soccer Playoffs Kick Out


The area is filled with successful boys soccer teams as Eastern Tech and Perry Hall have won state title within the past five years.

Local soccer teams begin their playoff games this week.

4A North Region
First Round
1 Parkville -Bye

4 Catonsville -Bye

3 Perry Hall -Bye

2 Dulaney -Bye

Second Round
3 Perry Hall at 2 Dulaney, Friday

4 Catonsville at 1 Parkville, Friday

Perry Hall and Parkville received byes along with Catonsville and Dulaney. Parkville host Catonsville and Perry Hall plays at Dulaney in the first round. The two winners play next week and the winner of this bracket will play the winner of a Montgomery County bracket.

3A North Region
First Round
1 Kenwood– Bye

5 Aberdeen at 4 Patapsco, Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.

Kenwood earned a number 1 seed in their region 3A North Region with a 7-2-2 record. The Bluebirds will play the winner of Aberdeen and Patapsco in the second round.

2A Region
First Round
1 Overlea -Bye

5 Sparrows Point at 4 Patterson, Wednesday, 4 p.m.

3 Digital Harbor -Bye

2 Eastern Tech -Bye

Second Round
5 Sparrows Point/4 Patterson winner at 1 Overlea

3 Digital Harbor at 2 Eastern Tech

Overlea had a perfect regular season of 10-0 and picked up the number 1 seed for this sub region. However; powerhouses Eastern Tech and Sparrows Point are also in this bracket and Overlea did not see either team during the regular season.

MPSSAA Girls Soccer Playoffs Start Wednesday


Local high school girls soccer teams begin their playoff games this week.

4A North Region
First Round
1 Perry Hall -Bye

5 Western at 4 Dulaney, Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.

3 Catonsville -Bye

2 Parkville -Bye

Second Round
5 Western/4 Dulaney winner at Perry Hall, Friday

3 Catonsville at Parkville, Friday, 3:45

Defending 4A state champions Perry Hall begin defense of their title this weekend as they will play the winner of the Western and Dulaney, who play on Wednesday. Parkville received a bye and will play Catonsville, who also earned a bye, on Friday.

3A North Region
First Round
1 Kenwood– Bye

5 Bel Air at 4 Dundalk, Wednesday, 4 p.m.

Kenwood earned a number 1 seed in their region 3A North Region as they won the Baltimore County Division 2 regular season title. The Bluebirds will play the winner of Bel Air and Dundalk in the second round.

2A Region
First Round
5 Chesapeake at 4 Eastern Tech Wednesday, 4 p.m.

1 Overlea -Bye
Chesapeake and Eastern Tech will play in the first round on Wednesday and the winner faces Overlea. This will be an extremely tough region as six-time defending state champion Sparrows Point will be the heavy favorite.

Health Fair to be held at Overlea High School


Looking for health/wellness-related information and resources? The public is invited to a free Community Health Fair hosted by Overlea High School and the Health Education and Promotion Program of Towson University on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Overlea High School, 5401 Kenwood Ave.

In addition to meeting local healthcare providers, visitors can learn more about the exciting new health sciences magnet programs at Golden Ring Middle School and Overlea High School.

Other activities will include yoga demonstrations, blood pressure screenings, and skin checks. Information will be available about healthy eating, mental health services, exercise, sleep, disease prevention, intimate partner violence, emergency services, and drug abuse prevention. The event will offer free food, drawings for prizes, and the first 200 visitors will receive free gift bags.

For more information, go to the event’s Facebook page

Three Eastside Teachers Named Novice Art Teachers of the Year


Three local Baltimore County Public Schools teachers and will be honored with district awards by the Maryland Art Education Association. In addition, four BCPS visual arts teachers have been nominated for state-level recognition.

“We are honored to recognize these amazing educators for their service and dedication to their students, schools, and field of art education,” said Sherri Fisher, BCPS coordinator of visual arts. “Each of them truly understands the power of art to shape human potential.”

The BCPS teachers to be honored with district recognition are:

Novice Art Teachers of the Year

Taylor Boren, Logan Elementary School

Jasmine Silverman, Deep Creek Middle School

Jenn Moss, Dundalk High School

The four teachers nominated for state awards will receive notification of final awards in November. The nominees are:

Elementary Teacher of the Year: Sara Murphy, Halethorpe Elementary School

Middle School Teacher of the Year: Camille Gibison, Golden Ring Middle School

Secondary School Teacher of the Year: Pam Ehrenreich, Chesapeake High School

Linda Popp Leadership Award: Vernon Fains, Pine Grove Elementary

The district-level and state-level awardees will be recognized at a reception and ceremony at the Walters Art Museum on Sunday, Dec. 15.

Crews Clear Fuel Truck Trapped in Middle River Ditch


The White Marsh Volunteer Fire Company reported crews were on scene when a heating oil truck landed in a ditch on Bird River Road in Middle River. The truck was reported leaning against a tree with person that was trapped this morning around 9 a.m.

The WMVFC reported that person was rescued.

HazMat and Maryland Department Of The Environment were also on the scene this morning. The fuel truck was carrying approximately 2500 gallons of heating fuel, but no leaks were reported.

Parkville, Tech & Kenwood Win But Chesapeake & Perry Hall lose again in Football


Eastern Tech 28 Lansdowne 14
Eastern Tech put together its first winning streak and got over .500 this year after a win at Lansdowne on Friday night. It was a must win as Eastern Tech will play at Hereford, who has won four straight games and they finish at home against 7-1 New Town.

Owings Mills 60 Chesapeake 0
The Bayhawks were shut out for the third straight week and have lost four games in a row after they were defeated at Owings Mills on Friday. Chesapeake has been outscored 171-8 during the four-game losing streak. There is hope for the 1-6 Bayhawks as they play at winless Sparrows Point this week and at winless Western Tech during the last two weeks of the season.

Hereford 28 Overlea 24
Overlea lost to a hot Hereford team on Friday night to fall to 4-3 on the year. Hereford started off 0-3 but they have now won four straight. The Falcons appear to be in good shape to make the playoffs as they were ranked third out of 12 teams in their region before the loss. The top eight make the playoffs. Although the last two games will be tough for Overlea as they travel to New Town this week and end their regular season at home against first place Milford Mill.

Kenwood 20 Woodlawn 12
Kenwood got a much needed win on the road at Woodlawn to improve to 4-3 on the year. Woodlawn was ranked third in the 3A North Region and the Bluebirds were sixth before the game. Kenwood needs to stay in the top 8 to make the playoffs and they finish the season at Towson this weekend and end their season at home against undefeated Parkville.

Parkville 28 Randallstown 6
Parkville remained unbeaten with an impressive road win at Randallstown. The Knights are a perfect 7-0 and are in first place in the 4A North standings. They will play winless Western Tech this week and will likely go into their last game undefeated at Kenwood, looking for the perfect regular season.

Franklin 63 Perry Hall 0
The Gators were no match for defending state champion Franklin and fell to 0-7. Perry Hall hosts Randallstown on Friday night. Perry Hall is a larger 4A school and Randallstown is a smaller 1A school so there is an outside chance that the Gators might get their first win of the season. However; Randallstown is a solid team at 4-3 and it won’t be easy for the Gators.

Source:https://mpssaa.countysports.zone/football/

Martin Boulevard ES Book Reading Brings Together Students, Farmers, 4-H


Students at Martin Boulevard Elementary School will participate in a special reading of the book “Right This Very Minute.” on Monday, Oct. 21, from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

The guest reader will be a 4-H youth, and farmers from the Baltimore County Farm Bureau will be on hand to answer student’s questions. Each year, the American Farm Bureau selects a book to teach youth about where food comes from.

This year, the Baltimore County Farm Bureau has donated a copy of this book (“Right This Very Minute”) to each Baltimore County elementary school.

This initiative has a goal of connecting students to the food system through literature, and it was coordinated by the Baltimore County Public Schools Offices of Career and Technology Education and Library Media Programs and Digital Resources along with the Baltimore County Farm Bureau and University of Maryland Extension/4-H

Perry Hall Grads Help CCBC Essex Women Beat Frederick


-by Patrick Coonan of CCBC-

On Tuesday, it was a crisp autumn evening in Baltimore, but the Knights remained hot as they dispatched Frederick 3-1 to end the regular season on a 16-game winning streak and win their first Maryland Juco Athletic Conference Championship in more than seven seasons.

The win also gives the Knights the No. 1 seed and a first round bye in the NJCAA Region XX Division I Tournament, which begins for Essex in the semifinals round on October 29. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. and the tournament is being hosted by Harford Community College.

CCBC Essex (16-1, 7-0 Maryland Juco) began the game pressing hard, but the Frederick defense was up to the challenge, limiting the Knights to just one shot in the first 12 minutes of play.

In the 13th minute of play, however, freshman and Sparrows Point grad Dani Zacierka began a run before being pulled down in the box that would lead to a penalty kick. Fellow freshman and Perry Hall grad Kara Dietrich converted the kick for her NJCAA Division I leading 43rd goal of the season, giving the Knights a 1-0 lead.

It was also the 100th goal scored this season for Essex.

The rest of the half would go on to be played primarily in the middle of the field with the Knights holding a 1-0 edge at the break.
Frederick (10-3-1, 4-2-1 Maryland Juco) would strike 10 minutes into the second half when Lindsey Brant scored her 43rd goal on the year to tie Dietrich for the national lead. It took the Knights 10 minutes to respond in kind.

Ryleigh Fachler, also a graduate of Perry Hall, would put in a head ball past the Cougars’ keeper off a ball from Dietrich to make it 2-1 in the 67th minute of play.

“It was really exciting,” Fachler said. “And the fact that we pulled it out was great.”
In the 78th minute, Fachler would net the dagger when she would put another head ball past in off a beautiful cross from Taylor West to make the score 3-1. Is was Fachler’s ninth of the year.

“I am usually one of the shortest players on the field,” said Fachler, who stands at 5-foot-1. “So I have a saying that I use, ‘Heart over height,’ to motivate me to win head balls. It was so exciting to score on two headers in game like this.”Emily Vetra, a Sparrows Point grad, did not tally a goal or an assist, but her play, especially at the midfield, was one of the biggest reason the Knights were able to control the ball so much.

Sam Tornatore of Eastern Tech, made her 17th consecutive start in goal and finished with three saves. She now has 37 saves this year with a 1.47 goals against average.