Sports Editor No Longer With Dundalk Eagle


For the first time since 2000, a local legend will no longer be on the sidelines at the three Dundalk area high schools for a sporting event.

No, this is not a coach, booster or parent. It is a member of the local media. Sports editor Bill Gates is no longer with the Dundalk Eagle after 21 years.

He has had health issues and was unable to return to work before his medical leave expired. He now lives in Florida with family because it’s not safe for him to live alone due to his health problems.

As many of you know, I was a colleague of Bill when I worked at the Dundalk Eagle. I knew Bill was one of the top sports reporters in the state as I saw all the awards that he accumulated over the years before my arrival.

The one thing that I didn’t know about Bill was his dedication. He covered as many of the Dundalk, Sparrows Point and Patapsco high school sporting events as possible. If any of the two local schools were playing each other in any sport, Bill was going to cover those teams.

It didn’t matter if it was a glamour sport such as football, baseball, softball or soccer or if it was tennis, field hockey, wrestling, cross country or track and field (I can’t remember if he covered Badminton, but I am sure he did).

And that meant there were a lot of bad teams and games that he had to cover but he would be at a lacrosse game when a 1-8 Dundalk would play a 2-6 Patapsco. He never wanted to miss a Dundalk, Patapsco or Sparrows Point game.

I remember on Memorial Day weekend in either 2013 or 2014, Bill has a busy schedule. He had a track and field meet on Friday where many local students had a chance at first place finishes at Morgan State.

The next day, Sparrows Point was playing for the state titles in baseball and softball. One game was in Aberdeen and the other game was at College Park. 

Of course Bill traveled to both locations which was a feat in itself, but he was upset that he couldn’t go back to the track and field event at Morgan that day.

I asked him why does he care about one event since he was there on Friday. He responded there was one student that had a chance to finish first in pole vaulting and he would feel terrible if she wins first place but did not receive any media coverage.

That’s what makes Bill such a great reporter. He loves giving the athletes recognition for their hard work.

He spoiled the Dundalk, Patapsco and Sparrows Point schools as many schools in this state only receive coverage if they win a state title.

I am sure Bill was bored during the pandemic from March 2020 until the start of the proposed sports season, which was scheduled to begin in 2021.

He was looking forward to the fall season finally starting March, but he never made it back to cover a game last year.

This weekend the football season kicks off in Baltimore County, but the sidelines in Dundalk will not be the same.

Bill Gates can be followed on Twitter @DEagle_sports

HAZMAT Fire Causing Light Show in Dundalk


-photo courtesy of North Point Edgemere Volunteer Fire Company-

Baltimore County Volunteer Firefighters Association reported a HAZMAT fire in Dundalk.

It has caused quite a show in the sky as fire & hazmat crews were on scene of a large pile of magnesium burning outside of a building in the 2300 block of Grays Road off of Wise Avenue at 8:04 p.m.

It has been reported on social media that the fire is causing a light show in the Dundalk area on Wednesday night.

No injuries reported at this time.

Tornado Watch Issued Until 7 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch until 7 p.m. tonight for Baltimore County and most of central Maryland,  Storms that form this afternoon may have tornadoes or damaging winds.
Baltimore County Emergency Management encourages resident to have three of ways communications to receive warnings and have a shelter location picked out to use IMMEDIATELY after a warning is issued.
Baltimore County Public Schools announced that all schools will be closing three hours early today for inclement weather.

Baltimore County Schools to Close Early


Baltimore County Public Schools announced that all schools will be closing three hours early today for inclement weather.

Strong thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and into the evening as the remnants  of Hurricane Ida pass through the region.

Below is full state from BCPS:

“Due to impending inclement weather, Baltimore County Public Schools, the Virtual Learning Program, and offices will dismiss three hours early on Wednesday, September 1, 2021. All afterschool and evening activities are also cancelled. No afternoon PreK. “Essential” employees remain on duty or may request from the appropriate supervisor to use leave time. “Essential as Needed” employees will remain on duty as directed or may request from the appropriate supervisor to use leave time.”

Two Dundalk Deaths Ruled as Murder/Suicide


Baltimore County Police Department  have now ruled last week’s case in the 3100 block of Baybriar Road in Dundalk as a murder/suicide.

Officers found Susan LeBrun and Dennis LeBrun Sr. (wife and husband), inside their home, each suffering from a single gunshot wound on Aug. 26.

After conducting a thorough investigation, Baltimore County homicide detectives have determined Dennis LeBrun Sr. fatally shot his wife before shooting himself. A note and firearm were recovered at the scene. The firearm was registered to Susan LeBrun.

Eagle Scout Unveils Tribute to Amy Caprio

Eagle Scout Owen Mrok with Boy Scout Troop 124 set out to create a project to honor fallen Parkville Officer Amy Caprio.

On Sunday, Mrok revealed his tribute to Caprio at the Parkville Police Precinct. He decided to honor Caprio with a memorial garden at the police station.

According to Baltimore County Police, the garden includes plants native to Maryland, an engraved granite bench, beautiful walkway and cast bronze plaque affixed to a boulder.

Councilman David Marks attend the unveiling of the project on Sunday.

“I have known Owen and his family for more than a decade. He has matured into a confident young man, and he completed a truly meaningful project,” Marks said.

 

BCPS Kicks Off New 2021-22 School Year


Baltimore County Public Schools kicked out their 2021-22 school year on Monday. For the first time since August 2016, BCPS started their school year before Labor Day with an August opening.

This was also the first opening day that BCPS had since September 2019. The start of 2020-21 school year was virtual as a result of COVID-19. Students went online until this past March when some students started attending school two days a week.

Students later went back to school in-person four days a week in May, but still had virtual learning on Wednesdays.

This will be the first full week (five days) of in-person learning at BCPS schools since March 2020.

The restrictions of COVID-19 still remain as BCPS and all of Maryland Public Schools mandate that all students and staff wear masks all day while in school.

West Perry Hall Water System to be Upgraded


Councilman David Marks reported that preparations are being made to improve the water system in western Perry Hall, The project calls for restoring a decaying network that has experienced numerous leaks over the past two years.

“Baltimore County will begin replacing 4,000 feet of water line in parts of Seven Courts Drive, Pinedale Drive, Proctor Lane and Gunview Road before the end of this year. Contractors will replace 4- and 16-inch diameter pre-stressed concrete pipe with ductile-iron pipe in a project which is anticipated to take between three and six months to compete and cost $1.5 million,” Marks explained.

The councilman added there has been a delay in this projects because of supply issues and added that residents in the area will receive updates about temporary water shutoffs and parking changes that will be needed to facilitate progress. Driving lanes disturbed by construction will be resurfaced at the end of the job.

“This project was a big priority for me in the last budget, along with the four-mile resurfacing of Joppa Road. While it may be inconvenient, improvements must be made to end the chronic leaks that are disrupting everyday life,” Marks said.

For more information, contact the Department of Public Works and Transportation at engineering@baltimorecountymd.gov.

County Opens New Senior Fitness Center in Dundalk


–photo courtesy of Baltimore County Facebook-

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski joined the Fleming Senior Center in Dundalk and the Baltimore County Department of Aging for the grand opening of their new fitness studio on Friday, Aug. 27.

“Physical health is such an important part of our well-being, and we’re excited to provide our seniors with the resources they need to thrive,” Olszewski said.