Raven Theme Playground Built in Owings Mills


Baltimore County officials debuted a new Baltimore Ravens-themed playground in Owings Mills. The playground, made possible with a $500,000 contribution by the Baltimore Ravens as part of the NFL Play 60 Initiative, is the area’s first destination playground.

Located in Northwest Regional Park, the new playground includes a wheelchair-accessible rubberized surface, timed challenge course with obstacles, artificial turf 40-yard dash, custom climbing structures and a towering play system and slides reaching more than 17 feet tall.

“We believe all young people deserve access to high-quality, fun, and healthy play options – all things that are now offered to residents and visitors alike through our Ravens-themed destination playground,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski.

“I am grateful to the Baltimore Ravens, Speaker Adrienne Jones and my partners on the County Council for supporting this innovative, first-of-its-kind project.”

“We are honored to be involved with this meaningful project, knowing it will provide a safe and unique space for children and their families to enjoy,” said Baltimore Ravens president Sashi Brown.

“This destination playground is unlike anything in the area and we know it will offer fun and fitness for visitors from all over Baltimore County for years to come.”

The playground includes a wheelchair-accessible rubberized surface, timed challenge course with obstacles, synthetic turf 40-yard dash, musical elements, custom climbing structures and a towering play system with slides reaching more than 17-feet tall. PlayPower, Inc. constructed the approximately 0.8-acre playground.

“Children and families from across Baltimore County now have another safe place to play and enjoy the outdoors,” said House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones.

“I want to thank all our partners — including the Baltimore Ravens — who have once again shown their commitment to keeping Baltimore County a great place to live.”

“I couldn’t be more thrilled about this project, which will put smiles on the faces of children countywide,” said Baltimore County Council Chairman Julian Jones.

“I’m glad my colleagues on the Council, our state partners and the Ravens organization could work together to make this a reality.”

Protecting open space and creating more recreational opportunities are priorities in Baltimore County, and County Executive Olszewski has dedicated a record $75 million in state and local funds for parks and recreation in his FY2022 budget; more than the last six years combined.

“With this year commemorating the 50th anniversary of Title 9, it is a great reminder that we need to not only push boys but also continue to push girls and women forward, supporting them in their athletic pursuits and ensuring they can see themselves out there on the playing field and in sports executives’ offices,” said Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks Director Roslyn Johnson. “Thanks to our many partners, this playground does just that!”

This project represents the Department of Recreation and Parks and Baltimore County’s dedication to reimagining the state of play in Baltimore County. Baltimore County has made access to quality recreation opportunities a priority and this destination playground is the first new example of that focus.

BCPS Needs Volunteers for Robotics Tournament


Baltimore County Public Schools seeks volunteers to serve in key roles during upcoming robotics tournaments.

The Robotics Education and Competition (REC) Foundation and VEX have partnered to provide free, online training, testing, and certification for those interested in serving as volunteers.
“This will be our first full year of hands-on robotics events since the onset of the pandemic,” said Dr. Michael E. Grubbs, BCPS coordinator of career and technical education. “In addition to judges and referees, we need volunteers for other key roles, too.

Experience and/or a technical background are helpful but not required. Most of all, good volunteers listen, collaborate, and give their time to students who are eager to show their knowledge and demonstrate their creative robot designs on the playing field and during the interview process.”

Those interested in volunteering at any of the following events are asked to contact the event organizers.
BCPS CTE VEX IQ Fall Slapshot State Qualifier Skills Event (VEX IQ, Grades 4-8)
Parkville Middle School, 8711 Avondale Rd., Parkville 21234
Referees and scorekeepers needed
Saturday, November 5, 2022, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Contact: Robin Bowden, rbowden@bcps.org
Dulaney Royal Rumble State Qualifier Tournament (VEX VRC, Grades 8-12)
Dulaney High School, 255 Padonia Rd., Timonium 21093

Dont be Vehicle Theft Victim in Winter


With colder weather approaching, Baltimore County residents may be tempted to leave their cars unattended while they warm up. The term “Warm-Up Theft” describes the stealing of a car that has been left running and unattended.

These thefts typically occur outside a home, apartment building or convenience store. They are crimes of opportunity and crimes that are preventable.

To help drivers protect themselves against “Warm-Up Theft,” the Baltimore County Police Department wants to remind residents of the potential threat and provide some safe alternatives.

Turn your car off, never leave your car running unattended.

In cold weather, warm up with your car: grab a hot cup of coffee, gloves, and a blanket. It shouldn’t take long – most cars warm up in a matter of minutes.

Always take your keys/FOB.

Park in an enclosed garage whenever possible.

Lock your doors every single time.
Look up auto thefts in your zip code through the Baltimore County Dashboard.

Review the top stolen vehicles in Maryland.

Police are asking anyone who sees suspicious activity in their neighborhood to call 911.

Anyone with information about a stolen vehicle is asked to call 410-307-2020. Callers who wish to remain anonymous may call Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP

Former Pastor Arrested on Child Abuse Charges


Detectives have arrested 59-year-old Thomas J Brackett, after allegations surfaced that Brackett abused at least two children while working as a teacher and youth pastor in Baltimore County from 1984 -1985.

Baltimore County Crimes Against Children detectives began investigating this case earlier this year after they were notified of the abuse.

Brackett faces multiple charges of Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Offenses.

He is currently being held at the Georgetown County Detention Center in South Carolina pending extradition.

Police are searching for any additional victims that may have been in contact with Brackett. If you or someone you know was victimized by Thomas Brackett, please contact Baltimore County’s Crimes Against Children Unit, at 410-887-7720.

Two Lottery Winners Sold in Middle River & Dundalk


The Maryland Lottery announced three tickets worth $100,000 or more delivered the biggest prizes were sold throughout Maryland, including Middle River. There was also a winner from Dundalk area.

All winners from eastern Baltimore County are listed below:

Scratch-off Prizes Claimed July 25-31:
$10,000 Prizes

· $500,000 Crossword, Soda Pop Store, 7715 Westfield Road, Dundalk

FAST PLAY and Draw Game Tickets Sold for Drawings July 25-31:

FAST PLAY

· $133,638 Home Run Riches Bases Loaded ticket sold July 31 at Martin Exxon, 2333 Eastern Boulevard, Middle River (unclaimed as of Aug. 1)

Winners of prizes larger than $25,000 must redeem their tickets at the Maryland Lottery Customer Resource Center in Baltimore, which is open by appointment only. Prizes of up to $5,000 can be claimed at any of more than 400 Expanded Cashing Authority Program (XCAP) locations. All Maryland Lottery retailers are authorized to redeem tickets up to and including $600. More information is available on the How To Claim page of mdlottery.com.

BCPS Summer Lunches Can Now Go Home


Baltimore County families will be able to pick up and take home their free Summer Food Service Program breakfast and lunch meals.
The program runs through Friday, August 19. Until now, meals had to be consumed on site, but recent passed legislation now enables parents or guardians to pick up meals at BCPS community sites to take home.

Meals are served Monday through Friday, and each day, those picking up meals will receive one lunch and the next day’s
breakfast for each child in their household under the age of 18.

“This change provides much more flexibility for parents or guardians while at the same time
ensuring that their children receive an enjoyable and healthy menu of breakfast and lunch
meals,” said Jaime L. Hetzler, director of the BCPS Office of Food and Nutrition Services.

For additional information, please contact 443-809-7855 or visit our website at Summer Food Service Program 2022 –
Division of Business Services (bcps.org)

Police Need Help in Gwynn Oak Shooting


Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit of the Baltimore County Police Department are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding a shooting that occurred around 6:10 a.m. Saturday in the 6900 block of Brightway Place in Gwynn Oak.

A 20-year-old male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound was located by officers on scene. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he is currently in stable condition.

Man Dies in Rossville Motorcycle Crash


Baltimore County Police reported a fatal motorcycle crash in Rossville on Friday.

A 2010 Harley Davidson Road King was traveling westbound on Rossville Boulevard when it collided with a 2007 Cadillac DTS turning eastbound onto Rossville Boulevard from Belridge Road on Friday, March 18 around 1:30 p.m.

The driver of the Harley Davidson, 42-year-old Preston Wyatt Coddington, was transported to an area hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

This incident remains under investigation by the Baltimore County Police Crash Team.

Perry Hall High Student Elected to School Board


Middle and high school students from across Baltimore County have selected Perry Hall High School junior Roah Hassan to serve as the student member of the Board of Education of Baltimore County (SMOB) for the 2022-2023 school year. Hassan’s one-year term begins July 1, 2022.

A record number of 13,169 students cast online ballots on Thursday, March 17. The number of votes cast this year is 61.55 percent more than in 2020 when the previous record of 8,152 votes were cast. Hassan received 54.98 percent of the votes compared to 45.02 percent for the other candidate, Masah Farh, a junior at Towson High School. This is the third year that all BCPS middle and high school students could select the student member of the board and the second year, due to a change in Maryland law, that the student selection no longer needs approval from the governor.

Prior to voting, students were able to learn more about both candidates by viewing their resumes, video Q&A sessions, videotaped speeches, and campaigning via social media. The candidates also hosted virtual visits with schools that requested them.

In her speech, Hassan said, “Being the SMOB means never losing faith in the power of the students. It is to have hope, unfaltering empathy, and compassion as we make necessary decisions. Until our systems reflect every single student in BCPS, there will always be work to be done, work that I am prepared to fight for. As your student member of the board, I will work to close the opportunity gap and guarantee equitable funding across the county. I will work to redistribute 21st century resources within BCPS. I will work to rewrite a curriculum that evolves with us and addresses social inequities from the root. I will ensure that student mental health is at the forefront of our conversations and that students of color and LGBTQ+ students feel safe in their schools. We deserve educational justice and a fight that ensures your voice is equally as powerful as mine on the BCPS Board of Education.”

Hassan is president of the Perry Hall Class of 2023 Senate. At her school, she is also vice president of Girls Up, events coordinator of the Muslim Student Association, historian of the Rotary Interact Club, and secretary of Mock Trial. Hassan tutors and mentors Perry Hall AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) sophomores. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and Social Studies Honor Society. At the county level, she is the co-legislative affairs coordinator for Baltimore County Student Councils. At the state level, she is vice chair of the Maryland High School Democrats’ Women’s Caucus, co-founder/co-executive director of Mic Up, Maryland!, and legislative coordinator of the Maryland Center for School Safety Student Focus Group.

Hassan will replace Christian Thomas, a senior at Eastern Technical High School, who will graduate in June.