Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Governor calls budget package "good for all Marylanders." Republicans say burden to local governments may force county governments to increase taxes.
The Maryland House of Delegates gave final approval Wednesday to a package of three bills that increases taxes on some state residents, shifts part of teacher pensions to local governments and undoes the so-called "doomsday budget." The votes Wednesday afternoon capped the three-day special session called by Gov. Martin O'Malley in order to override more than $500 million in cuts made in a budget passed in early April. The Senate approved the same three bills Tuesday. As part of the package, legislators approved by a vote of 86-51 what amounts to a 50-50 split of teacher pension costs with local governments. The split will be phased in over the next four years beginning July 1 with the new budget year. That bill also includes a doubling of…
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Police say it is unknown if the burglaries are related to recent incidents.
Police said they are investigating recent home burglaries in Perry Hall and Kingsville. Between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on May 12, in the 4400 block of Medolyn Road in Kingsville, a front window was pried open. Glass was also broken to a side basement window, but no one entered the home and nothing was taken, according to a police report. It is unknown if this burglary is related to any other recent incidents, according to Lt. Ron Brooks of the White Marsh precinct. Jewelry was stolen from another Kingsville home in the 7700 block of Buckhill Road on May 9, Patch reported. Between 9:30 a.m. 10 p.m. on May 9, in the Perry Hall Apartments in the 8700 block of Blairwood Road, a screen door was broken and a bra and silverware were reported stolen, a…
Monday, May 14, 2012
Sluggish economy, skyrocketing value in metals are among the reasons for a 450 percent spike in such crime since 2009, police Chief Jim Johnson said.
Individually, the theft of copper wiring and piping from homes and businesses in Baltimore County usually amounts to little more than stealing a few dollars worth of metal. But, a closer examination of the issue finds the economic impact far worse, Baltimore County police chief Jim Johnson said. Destruction of property, business hours lost and a heightened sense of vulnerability make copper thefts one of the fastest growing problems facing the community, he added. This is why Johnson announced Monday the formation of the region's first law enforcement team dedicated to the growing problem of metals theft. The chief made the announcement at a news conference at BGE's White Marsh Learning Center to highlight the issue, as the utility is a …
Friday, May 11, 2012
Between 3,000 and 4,000 people are expected to attend.
A major Christian rock event is coming to White Marsh Mall this Saturday—free of charge and open to the community. Located in the Boscov’s parking lot at 8200 Perry Hall Blvd., Rock the Block runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on May 12. Officers at the White Marsh precinct said they plan to assist in directing traffic during the show and festival, expected to draw between 3,000 and 4,000 people. A mall press release describes the event: Rock the Block is not a conventional event but a high-energy experience incorporating music and multimedia that encourages everyone to be involved. There are rappers that entertain and lasers and lights swirl overhead while drama, dance, and videos spread messages of love, hope and character. Rock the Block …
Police are investigating a May 9 burglary on Buckhill Road.
Jewelry was stolen from a Kingsville home on Wednesday, police said. Between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on May 9, in the 7700 block of Buckhill Road, a garage door was pried open and a bedroom was ransacked. The homeowner reported that gold and silver jewelry had been stolen from the bedroom, a police report shows. No information on possible suspects was available, and it is unknown if this burglary is related to any other recent incidents in the area, according to officers at the White Marsh precinct. Has burglary or theft impacted your neighborhood? Tell us in the comments.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
New interview process aims to make the Baltimore County police more responsible, accountable for selecting its leaders.
Baltimore County Police Chief Jim Johnson threw out a more than three-decades old promotions policy just days before a class of sergeants was to take standardized oral interviews to become lieutenants. The change comes amid a looming U.S. Department of Justice inquiry into the county's hiring and promotions practices within the police and fire departments. The change involves who interviews prospective candidates for promotion. Until now, interviews had been conducted by outside law enforcement personnel. Now, those interviews will be conducted by officials who work for Baltimore County. "I have not determined the motivation of the administration as to why this change was instituted," said Cole Weston, president of the Fraternal Order of …
Plan to fix "Doomsday Budget" includes $247 million in tax increases and elimination of exemptions for single filers earning $100,000 or more and joint filers earning $150,000 or more.
UPDATE (5:59 p.m.)—Some Maryland residents will pay more taxes in the coming year under a plan worked out between Gov. Martin O'Malley and legislative leaders. O'Malley, accompanied by House Speaker Michael Busch and Senate President Thomas V. "Mike" Miller, announced the nearly $35.8 billion plan during a Wednesday morning news conference in Annapolis to discuss the upcoming special session. "To leave this budget incomplete, to leave this budget as it stands right now, would damage the very forward motion that all of us, together, have worked so hard to achieve for our state," O'Malley said. "Progress is a choice," O'Malley said. "Job creation is a choice. Building America's number one schools, making a college education affordable, …
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
The Baltimore County Police Department supplied the information for the following incidents. In cases where a criminal charge is noted, the information provided does not indicate a conviction.
Perry Hall Cross Spring Drive, 4200 block. Between 11 p.m. May 6 and 6:30 a.m. May 7. A GPS and a cell phone were stolen from an unlocked vehicle. Upper Falls Raphel Road, 10900 block. Between 7 p.m. May 6 and 7 a.m. May 7. The lock to a storage shed was broken and sheet metal was stolen. What are you most concerned about in your neighborhood? Tell us in the comments.
Police believe teenagers randomly targeted the area.
Police are increasing their presence in a Seven Courts neighborhood following several reported acts of vandalism. Shortly after midnight on May 5, a homeowner in the unit block of Sylvan Park Court discovered a racial slur had been spray-painted on the side of the house. The homeowner had heard male voices outside the house, but saw no one, according to Officer Mark Dorsey of the Parkville precinct. Several other homeowners in the area also reported spray paint on mailboxes, Dorsey said. Police do not believe any of the homeowners were targeted, but that the vandalism was likely left randomly by teenagers, he said. Police are increasing patrols and community outreach efforts in the neighborhood, he added. How does vandalism impact …
Community members plan to meet to discuss crime trends and hear from a guest speaker.
Concerned about crime in the Perry Hall, Kingsville, White Marsh, Rosedale and Overlea areas? Members of the White Marsh Police and Community Relations Council meet on the second Tuesday of each month to discuss public safety issues, share crime prevention tips and hear from police officials. The group's next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on May 8, at the White Marsh precinct at 8220 Perry Hall Blvd. Aside from a discussion on crime trends with Capt. Michael Balog, the meeting will feature Det. Paul Ciepielam, who plans to speak about street gangs and how they can be recognized and prevented, according to Graceann Rehbein, assistant director of the council The meeting is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. What can your …
bill bissenas
6:27 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012
As a conservative (and not a Republican), I agree with you. The Dems will continue to take an ever increasing share of our property and our liberty until we stop them (through the ballot box, of course). more ›