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Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Water Bill Increases Won't Affect County Residents

Baltimore City has proposed a 15 percent increase beginning in July.

Water service for county residents will not likely cost more despite a proposal by Baltimore City to raise rates by 15 percent. At least not this year. The increase proposed by city Department of Public Works would increase water bills by nearly $24 per quarter for the typical city water customers. The system supplies water to 1.8 million residents in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll and Howard Counties. Baltimore County absorbs some costs of the system through a complex agreement with the city. Other costs are paid for through the Metropolitan District Fund that is assessed as a line item on county property tax bills. "Given [the agreement] and the metropolitan fund balance, there was no need to pass this increase on to…

michael mooney

1:13 pm on Thursday, May 23, 2013

The city last raised its water rates in 2012. Again, the providers don't seem to realize the cash strapped consumers keep records of when the rates/ cost went up last time! Bet OweMally is looking for more tax dollars from this too   more ›

Memorial Day BBQ? 8 Money-Saving Tricks (Sponsored)

Who’s NOT planning a BBQ this weekend? If the weather holds and you’ve got propane or charcoal, chances are, you’re grilling something with your friends and family. Here, new ideas for keeping your costs down. Sponsored by Home Depot.

Two barbeque experts uncover some really good ideas to help you save money on your next outdoor party.   1. Start with a marinade. This means planning ahead -- say, Friday. But it’s worth it, says Rick Browne, host of Barbeque America on PBS, because you can pass up that well-marbled ribeye steak and buy a less tender and less expensive choice to grill like a flank steak or chuck steak. Just marinate it or brine for one or two days and then cook long and slow on the barbeque grill to break down tissues but maintain moisture. “You need to include an acid in the marinade, perhaps juice, vinegar or soy sauce, but avoid cola which is so acidic it can turn meat into a soggy mess.” Try these marinade recipe ideas. 2. Set your grill to medium …

Over the Hump: 6 Items to Help You Through Wednesday

Yes, Wednesdays can be a challenge. Need some inspiration from those who "climbed a mountain?"

Are Wednesdays really so tough? Well, yes, they can be. Here, though, is to keeping things in perspective. For more than a month now, Patch and Grape-Nuts have teamed up to present stories about your neighbors - neighbors who have faced challenges that would seem insurmountable to many of us.  But not to the people we've featured in this series, Journeys. Not surprisingly, the stories have generated dozens of comments on Patch and on Facebook: "Great story..." "Thanks for sharing..." "So wonderfully inspiring..."  And, so, here they are again. Great stories shared to inspire. Take a look at what these people have faced. Then click on the story to see their responses. And feel better about your tough Wednesday. Enterprising Dad Juggles …

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Report: Machete-Wielding Man Threatens To Kill Motorist

The following information was supplied by the Baltimore County Police Department. In cases where a criminal charge is noted, the information provided does not indicate a conviction.

A motorist being tailgated and harrassed by a man in a black SUV pulled over and ended up in a life-threatening situation. At 10:11 a.m. May 13, the victim, a man who resides in Catonsville, was driving in the area of 4000 Wilkens Ave., Catonsville, when a black SUV began following him. Its occupant yelled obscenities at him, according to a report by Baltimore County police. The motorist pulled over into a parking lot, the SUV followed him and its occupant got out, "pulled a machete and threatened to kill the victim," the report states. Editor's Note: The motorist pulled into a parking lot in the 4600 block of Wilkens Avenue.

Jean

9:21 am on Thursday, May 23, 2013

I understand that people don't want Catonsville disparaged in the news, but I appreciate that these stories are published. Whether it is technically Catonsville or not, it is certainly close enough that I want to be informed as to what is going on in our area. What I don't appreciate are sensational headlines and teasers such as how this story was promoted on Patch's Facebook page: Did you hear …   more ›

4 Men Invade Catonsville Home, Assault Residents

The following information was supplied by the Baltimore County Police Department. In cases where a criminal charge is noted, the information provided does not indicate a conviction.

A group of men broke into a Catonsville home, threatened residents with two black handguns and two knives, and assaulted them. At 1:09 a.m. Friday, four men came into a home in the 6300 block of Mt. Ridge Rd through the unlocked basement door, according to a report by the Baltimore County Police Department's Wilkens precinct. They assaulted four people there, including two residents of the home, demanded money and marijuana, and stole a video gaming system and drug paraphernalia.

Linda S

9:51 pm on Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Couldn't agree more 'Native" - The gun legislation that will take effect in October will do nothing more than empower the criminals. This misguided legislation has taken already strict gun laws (yes, we have them on the books already) and made it that much harder for the law abiding homeowner to be able to purchase a firearm to protect themselves. Come on O'Malley and every liberal out there, you…   more ›

Combating Human Trafficking: A Team Approach

At the second annual Conference on Combatting Human Trafficking, the governor noted inter-agency cooperation was key to success.

New statewide outreach programs have helped more than 15 child victims of human trafficking in the past five months alone, according to the governor’s office. Last year, nearly 80 victims received services from the state. Those numbers were some of the highlights of Monday's Second Annual Conference on Combating Human Trafficking in Maryland, in which more than 400 stakeholders and representatives of local, state and national organizations got together to discuss efforts to battle this crime, which is alive in Maryland. “Working together with all of our partners in law enforcement, we’ve assembled quite a collection of public servants and leaders in the fight against human trafficking,” Gov. Martin O'Malley said in a statement. Like …

Entrepreneur Magazine Ranks Maryland Top State for Startups

The ranking was based on several factors, including jobs, programs and businesses.

Maryland was recently ranked the best place to start a business, according to Entrepreneur magazine. Its list of the “10 Best States for Starting a Business” evaluated states based on programs that support entrepreneurs; the number of jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics; and concentration of high-tech businesses.  Two programs in particular set Maryland apart, according to Entrepreneur. One was ACTiVATE, a UMBC-developed initiative that helps women launch technology companies. Around since 2004, the program's alumna added 77 jobs and developed 32 companies for the region by 2010, according to the Baltimore Business Journal. Like Catonsville Patch on Facebook The other offering Entrepreneur singled out was a special …

Monday, May 20, 2013

Mini Van Crashes into Family Dollar during Burglary

The following information was supplied by the Baltimore County Police Department. In cases where a criminal charge is noted, the information provided does not indicate a conviction.

A mini van driven by two males crashed into the front of the Family Dollar store on Edmondson Avenue during a burglary. At 4:35 a.m. Thursday, the pair got into the business at 5511 Edmondson Ave., by walking through the damage, according to a report by the Baltimore County Police Department's Wilkens precinct. Nothing was stolen, the report states. The van, a gray Chrysler with front-end damage, was driven away southbound on Northbend Road toward Frederick Road. The suspects' clothing was described as follows, according to the report: First suspect: Black hoodie, bluejeans and gloves. Second suspect: Black jacket, khaki pants, and a black bandana over his face.

Sanchez

11:18 am on Tuesday, May 21, 2013

"First suspect: Black hoodie, bluejeans and gloves. Second suspect: Black jacket, khaki pants, and a black bandana over his face." FAIL!!!! No reason to not give more of a description. May as well just describe them as Humans with hair and eyes!   more ›

Tuition Increases Coming for CCBC Students

Tuition rates and fees for In-county, out-of-county and out-of-state students will all go up next semester.

Students attending the Community College of Baltimore County will have to dig a little deeper next semester. The college will increase fees across the board by 3 percent. Currently, in-county students pay $106 per credit. Out-of-county and out-of-state students pay $202 and $303 respectively. Under the new tuition rates, those costs will increase to $109, $208 and $312 respectively. General services fees will also increase across the board. Currently, in-county students pay $9 per credit. Out-of-county and out-of-state students pay $18 and $27 respectively. The new increases will bring those fees to $10.50, $20.50 and $30.50 respectively. Registration fees will increase from $40 to $50. Graduation fees will increase from $50 to $75. …

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Ashley Virginia

9:17 am on Thursday, May 23, 2013

Sanchez, did you know that most foreign countries do not charge their youth to further their education. College may be a privilage but they sure as hel could make it easier fo us to afford it. I work a fully time job and make the same as my boyfriend who is a mechanic and because of my income alone I cannot receive financial aid. Also, under the eyes of the state, even though I claim myself for …   more ›

Insider Politics Blog

Towson Man Eyes Republican County Executive Nomination

Residency requirements could thwart Timothy Tenne's efforts to get his name on the 2014 ballot

Timothy Tenne has lived in Baltimore County nearly all his life except for the time he spent in the Air Force. The retired Lt. Colonel and commercial airline pilot wants to be Baltimore County Executive but he may need a little help to meet the residency requirements. "There is going to have to be some kind of an opinion from the Attorney General or we're going to need a Charter change," Tenne said speaking of his eligibility. Tenne filed earlier this year and is listed on the Maryland State Board of Elections website as a provisional candidate. "He is provisional until he satisfies his residency requirement of 5 years living in Baltimore County," wrote Katie Brown, director of elections for the Baltimore County Board of Elections. The …

Lablover

9:37 am on Thursday, May 23, 2013

Bob Hurley wrote: Kamenetz is and has been a good manager and has controlled spending and has rid the county of waste. Bob, if Mr. Kamenetz is such a good manager why did he allow his county administrative officer Fred Homan to create such a huge mess involving workman comp cases with county employees. Because of Mr. Homan's actions (under Kamenetz) the county had to pay and will continue to pay …   more ›

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