Recent stories by Alison Knezevich

7:17 PM EDT, May 23, 2013

Balto. Co. Council lowers open-space fees for developers

The Baltimore County Council voted Thursday to significantly lower fees developers pay to help the county buy parks and recreational land.

7:07 PM EDT, May 20, 2013

Illness at Pot Spring Elementary investigated

Baltimore County health officials are investigating why about 200 students at Pot Spring Elementary in Timonium — a third of the children there — got sick with gastrointestinal symptoms last week.

4:43 PM EDT, May 23, 2013

Balto. Co. Council approves $2.8 billion budget

Baltimore County Council members formally adopted a county budget Thursday that they say focuses on basic services while keeping the county's property tax rate flat for the 25th year in a row.

7:57 PM EDT, May 21, 2013

Baltimore County says it won't raise water rates

Baltimore County residents served by the city's water system won't see a rate increase this year, county officials said Tuesday, despite a city proposal to impose a 15 percent increase.

11:18 AM EDT, May 19, 2013

County councilman hasn't disclosed outside jobs for years

A Baltimore County councilman did not disclose his outside employment over the past several years, including his work with a painting and drywall company that has a $3.1 million contract at a new high school being built in his district.

7:26 PM EDT, May 16, 2013

Baltimore County gave proper notice of stormwater fee meeting

Baltimore County officials gave proper notice of its meeting where residents could testify about a new stormwater fee, according to state panel that rules on open meeting complaints.

11:34 AM EDT, May 16, 2013

School police officer assaulted in Pikesville High fight

A school police officer at Pikesville High School was assaulted after responding to a fight in the gym this morning, Baltimore County police said.

5:15 PM EDT, May 15, 2013

Ground broken on Dundalk senior housing project

Construction has begun on more than 100 housing units for senior citizens in Dundalk.

11:52 PM EDT, May 15, 2013

Measure would reduce open-space fees for Balto. Co. developers

The Baltimore County Council could vote next week to reduce fees that developers pay to help the county build parks and buy recreational land.

8:12 PM EDT, May 13, 2013

Slain blogger's daughter directed attack, boyfriend told police

The 19-year-old man charged with fatally stabbing Dennis Lane allegedly told investigators that his girlfriend had instructed him to kill her father and his fiancee, specifying the number of times each was to be stabbed in the throat — 10 for him and 15 for her.

8:42 AM EDT, May 12, 2013

Daughter, boyfriend charged in fatal stabbing of her father

As 2012 drew to a close, a posting on 14-year-old Morgan Lane Arnold's Facebook page warned of the apocalypse.

7:17 PM EDT, May 11, 2013

Man dies after he is found shot in vehicle in N.W Baltimore

Baltimore Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man found in a vehicle in Northwest Baltimore on Saturday morning.

9:17 PM EDT, May 11, 2013

Man shot in arm in N.E. Baltimore

A man was shot in the arm Saturday evening in Northeast Baltimore, police say.

9:24 PM EDT, May 11, 2013

Hopefuls preparing to challenge Huff

An education advocate and a longtime state lawmaker say they are eyeing Baltimore County Councilman Todd Huff's seat.

8:42 PM EDT, May 8, 2013

Police investigating sex abuse allegations at Anne Arundel Catholic school

Anne Arundel County police are investigating sexual abuse allegations by a former student at Monsignor Slade Catholic School in Glen Burnie, officials of the Archdiocese of Baltimore said Wednesday.

9:57 PM EDT, May 9, 2013

Attorney disputes settlement details in ADA cases against Balt. Co.

Baltimore County said Thursday it has settled three disability lawsuits filed by former firefighters and a police officer who alleged they were illegally forced out of their jobs.

7:59 PM EDT, May 8, 2013

Testing firm plans job fair for new White Marsh facility

An educational testing firm is planning a job fair Friday for positions at its new facility in Baltimore County.

7:23 AM EDT, May 8, 2013

Open-meetings complaint filed against Balto. Co. Council over stormwater fee

A Pikesville man has filed an Open Meetings Act violation complaint against the Baltimore County Council, alleging that citizens didn't get proper notice of a meeting where they could have testified about the county's new stormwater fee.

12:50 PM EDT, May 8, 2013

Crash in Essex involving MTA bus sends a dozen people to hospitals

A dozen people were taken to area hospitals after a vehicle crashed into an MTA bus this morning in Essex, according to Maryland Transit Administration officials.

10:05 PM EDT, May 6, 2013

Council vote limits development potential at Green Spring Station

A vote by the Baltimore County Council on Monday will bar new development at Green Spring Station in Lutherville for the near future.

5:21 PM EDT, May 5, 2013

County grade of intersection near Green Spring Station questioned

How bad is traffic at Falls and Joppa roads in Baltimore County? It depends whom you ask, and the answer could determine whether the county allows additional growth near the intersection.

2:47 PM EDT, May 4, 2013

Balto. Co. won't release developer plans for public-owned sites

Baltimore County is preparing to sell three taxpayer-owned properties to private developers, but members of the public won't know all the details of what they're planning until officials make a decision.

7:57 PM EDT, May 3, 2013

Dundalk, Mays Chapel residents to join forces for rally

Residents of Dundalk and Mays Chapel say they plan to join forces for a Saturday rally to protest the sale of the North Point Government Center in Dundalk.

9:07 PM EDT, May 3, 2013

Baltimore Co. hopes to attract thousands of jobs to Sparrows Point

A new marine terminal could bring 9,000 jobs to the Sparrows Point peninsula, Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz said Friday as he laid out the county's vision for remaking the land around its closed steel mill.

10:29 PM EDT, May 2, 2013

Reisterstown volunteer firefighter dies of injuries

A volunteer firefighter who joined the Reisterstown Volunteer Fire Company as a teenager more than a decade ago died Thursday of injuries sustained in a fire last week that also killed another man.

7:03 PM EDT, April 30, 2013

Huff sentenced to two years of supervised probation in DUI case

Baltimore County Councilman Todd Huff was sentenced Tuesday to two years of supervised probation after pleading guilty to driving under the influence.

7:38 PM EDT, April 23, 2013

Balto. Co. plans workshops for Middle River Route 40 plan

Baltimore County has scheduled a series of public meetings and workshops on the potential redevelopment of parts of the U.S. Route 40 corridor in Middle River.

8:07 PM EDT, April 19, 2013

Harford teen's lawyers want him tried as juvenile in murder

Lawyers for a Harford County teen accused of killing his father last year attempted to convince a judge Friday that it would be unconstitutional to try the 17-year-old as an adult.

6:57 PM EDT, April 24, 2013

County touts 'new urbanism' in development plan for Route 43 in White Marsh

Developers plan to build 1,700 housing units near a mixed-use business park in White Marsh, saying it will "supercharge" an area that had previously been targeted for job creation.

8:50 PM EDT, April 15, 2013

Balto. Co. budget would add new seats for crowded schools

Baltimore County would add classrooms for thousands of students under a budget proposal unveiled Monday by County Executive Kevin Kamenetz — a plan advocates hope signals a commitment to solve the overcrowding that has plagued the school system.

8:27 PM EDT, April 6, 2013

Howard arson suspect arrested

Howard County police have arrested a man they say set fire to an apartment in Columbia Friday and hurled obscenities at police officers before fleeing.

10:05 PM EDT, April 18, 2013

Demolition of Solo Cup plant making way for Foundry Row

With the swipe of an excavator, a demolition crew began taking down the abandoned Solo Cup factory in Owings Mills on Thursday, work that will clear the way for new development that was once threatened by opposition.

6:22 PM EDT, April 11, 2013

Western School of Technology in Catonsville to reopen after fire

The Western School of Technology and Environmental Science in Catonsville is scheduled to reopen Friday after an early-morning fire Thursday damaged two portable classrooms and the roof of the high school's main building, school officials said.

10:14 PM EDT, April 10, 2013

At Loch Raven, Duncan says communities must confront school violence

U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan told parents, students and educators in Baltimore County on Wednesday that while Americans might not agree on gun control legislation, they must work together so that children can grow up without fear of violence in schools.

9:55 PM EDT, April 5, 2013

Eight bids received for Balto. Co. properties

A Harris Teeter grocery store in Towson and shops, a recreation center and amphitheater in Dundalk are among the ideas developers have for Baltimore County government properties that are up for sale.

7:22 PM EDT, April 18, 2013

Huff pleads guilty to DUI, says he's 'learned from this mistake'

Baltimore County Councilman Todd Huff pleaded guilty Thursday to driving under the influence, telling a judge that he's learned from the February incident and is in treatment for alcohol abuse.

7:28 PM EDT, April 3, 2013

Colliers acquires Manekin property management, brokerage groups

Manekin LLC's property management and brokerage groups will merge with Colliers International Baltimore, the commercial real estate firms announced Wednesday.

8:51 PM EDT, April 9, 2013

Balto. Co. councilwoman calls to delay stormwater fee vote

A Baltimore County Council member is calling for the council to delay its vote on a measure to impose stormwater management fees, saying neither the council nor the public has had enough time to study the issue.

8:19 PM EDT, April 9, 2013

Towson family has been at center of pit bull controversy

The scars across 16-year-old Dominic Solesky's face are faint, but that doesn't stop people from asking where he got them.

5:04 PM EDT, April 8, 2013

Vandalized manhole causes sewer overflow at Gunpowder Falls State Park

More than 240,000 gallons of sewage has spilled in Gunpowder Falls State Park as of Monday afternoon after someone vandalized a manhole, Baltimore County public works officials say.

6:47 PM EDT, April 2, 2013

Councilman pulls bill that sought to ban protests at Baltimore County schools

A Baltimore County Council member has withdrawn a controversial bill that sought to bar protests near public and private schools in the county — a measure that drew wide criticism from organizations including the American Civil Liberties Union, the county teachers union and the Center for Bio-Ethical Reform, a national anti-abortion organization.

6:14 PM EDT, March 27, 2013

Police release identity of Balto. Co. worker who died Monday

Baltimore County officials on Wednesday released the identity of a county worker who died after emergency responders were called to a former county golf course earlier this week, and crash investigators are probing what happened to him as he was plowing snow.

7:18 PM EDT, April 6, 2013

Dundalk residents gather to clean up neighborhoods

Shirley Gregory of Dundalk takes pride in her home, but unwelcome visitors have sometimes thwarted efforts to keep her yard tidy.

8:11 PM EDT, March 26, 2013

Balt. Co. employee dies after emergency at former golf course

A Baltimore County worker employed with the Property Management Division died after emergency personnel responded to a former golf course in Kingsville where he was working Monday, but officials released few details about the death.

6:40 PM EDT, March 27, 2013

Mays Chapel residents sue county, school board

A group of residents has sued Baltimore County and the local school board over plans to build a 700-seat elementary school at the Mays Chapel Park, saying officials skirted county real estate laws.

8:43 PM EDT, March 26, 2013

Perry Hall residents tell Kamenetz of school, recreation needs

Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz told a group of Perry Hall residents Tuesday that public safety, education and infrastructure remain the county's top priorities in tough economic times.

3:32 PM EDT, March 25, 2013

Balto. Co. Council cars rare perk among local governments

Baltimore County Council members took heat again last week over their use of taxpayer-funded cars, a rare perk among local councils in the Baltimore area.

7:12 PM EDT, March 20, 2013

Towson law firm plans challenge to Recher liquor license renewal

A Towson law firm plans to challenge the renewal of the Recher Theatre's liquor license in an effort to stop the establishment's plan to become a nightclub.

9:25 PM EDT, March 19, 2013

U.S. education secretary Arne Duncan to visit Loch Raven High

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is scheduled to visit Baltimore County in April to discuss gun control, county Superintendent Dallas Dance said Tuesday.

8:18 PM EDT, March 14, 2013

Nonprofit is sought to help run Baltimore County animal shelter

At Baltimore County's animal shelter this week, dozens of animals were waiting for someone to adopt them. Among them were Cisco, a year-old pit bull terrier, a bulldog named Ivan and Sugar Pie, a tricolor cat.

6:30 PM EDT, March 24, 2013

Police say body found along Kent Island shoreline is missing woman's

A woman's body found Saturday afternoon along the Kent Island shoreline has been identified as that of a local woman who had been missing for three weeks, the Maryland State Police said Sunday.

6:20 PM EDT, March 19, 2013

EEOC claims Toys 'R' Us discriminated against deaf job applicant

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued Toys "R" Us, alleging the company broke the law when staff at its Columbia store refused to provide a sign-language interpreter for a job applicant who is deaf.

7:59 PM EDT, March 18, 2013

Baltimore County proposes scale for state-mandated stormwater fee

Baltimore County homeowners would pay a fee between $18 and $36 a year for stormwater management under a plan to meet new state requirements designed to reduce pollution in the Chesapeake Bay.

10:01 PM EST, March 4, 2013

Dundalk residents urge County Council to reject sale of government center

Dundalk residents on Monday urged the Baltimore County Council to stop the sale of the North Point Government Center and the closure of Eastwood Elementary, saying the county's plan to do so would hurt the community.

8:02 PM EDT, March 21, 2013

Dance wants all students to graduate bilingual

Baltimore County schools Superintendent Dallas Dance plans to issue digital devices to middle- and high-school students and wants all children in the school system to graduate bilingual, believing it will make them globally competitive, he said in the county's first state of the schools address Thursday.

10:27 PM EST, March 4, 2013

Maryland starts early prep for snowstorm

With a winter storm watch in effect and the possibility of several inches of snow Tuesday into Wednesday in Central Maryland, officials at Baltimore Gas and Electric have put out a call for up to 500 out-of-state utility workers to be prepared to help in the aftermath of the storm.

5:07 PM EDT, March 17, 2013

Baltimore County's long-planned Metro Centre showing signs of life

The long-planned Metro Centre in Owings Mills is set to finally stir to life this week with the opening of Baltimore County's largest library.

7:31 PM EST, February 28, 2013

Huff told to return $4,000 public-safety radio following DUI arrest

Baltimore County Councilman Todd Huff has returned a $4,000 public-safety radio he was given by the county fire chief last year following his arrest last weekend on drunken-driving charges,

9:01 PM EDT, March 18, 2013

County Council bill would restrict picketing near schools

A Baltimore County Councilman is seeking to restrict protesters from picketing outside of schools at certain times, saying it's a matter of protecting children's safety.

5:55 PM EST, February 27, 2013

Shellenberger to request outside prosecutor for Huff DUI case

Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger said Wednesday he will request an outside prosecutor to handle the case of County Councilman Todd Huff, who was arrested last weekend on charges of driving under the influence.

8:05 PM EST, February 25, 2013

Veterans seek jobs at Towson event

To work for Fireworks Extravaganza, a job applicant needs a clean record and the ability to pass a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives background check.

6:42 PM EST, March 8, 2013

Robert Richardson's lawyers say others involved in father's death

Lawyers for a Harford County teenager charged with killing his father last year say they have evidence that two other juveniles were involved in the man's death.

12:17 AM EST, February 20, 2013

Balto. Co. Council approves retirement bill fought by unions

Ignoring pleas from union leaders and the county's Annapolis delegation, the Baltimore County Council approved a bill Tuesday changing how county employees can appeal decisions about retirement benefits.

5:58 PM EDT, March 12, 2013

BGE says equipment issue killed lights at Towson Town Center

Power was knocked out to about 7,000 customers in the Towson area, including Towson Town Center, around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday because of a problem with a piece of electric distribution equipment, according to Baltimore Gas and Electric spokeswoman Rachael Lighty.

6:29 PM EST, February 23, 2013

BGE prepares for gas tower implosion

For about eight decades, the 258-foot Melvale Gas Holder has towered above northern Baltimore. In seven seconds Sunday morning, the storage tank will be brought to the ground.

9:09 PM EST, February 20, 2013

No bond for Glen Burnie man accused of trespassing at North County High

A 25-year-old man arrested for trespassing in North County High School this month — and who was found to have a number of legal, high-powered weapons in his home — has been ordered held without bond.

9:48 PM EST, February 12, 2013

Bill would open industrial-zoned tract in Middle River for housing

Eastern Baltimore County residents say a bill before the County Council could open the door to poorly planned development on a key tract in the Middle River area near Route 43.

11:24 AM EST, March 5, 2013

Community group files appeal against Whalen's medical office project

A Catonsville community association is appealing Baltimore County's approval of plans for a new medical office building, saying the developer's recent conviction in a campaign finance case invalidates the entire review process.

10:38 PM EST, February 25, 2013

Following DUI arrest, Huff will give up county-owned vehicle

Baltimore County Councilman Todd Huff said Monday he will give up his county-owned Jeep Grand Cherokee in the wake of his arrest this past weekend on charges of driving under the influence.

6:08 PM EST, March 6, 2013

State weighing effect of court ruling on sex-offender registry

Victims' advocates are concerned that a Maryland Court of Appeals decision this week will allow some sex offenders to have their names removed from the statewide sex offender registry, but it's still unclear exactly how the ruling could affect the database.

12:37 PM EST, February 23, 2013

Charles Village M&T Bank near Hopkins robbed Saturday

City police and the FBI are investigating the robbery of an M&T bank near Johns Hopkins University in Charles Village on Saturday morning.

3:26 AM EST, February 15, 2013

Nearly $600,000 donated in bid to overturn Baltimore County zoning

Developers and shopping center owners contributed nearly $600,000 in the rejected bid to overturn Baltimore County Council votes on zoning issues, according to financial reports.

4:29 PM EST, February 7, 2013

Lansdowne, Dundalk are next stops on Baltimore County rat patrol

Baltimore County's rat eradication program has treated more than 2,100 homes, and more efforts are planned for later this month, county officials said Thursday.

8:37 AM EST, February 21, 2013

Utility repair work complete on Park Heights Ave. in Pikesville

Crews have completed repairs to a leaking water main that had slowed traffic along Park Heights Avenue and Old Court Road in Pikesville, according to public works officials.

5:13 PM EST, February 10, 2013

Dundalk residents hope to save North Point Government Center

On a recent weeknight evening at the North Point Government Center, four young women were singing the barbershop classic "Goody Goodbye" in the auditorium. Upstairs, boys tangled on wrestling mats as parents and coaches watched.

8:19 PM EST, February 6, 2013

Baltimore Co. police union sues over $25 million loan from pension fund

A Baltimore County police union is suing the county retirement system's board of trustees over a $25 million loan the county took from the pension fund to update recycling facilities in Cockeysville.

10:57 AM EST, February 23, 2013

BGE gas holder overlooking JFX to be imploded Sunday

An old BGE gas storage tank overlooking the Jones Falls Expressway and Cold Spring Lane is set to be imploded Sunday morning, officials say.

6:20 AM EST, February 18, 2013

Lawmakers ask County Council to postpone vote on retirement appeals bill

State lawmakers are asking the Baltimore County Council to postpone a vote on a measure that would change the way public employees may challenge decisions on retirement benefits, saying it could violate state law.

10:18 PM EST, February 14, 2013

Balto. Co. wants to build regional park on Spring Grove tract

Baltimore County officials want to create a regional park on a piece of the Spring Grove Hospital Center campus in Catonsville, property that the University of Maryland, Baltimore County also has been eyeing to expand research facilities.

2:20 PM EST, February 7, 2013

Dundalk residents react to Postal Service's decision to stop Saturday delivery

At the Dundalk Post Office this week, news that the cash-strapped U.S. Postal Service would stop delivering mail on Saturdays beginning in August was greeted with a mix of apathy and understanding.

7:05 PM EST, February 3, 2013

Kamenetz proposal would change process for worker benefit disputes

Baltimore County labor leaders plan to fight legislation by County Executive Kevin Kamenetz that would change the way public workers appeal county decisions on their retirement benefits, saying the bill would stack the deck against employees.

10:35 PM EST, January 23, 2013

Green Spring Station says Balto. Co. zoning process flawed

Green Spring Station — a collection of boutiques, restaurants and offices near the northern end of the Jones Falls Expressway — commands some of the highest rent in Baltimore County. Visitors can shop for French linens at Paris-based Yves Delorme, try on mink at furrier Mano Swartz, and play squash at the Green Spring Racquet Club.

7:11 PM EST, January 30, 2013

Baltimore Co. chief joins fight in Congress for gun control

Speaking at an emotional hearing on federal gun control proposals, Baltimore County Police Chief James W. Johnson urged lawmakers Wednesday to close loopholes and ban assault weapon sales or risk more tragedies like the recent elementary school shooting in Connecticut.

9:04 PM EST, February 6, 2013

Balto. Co. libraries launch new digital magazine service

The Baltimore County Public Library has launched a new service that will give patrons access to more than 100 magazine titles on their computers and mobile devices.

7:56 PM EST, February 4, 2013

Balto. Co. Council approves $3.7 million school safety plan

Members of the Baltimore County Council on Monday approved spending $3.7 million on school safety equipment, including cameras, improved electronic entry systems and a new visitor ID system.

2:59 PM EST, February 1, 2013

Woman whose body was found in rising water in Laurel identified

Anne Arundel County police have identified the woman whose body was found in rising waters near a homeless camp in Laurel Thursday as 26-year-old Anifa Kiwanuka.

10:17 PM EST, January 31, 2013

Body of woman found in rising waters near homeless camp in Laurel

A woman's body was found Thursday in rising waters near a homeless camp in Laurel, as flooding closed roads throughout the region and a dangerously high reservoir prompted the evacuation of Laurel's historic district.

8:43 PM EST, January 28, 2013

In Baltimore and beyond, Super Bowl is cause for big-screen treatment

Super Bowl season typically is a busy time for television sales, but in the Baltimore area, some stores have seen an extra boost as fans get ready for game day parties on Feb. 3, when the Ravens face the 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII.

10:01 PM EST, January 29, 2013

Balto. Co. officials plan $3.7 million school safety package

Cameras that stream live to police stations and patrol cars, new entry systems in all schools and a state-of-the-art visitor identification system are part of a $3.7 million plan unveiled Tuesday to improve security in Baltimore County public schools.

10:14 PM EST, January 24, 2013

Balto. Co. urges elections board to reject zoning referendum petitions

Baltimore County's chief attorney is urging the local board of elections to reject petitions gathered last year in a controversial referendum drive that, if successful, could let voters overturn many of the County Council's zoning decisions.

8:47 PM EST, February 5, 2013

Balto. Co. elections board rejects referendum bid on zoning decisions

Baltimore County elections officials on Tuesday rejected a referendum challenge to a planned Wegmans in Owings Mills and a mixed-use development in Middle River, saying petitions used in the ballot drive did not give voters enough information.

6:23 PM EST, January 18, 2013

Dundalk residents plan rally to save North Point center

Dundalk residents plan to rally Saturday afternoon to protest a Baltimore County plan to close the North Point Government Center and reorganize schools in the area.

January 16, 2013

Transforming Towson into a regional destination

Officials announced on Tuesday a trio of new restaurants and a VIP section for the 15-screen movie theater planned for the Towson Square project — an $85 million development seen as a key element in attracting more shoppers and visitors to the county seat.

8:31 PM EST, January 15, 2013

Mays Chapel Park school opponents bring battle to County Council

A day after testifying at a public hearing before the county school board, Mays Chapel residents who oppose the construction of an elementary school at a nearby park took their concerns to a County Council work session on Tuesday.

10:33 PM EST, January 22, 2013

Superintendent recommends closing Eastwood Elementary in Dundalk

Baltimore County school Superintendent Dallas Dance has recommended closing Eastwood Center Elementary Magnet Program after this school year, drawing outrage from parents in Dundalk.

10:50 PM EST, January 10, 2013

New drive for referendum targets Middle River property

Petition signature collectors have hit the streets again in Baltimore County for a referendum effort on development issues — this time targeting a recent County Council bill that would protect a Middle River project from an earlier referendum challenge.

7:45 PM EST, January 16, 2013

Supporters rally for Harford teen accused of killing father

A year after a Bel Air teen was accused of murdering his father, supporters say they still stand behind him.

2:38 PM EST, January 16, 2013

Prometric to open $12 million facility in White Marsh

Prometric, a Baltimore-based provider of educational testing services, plans to open a $12 million facility in White Marsh this June, county and company officials said Wednesday.

8:29 PM EST, January 11, 2013

Gun show opens in Md. amid national firearms debate

Lines wrapped around the exhibition hall of the Maryland State Fairgrounds by noon Friday. Hundreds chatted outside, waiting for the doors to open to Baltimore County's first gun show of year. The parking lots filled up as the afternoon wore on.

8:08 PM EST, January 7, 2013

Baltimore County Council elects Quirk as chairman

Baltimore County Council members on Monday unanimously elected Councilman Tom Quirk as their chairman, and the Catonsville Democrat pledged to collaborate with County Executive Kevin Kamenetz and work to make local government cost-effective.

7:44 PM EST, February 4, 2013

Administrative law judge backs Whalen's Catonsville medical office proposal

A Baltimore County administrative law judge has approved developer Steve Whalen's proposal for a medical office project in Catonsville, one month after Whalen pleaded guilty to giving illegal campaign contributions to county politicians.

9:52 PM EST, January 8, 2013

Balto. Co. schools budget would add 100 teachers

Baltimore County classrooms would have about 100 more teachers next school year under a budget proposal unveiled Tuesday by Superintendent Dallas Dance.

10:11 PM EST, January 31, 2013

Balto. Co. zoning referendum fight puts spotlight on hired petition companies

Men and women armed with clipboards and pens have been common sights at grocery stores, libraries, farmers' markets and shopping centers in Baltimore County, seeking signatures on petitions to overturn zoning decisions through a voter referendum.

3:44 PM EST, January 1, 2013

Doris Mae Hoey Snyder, Colts head majorette

Doris Mae Hoey Snyder, an Annapolis resident who performed as the head majorette for the Baltimore Colts Marching Band and later formed the Washington Redskinettes, died Dec. 18 at the Baltimore Washington Medical Center after suffering an aortic dissection. She was 85.

5:53 PM EST, December 19, 2012

Balto. Co. didn't notify public about Mays Chapel school hearing

The state has reversed the Baltimore County school board's decision to build a 700-student elementary school at Mays Chapel Park because it did not give proper notice of a public hearing.

8:14 PM EST, January 3, 2013

Baltimore County gets FEMA grant for Sandy damage

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will grant Baltimore County disaster aid to help pay for damage from Superstorm Sandy, officials announced Thursday.

12:23 PM EST, January 7, 2013

Balto. Co. picks new location for Towson fire station

Baltimore County officials said Monday they no longer intend to relocate a fire station to Towson Manor Park, a plan the community had fought.

5:49 PM EST, December 23, 2012

Developer sues Balto. Co. Council over Chestnut Ridge golf course zoning decision

A battle over the future of the closed Chestnut Ridge golf course in Lutherville is continuing, with the company that bought the property now suing the Baltimore County Council over its decision to limit the land's development potential.

8:33 PM EST, January 3, 2013

Catonsville developer pleads guilty to illegal campaign contributions

Catonsville developer Steve W. Whalen Jr. pleaded guilty Thursday in Baltimore County Circuit Court to five counts of election-law violations for illegally funneling money to a county councilman's campaign and exceeding political contribution limits.

10:38 PM EST, December 19, 2012

Baltimore County sued again over alleged ADA violations

A former Baltimore County highway worker has sued the county in federal court, alleging he was forced out of his job and subjected to unnecessary, intrusive medical exams.

December 11, 2012

Baltimore County wants to sell government land to fund school improvements

Baltimore County wants to sell three government properties to developers to raise money for air conditioning and better technology at schools in Dundalk, Randallstown and Towson.

5:50 PM EST, January 2, 2013

Westboro Baptist members protest same-sex marriages in Maryland

A handful of Westboro Baptist Church protesters picketing same-sex marriage in front of courthouses in Annapolis and Towson Wednesday were met with large groups of counter-protesters holding signs preaching tolerance.

8:21 PM EST, December 14, 2012

Local schools try to reassure students in wake of Conn. shooting

Children clutching onto each other as they are hustled out of an elementary school. Parents weeping together in a school parking lot, police cars and ambulances flashing behind them. Police brandishing machine guns racing to a school.

8:03 PM EST, December 13, 2012

Sparrows Point's steel mill to be razed, Kamenetz says

The owners of the Sparrows Point steel mill plan to raze the closed plant, Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz said Thursday, as political leaders from Towson to Washington mourned the loss of a landmark that once employed tens of thousands.

6:59 PM EST, December 21, 2012

Developer charged with illegal donations to Balto. Co. politicians

A prominent Catonsville developer accused of channeling $7,500 in illegal contributions to a Baltimore County councilman and exceeding the total campaign contribution limit for individuals was charged Thursday with violating campaign contribution laws.

6:30 PM EST, December 12, 2012

Towson residents fight plan to move fire station to park

With two swing sets, a plastic jungle gym, a sandbox and a few benches, Towson Manor Park is just a little patch of land on the edge of a neighborhood. On a recent afternoon, it was mostly deserted, except for a group of teens who laughed under a wooden gazebo after school.

8:05 PM EST, December 21, 2012

Kamenetz campaign plans to keep Whalen donation

Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz's campaign committee plans to keep a $4,000 donation from the Catonsville developer who was charged this week with violating state campaign finance laws, its treasurer said Friday.

9:01 PM EST, December 17, 2012

Balto. Co. bill would protect Middle River Depot development in zoning fight

It would be easier to redevelop large, historic manufacturing sites in Baltimore County under legislation approved Monday by the County Council.

9:04 PM EST, December 9, 2012

Some Balto. Co. lawmakers renew push for school board change

Baltimore County residents and lawmakers who want to add elected members to the county school board are gearing up for a familiar push as the legislative session nears, and they say they are better organized this time around.

2:20 PM EST, December 17, 2012

Kamenetz, Johnson call for tighter restrictions on assault weapons, ammunition

Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz and Police Chief Jim Johnson on Monday called on state and federal lawmakers to strengthen laws on background checks for gun buyers and stop the sale of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines in the wake of the Connecticut school mass shooting that left 28 dead.

11:00 AM EST, December 6, 2012

Dance holds student town hall

Adelfeus Cole sees a lot of kids who are unmotivated in the classroom. Tyana Palmer wants to know why the cafeteria can't serve students more vegetarian meals. And Kyle Rivers wonders whether Baltimore County will change its traditional school calendar.

5:44 PM EST, December 18, 2012

Baltimore County to offer workers telecommuting option

Many Baltimore County employees will be able to work from homeup to half the time under a telecommuting policy announced Tuesday by County Executive Kevin Kamenetz.

4:52 PM EST, December 9, 2012

Some Balto. Co. lawmakers renew push for school board change

Baltimore County residents and lawmakers who want to add elected members to the county school board are gearing up for a familiar push as the legislative session nears, and they say they are better organized this time around.

6:10 PM EST, December 3, 2012

Lawyer calls for mistrial in hearing on proposed Catonsville medical complex

The lawyer for a community association trying to stop a medical office complex from being built in Catonsville called for a mistrial Monday in a Baltimore County hearing on the project, saying his clients should be allowed to inspect records sought by state prosecutors in a recent inquiry into the proposed development.

9:51 PM EST, December 17, 2012

Baltimore County to preserve 38 acres in Perry Hall

Baltimore County will preserve 38 acres of publicly owned forested land in Perry Hall, which officials say is the largest preservation of open green space in that community in more than a decade.

10:56 PM EST, December 2, 2012

GPS technology navigating to savings, or a waste of money?

Animal control officer Anthony Maxwell once relied on a weathered blue binder of maps to navigate through a day of picking up stray cats, patrolling parks for loose dogs and investigating cruelty reports.