🌱 Baltimore Coun. Bridge Project + BCPS Reponds To Cyberattack Report

Welcome back, Catonsville! I'm here in your inbox today to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

Not as cool with some sun. High: 52 Low: 34.

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Here are the top three stories today in and around Catonsville:

1. The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) $39.8 million project to rehabilitate bridge decks and parapets on ten Baltimore County bridges has begun. MDOT SHA is using Maryland SafeZones Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras along I-95 at the I-695 interchange work area to improve work zone safety. The 21-day warning periods are now over for both southbound I-95 motorists and northbound I-95 motorists. Maryland State Police will now review and authorize citations for anyone exceeding the posted speed limits. The construction is expected to be complete by the summer of 2025, weather permitting. (Construction Equipment Guide)
2. Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) officials issued a statement regarding the Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education report on the 2020 BCPS cyberattack. The statement said BCPS was a victim, like many other institutions, and "the blame solely rests with the perpetrators who facilitated the attack." According to officials, BCPS already has implemented many of the recommendations listed in the report, and its recovery efforts are being viewed as "the gold standard of prevention and defense." (Nottingham MD)
3. Upfront Capital, a Catonsville-based fintech company founded in November 2020, received an honorable mention in the "RealLIST Startups 2023: Meet 20 of Baltimore’s fastest-rising tech companies." The company, co-founded by ex-staffers of EcoMap Technologies and Early Charm Ventures, aims to "democratize the entertainment industry" by allowing individuals to invest in a specific musician's royalties. Anyone can invest in their favorite musicians through the soon-to-launch platform. (Technical.ly)

Today near Catonsville:

• PetSmart Adoption Event At PetSmart in Towson (12:00 PM)
• Live Music At Cross Street Market in Baltimore (3:00 PM)
• Conservatory Dance! Festival Performance At Peabody Institute - Joe Byrd Hall in Baltimore (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Greater Catonsville Chamber of Commerce announced that Joe Poisal stepped down as the President of the Board of Directors of the Chamber. Kristen M. Leister, the owner of Indigo Salon Studio in Catonsville, has been appointed as the new President. (Catonsville Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• Baltimore County couple Willie and Geraldine Chambers are celebrating their 80th anniversary today, Jan. 28! In an interview with WBAL, the couple shared their secrets for a long marriage and how they met. (WBAL-TV)
• Don't miss the African drumming workshop, "Talking Drums" at the Catonsville Clubhouse! The workshop is a four-week class held on Wednesdays, Feb. 1 to Feb. 22, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and is designed for 4th to 8th graders. Click here to register and learn more.(Baltimore County Arts Guild via Instagram)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Basket Bingo - fundraiser supporting local youth baseball (January 28)
• Trinity School Open House (January 29)
• No Place Like Home (February 25)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right. I'll see you soon!

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!