🌱 BC Ban On Plastic Bags + BC Official Charged With Felony Theft

Hey, neighbors! It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Catonsville Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town.

Also, FYI: I wanted to let you know that Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Catonsville Patch newsletter and make it their own. We want to pass the torch to someone truly local and in-the-know to write about Catonsville long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

But first, today's weather:

Mild; cloudy, then some sun. High: 58 Low: 39.

🏠 If you're a real estate agent in Catonsville, of course you're looking for a way to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients. We can help you do that with an exclusive sponsorship in the Catonsville Patch newsletter. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories in Catonsville today:

1. Many Baltimore County shoppers will be bringing their own bags to the stores after the Baltimore County Council passed a bill banning plastic bags. On Feb. 17, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski signed the ban on plastic bags bill into law. Olszewski said, "I was proud to support the legislation when the council put it in, thrilled to see it passed, and grateful again to our partners." (Fox Baltimore)
2. On Thursday, Feb. 16, William Christopher McCollum, the former director of the Baltimore County Center for Maryland Agriculture and Farm Park (Ag Center), was charged with stealing more than $140,000 from two political campaign accounts. According to the Maryland State Prosecutor’s office, the 52-year-old former Baltimore County official faces charges of felony theft, embezzlement, and perjury. (Towson Patch)
3. On Friday, Feb. 17, Baltimore Gas & Electric Co. (BGE), which provides service to many in Catonsville, filed a request with state regulators to raise customers' rates for delivery by about five percent, or $10.36 a year on average, for three years. The annual rate increase would take effect on Jan. 1, pending approval from the Maryland Public Service Commission. According to BGE, the planned increase would allow BGE to improve the reliability and safety of the electric grid and natural gas system with almost $2.3 billion a year through 2026. (Subscription: Baltimore Sun)

Today in and around Catonsville:

• Free Writes And Coffee At The Clubhouse, Catonsville (10:00 AM)
• NAMI Family Support Group At The Y, Catonsville (6:30 PM)
• Monday Night Jam Session Hosted By SPICE At Next Phaze Cafe, Baltimore (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for something fun to do? Visit the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park during Black History Month! The 142-acre site in Catonsville is dedicated to sharing the inspiring story of Benjamin Banneker who is often considered to be the first African-American man of science. (Baltimore County via Twitter)
• Sophomore Nate Sukeena from Catonsville placed eighth at the Patriot League Championship, helping the Navy men's team win the title for the 19th time! His time for the 100 breaststroke was 2:00.49. (Navy Sports)
• A classic three-bedroom house with a nice porch is for sale on Tall Pines Court in Catonsville for $529,900! Check out the latest homes for sale in the Catonsville area. (Catonsville Patch)

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Featured events:

• Divorce and Your Home – Vesta Baltimore, MD Hub (February 23)
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You're officially in the loop for today! 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!