🌱 Bird Flu In MD + Baltimore County Del. Speaks On Judicial Selection

Hello, friends! I'm here right on time with your Thursday edition of the Catonsville Daily, full of all the local information you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Winds subsiding and cooler. High: 43 Low: 25.

Check out what our local sponsor can do for you:

Want updates on the rapidly changing real estate market in our area? Subscribe to Benjamin Meyer’s weekly newsletter. Ben is an agent at EXP Realty who was born and raised in Catonsville, and knows the local market cold. Keep an eye on the market and get access to insights and opportunities from a trusted expert with deep ties to our area. Visit Benjamin here to learn more.

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

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

1. The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed poultry from a Washington County, Maryland farm has tested positive for the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu. Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder said, "Avian influenza does not affect poultry meat or egg products, which remain healthy and safe to eat and handle. All poultry growers, operators, and owners, including those who manage backyard flocks, must remain vigilant. MDA, USDA, and other partner agencies are working diligently to address and localize the situation, including quarantining and testing nearby flocks." (CBS News Baltimore)
2. On Nov. 28, a Maryland Judiciary workgroup heard from 20 witnesses and discussed the state's current judicial selection process. Del. Jon Cardin (D-Baltimore County) said the current nomination process has no transparency, but advocated against judicial elections. He suggested that each jurisdiction have a "formula for diversity as part of the nomination process," so that the composition of the list of finalists from the nominating commission would match the overall demographic makeup of a given jurisdiction. On Monday, Dec. 5, the workgroup will assemble for the first of three meetings with a goal to produce recommendations to the General Assembly for changes in the state's judicial selection process. (Maryland Matters)
3. Jodi Litchfield started her business 'Mother Clucker's Mobile Chicken Wellness Spa' because raising chickens became a trend during the pandemic. Litchfield travels around Maryland and nearby states to clean chicken coops, educate people, and sell chicken-related products. She recently visited an urban coop in Catonsville to help get the coop ready for winter. In February, Baltimore County passed a bill allowing backyard chickens; Litchfield said of the time, "We saw a lot of Baltimore County residents just run... so to speak, flock.... they flocked off to the farm store and picked up as many chickens as they could." (CBS News Baltimore)

Sponsored by Wise Bread:

High Paying Cards For Americans With Good To Excellent Credit — The best credit cards of 2022 offer a $300 bonus and exceptional rewards on purchases. Start racking up huge rewards!

Today in Catonsville:

• Family And Friends Story Time At Baltimore County Public Library – Catonsville Branch (10:00 AM)
• Weekly Food Pantry At Women Of Valor Office (11:30 AM)
• Outside Of The Box Marketing: How To Grow Your Real Estate Business At State Fare (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Join the community to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Music City Maryland designation of Catonsville by the Maryland General Assembly! The 20th Anniversary of Catonsville Music City Maryland event is hosted by Bill's Music and the Greater Catonsville Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Dec. 15, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 743 Frederick Road in Catonsville. Click here to register for the free community event. (Catonsville Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• This Saturday, Dec. 3, at 11:00 a.m. is the open house for a three-bedroom home on N. Symington Avenue in Catonsville! View the link to see details and more upcoming open houses in the Catonsville area. (Catonsville Patch)
• Don't miss Hiroya Tsukamoto's live show on Friday, Dec. 9, at 7:00 p.m.! It's located at the Clubhouse in Catonsville, 10 St Timothys Lane. Click here for tickets and more information. (Baltimore County Arts Guild via Instagram)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Celebrate The Season (December 2)
• One More, 2022 CRAFTS GALORE! (final event of the season) on 12/3/22 (December 3)
• Wedding Venue Tours - La Banque de Fleuve 11-2pm (December 3)
• Ask a Life/Career Coach: A Q&A and Speed Networking Event (December 5)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (December 7)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— 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!