🌱 Catalytic Converter Thefts In Baltimore Co. + County Police Chief

Morning, everybody. It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Catonsville Daily — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and breezy. High: 44 Low: 26.

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I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top three stories today in Catonsville:

1. Multiple people have fallen victim to catalytic converter thefts in Baltimore County this week. Thieves are taking the catalytic converters, which convert engine exhaust pollutants into something less harmful, to scrap yards and selling them. Baltimore County police say the catalytic converter thefts have increased across the U.S. and recommend car owners install an anti-theft device, turn up the sensitivity of the car alarm, and install motion lights around the home. (WMAR 2 News)
2. Baltimore County’s Interim Police Chief Dennis Delp, a 28-year veteran of the Baltimore County Police Department, said he would like the job permanently. County Executive Johnny Olszewski has not set a deadline for when he will appoint a new chief, but he has launched a nationwide search. Olszewski said, "We'll be engaging all of the major organizations to ensure that we are getting the best of the best. We want to make sure that we have the right person to lead this agency in the years ahead." (WYPR)
3. Baltimore County has agreed to pay $3 million in water balances, "true-up balances," to Baltimore City for fiscal years 2014 through 2018. The city and county share the same drinking water and sewer system, but during those years the county ratepayers were undercharged. Baltimore County officials released a statement that said, "We are pleased to have come to a fair and equitable resolution with Baltimore City regarding outstanding water billing dating back to prior administrations. As we move forward, we look forward to continuing to engage in conversations about ways in which we can continue to modernize and improve our system's governance." (WBAL-TV 11)

Today in Catonsville:

• Cooking In The Cabin At Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum (12:00 PM)
• Cookies, Cocoa And Caroling At The Artful Flea (12:30 PM)
• Trueth House: Open House & Traditional And Old Time Jam Session At Benjamin Banneker Historical Park And Museum (1:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Don't miss the Holiday Edition of Catonsville Sunday Farmers Market on Dec. 18! Meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the last Holiday Market of this year, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at 15 Mellor Ave. (Catonsville Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• The Closing Reception for "Color & Light" by Alice Gail Dvoskin is on Sunday, Dec. 18! Stop by from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at The Clubhouse, 10 St. Timothys Lane in Catonsville. Click here to register. (Baltimore County Arts Guild via Instagram)
• The Catonsville Chamber of Commerce reminds the community to support local shops, restaurants, and businesses in Catonsville this holiday season! Visit catonsville.org to learn more about the businesses in the community. (Catonsville Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)

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Events:

• Cookies, Cocoa and Caroling at the Artful Flea (December 17)
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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll be back 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!