🌱 Catonsville Man Sentenced To 20 Years + Balt. Co. Bridge Project

Hello and happy Wednesday. I'm back in your inbox this winter morning with everything you need to know about what's happening in town today.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy and warm with showers. High: 68 Low: 49.

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Here are the top three stories in Catonsville today:

1. Mirza Ahmed, a 30-year-old from Catonsville, was sentenced to up to 20 years in prison on Dec. 22 for traveling from New York to Lancaster for a sexual encounter with a minor. Ahmed plead guilty to 14 charges, including statutory sexual assault, in Lancaster County. (CBS 21 News)
2. The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) began a $39.8 million project to rehabilitate bridge decks and parapets in Baltimore County. Crews will install latex-modified concrete overlays on the bridge decks, replace existing concrete side barriers and bridge deck overhangs, and complete other upgrades on ten bridges at the I-95 interchange with I-695 in the Arbutus area. View the link to see a schedule for overnight ramp and lane closures. (Fox Baltimore)
3. The new year has brought changes to Maryland's marijuana laws after residents voted to legalize the drug in November's general election. Full legalization goes into effect in July, but a "transitional" period went into effect on Jan. 1. In addition to other changes, anyone caught with one and a half ounces of marijuana between now and Jul. 1 will only get a civil offense with a maximum fine of up to $100. (WMAR 2 ABC News)

Today in Catonsville:

• Catonsville Farmers Market At Christian Temple Church (10:00 AM)
• First Wednesday's At State Fare (4:00 PM)
• Open Mic At Clubhouse Of Catonsville (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Congratulations to all the Catonsville Sparkle winners! EC Roofing won first place, Lush35 Salon won second place, and The Pottery Cove won third place. Pats Porch, Bombshell Bling & Beauty, and The Pottery Cove won first, second, and third place respectively in the People's Choice Award. (Baltimore County Arts Guild via Instagram)
• A two-bedroom home is for sale on Clay Lodge Lane in Catonsville for $339,900! View the link to check out the latest homes on the market in the Catonsville area. (Catonsville Patch)
• Meet Tiny, an adorable Domestic Short Hair kitten, who is looking for her forever family! Click the link to see Tiny and many more adoptable pets in the Catonsville area. (Catonsville Patch)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update.

— 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!