🌱 Catonsville Woman's First Hearing For Conspiracy Charge + BCPS MCAP

Hey, everybody! It's Wednesday in Catonsville and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things 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:

Warm with clouds breaking. High: 68 Low: 46.

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Here are the top three stories in Catonsville today:

1. Sarah Beth Clendaniel of Catonsville and Brandon Clint Russell of Orlando have been federally charged for conspiring to shoot up several local BGE energy facilities and "completely destroy [the] whole city." Maryland U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron said, "This planned attack threatened lives and would have left thousands of Marylanders in the cold and dark." Clendaniel was in court on Monday afternoon, Feb. 13, and is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. She is being represented by a public defender, and her next hearing is today, Feb 15. (WMAR 2 News)
2. Only 8 percent of Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) students tested proficient in math, according to the 2022 Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) results released in late January. Delegate Harry Bhandari from Baltimore County said, “This is very concerning. I'm very serious about it.” And both Bhandari and Delegate Carl Jackson, who represents Baltimore County, think the pandemic learning loss is a big reason for the troubling MCAP results. (Fox Baltimore)
3. The Baltimore County Public Library reminded the community that the Catonsville Branch would close for renovations on Saturday, Feb. 18 at the end of the business day. Construction is expected to last through at least March 2024. You can read more about the renovation here. (Baltimore County Public Library via Twitter)

Today in Catonsville:

• Catonsville Farmers Market At Christian Temple Church (10:00 AM)
• Teen Time At Catonsville Branch Library (3:00 PM)
• Fit HIIT! At Revolve Wellness Studios (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Finding your next home shouldn't be a headache! Check out the latest homes for sale in the Catonsville area, including a three-bedroom on Greenlow Road for $310,000. (Catonsville Patch)
• Scooby and Shorty, two adorable little Chihuahua Yorkshire Terrier mix dogs, are searching for their forever family! View the link to see Scooby, Shorty, and more adoptable pets in the Catonsville area. (Catonsville Patch)
• Are you looking to fill your social calendar this week? Check out the list of events happening in and around Catonsville this week at the link! (Eventbrite)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Join St. John's for an In-Person Open House (February 16)
• Patapsco Crossing's 5-Star Soiree (February 18)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow 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!