🌱 Faculties Near Catonsville Dumping Toxic Chemicals + BCPS Teachers

Welcome back, Catonsville! I'm here in your inbox today to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 68 Low: 50.

Here's to the wonderful local business who sponsors this newsletter. Check out what they 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 in Catonsville today:

1. According to a report released yesterday, Sep. 28, by the Maryland PIRG Foundation, industrial facilities dumped at least 94,000 pounds of toxic chemicals, including PFAS, into Maryland's waterways in 2020. The report said Grace Davison-Curtis Bay Works in Southwest Baltimore, about 30 minutes away from Catonsville, was the facility that released the most toxic chemicals in Maryland. The chemical plant emitted 79,000 pounds of chemicals into the Gunpowder-Patapsco watershed. When measuring toxicity, the United States Gypsum Co. in Baltimore, about 23 minutes away from Catonsville, released more toxicity than any single facility in Maryland as "some chemicals pose more risk to human health than others." (Maryland Matters)
2. The Baltimore County Public School District and Baltimore County government leaders reached an agreement and announced a compensation package for teachers on Tuesday, Sep. 27. The deal will give thousands of Baltimore County Public School employees raises this year. (Fox 45 Baltimore)
3. Two Baltimore County Police officers, who fatally shot a man in nearby Essex in May, will not face any criminal charges. Ralph Picarello, III, 39, was allegedly brandishing a knife and carving fork when the officers, Derrick Manning and Eric Pellegrino, shot him four times. (Subscription: Baltimore Sun)

Today in and around Catonsville:

• Weekly Food Pantry At Women Of Valor Office (11:00 AM)
• Thrive Thursday At Catonsville United Methodist Church (5:30 PM)
• Improv Comedy Showcase Performance At Baltimore Improv Group (BIG) in Baltimore (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Catonsville Senior Center's "Cash Bingo" is tomorrow, Sep. 30 at 6:00 p.m. The event includes bingo, raffles, food, and more. (Catonsville Senior Center Council via Facebook)
• Maryland will see rainfall, whether heavy or not is still unknown, from Hurricane Ian on Saturday and Sunday. View the link to learn more. (Maryland Patch)
• Baltimore County Public Schools was ranked number 14 in Maryland, according to Niche's 2023 Best Schools and Districts rankings. BCPS received a "B" letter grade. View the link for more information. (Maryland Patch)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Charlsie's Bakehouse — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• FALL NLCC Yard Sale!! (October 1)
• FrightReads Book Festival (October 1)
• OLPH School Open House (October 5)
• Multi Family Yard Sale (October 8)
• 2022 Hops and Harvest Festival (October 8)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. 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!