🌱 Olszewski​ Supports Minimum Wage Increase + Catonsville Sports

Hello, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this morning with all the most important things happening these days 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, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Low clouds, then some sun. High: 53 Low: 31.
• Wednesday: Partly sunny. High: 57 Low: 44.

🏠 If you're a real estate agent in Catonsville, of course you're looking for a way to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients. We can help you do that with an exclusive sponsorship in the Catonsville Patch newsletter. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories today in Catonsville:

1. On Feb. 28, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore introduced a plan to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour this year on Oct. 1, which would be two years ahead of the current schedule. His plan also includes future increases of up to five percent depending on inflation beginning Jul. 1, 2025. There is a big debate between lawmakers about "indexing" the minimum wage to inflation. Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski supports the plan and said, "Indexing, moving forward makes sense so that we don't have to keep coming back and having these same conversations over and over again, so workers don't lose relative wage gains against inflation." (WBAL TV)
2. Catonsville native Brian Ruppel, a freshman goalie for the University of Maryland, made 14 saves during his college debut. No Maryland freshman has made that many saves during their debut since 1993. Ruppel helped the Terps, No. 9, win 11-5 against Princeton, No. 3. (Subscription: Baltimore Sun)
3. On Feb. 24, the Catonsville High School girls' basketball team won 55-22 against Dundalk in the first round of the Class 4A North Region playoffs. Both Catonsville, third-seed, and Dundalk, sixth-seed, pride themselves on defense. Catonsville senior Leah Vacin scored 15 points and senior Emily Bartlett scored 13 points. (Baltimore Sun)

From our sponsor:

Are you tired of the unexpected expenses that come with home repairs? Choice Home Warranty is here to help. With their coverage for your home's major systems and appliances, you can rest easy knowing that they’ve got you covered. Their nationwide network of over 15,000 technicians are ready to help when you need it. Plus, their sign-up process is simple and there’s no inspection required to get started. Don't wait any longer, try Choice Home Warranty today and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is protected.

Today and tomorrow in Catonsville:

Tuesday, February 28

• Free SWAPS Craft At SweetFrog Catonsville (12:00 PM)
• Creative Impulse Walk-On Auditions: Dancing At Revolve Wellness Studios (6:00 PM)

Wednesday, March 1

• Werk It Wednesdays At 5621 Old Frederick Road (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Congratulations to Hillcrest Elementary School students Mirabel Drake, Paige Zhang, and Gus Cohee! Their artwork is on display in the online Baltimore County Public Schools Winter Exhibition. (Hillcrest Elementary School PTA via Facebook)
• Time is running out to exhibit your art at this year's Arts & Drafts Festival! Artist exhibitor applications are due today, Feb. 28, at 11:59 p.m., click here to apply. (Baltimore County Arts Guild via Instagram)
• It is always good to stay up-to-date on the local housing market, even if you aren't actively looking for a new home. Check out the latest homes for sale in the Catonsville area, including a gorgeous three-bedroom with a great porch on Old Frederick Road for $549,999! (Catonsville Patch)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Other featured classifieds:

• Calling All Blueberry Lovers! (Details)
• Add your classified

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday off right. See you all soon for 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!