2012 in Review: Top Stories from July

Wow, July was a busy month. The debate over a new school south of Piney Orchard heated up, and we got some new businesses in town. 

Click on the links below to read the top stories from July of 2012. 

In July, we saw the closure of a local favorite, but also learned that Riconcito Mexicano would be moving in. So far, reviews of the new restaurant have been positive. 

Nicholas Vincent Dominick said he was only growing marijuana to help deal with health problems. Police arrested him on a variety of charges, including distribution of marijuana near a school zone. Court records show that prosecutors later decided not to prosecute him on most of the charges, but he did receive one year of supervised probation relating to one charge of drug distribution. 

More Slot Machines Approved for Maryland Live!

Not long after opening, the casino at Arundel Mills added to the fun by getting approval of 500 more slot machines, bringing the total to more than 4,500. 

Patient First Opens

The Odenton Gateway development got another big tenant when the urgent care center opened along Annapolis Road. If you have kids, you probably have already stopped by at least once. 

Bear's Honeypot Opens

Odenton got its own little spot for locally-produced items, ranging from jelly to jalapenos. It also has a huge selection of cheese. 

Police Pursuit Ends With Crash in Severn

It was a wild scene on Telegraph Road as police chased a man out of Baltimore City and into Severn, where he crashed his car. He reportedly got out on foot and was found in a vacant house. 

Debate Over Two Rivers School Project

A developer proposed funding a new elementary school to serve students in the Odenton and Crofton area, including those living in the Two Rivers development. The school board voted to allow discussions, but talks stalled after the development team was unable to reach an agreement with area residents.

The Hontz family found itself displaced after a fire tore through the townhouse they were renting. It made for a difficult summer, but young Lauren Hontz was inspired to start a charity, "Lauren's Luggage," to provide blankets and other essentials for other people displaced by emergencies.

See also: 

• Top Stories from January
• Top Stories from February
• Top Stories from March
• Top Stories from April
• Top Stories from May
• Top Stories from June