Texting and Driving, Animal Cruelty and Maryland Catches on Fire

What a week, perhaps one of the most eventful in the history of Severn Patch.

We began the week covering the simpletons of the news world with a little flavor of love. After investigating some statistics and wisdom from officials, we learned suicides actually during Valentine’s Day.

In fact, we learned that the media actually perpetuates this false myth. It was good to bring truth to the matter and offer recognition for those grieving during the holidays. The staff and people of the Life Center in Annapolis were great to work with.

Valentine’s also provided some material for last-minute planners. Our money saving columnist were a hot item for the day.

Fluttering Fingers

If the comments box was any indication, our texting and driving investigation with high school students was another huge hit this week.

After analyzing a recently proposed bill that will close certain loopholes in the current law, we headed to Old Mill to speak with some of the most adamant texters  around, teenagers.

What we found was and for some, disturbing. Read the story to see exactly how little the law is changing the way kids act behind the wheel. The issue isn’t exclusive to teenagers, but the honesty of the kids really helped bring the issue to light.

Bow Wow

Animal cruelty was another hot item to hit Severn Patch this week, with two stories making the front page.

On Wednesday, a hearing was held with the support of County Executive John Leopold to instill for those found guilty of animal cruelty. The owners of Bear Bear, the Siberian husky that was shot and killed last year, also gave testimony.

However, less than 24 hours later, police arrested two 16-year olds for . The two boys were apprehended while fleeing the scene. Only one of the two dogs was found.

After being transported to a nearby veterinary hospital, the dog was declared to be in poor condition.

Maryland on Fire

Maryland residents got a little taste of Southern California this weekend as low humidity and heavy winds helped turn small brush fires into ravenous forces of destruction.

, small flames escalated into five alarm situations for county firefighters. Between Friday and Saturday, over 200 firemen and women assisted in the quenching of flames that threatened several hundred acres of land.

We had exclusive photos and an with one of the first 911 callers from , one that almost completely shut down Rt. 100 west.