Towson, MD|News|
Pikesville Church Fire Cause Identified By Investigators
The cause of a church fire was announced by Baltimore County investigators. Flames damaged the steeple, but the sanctuary didn't burn.

Born and raised in Maryland, Old Bay pumps through my veins, and I have more flag apparel than I care to admit. Deep community connections have led me to award-winning stories on veterans' mental health and a secret skate park. I've been a Patch reporter since June 2020, covering Anne Arundel County and Baltimore County with a focus on feature stories and business news. The Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association has recognized my work with nine first-place prizes and three second-place honors for excellence in journalism.
I graduated from the University of Delaware in May 2020 with a degree in media communication and minors in journalism and political science. I interned at FOX Sports, The Delaware News Journal and The Philadelphia Inquirer. I also led my college newspaper, The Review, as editor-in-chief during my senior year.
Have a story idea? Email me at jacob.baumgart@patch.com. I'm also on Facebook @jacobbaumgartjournalist and X @jacobbaumgart.
The cause of a church fire was announced by Baltimore County investigators. Flames damaged the steeple, but the sanctuary didn't burn.

Should school be year-round in Anne Arundel? Should AACPS eliminate early dismissal? A group is discussing how to create flexible schedules.
How much will it snow in Maryland this year? A new winter forecast locked in its prediction.
A new podcast hosted by the county executive will cover the inner workings of the Anne Arundel government. The weekly series is now live.
I-695 lane closures are coming during daytime hours. Crews are converting the shoulder to a rush-hour travel lane. Speed cameras are in use.
A male was nearly stabbed during an attempted robbery in downtown Annapolis, police said. Officers couldn't find the assault suspect.
A shooting in Baltimore County hospitalized a man this weekend, police said. A $2,000 reward was offered for tips.
Pusser's will open a Baltimore dock bar after its Annapolis restaurant closes. Here's when boaters can sip a Painkiller in Charm City.
A former psychiatric hospital will become a county park. Anne Arundel asked for feedback on its latest plans to create a space for healing.
Hart-Miller Island won't be filled with dredging from Sparrows Point. The port, seeking a deeper channel, will dump its river mud elsewhere.
Sex Abuse Claim | Coach Shot | Cops Arrested | Abortion Referendum | Missing Parrot | EV Fire | Pet Costumes | Rachel Morin | Hurricane Aid
A second teenager was arrested after a youth sports coach was shot in Baltimore County, reports said. The victim is still in the hospital.
The Supreme Court decided the fate of an Anne Arundel gun law. The bill requires safety info, but gun shops say it violates free speech.
A school board candidate was once charged with child sexual abuse. He was found not guilty, but his social media posts have some enraged.
Inflation is improving nationwide, but not so much in Maryland. The Baltimore and D.C. areas have some of the country’s worst inflation.
Over $4,000 in clothes were stolen from a department store in Anne Arundel County, police said. The suspect, 40, was charged with theft.
A motorcyclist was hospitalized after an Anne Arundel County crash, police said. A teenage passenger and the other driver were also hurt.
A 15-year-old was arrested after a coach was shot in Baltimore County, reports said. Over $130K was raised for the beloved victim.
A new pet care business is now serving Anne Arundel County. The company offers mobile grooming, dog walking and pet sitting.
Voters will decide whether to add two seats to the Baltimore Co. Council. How will the new districts be mapped? That became quite a debate.