Edgewater-Davidsonville|News|
VIDEO: Resident Captures Footage of 4-Alarm Fire
Local resident Lauren Franklin provided Patch with video from Sunday's fire in Edgewater.

I was born in Tokyo, Japan and did a lot of traveling with my military family until finally landing in Maryland where I've lived the majority of my life. Growing up in Ellicott City, MD, I have an extreme pride for the state, evident in my passion for both the Orioles and the Ravens.
I'm an energetic person who loves adventure and spontaneity, perhaps why I love journalism so much. I'm very active in my church and I enjoy a wide variety of activities including music, sports, smoking a pipe full of cherry vanilla-flavored tobacco, watching European soccer and playing any/every sport possible.
I married my best friend in July 2011, which makes life pretty great too.<br><br><b>Your Beliefs</b><br>At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.<br><br><b>Politics </b><br>As a registered Independent, I believe the answer to most political issues lies in the cooperative effort of both liberal and conservative ideologies. When in a group of predominantly one party, I'll often stray to the other end just to induce healthy discourse. I despise hard-core political polarization, but I must confess, it does make good headlines. I have faith in government, but I do not believe that the answers to many of life's problems lie in it. I'm always up for a civil discussion.<br><br><b>Religion</b><br>Religion is a tricky word. I wouldn't label myself religious, only because of certain connotations that accompany it. I do profess to be a very real, passionate follower of Jesus Christ. However, I may not fit the mold you'd initially expect from someone who labels themselves a "passionate Christian." Christian, after all, means little Christ, and that is exactly what I try to do; mirror a life that correctly represents the life and teachings of Jesus. While I am passionate about my faith, I'm equally excited about engaging in conversations and discussions with people of other backgrounds. I'm as open as you can be when it comes to "religious discourse," and would openly welcome such engagements. <br><b><br>Local Hot-Button Issues</b>
As the new editor for Edgewater-Davidsonville Patch, there's a lot to learn. I'm learned quickly that south county is a vibrant place, full of passionate and alert people ready to impact their communities.
I hope to pick up where Edgewater-Davidsonville Patch left off—continuing to provide the fastest and most in-depth coverage of south county news and events.
I'll soon become an official resident of Edgewater, MD, so please feel free to send me tips on how I can better learn and appreciate this remarkable part of Maryland.
Local resident Lauren Franklin provided Patch with video from Sunday's fire in Edgewater.

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The NAACP claims that Anne Arundel County Public Schools discriminate against African-Americans when disciplining students.
Members of the community will gather Saturday to try and improve the D grade the river received on its annual report card.
As many as 100 motorcyclists are coming to Edgewater to have their bikes "blessed" by a local priest.
Here's a recap of South River varsity teams and how they're doing throughout the county.
The International Brotherhood of Police Officers are running ads backing Anne Arundel County Deputy Chief Emerson Davis and criticizing Chief James Teare.
The victim followed the alleged thief in her car to confront the suspect before calling police.
Four local artists are among the 21 selected to participate in the first art exhibit from the Anne Arundel County Commission on Disability Issues.
South River's Pierce Tyrrell pitched three shutout innings in his first ever varsity start.
Travis Pastrana's band of extreme-sport junkies are prepping in Davidsonville before heading to Australia.
Golfers and South River sports fans will take part in a massive fundraising event on April 16 to support all Seahawks teams.
Parents interested in enrolling their children can do so starting May 1.
Take an inside look at five beautiful homes for sale located right here in Edgewater.
Parents interested in enrolling their children can do so starting May 1.
Michelle Collett takes her 18 years of experience to South River Restoration, owned and operated by fellow Edgewater resident, Bryan Agee.
Police identified the victims of the crash as Stephanie Noell Banchero, 26, of Gambrills and Mary Elizabeth Corkill, 70, of Davidsonville.
If you've received a random email about a survey during the last two weeks, it could be for a local research study addressing coastal flooding.
A fire department spokesman said two women were killed in an accident on Route 424 on Monday.
Maryland's General Assembly is poised to approve a bill to increase the state's minimum dropout age from 16 to 17, and gradually to 18.