Harford’s Leaders Call For Median Barrier At Bel Air Bypass Fatal Crash Site

In the wake of Friday’s double-fatal accident on the Bel Air Bypass, Harford County elected officials have launched a focused effort requesting the Maryland State Highway Administration and Department of Transportation to take action and initiate a study or approve funding for the construction of protective median barriers along what they call a “dangerous highway.”

While each of the letters asks the state to move quickly on building a median barrier at the crash site, one letter from a contingent of Harford officials asks Gov. Martin O’Malley specifically to cancel plans to construct a roundabout on Route 155 in Level and funnel that money instead into a median barrier on the Bel Air Bypass. Continue reading Harford’s Leaders Call For Median Barrier At Bel Air Bypass Fatal Crash Site

Two Crashes, Two Deaths In Two Hours For Bel Air Bypass Driver

SAME INDIVIDUAL INVOLVED IN TWO HARFORD COUNTY CRASHES

(Bel Air, MD) – Maryland State Police have confirmed the individual involved in the Harford County fatal crash on Friday, November 7, 2008 had been involved in another crash less than two hours before.

Earlier on Friday afternoon, the Maryland State Police charged Christopher Lentz, 37, of the 5600-block of Bell Gwynn Road in Glen Arm, Maryland with the following: failure to drive right of center, failure to immediately stop vehicle at scene of accident, failure of driver involved in accident to give insurance policy information, and failure to control speed to avoid collision. The charges resulted from a crash that troopers from the Bel Air Barrack responded to at approximately 3:30 p.m.

The preliminary investigation reveals that Lentz was operating a 1999 Chevrolet Express van traveling northbound on Route 152, north of Greenspring Avenue in Joppa, Maryland. Lentz reportedly crossed over the center line and sideswiped a 2003 Ford van traveling southbound.

The operator of the Ford van, Karen Williams, 44, of the 1200-block of Old Mountain Road North in Joppa was transporting seven children between the ages of 3 and 16. Williams was not injured. The seven passengers were transported by ambulance to Upper Chesapeake Hospital for precautionary reasons.

While investigating the crash, state troopers located Lentz in his company vehicle about one-half mile north of the scene. The vehicle had been disabled as a result of the collision.

At approximately 5:00 p.m. that same evening, troopers from the Bel Air Barrack responded to a multi-vehicle crash on the Route 1 bypass north of Route 24 in Harford County. Lentz was the driver of the 2004 Jeep Cherokee involved in the crash.

Charges are pending on the second crash. Troopers from the Bel Air Barrack and the Maryland State Police CRASH team are consulting with the Harford County’s State Attorney regarding both incidents as the investigation continues.

Three-Vehicle Crash On Bel Air Bypass Traps Several People And Kills Two

The Bel Air Bypass was closed in both directions between Route 24 and Vale Road for about 7 hours Friday after a three-vehicle, head-on, double-fatality accident occurred around 5 p.m.

Four people were trapped in one of the vehicles - a minivan believed to be carrying several children - and two Medevac helicopters have transported the pediatric patients to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. A Johns Hopkins doctor was also transported to the scene of the accident by helicopter to help rescuers remove two additional victims who were said to be heavily entrapped in a vehicle. A third Medevac was on the way to take yet another pediatric patient to the hospital. Continue reading Three-Vehicle Crash On Bel Air Bypass Traps Several People And Kills Two

Problems With Absentee Ballots Have All Eyes On Harford Board Of Elections

The Dagger is hearing that there is some sort of problem or discrepancy with the absentee ballot counting in Harford County which has lawyers and representatives from the local Republican and Democratic parties speeding to the Board of Elections office in Forest Hill.

Apparently, the tallying was expected to be completed today, but now won’t be finished until tomorrow due to the situation.

With fewer than 1,000 votes separating 1st Distrist congressional candidates Andy Harris and Frank Kratovil, the hotly contested race will be decided by the outstanding absentee and provisional ballots.

Harford County voted strongly for Harris and could be key to pulling out the congressional victory.

Edgewood Man Captured And Charged In Connection With Two Armed Robberies

(Harford County, MD – November 4, 2008) – Harford County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested David Patrick Jones, 24, of the 600 block of Boxelder Drive, Edgewood, MD in connection with two armed robberies.

On Wednesday September 17, 2008 at approximately 11:00 am, deputies responded to the Pharmacare Discount Pharmacy in the 2200 block of Emmorton Road, Abingdon, MD in reference to a reported armed robbery. Stolen during the robbery was over $12,000.00 worth of prescription narcotics. The suspect was described as a white male wearing a women’s stocking over his head, gray short sleeve shirt, khaki shorts, white tennis shoes, and white gloves.

On Saturday October 25, 2008 at approximately 12:40 pm, deputies responded to the Fallston Pharmacy in the 2100 block of Bel Air, Road, Fallston, MD for a reported robbery. Stolen during the robbery was over $10,000.00 worth of prescription narcotics.

The suspect was described as a white male wearing a women’s transparent stocking over his head, a white hooded sweatshirt, white jogging pants, and was armed with a black semi-automatic handgun.

An anonymous tip indicated that David Patrick Jones was involved in the above robberies. Detectives located witnesses and evidence leading back to Jones. Jones has been charged with two counts each of Armed Robbery, Robbery, Using a Handgun in the Commission of a Crime of Violence, Theft over $500.00 and Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance.

A warrant was issued on October 31, 2008 for Jones’ arrest in connection with the robberies. He was arrested shortly after midnight on November 1, 2008 without incident and transported to the Harford County Detention Center for processing.

As a result of a bond review hearing held on Monday November 3, 2008, he is being held in lieu of $750,000.00 for each robbery.

Harford GOP Preparing For Celebration In Downtown Bel Air

Harford County Republican Party Election Night Event – Hundreds Expected to Attend

(Bel Air, MD – November 3, 2008) – The Harford County Republican Party will host an election night event at The Greene Turtle, 117 South Main Street, Bel Air, MD 21014 starting at 7 p.m. on November 4, 2008. The Republican Party has reserved the entire restaurant and several hundred McCain-Palin supporters are expected to attend the sold out event.

Chairman Michael A. Geppi, of the Harford County Republican Party and Regional Director for the McCain-Palin campaign, is organizing the event.

Jury Finds Edgewood Child Abuser Guilty Of Murdering Two-Year-Old Who Wouldn’t Stop Crying

A Harford County jury found Sean Jones, 20, of the 900 block of Woodbridge Court in Edgewood, guilty of second degree murder and child abuse resulting in death. The verdict came less than two hours after the jury began to deliberate. Jones refused to stand for the reading of the verdict and began screaming as deputies lead him from the courtroom.

The defendant was charged from the suffocation death of his girl friend’s two year-old daughter Ashlyn Sutherland on 6 July 2007. The prosecutor, Deputy State’s Attorney Diana Brooks reported that the child’s family was pleased with the verdict and felt that they could now get closure. A pre-sentence investigation was ordered and sentencing will be scheduled later.

The proof showed the defendant beat and smothered Ashlyn because she would not stop crying. Family members intend to address the court at sentencing.

Nearly A Year Later, Edgewood Melee Suspect Captured In Louisiana

(Harford County, MD – November 3, 2008) – Otis Lavelle Huff, 18, wanted on charges of attempted 1st degree murder, attempted 2nd degree murder, assault in the 1st degree, assault in the 2nd degree, and using a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence, was arrested on Friday, October 31, 2008 at approximately 8:00 am in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

On Sunday November 25, 2007, shortly after 7:30 p.m. Harford County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 1900 block of Eloise Lane, Edgewood, in reference to a disturbance in the area. Deputies located an adult male lying on the ground bleeding from the head and a female juvenile suffering from neck pain. The male victim was subsequently flown to Shock Trauma by the Maryland State Police Medevac Unit where it was later discovered he had been stabbed in the back. The female juvenile was transported by ambulance to Shock Trauma and an adult female victim with facial injuries was transported by ambulance to Franklin Square Hospital.

During the investigation, deputies determined that a large group of males and females went to a house in the 1900 block of Eloise Lane to confront the female resident concerning her relationship with a young male who lives in the area. The adult male victim exited his home and asked the unwanted trespassers to leave his property. The male victim and two family friends were immediately attacked by the above group.

Shortly thereafter, deputies stopped a vehicle a short distance away based on information obtained at the scene of the skirmish. This stop resulted in four arrests and later Otis Lavelle Huff was charged with attempted 1st degree murder, attempted 2nd degree murder, assault in the 1st degree, assault in the 2nd degree, and using a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence.

At approximately 8:00 am Friday morning, Baton Rouge, Louisiana Police Department located Otis Huff at a McDonalds in the 5200 block of Florida Boulevard. Huff was taken into custody without incident and is currently being held at the East Baton Rouge Parrish, Louisiana detention facility on local charges. It is unknown at this time when he will be returned to Harford County.

Bel Air Coffee Talk 10/30: MTA Cutbacks, Concerts, Tudor Hall Tours

Oct 30, 2008
Capt’n Jim’s Coffee Talk©

NEWS
THE MTA IS PROPOSING CUT BACKS IN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FROM HARFORD/CECIL COUNTY TO BALTIMORE.
Public Hearings will be held on the following dates:
Monday Nov 17, 2008 Tuesday November 25 Tuesday November 25
6 to 8:30 PM 6:30 to 8:30 PM 6 to 8:30 PM

In Bel Air at: In Edgewood at: In Perryville at:
John Carroll H.S. Edgewood Rec. Center Perryville H.S.
The Brown Room Multipurpose Room 2nd Floor Media Ctr.
703 E. Churchville Rd. 1980 Brookside Dr. 1696 Perryville Rd.
Bel Air, MD. Edgewood, MD. Perryville, MD.

Nov 1 - Special benefit concert featuring the North Harford High School Choir. Tickets are $30 and proceeds will benefit “Pennies for Peace” - concert begins at 7:30 pm.

Nov 2 - Tour Tudor Hall, the home of John Wilkes Booth. Reservations required - call 443-243-7571. Suggested donation is $3.00. (Tours at 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM)

Nov 6, 7, 8 - The Patterson Mill Drama Club will present “The Crucible” at 7:00 pm. in the school auditorium. Tickets are $10.00 adults, $7.00 for students, and $5.00 for seniors.

Nov 9 - A Taste of Excellence benefiting Harford Friends School – Bel Air Armory 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm. Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 at the door. Visit www.harfordfriends.org

Nov 13 – Movie Premier of “Under Our Skin” - A two hour feature film about Lyme disease presented by the Harford County Lyme Disease Support Group Inc. Admission is free & refreshments will be served. Highland Presbyterian Church in the Fellowship Hal, 701 Highland Rd., in Street. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

Nov 16 – Tour Tudor Hall, the home of John Wilkes Booth. Reservations required -call 443 243 7571. Suggested donation is $3.00 (Tours at 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM)

Nov 28 – 30 - The Festival of Trees to benefit the Chesapeake Cancer Alliance will hold their Christmas Tree Event at the Bel Air Armory. November 28 is the Preview Party by reservation only. Saturday is open to the public from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.; Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission on Saturday and Sunday is $5.00 for ages 12 & up.

Dec - 5 & 6, Dec - 12 & 13 - THE BEL AIR CHRISTMAS THEATRE returns. The region’s most talented young actors will present the musical adaptation of “Miracle on 34th Street”, a musical by Meredith Wilson. Tickets prices $14 (18 and under), $16 seniors, & $20 adults. Tickets include dessert and coffee. Pre-show dinners are being offered by area restaurants. For more information and reservations, call 410-838-2177.

Dec 6 – Eagle Watch - Dr. Dennis Kirkwood will lead a workshop on eagles at Fisherman’s Park at the Conowingo Dam from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Sponsored by Exelon Power Co.

One last Hurrah! Saturday April 25, 2009. Dinner catered by Outback Steak with dining in the cafeteria. Go to www.saygoodbyetobelairhigh.com. The Bel Air High School building, as we knew, it will be demolished June 2009. Tickets are limited due to the space available. First Pay…First Play! For more information, you may call 410-342-8891.

Participants wanted for Bel Air’s Christmas Parade on December 7, 2008. Deadline for signing up is November 3, 2008. Email for details. ssaunders@belairmd.org

Voters in Precinct 3-16 – NOTICE: Your polling location has been changed from Wakefield Elementary School to Ring Factory Elementary School due to construction.

That’s it for today……………….Captain Jim
DON’T FORGET TO CHECK MY WEB SITE WWW.thecaptaincares.com
Citizens for Captain Jim - Authority William Kelly, Treasurer
Copy write 2007 2008

Ehrlich/Hanley: Vote Harris For Congress. Hiob: Vote Kratovil

With just a few days left until the election, the endorsements are coming in for the 1st District Congressional race between Andy Harris and Frank Kratovil.

The first letter of endorsement is from former-governor Bob Ehrlich, whose name now graces many of Harris’ campaign signs: Continue reading Ehrlich/Hanley: Vote Harris For Congress. Hiob: Vote Kratovil

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