🌱 Kickbacks For County Developers? + Backyard Chicken Bill

Happy Tuesday, people of Catonsville! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening around town today.

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First, today's weather:

Clouds giving way to some sun. High: 41 Low: 19.

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Here are the top two stories today in Catonsville:

1. Special favors towards the developer of Metro Centre have reportedly been going on for a decade, according to an investigation by Baltimore County's Inspector General Kelly Madigan. The investigation has unearthed additional information in the case against Director of Permits, Approvals, and Inspections Arnold Jablon. Kickbacks in the form of NCAA Big Ten tickets, free parking, and waived fees have been persistent for over a decade, before the current County Executive's term. (Baltimore Brew)
2. Thinking about building a chicken coop in your Catonsville backyard? You'll be able to do so as of Feb. 1, according to new Baltimore County legislation. The Backyard Chicken Bill removes the current restriction that requires at least one acre of property to construct a chicken coop. County residents must still obtain a license, live where the chickens are kept, and be registered with the state agriculture department. (Catonsville Patch)
3. The Baltimore County Fire Department and the regional EMS community are asking for the community's help in easing the strain that the latest COVID-19 surge has placed on the area's emergency medical services. The fire department is asking citizens to avoid going to emergency rooms for minor illnesses and to not go to an emergency room to obtain a COVID-19 test, among other things. (Catonsville Patch)

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Today in Catonsville:

• Virtual Teen Trivia At The Catonsville Library (6:00 PM)
• Virtual Book Discussion: "Death on the Nile" At The Catonsville Library (7:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Baltimore County Arts Guild suggests creating a Valentine's Day gift box for your loved one. Click to take a look. (Instagram)
• Catonsville Senior Center Council announced they will re-open on Monday, Jan. 31. Masks will be required! (Facebook)
• Catonsville Chamber of Commerce celebrated The Federal Performance Solutions Inc. as a new member. Congratulations! (Facebook)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• TEAMWORKS Outplacement Incubator Pre-Workshop Sessions (January 25)
• Virtual Care Appointments (January 25)
• Virtual Job Fair - Collaborative Solutions for Communities (January 27)
• The Hitman Mysteries: I LOVE YOU TO DEATH! by Jade GreeneI (February 18)
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Job listings:

• Cleaning Person Wanted. (Details)
• Virtual Job Fair - Collaborative Solutions for Communities (Details)
• Help moving boxes (Details)
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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.