Lifted COVID Restrictions + Cicadafest 2021

Welcome to the Laurel Daily! Here you will find fun events going on this week including an important update about the Patuxent Research Center, a memorial gathering for a loved Laurel couple, and a lift of COVID restrictions for local businesses.

Weather Report:

Today, the weather will be very warm and partly sunny with highs in the mid-80s.

Here are the top three stories in Laurel today:

1. Patuxent Research Center has been a center of wildlife and habitat research since its beginnings in 1936 as the only National Wildlife Refuge in the United States dedicated to supporting wildlife research. In an effort to maintain and fund the refuge’s quality of wildlife research, the U.S. Geological Survey, which operates the center, merged it a year ago with two of its other science centers that specialize in fish research and fisheries resources. In March, the U.S. Geological Survey announced the refuge’s new name: the U.S.G.S. Eastern Ecological Science Center at Patuxent Research Refuge in Laurel. Thomas O’Connell, the U.S.G.S. Eastern Ecological Science Center director, said that by combining the centers, they have saved significant amounts of money to do science. (Baltimore Sun)

2. A group of 200 people gathered on the grounds of Maryland City Elementary School to mourn Ryan and Ivania Lee who were killed by a gunman in their home last week. Shawn Maurice Price killed the Lees when he entered their home in search of his estranged girlfriend. After killing the Lees, Price killed himself. (Baltimore Sun)

3. Prince George’s County lifted maximum capacity restrictions for most businesses on Monday (May 17). County Executive Angela Alsobrooks was moved to lift the restrictions because of a continued decline in key COVID-19 metrics and increasing vaccination rates. Most business establishments in the county will be able to operate at full capacity, with social distancing. Places of worship and restaurants are allowed to operate at full capacity if attendees are fully vaccinated. (Baltimore Sun)

Today in Laurel

• Cicadafest 2021 - The Green Farmacy Garden in Fulton Maryland welcomes you to celebrate living within periodical cicadas' range by enjoying the abundance of Brood X. This celebration will center around a Cicada sampling. Attendees will be invited to sample different preparations of cicadas, including grilled, sautéed, and chocolate-covered. This event will take place on Saturday, May 22. (11:00 a.m.)

• Laurel Dutch Country Farmers Market - Located at 9701 Fort Meade Road, is open this Friday (9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.) and Saturday (8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)

Now you’re all caught up with the local news and events for today!

But before you go, let me tell you a bit about me since my newsletter will arrive to your inbox on a daily basis. My name is Alexis A. Goring. I’m a Bowie area resident with a pulse for people, news and feature stories! I’ve worked as a freelance reporter for years in the media industry.

I’m also a published author, experienced blogger, and founder of Writer at Heart Editorial Services. Visit my website for more details about me and my work. Here’s the link: https://alexisagoring.jimdofree.com.

I’m looking forward to bringing you all the latest news on a daily basis.

Stay safe and enjoy the day!