BCPL Ends Late Fees + MD Lifts State Of Emergency

Up and at 'em, Catonsville! Here's everything you need to know to get this Friday, July 2 started.

First, today's weather: Possible light rain in the morning. High: 80 Low: 61.

Here are the top stories in Catonsville today:

1. The Baltimore County Public Library announced it has permanently discontinued late fees and extended loan fees, and outstanding balances on cardholders' accounts have been removed. Customers who may not have visited the library recently due to financial obligations or fear of accruing late fines are encouraged to visit their local branch and start over with a clean slate. (NottinghamMD.com)
2. Four members of the Baltimore County Fire Department have been deployed to the Miami area to assist with search and rescue operations at the Surfside condominium collapse. (Patch)
3. As of 6 a.m. yesterday, many COVID-19-related restrictions in Maryland were no longer in effect, as the state lifted its State of Emergency. Governor Larry Hogan said the State of Emergency actually will be lifted in two phases — with some policies ending Thursday and others after a 45 day grace period. (WJZ Baltimore)
4. Melvin Joseph Tucker III of Dundalk was arrested over the weekend and charged with second-degree rape and sex abuse of a minor, and authorities believe he may have targeted and abused other victims. Tucker had been a baseball coach in the Arbutus Recreational League. (Patch)

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Today in Catonsville

• Free Estate Planning & Living Trust Workshop Live Q&A Friday 3PM (3:00 PM)
• FREE Registration for Summer Music Camp -- 7/5-8/20 (10:00 AM)
• Preschool Story Time (10:00 AM)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• WaterKeepers Chesapeake Concert (July 3)
• Live Jazz Benefit Concert (July 3)

You're all caught up for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with another update.

— Dan Shalin

About me: I have 20-plus years of experience writing for community newspapers, wire services, corporate websites and university publications. I can be reached at dan.shalin@patch.com

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Catonsville Daily? Email all inquiries to me at Catonsville@Patch.com.