Local Newsbriefs

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BGE Gets Fed Matching Grant for New SmartGrid Electric Technology

SOURCE: Office of Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD 7th)

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company will receive the largest grant in a federal investment package to fund Smart Grid technology. The utility will be awarded $200 million to help fund a $451 million program to install 1.1 million digital meters and 400,000 in-home control devices and thermostats. This will enable dynamic electricity pricing and expand the utility's direct load control program, which will enhance grid reliability and reduce congestion.

The funding announcement was made by President Obama during a visit to Florida Power & Light Co.'s DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center in Arcadia, Fla. on October 27. The Center is the largest photovoltaic electricity facility in the U.S.

Overall, the federal government is making available $3.4 billion in government support for 100 projects aimed at modernizing the power grid. The projects include installing "smart" electric meters in homes, automating utility substations, and installing thousands of new digital transformers and grid sensors. The investment is part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, and will be matched by industry funding for a total public-private investment worth over $8 billion.

Youth Ice Hockey "Free Skate" on Sun., Sept. 13
Boys and girls from 6 to 12 years of age may register for Baltimore Youth Hockey's recreational ice hockey program on Sunday, Sept. 13, at the Reisterstown Sportsplex, Mitchell Drive, Reisterstown, and take part in a free skate, from 1:45 until 2:45 pm. Registration available in the ice rink lobby from 1-3 pm. Full hockey equipment required for the free skate. Hockey teams also available for boys and girls from 13 to 19 years of age. For more information, www.byhstars.org, or call 410-426-4242.

Md. State Police Announce Reward for Info about Gun Store Burglary
(Woodbine, MD) – A reward is being offered to anyone with information that leads to the arrest and indictment of the person or persons responsible for the burglary of a Carroll County gun store earlier this week that resulted in the theft of more than 20 firearms.

Maryland State Police today received assistance from Metro Crime Stoppers, which is offering a cash reward of up to $2,000 for information that leads to arrests for the burglary at JC Arms that occurred between the hours of 11:30 p.m. on May 26 and 8:55 a.m. on May 27. The gun shop is located in the first floor of a two-story residence in the 7700 block of Woodbine Road, Woodbine, which is very near the line between Carroll and Howard counties.

A further inventory by the store owner found more weapons had been taken than originally thought. The stolen firearms include 11 AR-15 rifles, two H&K submachine guns, three .22 caliber pistols, three 9 mm Glock pistols, one .45 caliber Glock pistol, one Ruger .380 caliber pistol, and one .45 caliber Taurus revolver. Also stolen in the burglary were dozens of boxes of ammunition and firearm accessories.

No arrests have been made in this case. No stolen weapons have been recovered. The investigation is continuing.

Anyone with information about this burglary is urged to contact Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP. Phone calls are not recorded and callers may remain anonymous.

Persons with information may also call directly to State Police criminal investigators at 410-386-3053. Callers may also remain confidential and may talk with investigators on a non-recorded line.