'Healthy Smiles' to promote dental health
Highlighting efforts to improve dental care for children from low-income families, Gov. Martin O'Malley announced Tuesday the "Healthy Smiles" tour that will promote awareness of dental health. The issue has gained attention since the 2007 death of 12-year-old Deamonte Driver of Prince George's County after an untreated infection in a tooth spread to his brain. The governor, joined by Rep. Elijah E. Cummings and other officials, promoted funding to raise reimbursement rates for dentists treating Medicaid children and to create a mobile school-based screening and treatment center.
- Laura Smitherman
Ban OK'd on some advertising circulars in Balto. County
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The Baltimore County Council has banned delivery of advertising circulars to residences. The legislation, which passed on a 5-to-2 vote Tuesday and will take effect Jan. 1, exempts U.S. Postal Service deliveries and those by private mail services, as well as campaign literature and newspapers. Violators could face a $500 fine for the first offense, with a $1,000 fine for each additional offense. The bill originally also covered fliers left on car windshields, but that was taken out of the final measure. Councilman John Olszewski, who sponsored the bill, would make an exception for fliers printed with a "conspicuous notice" that reads, "If you no longer wish to receive this publication, please call the following toll-free or local number."
- Mary Gail Hare
Baltimore County to require recycling of electronics
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A law passed by the Baltimore County Council on Tuesday night will require residents to recycle computers, TVs, cell phones and other electronics. The bill, passed 5 to 2, takes effect in 45 days. Haulers will begin leaving notes, with directions on how to dispose, on electronic items left for curbside pickup. Residents who fail to recycle electronics at one of the three county locations that take them could face a fine of $100.
- Mary Gail Hare
Beltway inner loop to close at Charles St. for two nights
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The inner loop of the Beltway will be closed at Charles Street tonight and Thursday night to allow crews to work on a new bridge over the highway. The State Highway Administration said it will close two lanes of eastbound Interstate 695 at 10 p.m. both nights. All lanes will be closed at 11 p.m., with traffic to be detoured onto Charles Street. The lanes will be reopened by 5 a.m.
- Michael Dresser
