Around The Region

The Owings Mills New Town Community Association launches its 12th annual charity drive today. The organization, which represents more than 3,200 households in northwestern Baltimore County, is collecting canned goods, toiletries and clothing, especially winter coats, through Nov. 20. Collection boxes are at Merritt Athletic Club, Starbucks and M&T Bank in New Town Village Shopping Center on Groffs Mill Drive. There is another one at BB&T Bank at Lakeside and Owings Mills boulevards. Items collected this year will go to the Community Crisis Center in Reisterstown for distribution to needy neighbors in the area. "We know the center has had a tremendous increase in need," said Daniel E. Bralove, who is helping to organize the event. "Our goal is to have all donations distributed before Thanksgiving." Information: board@owingsmillsnewtown.org.

- Mary Gail Hare

New EPA rules halt building of chicken houses on Shore

New federal regulations have effectively shut down construction of new chicken houses on the Eastern Shore. The Environmental Protection Agency began regulating Maryland chicken farms in February. Since then, construction of new chicken houses has stalled. Bill Satterfield, executive director of Delmarva Poultry Industry Inc., says the new regulations effectively amount to a zero discharge policy. That means the farms would face stiff fines and criminal penalties if they allow any nutrients to enter waterways, regardless of what caused the runoff.

- Associated Press