Leakin

Yesterday's unveiling of the long-awaited Gwynns Falls Trail head near Leakin Park in Southwest Baltimore completes the 15-mile greenway trail and gives hikers and bikers a new gateway to downtown. Meandering past mallard ducks, an old waterwheel and pristine woodlands, on a journey billed to be 10 degrees cooler than elsewhere in the city because of the Gwynns Falls and the tree canopy, the trail connects more than 30 neighborhoods and 2,000 acres of parkland. "You'll be able to go from here to Baltimore and really enjoy the beauty of the park," Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin told a group of runners, hikers and bikers gathered at the Park & Ride at the end of Interstate 70 to celebrate.

The 1830s saw a "Franklin Towne" planned by William H. Freeman, a prominent Baltimore landowner -- but it didn't get off the paper because of a bank failure. Still, a leafy hamlet has grown up around what started as a gristmill along Dead Run, where Freeman envisioned his suburban oasis. Parts of Franklintown are recognized as local and national historic districts, and the former millhouse is a private home. The neighborhood is hidden between Leakin Park to the east and Security Boulevard to the west, just north of the tip of Interstate 70. Mostly in the city, Franklintown straddles the Baltimore City-Baltimore County line.

You felt awkward walking to last year's Halloween party in your bunny outfit? Thought driving in your mummy costume was tricky? Try running nearly four miles dressed as a sumo wrestler. Dan Parry can tell you - from personal experience during yesterday's XTERRA Gwynns Falls Trail Run - it isn't easy. Parry, a 46-year-old computer specialist, couldn't put down his arms because of the inflatable layer of skin. And after finishing the 6K, Parry said, "It was pretty hot, too." But he and others - including a Batman and Catwoman, a Green Giant and a skeleton - said the Halloween apparel added an element of silliness to the race, a fundraiser for the Gwynns Falls Trail Council.

THE COUNT Homicides since Jan. 1: 237 THE VICTIMS Police identified the victim of Thursday night's barbershop shooting in the 1100 block of W. Baltimore Street as Kevin Ware, 40, of the 800 block of W. Lexington St. He was an employee of the shop. Police identified the victim of Tuesday's fatal shooting as Montaz Askew, 20, of the 1600 block of Normal Ave., near Clifton Park. He lived in the same block as the shooting. Police said investigators still do not know the name of the man whose body was found about 6:30 a.m. Wednesday in the 3400 block of Winterbourne Road near Leakin Park.

City officials have assigned police officers to work security at recreational youth football games after an assault of a referee after a game last Saturday in South Baltimore. The referee was walking to his car after working a morning game at Southside Academy when several men attacked him, said Kia McLeod, a spokeswoman for the city Department of Recreation and Parks. The referee, who was not seriously injured, was unable to identify the assailants, and no charges have been filed, McLeod said.

Drug-resistant staph infects 5 at school in Anne Arundel Three students and two staff members at an Anne Arundel County high school have contracted a drug-resistant bacterial skin infection since classes began last month, district officials said this week. All of the five who developed staphylococcus, or staph, are athletes or work in the physical education and athletic departments at Severna Park High School, schools spokesman Bob Mosier said yesterday.

John Smith explored the Patapsco River here in his search for a passageway to the Pacific Ocean. The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad passed through here. Blacks fought against slavery and segregation here, and community members fought here against plans to run a highway through the trees and brush. All of these events happened on soil that is now part of the Gwynns Falls Trail, which winds along Gwynns Falls and up the Patapsco. At 15 miles, it is one of the nation's largest urban nature trails.

MARC station itself needs renovation The West Baltimore MARC station provides an exciting opportunity for transit-oriented development that can enhance surrounding communities, especially given the increased traffic to be drawn to Fort Meade and Aberdeen Proving Ground as a result of the new jobs created by the base realignment and closure process ("Revival hope rides on MARC rail stop," April 23).

ROLLICKING NICOLO Nicolo the Jester will present a rollicking evening of kid-friendly entertainment tonight at the Catonsville Library. Nicolo juggles, plays music, tells stories and presents physical gags, all with comedic flair. ....................... Nicolo performs at 7 tonight at the Catonsville Library, 1100 Frederick Road, Catonsville. The show is appropriate for all ages, but children younger than 6 must be accompanied by an adult. Call 410-887-0951. FREE O.C. THEN AND NOW If you visit Ocean City on New Year's Day, be sure to take a stroll through the holiday-decorated City Hall.

Baltimore Stabbing victim found in Leakin Park The body of an unidentified man was found over the weekend in Baltimore's Leakin Park - the victim of a stabbing, city police reported. A passing motorist spotted the body beside the road in the 4300 block of Franklintown Road shortly before noon Saturday, said Agent Donny Moses, a police spokesman. The victim had multiple stab wounds, he said. Moses said the body appeared to have been dragged, but it was not known how long he had been dead.