The family of a Marine reservist from Frederick said he has died of injuries suffered in an attack last week in Afghanistan, three days after a Towson Marine was killed there. Sgt. David Smith's cousin Ann Rudd told The Frederick News-Post that the 25-year-old Marine died Tuesday. The U.S. Department of Defense has not publicly announced the death. Rudd said military officials told the family that Smith was wounded in a bombing Saturday in Helmand province that killed at least two others from the Frederick-based 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Company B. She said Smith was a 2002 graduate of Frederick High School and a student at East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C.

- Associated Press

U.S. funds will help Balto. Co. eliminate lead hazardsA $4 million federal grant will help Baltimore County identify and eradicate lead hazards from hundreds of area homes, officials said. During the three-year term of the grant, the county expects to provide lead abatement measures to about 300 homeowners and landlords, as well as assessments, inspections, follow-up visits and educational programs for those dealing with lead paint issues in their residences. The county will also set up a registry of certified lead-free rental properties and train contractors in lead paint removal. The county's Office of Community Conservation will oversee the grant and partner with other government agencies, community organizations and churches in the effort, which is expected to cost about $8,000 per unit for the lead reduction work.

- Mary Gale Hare

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