May 2014 started with what Harford County emergency officials called "the worst storm event" in months. Up to 9 inches of rain fell in some areas in less than two days. Flash flooding and road closures happened all over the county. More than 30 sections of roads were closed by high water.
Exelon, owner of the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, planned an acquisition of Pepco Holdings and its Delmarva Power subsidiary. This would give Exelon control of the electric power market in Harford County and would establish the company as the county's largest taxpayer. Jim Richardson, economic development director for Harford County said: "My hope would be that we would see the number of programs for consumer green initiatives increase under Exelon leadership."
The Oakington Farm property, part of the former Millard E. Tydings estate near Havre de Grace, would soon be the home of a new therapeutic horseback riding facility. The new county parks and recreation building is expected to cost between $800,000 and $1 million according to Arden McClune Director of Parks and Recreation. A groundbreaking ceremony was held May 8.
Starbucks would move into the former Baltimore County Savings Bank in the Bel Air Plaza and include a drive-through window.
The cost of lunch in Harford County Public Schools would increase 10 cents during the 2014-15 school year to $2. The price of reduced lunch for eligible students would remain at 40 cents.
The Harford County Center for the Arts moved ahead with its plan to build a cultural arts center at the intersection of Route 24 and Wheel Road. The 41-acre wooded tract was gifted to the county by the estate of Emily Bayless Graham. According to a deal between the county and the Graham estate, the property must be used for cultural purposes by 2018 or it could be reverted back to the estate. By building this new facility, the Center for the Arts will provide a central location for the visual and performing arts.
The title of Harford's Most Beautiful Baby went to 18-month-old Caleb Williams, of Abingdon. The contest is an annual fundraiser for Harford Family House.
The Harford County Sheriff's Office announced its appointment of Edward Hopkins to the position of chief deputy. Hopkins is a retired lieutenant with the Harford County Sheriff's Office. He has been the sheriff's office chief spokesman for the last year and a half. Cristie Kahler would take over as chief spokesperson when Hopkins assumed his new role.
The Fallston boys lacrosse team won its third state championship in a row, beating North Carroll High School at UMBC.
A proposed townhouse development off of Red Pump Road, called Red Pump Crescent, drew complaints from neighbors during a community development meeting. The development would be on a narrow 10-acre parcel sandwiched between Cedarwood, Marywood and Blake's Legacy I and II about a mile east of Red Pump Elementary School.
Memorial Day ceremonies to honor those who died in the defense of our country were planned around Harford County in Aberdeen, Bel Air and Havre de Grace.
The first graduates of Harford County's Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences magnet program at North Harford High School would get their diplomas. Thirty-five boys and girls would be the first to graduate from the program that started four years ago.
Harford County Sheriff's Office tactical deputies shot to death Luis Arturo Hernandez Jr., 37, of Perry Hall, after he shot and wounded his estranged wife during a standoff with police at Cedar Lane Regional Park near Creswell. The shooting was later ruled justifiable by the county state's attorney.
Bruce Bitner's Cafe and Grill on Route 22 in Campus Hills closed its doors after 35 years in business, making way for J.D.'s Smokehouse.
The new fire engine themed play equipment at Annie's Playground was dedicated in memory of Kurt Mahlon Chenowith, a firefighter who died in a 2011 motorcycle accident.