In Baltimore City
2 teens charged in robbery, knifing of Wendell Rawlings
Two 15-year-olds are charged in the robbery and stabbing of Wendell P. Rawlings, a newly elected city Democratic Central Committee member, police said yesterday.
Charles Allen of the 4900 block of Lanier Ave. and Stephon Nicholson of the 2500 block of Ruscombe Lane are charged as adults with attempted murder, robbery, possession of a deadly weapon and assault, police said. Both were being held at Central Booking and Intake Center yesterday.
One of Rawlings' attackers Friday night had a BB gun and the other a knife, police said.
Police said Rawlings, 31, was stabbed in the neck and lower back before his car was taken. Rawlings was on the outside landing at the North Baltimore condominium of his sister, City Council Vice President Stephanie C. Rawlings Blake. Rawlings, a mechanical engineer who lives in Reservoir Hill and the son of Del. Howard P. Rawlings, was released from the hospital Monday.
Board of Public Works OKs $2.8 million for city parks
The state Board of Public Works approved $2.8 million yesterday for Baltimore parks. The funds come from the state Department of Natural Resources' Program Open Space.
The largest portion of the funding, $680,000, will be used to redesign the Clifton Park Softball Complex, which has not had a face lift in more than 40 years.
The money also will help hire security officers for the Gwynns Falls Trail, renovate the Patterson Park pool, repair playgrounds, tennis courts and basketball courts, add air conditioning to two recreation centers and create a master plan for the parks system.
Prosecutor gets funds to hire witness protection employee
The Board of Estimates approved $29,805 yesterday for a coordinator to assist witness protection services in the state's attorney's office.
The office has one witness security coordinator and sought funding for a second to help manage the program, which provides temporary housing and moving expenses to witnesses considered in danger.
Mayor Martin O'Malley agreed to provide funding for the post in a meeting in July meant to call a truce with State's Attorney Patricia C. Jessamy. The meeting followed a week of insult swapping between O'Malley and Jessamy, which began when the mayor criticized prosecutors and a city District Court judge for allowing a man charged in the shooting of a 10-year-old boy to be released on $35,000 bail. The defendant, Perry Spain, 19, returned to his home in the same neighborhood as the child.
Lexington Market marks end of $4.2 million face lift
Lexington Market marked the completion of its 14-month, $4.2 million renovation with a celebration yesterday that included food, music, carolers and magicians.
Hundreds of business, civic and community leaders - including Mayor Martin O'Malley - turned out for the celebration at the 220-year-old market, which had undergone a face lift as part of the city's west-side revitalization initiative.
Built in 1782, the market at 400 W. Lexington St. has undergone many changes since being rebuilt after a six-alarm fire in 1949. Current renovations include signage and architectural enhancements, new lighting, larger transparent windows, and expanded storefronts and retail displays.
In Baltimore County
Officials investigate cause of fire that ruins townhouse
REISTERSTOWN - A fire destroyed a multifamily townhouse in the first block of Ewing Drive yesterday afternoon, sending three families to temporary housing, fire officials said.
Flames had engulfed both stories of the four-unit residence and were shooting through the roof when firefighters arrived about 2 p.m., said Capt. Glenn A. Blackwell, a Fire Department spokesman. It took 40 firefighters a half-hour to control the blaze, he said. No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Land-use planner to discuss future of older communities
TOWSON - Randall Arendt, a land-use planner, author and lecturer, will discuss how older communities can be developed without destroying their character from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. today.
Arendt is the author of more than 20 publications and will draw extensively on his most recent work, Crossroads, Hamlet, Village, Town: Design Characteristics of Traditional Neighborhoods, Old and New, at the presentation tonight. He also will provide examples of successful urban and suburban projects.
Arendt will appear in Room 407 of the County Circuit Courts Building, 401 Bosley Ave. The public is invited. Information: 410-887-3211.
Mount de Sales Academy schedules bazaar, dinner
CATONSVILLE - The Parents Club of Mount de Sales Academy will hold its annual Christmas bazaar and spaghetti dinner from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday at the school, 700 Academy Road.
The bazaar will feature handmade crafts, baked goods, a silent auction, a Santa's secret shop and holiday music by student performers.
Tickets are $8; $7 for senior citizens; and $5 for children ages 6 to 12. Family tickets are available for $30. Information: 410- 750-7964 or 410-744-8651.