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The Baltimore Sun

Cheatham to stay on as head of local NAACP

Marvin "Doc" Cheatham, president of the Baltimore branch of the NAACP, said he has decided not to step down as head of the local organization because "there's just so much that needs to be done."

Cheatham, 56, announced last month that he was giving up the volunteer position, noting his frustrations with members of the branch's executive board and an overwhelming workload. But yesterday, Cheatham said that he is re-energized after taking a vacation, during which he attended the annual convention of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, held this year in Detroit.

"I have seen significant improvement of the involvement of my executive committee, but the largest thing that has influenced me is the response from the community," he said. "I was getting burned out trying to do too much. But now it looks like the community at large is very willing to help."

Cheatham said that with city elections this fall and a rising homicide count, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is needed more than ever.

Cheatham has served as president of the organization's Baltimore branch - one of the largest in the organization - since January 2005. During the convention last week, the chapter received several national NAACP awards.

Kelly Brewington

Harford County

: Bel Air

Crime-prevention grant is $201,866

A $201,866 state grant means Harford County can hire another prosecutor and crime analyst, provide additional substance abuse treatment, enhance community policing efforts and continue an after-school program in an at-risk area, officials said yesterday.

State and county officials announced the grant from the Governors Office on Crime Control and Prevention in front of the county courthouse on Main Street in Bel Air.

"This is a full-court press that touches five different aspects of life here," said County Executive David R. Craig.

Nearly $77,000 of the grant will pay the salary of a prosecutor dedicated to keeping Edgewood neighborhoods safe from crime and gangs, said Joseph I. Cassilly, Harford County state's attorney.

About $54,000 of the grant will enable the Harford County Sheriff's Office to hire a crime analyst to track patterns, gang movements and repeat offenders.

"We are moving from the patrol philosophy to fighting crime where it is," said Sheriff L. Jesse Bane.

For Dr. Andrew Bernstein, Harford County's health officer, $35,000 from the grant will mean a big difference to individuals undergoing drug rehabilitation. For every dollar spent on treatment, we save $7 to $12 on prison programs, he said. The remaining grant money will help establish community crime-fighting efforts and add tutors and counselors for the Riverside after-school program in Edgewood, officials said.

Mary Gail Hare

Joppa

Hit-and-run crash kills man on scooter

Maryland State Police were investigating a hit-and-run collision that killed a man riding a motor scooter yesterday morning in Joppa.

A black Chrysler 300 struck the scooter being ridden by Ellis George Spencer Jr., 53, about 5 a.m. on U.S. 40 near Joppa Road, authorities said. Spencer, who police said lived at a nearby motel, died several hours later at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air.

Witnesses told police that two males were in the Chrysler that struck Spencer and continued westbound on U.S. 40.

The witnesses reported the car had Michigan tag BHK6164, state police said. State police asked anyone with information to contact the Bel Air barracks at 410-838-4101.

Madison Park

Baltimore

: BCCC

Fall registration open until Aug. 25

Registration for fall classes at Baltimore City Community College is open until Aug. 25. The cost for the fall session, which begins Aug. 27, is $78 a credit.

Students may register in person at the college's Liberty and Harbor campuses; by phone, fax or mail; and on the college's Web site, www.bccc.edu. Information: 410-462-8300.

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