Howard County police increased patrols in the neighborhood around Atholton High School in Columbia yesterday after a 15-year-old girl reported that a man followed her Thursday as she walked home from the school.

The man tried to get her attention by whispering to her from his car in the area of Cedar Lane and Freetown Road about 2:30 p.m., police said.

The man got out of the car and gestured for her to get in the back seat, police said. The girl continued walking to her house on a nearby street, and the man left, police said.

His car is described as an older model, white, four-door vehicle with silver trim on the side.

Anyone with information is asked to call 410-313-3200.

JUNE ARNEY

Harford County

: White Hall

Firefighters battle barn, silo blaze

About 40 firefighters from Harford and Baltimore counties and York County, Pa. responded yesterday to a fire in an empty barn and grain silo in White Hall.

No injuries were reported, said Dave Williams, spokesman for the Harford County Fire and Emergency Services.

The fire started inside the barn, in the 2900 block of W. Church Lane in White Hall.

Firefighters responded about noon and left the scene about 3:30 p.m., Williams said.

Baltimore

: Nonprofits

Family Tree names trustee head

The Family Tree, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing child abuse, has named Douglas W. Brinkley as president of its board of directors.

Brinkley, who has served on the board of directors for six years, most recently as vice president, is a senior vice president and principal at Colliers Pinkard, a real estate firm. Brinkley said he was honored to be named president.

"Of the many challenges our communities face, there are few as crucial as protecting our children," he said in a written statement.

The Family Tree also announced the election of Sarah Woods as the board's vice president, Bruce C. McEntee, as its treasurer, and Thomas A. Hauser as secretary.

Pratt Library

Keillor to read from new novel

Garrison Keillor, host of National Public Radio's A Prairie Home Companion, is set to appear at 6 p.m. tomorrow at the Enoch Pratt Free Library's main hall, 400 Cathedral St.

Keillor will read from and discuss his new Lake Wobegon novel, Pontoon, as part of the Pratt's Writers LIVE! Series.

Information: www.pratt library.org.