Home Care In Nottingham, MD

WINDSOR MILL, MD—Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman joined a host of state and local officials this week to celebrate the ribbon-cutting for the Maryland Office of the Comptroller’s new Baltimore County Branch Office in Windsor Mill. The move from the former Towson location, which had served taxpayers for over three decades, is a key step in the agency’s mission to modernize government services and improve tax assistance accessibility across the state.

The new office officially opened its doors to the public on October 20, replacing the old facility with a location specifically chosen for enhanced taxpayer convenience. Key features of the Windsor Mill office include:

“This relocation is more than a new address,” said Comptroller Lierman. “We are advancing equitable tax administration by making our services more accessible, providing modern spaces for our team members and customers, and building a stronger connection with the people of Baltimore County.”

Community and State Leaders Praise Move

The celebration included remarks from dignitaries such as Maryland Department of General Services Secretary Atif Chaudhry, Speaker Pro Tem Dana Stein, State Senator Charles Sydnor III, and Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier.

“I am elated to have a branch of the Comptroller’s office here in Western Baltimore County serving the citizens of Maryland,” shared Senator Sydnor, noting the geographic convenience for the community.

County Executive Klausmeier emphasized the benefit of having a modern resource for tax assistance. “Residents deserve a space where they can consult with experts, get advice, and seek help with their taxes,” she said.

The new office is located at Executive Park West, and a representative from the property owner, David S. Brown Enterprises, LTD, highlighted the location’s superior accessibility and professional setting.

Focus on Modernization and In-Person Service

Comptroller Lierman’s initiative reflects a broader effort to provide a modern and welcoming space for constituents. The agency reports that more than 112,568 taxpayers have visited its 11 branch offices across the state so far in 2025, alongside over 3,600 virtual assists, underscoring the demand for both in-person and digital services.

“By investing in these new facilities, we are meeting people where they are, improving accessibility, and strengthening the relationships that make our agency a trusted resource for Maryland families and businesses,” Lierman added.

The Office of the Comptroller plans to continue its modernization efforts with three additional office relocations scheduled for 2026.

The Windsor Mill Branch Office and all other branch offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Services Available Without an Appointment:

All other services require an appointment, which can be made online by visiting the Comptroller’s website at https://www.marylandcomptroller.gov.

BALTIMORE, MD—The national average price of gasoline is nearing the $2.99 per gallon mark, a threshold not sustained in years, as domestic prices drop sharply and global oil markets react to renewed trade war concerns.

According to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 12 million price reports, the U.S. average price for regular gasoline has fallen 6.4 cents in the last week to $3.02 per gallon as of October 13, 2025. This average is down nearly 14 cents from a month ago and is lower than the price one year ago.

“Americans appear to be on the cusp of seeing the national average drop below $3 per gallon and potentially stay there for the first time in years,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

Trade Tensions Drive Oil Price Drop

The primary catalyst for the falling pump prices has been a dramatic plunge in the crude oil market. Late last week, WTI crude oil dropped below $60 per barrel after President Trump threatened China with new, crippling tariffs over rare earth exports. The move sent shockwaves through global markets, leading to a stock market selloff and fears of a new trade war that would curb oil demand.

While WTI crude was up slightly in early Monday trade to $59.49, it remains significantly lower than its $61.85 level from the previous Monday.

“Rising trade tensions between the U.S. and China, with fears it could weigh on oil demand growth in the top two oil consumers, has weighed on oil prices,” noted Giovanni Staunovo, a UBS commodities analyst. In addition, continued production increases from the OPEC+ alliance are adding more supply to a weakening market.

Consumer Relief and Regional Trends

For American consumers, the declining prices mean a significant financial boost. GasBuddy noted that, with rising wages and falling gas prices, Americans are spending the smallest share of their paycheck on gasoline in many years. The most common price encountered by motorists nationwide is now $2.79 per gallon.

Regional prices show a sharp contrast, however:

The biggest weekly price drops occurred in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. Petroleum supplies remain generally tight for both gasoline and diesel, but the recent oil market turbulence is outweighing these inventory concerns.

A GasBuddy analyst discusses oil market factors and the outlook for falling pump prices in this video about US gas prices falling below $3 per gallon.

In and around the Nottingham area, the cheapest gas this week could be found at these locations…

Photo via Pixabay

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Transportation’s Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has released its service schedule for the Columbus Day holiday on Monday, October 13, 2025. While the majority of local services will operate as usual, commuters relying on the MARC Train and Commuter Bus are advised to check reduced schedules.

Local Transit Maintains Regular Service

Riders utilizing the core transit lines will find schedules unchanged. The following services will operate on their regular weekday schedule:

MobilityLink customers with standing rides or subscription trips will have their reservations automatically honored. However, the MTA urges customers who do not need their scheduled trip to call the Mobility Call Center at 410-764-8181 to cancel for Monday, October 13th.

MARC and Commuter Bus Operating on Reduced Schedules Commuters who depend on regional and long-distance routes should prepare for modified service:

Office and Information Closures

Several administrative and customer service offices will be closed for the holiday:

The Mobility Call Center will maintain regular hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for next-day and future ride reservations. The Transit Information Contact Center will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The MTA encourages all passengers to visit the official website at mta.maryland.gov for the latest schedules and information. Customers can also call the Transit Information Contact Center Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 410-539-5000 (TTY 410-539-3497).

Baltimore County Government

Baltimore County government offices are closed on Monday, October 13th. All branches of the Baltimore County Public Library and all County senior centers will be closed and CountyRide service will not operate on the holiday.

Towson Loop service will operate as scheduled, parking meters must be fed, and Baltimore County Revenue Authority parking garages will remain open.

Trash and recyclables will be collected according to the normal schedule. County trash and recycling drop-off facilities will be open.

All Maryland MVA offices and VEIP stations are closed on Monday.

For more information, residents should call 410-887-2000.

Image via MTA

PARKTON, MD—Baltimore County has officially celebrated the completion of its first major ground-mounted solar project, transforming the 213-acre closed Parkton Landfill into a clean energy production site. The initiative marks a significant step in the County government’s sustainability plan, promising to slash long-term electricity costs and reduce carbon emissions.

County Executive Kathy Klausmeier highlighted the dual benefits of the project. “This project shows how Baltimore County can turn yesterday’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities,” Klausmeier stated. “We are cutting costs for taxpayers and making investments that benefit our communities for decades.”

Cost Savings and Carbon Reduction

The massive seven-megawatt system, featuring 15,000 ballasted solar panels, is expected to generate 8,220,710 kilowatt-hours of electricity in its first year. This clean power will account for approximately 11 percent of the County government’s annual electricity consumption.

The financial benefits are locked in through a 25-year Power-Purchase Agreement (PPA) with TotalEnergies, the system’s owner and operator. This agreement secures a reduced electricity rate of 14-cents per kilowatt hour for the County, insulating taxpayers from future escalating energy costs.

The environmental impact is equally significant. According to the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator, the solar generation is expected to reduce the equivalent GHG emissions of:

Repurposing Brownfield Land

The project demonstrates a successful strategy of repurposing unproductive land. Greg Strella, Baltimore County’s Chief Sustainability Officer, noted the importance of the investment. “Adding another large source of solar electricity to power our County’s facilities reflects our community’s values of making smart investments that take care of the health of our community and environment,” said Strella.

Eric Potts, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Distributed Generation USA, echoed this sentiment. “This installation is a powerful example of transforming underutilized assets into productive resources, further demonstrating how it is possible to achieve both significant cost savings and ambitious sustainability goals for the County,” he said.

Looking ahead, the County projects an even greater shift toward renewable energy. Upon the anticipated completion of a second ground-mounted solar project at the Hernwood Landfill by 2028, the County expects to generate clean power equivalent to 55% of its total electricity production.

Photo via Clean Green Baltimore County

ANNAPOLIS, Md.—The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (SHA), in partnership with the Maryland Department of Agriculture and the Maryland Farm Bureau, is strongly reminding motorists to share the road safely as the fall harvest season ramps up across the state. With more than 12,000 working farms in Maryland, drivers in rural areas should expect to encounter large, slow-moving farm equipment through November.

The call for caution comes with sobering statistics: from 2020 to 2024, there were more than 235 crashes involving farm equipment on Maryland roads.

Heightened Risk as Days Shorten

State Highway Administrator Will Pines emphasized the importance of driver awareness during this crucial agricultural period. “With days getting shorter and farmers harvesting their crops for the season, it is especially important for drivers to use extra caution for farm equipment,” said Pines. “We are serious about safety – for all highway users, including those operating farm equipment.”

The months of September through November are when heavy equipment, such as combines, is most frequently traveling on public roadways. Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin M. Atticks noted that October is the core of the harvest season. “Expect slow-moving farm equipment on roads,” Atticks stated. “Drive with caution, slow down, maintain safe distances, and only pass when safe. Your vigilance ensures safety for both farmers and drivers, supporting a successful harvest.”

Safety Tips for Encountering Farm Vehicles

Officials are asking drivers to recognize that while farm operators may pull over to allow traffic to pass, they cannot always do so immediately or on every shoulder. Maryland Farm Bureau President Jamie Raley stressed the need for motorist support. “Our farmers work hard in order to sustain our state, so let’s support them by keeping them safe while they do their job,” Raley said.

The SHA issued specific tips to help ensure safety for everyone:

Drivers should ensure they leave additional travel time for trips on rural roads, understanding that these safety measures are vital to protecting the state’s agriculture industry and preventing serious accidents.