Early Voting takes place beginning Thursday, October 24, 2024 through Thursday, October 31, 2024. Voting will take place between 7AM to 8PM everyday during the voting period. Residents in Russett, Fieldstone, Watershed, Maryland City, Laurel Highlands, and Bacontown can choose from the following Early Voting locations: Odenton Library 1325 Annapolis Road Odenton, MD 21113 Severn Center 1160 Reece Road Severn, MD 21144.

FirstTeam, in partnership with Campus Life Military, is sponsoring a FREE college and internship huddle for parents and students attending Meade High School. The event will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2025 from 10AM to 2PM. This early college awareness event is intended to give parents key information about college admissions and scholarships. Invited partners for the event include: University of Maryland College Park Anne Arundel County Community College Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) Loyola University Anne Arundel County Workforce Development Space is limited and parents are encouraged to register online asap at at www.First-Team.org .  The college and internship huddle will take place at The Hotel at Arundel Preserve in Hanover, MD. Other key sponsors for this event include the Harvard Club of Maryland and Coca-Cola.

Make your donation today at www.first-team.org Mentoring initiative mobilizes veterans to help Meade High School students balance teamwork, discipline, and personal growth.

The Meade High School Men's basketball program rallied from a six point deficit with two minutes left on the clock to beat North County High school 62-60 for the district championship. Sophomore point guard Keon Scott led the Mustangs in scoring with 25 points while his teammate Ashton Turman added in an additional 14 points. The win by the Mustangs was their 18th consecutive win and they finish the regular season with a 20-3 record. Meade will open up the Regional Playoffs on March 4, 2025 against the 5-15 Crofton Cardinals.

Meade High School continued its dominant run, extending its impressive 21-game winning streak with a commanding 72-49 victory over Leonardtown in the 4A playoffs. The Mustangs have been on a tear, outscoring their last two opponents—including a statement win over rival Glen Burnie—by a combined margin of 156-98. Senior point guard Ashton Turman led the charge against Leonardtown, delivering a standout performance with six three-pointers and a game-high 26 points. His sharpshooting and leadership propelled Meade to yet another postseason win. With the win, Meade advances to the state semifinals, where they will face Laurel High School on Wednesday, March 12. This marks the program’s fourth Final Four appearance in the last five seasons, solidifying its reputation as a powerhouse in Maryland high school basketball.

Lorraine Lee didn’t just open a sandwich shop—she built a testament to faith, perseverance, and legacy. As the owner of Jersey Mike’s Subs in Laurel, Maryland, Lee’s journey from growing up in Baltimore’s tough neighborhoods to becoming a successful franchisee is a story of grit and vision. “It’s never been easy for me,” Lee says, reflecting on her path. “But I’ve always found a way through my faith. That’s why my company is named Isaiah 41:10 . Faith and determination have carried me to this point.” For Lee, entrepreneurship wasn’t something she saw around her as a child. Franchises, business ownership, and financial independence were concepts that felt worlds away. But she dared to believe she could change that narrative—not just for herself, but for her family. “I grew up in poverty, but I wanted something different,” she explains. “I wanted to create wealth and a legacy. Today, my son manages at my store. That’s more than business—that’s breaking cycles, that’s showing my family what’s possible.” Getting a Jersey Mike’s franchise wasn’t guaranteed. Each year, only a limited number are awarded, and competition is steep. Lee knew she had to stand out. “I went into that meeting ready to talk about how hard I work, the challenges I’ve overcome, and how much I value giving back to the community. I had to fight for the opportunity, but I also had to prove I could be the right partner for Jersey Mike’s. If I can do it, so can you.” Lee noted that being a franchise owner requires her to work long hours but she added that she finds the experience rewarding. That philosophy of giving back is central to who Lee is as a leader. Beyond running a successful business, she invests in her community, mentoring teens and sharing her story as living proof that resilience and faith can open doors once thought closed. Recently, she spoke at Meade High School as part of a Campus Life and FirstTeam program, encouraging students to believe in their potential. For Lee, success isn’t just about selling subs—it’s about creating opportunity, inspiring change, and building a foundation for the next generation. Lee ended her time with the teens by offering them the opportunity to apply for a job at her restaurant. "Hey, come prepared to work and to match my energy!," she added. Her Jersey Mike’s, located at 3569 Russett Green East, Laurel, MD 20724 , is more than a restaurant. It’s a daily reminder that perseverance, preparation, and purpose can transform lives.

Historic neighborhood, nestled in between Fieldstone and Russett, is celebrated during Black History Month. (Row 1: L-R) Lion King Drum Circle. Former Russett HOA Board Member Antonio Downing. (Row 2: L-R) Professor Natasha Wyatt provides a lecture on the history of Bacontown. (Row 3: L-R) County Council Chair Pete Smith. Fieldstone and Russett residents.

Arundel Community Development Services in partnership with Tunnel Vision and the Chase Your Dream Initiative is unveiling a new mural in the Bacontown community of Laurel. The basketball court mural is the vision of Comacell Brown and his partner Kyle Williams who is the president of Tunnel Vision. Brown, who has completed projects for the Washington Commanders and local governments, says that he hopes the mural can serve as a reminder of the rich history of Bacontown. "What I wanted to do was really be mindful of this community's history and pay homage to all of the descendants of slaves who have connections to this land and area. You'll see for example a nod to the church across the street. We incorporated Maria Bacon's initials in the mural. There is a nod to the famous shotgun house. So we've done a few things to help preserve the history of Maria Bacon and her family. I hope the community can appreciate that." The community got its name from Bacon who was deeded the land after she was freed from slavery. Kyle Williams agrees about Bacontown's history and says that he has worked across the county with local leaders to preserve and create places for wellness and recreation. "I'm just happy that we have the support of County Executive Steuart Pittman. I've worked with Delegate Rogers, Councilman Pete Smith and Devin (Tucker) on these and other things across the community. I'm just glad that we can be a part of this and I hope that it will lead to other great things for Bacontown, Fieldstone, and Russett," said Williams. Devin Tucker says that the mural is a nice addition. "This started years ago with conversations with Rick Anthony who formerly served as director for Parks and Recreation. I think he understood the need for investments on this side of town near Fieldstone and Russett and worked to start some improvements. We got a ways to go but the mural is a great piece of public art and just a great effort by Comacell and Kyle." Both Brown and Williams will lead a ribbon cutting ceremony for the mural on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 11AM. The public is invited.

Air Force veteran Sarah McDermott beat her closest rival by nearly 30 points in the May Primary. McDermott also received endorsements from the majority of County leaders including Senator Jim Rosapepe, Senator Dawn Giles, Delegate Mike Rogers, Delegate Joseline Pena-Melnyk, Delegate Mary Lehman, County Council Chair Pete Smith, former School Board Member Drake Smith, John Dove, and Ashley Sharp. McDermott also received a key endorsement from the African American Democrats of Anne Arundel County which covers Russett, Seven Oaks, Piney Orchard, Gambrills, Two Rivers, Odenton, and Crofton. McDermott is the only candidate currently working to elect Kamala Harris and Angela Alsobrooks as a sitting member of the Democratic Central Committee.

October 19, 2024 Health Fair at Laurel Race Track hosted nearly 30 organizations supporting the needs of greater Laurel residents.

One in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have been victims of domestic violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime, according to recent statistics . And, in the state of Maryland, 1 out of every 5 adult women, or about 457,000 adult women, have been the victim of rape sometime in her lifetime. RESOURCES: Anne Arundel County Crisis Warmline is a service that provides Anne Arundel County Residents in crisis with supportive assistance and linkages to resources within the community at 410-768-5522, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. YWCA Hotline in Anne Arundel County is a safe and secure connection to a trained advocate to assist with the social, emotional, residential and resource needs of individuals who are victims of domestic violence. For assistance, contact the domestic violence hotline can be reached at 410-222-6800.