Changes at two stations were first reported yesterday at DCRTV (and we tweeted about them here.)

David Zurawik confirms both stories – Jennifer Gladstone is out at WBFF and WMAR has changed news directors yet again.

WJZ

A city police officer describes it as one of the worst things she’s ever seen. A pit bull was set on fire in Southwest Baltimore and no one was coming to to the dog’s aid.

[...]

A Baltimore City officer is credited with saving her.

[...]

Officer Teel and her partner were on their regular patrol in West Baltimore; when they got to Presberry Street, they saw a black cloud of smoke, which was coming from a burning dog.

[...]

Officers got no information from the neighborhood but some tell Eyewitness News the pit bull has been around before. The vet found puncture wounds, indicating a dog fight.

Caryn Tamber:

We’ve been following the story of Elizabeth Gilchrest for several months now. Gilchrest is the woman who accused her father, David Smith, of sexually abusing her when she was a child.

[...]

Now, WBAL is reporting that Elizabeth’s mother, Helen Smith, could lose her job as pastor of a Methodist church in Boonsboro because she did not fully and promptly disclose her husband’s guilty plea to the church. According to the report, David Smith has worked in the church’s music ministry, though not with children.

WBAL.com

A 70 year old bridge linking Baltimore and Howard counties is about to get a face lift that will result in detours and construction hassles for more than 2 years.

[...]

Bernard says the project will include construction of two temporary bridges next to the exiting bridge to carry traffic during the construction. And she says traffic engineers have concluded that the eastbound flow of traffic in the morning is heavier than the westbound flow in the afternoon, so eastbound traffic will always have two lanes available, while westbound travel will be limited to a single lane for several months.

[...]

Construction will begin in the fall of 2010.

Baltimore County release

Smith to Nominate Joanne Williams as Director of Aging
Williams Currently Serves as Deputy Director

Towson, Md. (May 27, 2009) — Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith is nominating Joanne Williams as the Director Meet Joanne Williams. of Aging in Baltimore County. If confirmed by the Baltimore County Council, Ms. Williams, will replace Arnold Eppel who recently resigned to become the Executive Director of Atrium Village in Owings Mills. Mr. Eppel’s last day in the County was this past Friday, May 22.

Part of Outstanding Team

“Joanne has been an important part of an outstanding team in Baltimore County’s Department of Aging,” said Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith. “I am delighted that she is willing to assume this new challenge. She is a wonderful addition to the County’s leadership team.”

“The Department of Aging does good work for seniors all around the County,” said Baltimore County Council Chair Joe Bartenfelder. “As deputy director, Ms. Williams is very aware of how the agency works, and I am always pleased when we are able to promote from within.”

Background

Ms. Williams was appointed deputy of the Department of Aging in January 2008. She has been directly involved in the management of the County’s senior centers, long-term care advocacy programs, and volunteer initiatives. She’s also worked on the agency’s publications. In her role as deputy, Joanne is directly involved in the department’s fiscal, budgetary, and human resource management. “I am both excited and honored to be given the opportunity to provide leadership to an award-winning Baltimore County agency,” said Williams. “I look forward to working with the many qualified and dedicated staff who work hard each and every day to meet the needs of older adults in this County.”

Best Wishes to Arnold Eppel

“I wish Arnold Eppel all the best in his future endeavors, and I know our Department of Aging is in good hands with Joanne at the helm,” concluded Smith.

The Baltimore County Council will hold a confirmation hearing at its regularly scheduled work session on June 30 at 3 p.m.