Community news reporter

Marissa Yelenik

Marissa Yelenik is a community news reporter covering Carroll County. Marissa was hired as an intern in September and worked with the regional team covering Howard and Carroll counties. Previously, she reported on national news as an intern at U.S. News and World Report. Marissa graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in May 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and psychology. Contact her at myelenik@baltsun.com.

Large STOP MPRP signs along Route 31 between Frederick County line and Route 140 in Westminster. This is driving southwest on Route 31 at Route 407. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff)

MPRP state approval schedule released, pushing project completion into 2029

August 31, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

The Maryland Public Service Commission approved a new schedule for the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project, setting a July 2027 target for final approval and potentially pushing completion into 2029.

Paul Donati receives his primary ballot from an election judge at Westminster Senior Center, one of three early voting centers in Carroll County, on June 15. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff)

Gordon, Kiler lead Carroll commissioner fundraising as Foelber gains

August 28, 2026 at 2:37 p.m.

Candidates report contributions from political groups, elected officials and local businesses in their latest state filings.

The Board of Carroll County Commissioners.

Carroll commissioners face Oct. 1 deadline on zoning changes

August 29, 2026 at 9:30 p.m.

County officials are considering zoning changes for cluster subdivisions and age-restricted housing while updating local rules for accessory dwelling units to comply with state law.

Anthony Birdsong, a store owner at the Westminster Mall, is accused in a suit of defamation and battery in connection with a Dec. 17, 2024, incident at the mall. Birdsong had previously been acquitted of criminal charges of assault in the case. (Brendan Nordstrom/Staff)

Carroll County judge dismisses defamation suit from man acquitted of slapping teen

August 25, 2026 at 6:15 p.m.

A judge dismissed a defamation lawsuit accusing State’s Attorney Haven Shoemaker, Special Counsel Allan Culver and Community Education Liaison Timothy Weber of portraying Anthony Birdsong as guilty after his acquittal.

A feature of the new vest is a "drag handle" located at top of vest above "Sheriff." Carroll County Sheriff's Office personnel will be wearing new vests that hold their equipment instead of utility belts. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff)

Carroll detective warns scammers are getting ‘creative’ with emotional, urgent appeals

August 25, 2026 at 2:52 p.m.

A recent scam attempt using the names of real church members shows how scammers use emotional appeals and urgency to make fraudulent requests seem legitimate, Carroll County Detective Jason Ehrhart...

Koda is a 1-year-old Dutch shepherd joining the Carroll County Sheriff's Office as its newest K-9. (Carroll County Sheriff’s Office/Courtesy)

Meet Koda, the Carroll sheriff’s office’s newest K-9

August 24, 2026 at 4:04 p.m.

One of six K-9s with the sheriff’s office, Koda is trained in narcotics detection, tracking people, article searches and obedience. Koda is taking over for Lazar, a German shepherd who...

Lawrence Bouchat installs a birdhouse he constructed and donated to Hashawha Nature Center, with the help of Park Manager Dawn Harry, in Westminster on Thursday. (Brian Krista/Staff)

Hanover man gives birds a new place to nest, donates 50 handmade houses to Hashawha

August 25, 2026 at 4:47 p.m.

Lawrence Bouchat has spent the past five years turning lumber into handmade birdhouses, donating 50 new nesting boxes Thursday to Hashawha Environmental Center.

Large STOP MPRP signs along Route 31 between the Frederick County line and Route 140 in Westminster. This is while driving northeast toward Westminster at Medford Road. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff)

Federal judge rules Carroll County cannot block PSEG from conducting surveys

August 21, 2026 at 3:01 p.m.

A federal judge ruled PSEG may access land under Carroll County conservation easements to conduct surveys for the proposed Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project.

Hampstead resident Katie Price, photographed with registered nurse Melodi Vest at UM Upper Chesapeake Medical Center Bel Air. Price survived a near-fatal case of septic shock last year. Now, she's using that experience to raise awareness and help others recognize the warning signs. Price received lifesaving care at the UM Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air, and later advocated for a Sepsis Awareness Month proclamation from the state of Maryland. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff)

A 2nd chance: Hampstead woman turns ‘miracle’ sepsis survival into advocacy

August 20, 2026 at 11:40 a.m.

Since her recovery, Katie Price has worked to expand awareness through a state proclamation, educational resources and efforts to create an in-person support group.

Rendering of the proposed Village Square five-story mixed-use development from Shaeffer and Wimert avenues in Westminster. Rendering by Zavos Architecture+Design LLC for the Village Square LLC project, as found in City of Westminster Planning & Zoning Commission agenda packet from May 21. (Courtesy)

Westminster to hold public hearing on proposed 120-unit mixed-use development

August 18, 2026 at 5:39 p.m.

Westminster’s Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing Thursday on a zoning amendment for Village Square, a proposed 120-unit mixed-use development that would replace 32 existing apartments.

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