Hello Towson,
“Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
— Fred Rogers
It’s been a difficult few days, from a shooting and gun-related arrests near Towson University to torrential rain and cancellations, followed by the diesel leak at the Baltimore County Detention Center.
Despite our mission to share “Good News From Towson,” we’d be remiss not to acknowledge these events. Despite some recent criticism we’ve received, we will continue to highlight “the good”, for example, the people working hard to solve our problems, the “helpers,” as Mr. Rogers called them.
Choosing not to deeply cover crime, politics and controversy doesn’t mean we’re pretending Towson doesn’t have problems. It means we believe there’s already plenty of media pointing them out.
The Torch exists to bring some balance to the collective media landscape by telling the stories that too often go untold: the people, businesses and organizations working every day to make Towson better.
There will always be critics covering what’s wrong with Towson.
We’ll keep covering the people working to make it great, but we can’t do it without your help. So please send us your stories and let us know how we can do better!
——
In this week’s Towson Torch:
Clean up efforts continue for diesel leak
The Towson Growth Summit Returns Today at Goucher
How to keep tabs on Towson crime yourself
Lots of Things to do in Towson this Weekend
Let’s get to it!
Feature
Clean Up Efforts Continue for Diesel Leak at Baltimore County Detention Center
Photo Courtesy of Baltimore County Government Facebook Page & Cal Bogman
A malfunctioning generator at the Baltimore County Detention Center in Towson leaked an estimated 2,100 gallons of diesel fuel, which entered the storm-drain system and reached Long Quarter Branch, a tributary of Loch Raven Reservoir. Crews have been containing and recovering the fuel. Baltimore County reports no impact to public drinking water or private wells, and air monitoring has identified no immediate public-health concerns.
County officials now estimate that approximately 2,100 gallons of diesel were released during the September 26 leak, significantly less than the initial estimate of 5,500 gallons. As of September 28, crews had recovered approximately 1,200 gallons, although officials caution that the difference does not represent a confirmed amount remaining in the waterway.
The fuel entered the storm-drain system and reached Long Quarter Branch, a tributary of Loch Raven Reservoir. Responders have observed a small amount of fuel and sheen near where the stream enters the reservoir and continue to assess and clean the area.
Crews are using containment and absorbent booms, cameras inside storm drains, drones and GIS mapping to track and recover the fuel.
As a precaution, residents and their pets should avoid any water showing a visible sheen or diesel odor while cleanup continues.
For more information, and answer to your questions, visit the FAQ page for updates
Thank you Cal Bogman and team for your efforts.
🛠️ Towson Growth Summit Takes on the Skilled Trades Today
at Goucher College - some tickets remain.
The Towson Growth Summit: Skilled Trades Edition will bring together leaders from Stanley Black & Decker, Whiting-Turner, Goucher College and the skilled-trades community to talk about the growing demand for skilled workers—and what businesses, educators and our community can do about it.
📅 Wednesday, September 30 | 4–7 PM
📍 Goucher College Athenaeum
🎟️ Tickets: $50
Come for the conversation and stay for the networking. We’re expecting a great mix of business leaders, employers, educators, workforce-development professionals and members of the trades—plus food from Fogo de Chão.
Crime Update
Multiple Arrests Made During Search Warrant in Towson Investigation
Towson, MD (September 29, 2026) -While conducting a search warrant in the 8000 block of York Rd, following the shooting that occurred on Sunday, detectives from the Baltimore County Police Violent Crimes Unit recovered several firearms from the apartment. As a result, fifteen adults and two juveniles have been charged with multiple weapons charges, including being a minor in possession of a firearm.
Read Full Post by Baltimore County Police Department
Towson/Baltimore County Crime data: Want to see the numbers yourself?
There is a lot of misinformation circulating around how Baltimore County reports crime, and the level of transparency that is available to the public. Baltimore County’s public NIBRS Crime Dashboard is the same platform used by Baltimore City, and it allows residents to explore reported crimes recorded by the Baltimore County Police Department, including the type of offense, when it occurred and the geographic area where it was reported. To analyze crime taking place in the greater Towson area, simply check and filter by zip codes 21204 and 21286, which do encapsulates all of Towson.
Join Towson University in celebrating the StarTUp at the Armory's fifth anniversary
Photo Courtsey of Towson University/StarTUp at the Armory
StarTUp at the Armory is celebrating five years on October 6 at 307 Washington Avenue in downtown Towson. Since opening, Towson University says the StarTUp has grown into one of Maryland’s largest entrepreneur-support organizations and a nationally recognized hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Read More on TU Events Page
Things to Do This Weekend (top picks)
☀️ What’s Happening Around Towson This Weekend
🥕 Towson Farmers Market
Time: 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Location: Allegheny Avenue & Washington Avenue, Uptown Towson
Details: Shop local produce, prepared foods, handmade goods and other products from area farmers and vendors.
More Details
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2
🍷 Free Friday Wine & Spirits Tasting
Time: Friday — check store for tasting hours
Location: Kenilworth Wine & Spirits, The Shops at Kenilworth, 800 Kenilworth Dr.
Details: Complimentary in-store tastings featuring selections from Kenilworth Wine & Spirits.
More Details
🪐 Planetarium: Messengers of Time and Space
Time: 6 p.m., 7 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Location: Towson University Planetarium, Science Complex, Room 2206
Details: A 29-minute journey through the universe and the work of the International Gemini Observatory. Recommended for ages 12+. The 7 and 8 p.m. shows are free and open to the public; guaranteed seating for the 6 p.m. show is available for $5. Free parking is available in the Glen Garage.
More Details
🍔 Kids Night
Time: 6–8 p.m.
Location: Barley’s Backyard, 408 York Rd.
Details: Kids crafts and complimentary dessert.
More Details
🍻 Friday Happy Hour + Power Hour
Time: Happy Hour 3–7 p.m. | Power Hour 5–6 p.m.
Location: Barley’s Backyard, 408 York Rd.
Details: Happy Hour food and drink specials, plus 2-for-1 drinks during Power Hour.
More Details
🍸 Friday Happy Hour at Towson Tavern
Time: 5–7 p.m.
Location: Towson Tavern, 516 York Rd.
Details: Half-price top-shelf cocktails, wines by the glass and beers.
More Details
🎤 Open Mic Night
Time: 6–d10 p.m.
Location: CVP Towson | Charles Village Pub & Patio | Sports Bar & Events, 19 W. Pennsylvania Ave.
Details: Live open mic night at one of Uptown Towson's longtime neighborhood bars.
More Details
🎸 The Overlook with Wild Flower, Milton J & Delaware Tea Company
Time: Doors 6:30 p.m.
Location: The Recher, 512 York Rd.
Details/Tickets:
Tickets & More Details
🔮 Practically Magic: A Witches Night Out
Time: Doors 6 p.m. | Trivia 7 p.m.
Location: The Point in Towson, 523 York Rd.
Details: Tarot readings, tiny tattoos, witchy trivia, cocktails, food specials and a build-your-own Potions Bar.
More Details
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3
🥂 Mean Girls Trivia Brunch
Time: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Location: The Point in Towson, 523 York Rd.
Details: Mean Girls trivia, themed cocktails, brunch specials, prizes and tiny tattoos.
Tickets & More Details
🎶 Reggae & Ska Fest
Time: Noon–11:30 p.m. | Doors 11:30 a.m.
Location: The Recher, 512 York Rd.
Details: Culture featuring Kanyatta Hill, John Brown's Body, The Pietasters, Jah Works, The Players Band and more. $25 advance/$30 door.
Tickets & Full Lineup
🎤 Saturday Night Karaoke
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: CVP Towson | Charles Village Pub & Patio | Sports Bar & Events, 19 W. Pennsylvania Ave.
Details: CVP's weekly Saturday-night karaoke.
More Details
🎧 Noir Nights: Slow Jam Saturday
Time: 10 p.m.–2 a.m.
Location: Noir Lounge, 5716 York Rd.
Details: Late-night R&B/slow-jam party. Tickets from $15.
Tickets & More Details
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3–4
🍳 Weekend Brunch at CVP
Time: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Location: CVP Towson | Charles Village Pub & Patio | Sports Bar & Events, 19 W. Pennsylvania Ave.
Details: Saturday and Sunday weekend brunch.
Menu & Details
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4
🍳 Sunday Brunch at The Point
Time: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Location: The Point in Towson, 523 York Rd.
Details: Sunday brunch at The Point.
More Details
🥂 Sunday Brunch at Towson Tavern
Time: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Location: Towson Tavern, 516 York Rd.
Details: Towson Tavern's weekly Sunday brunch. Dinner follows from 3–9 p.m.
More Details
FOOD
Towson High Grad Has Baltimore County Lining Up for His Barbecue
A Towson High School graduate is quickly becoming one of Baltimore County’s hottest names in barbecue.
Dyson Adams, the man behind Slicen Dyson, has turned a roadside barbecue stand at Joppa Road and Perring Parkway in Parkville into a weekend destination, with customers reportedly waiting more than an hour for brisket, beef ribs, pit beef and other smoked favorites.
But Adams’ story goes well beyond barbecue. The Towson High alum overcame a serious injury and a difficult period in his life before eventually discovering a passion for cooking and launching his business. Now, just a few miles from Towson, his Texas-inspired barbecue is drawing some serious attention.
- Read full story on Banner (may require subscription)
SPORTS
Towson High names athletic field after teacher, coach Randy Dase
Photo courtesy Towson High School Alumni Association,
Towson High School officially named its new athletic field Randy Dase Field, honoring a man whose connection to the school spans more than half a century. Dase graduated from Towson High in 1972, returned as a teacher and coach in 1977, taught social studies for 43 years and coached an incredible 97 seasons, helping lead the Generals to 10 state championships. More than 400 students, alumni and staff gathered for the dedication.
For Towson, it’s a fitting tribute to a teacher and coach whose influence extends far beyond wins and losses. - Read Article on Baltimore Fishbowl
REST IN PEACE COCO
Condolences to the Wagner Family for the loss of their faithful companion, Coco.
☀️ Towson Weekend Weather: A Taste of Fall
Towson gets a little bit of everything this weekend.
Friday looks like the winner, with mostly sunny skies and a surprisingly warm high around 85°. Perfect weather for getting outside or grabbing dinner around town.
Saturday brings a noticeable change, with temperatures dropping to around 72° and clouds increasing. There’s about a 40% chance of showers later in the day.
Sunday looks cooler and wetter, with showers likely and temperatures topping out around 68°.
Bottom line: Enjoy Friday while you can. Keep the umbrella handy Saturday, and Sunday may be a good day for football and takeout. ☔🍂
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