Top 5: Centrowitz' New Kicks, New Executive, and 19 Writers Honored

1. Laura Neuman Named Anne Arundel County Executive

Laura Neuman, who wasselected to be the new county executive, was greeted with a rush of applause moments after she received a majority vote Thursday from the Anne Arundel County Council. Neuman, 46, is a native of Anne Arundel County and the CEO of the Howard County Economic Development Authority. 

2. Hallmark Store Owner Saw 'the End Coming' Before Closing

After more than 25 years, the Bay Hills Card and Gift Hallmark store in Arnold will close its doors at the end of February. It's the end of an era for store owner Brad McCormack, who has been working at the business since the 1980s, inheriting it from his father, Fred, who had worked for Hallmark since after Vietnam.

3. BHS Boys Place Second in Regional Swim Championship

The Broadneck High School boys swim team tallied 292 points to place second at the 4A/3A East Region Swim Championships this past weekend. The girls team placed fifth with 240 points. Severna Park High School won both titles with the boys scoring 330 points and the girls, 296.

4. Local Olympian Centrowitz Gets Personalized Nike Shoe

Former Broadneck High runner Matthew Centrowitz had a Nike shoe designed for him at his most recent race in New York. At the 106th Millrose Games in New York City on Saturday, Centrowitz beat his own record, and placed second in breaking Bernard Lagat's Wanamaker mile record, with a time of 3:51.34, according to the New York Daily News.

5. 19 Broadneck Students Recognized for Writing Talents

Nineteen students from Broadneck-area schools were awarded for strong writing skills. The Anne Arundel County Reading Council recognized 54 students for their talents as storytellers, poets and essayists. The council received more than 1,000 entries. The 22 first- and second-place entries will go on to be judged at the state level.