High Bills, Hot Potholes, and Olympic Pride! 🏅

Hey Laurel!

What a month it's been! Between the historic cold snap, the aftermath of endless snow, and watching one of our own compete on the world's biggest stage, Laurel has experienced it all. This week's news covers the challenges we're facing together—from rising utility costs to pothole-riddled streets—and the bright spots that remind us why this community is so special.

Let's dive into what's happening this week!

Laurel residents are feeling the financial squeeze as Baltimore Gas and Electric bills have spiked dramatically during this winter's extreme cold. BGE implemented rate increases on January 1, 2026, as part of a multi-year rate plan approved by the Maryland Public Service Commission in 2023, with the average residential electric bill increasing by $1.07 per month and natural gas bills rising by $2.65 per month. An additional "reconciliation" increase took effect February 1, adding 3.5 cents to gas rates and 0.1 cents to electric rates.

The timing couldn't be worse. The extreme cold temperatures in January and February forced residents to use significantly more energy to heat their homes, while the cost of that energy climbed simultaneously. For a residential gas customer using roughly 100 therms, the gas delivery charge alone is nearly $94 of a roughly $180 total bill—meaning residents pay more for delivery than for the actual gas. "How can they charge me more for delivery than what I used?" asked Baltimore resident Norma Schlein, echoing frustration heard across the region.

Maryland Office of People's Counsel David S. Lapp criticized the rate hikes, noting that since Exelon acquired BGE in 2012, gas distribution rates have more than tripled and electric rates have nearly doubled. BGE spokesperson Nick Alexopulos defended the increases, explaining they're necessary to maintain and upgrade Maryland's oldest gas system in the country. BGE has expanded its Customer Relief Fund with the United Way of Central Maryland to provide an additional $2.5 million in relief credits between $200 and $500 for eligible customers. The Office of People's Counsel advises customers to reduce energy use by lowering thermostats and weatherizing homes, and reminds residents that assistance programs are available through both OPC and BGE for those struggling with high bills.

The snow and ice may have melted, but they left behind a dangerous gift: potholes everywhere. Laurel's Department of Public Works has been working overtime to repair the damage, with Street Maintenance Supervisor Brian Bennett and his team filling and patching dozens of potholes throughout the city. "We have about fifty potholes we have our eyes on today," Bennett said last Thursday as crews tackled the problem.

The majority of the potholes measure approximately three feet by three feet with six inches in depth—relatively easy fixes using cold mix bags. However, some require more elaborate repairs with heavy machinery and specialized materials. The work is critical for public safety and preventing costly vehicle damage. "I know in the past I was driving and hit potholes, and it cost me lots of money to fix it," said Charles Jackson, one of many motorists grateful to see crews on the job. Mercedes-Benz owner Ali Wurie echoed the concern, noting that potholes can be especially damaging for vehicles with special tires and can cause alignment issues requiring expensive repairs.

Bennett said his team's mission is to keep everyone safe on Laurel's roads. The Department of Public Works plans to continue fixing potholes through this week and into next week, with as many as 100 potholes identified that need patching. The freeze-thaw cycle during winter creates perfect conditions for pothole formation—water seeps into cracks in the pavement, freezes and expands, then thaws and contracts, causing the pavement to break apart under the weight of traffic. Residents can report potholes by emailing [email protected] or calling 301-725-0088. Roads identified by route numbers are maintained by the Maryland State Highway Administration and should be reported to 410-841-1002.

Barbara and Martin Sosoo of Laurel are living every parent's dream—watching their son compete in the Winter Olympics. The proud couple traveled to Milano Cortina, Italy, to cheer on their son Bryan Sosoo as he represents Team USA in bobsled. Bryan's journey to the Olympics is nothing short of remarkable.

Born in Ghana and raised in Laurel, Bryan attended Reservoir High School where he was the Maryland state champion in the 55-meter dash and triple jump. He continued his track career at Monmouth University, setting the school record and winning three Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference indoor championships in the 60-meter dash with a time of 6.71 seconds. After graduating, he competed internationally in track and field for Ghana until 2024, when he made the switch to bobsled and joined the U.S. national team. His transition was lightning-fast—he made his IBSF World Cup debut just this season and earned a spot on the Olympic team for Milano Cortina 2026.

Bryan serves as a push athlete on the U.S. bobsled team, where his years of training in short-distance sprints and jumps translate perfectly to the sport's crucial opening seconds. Accelerating the sled as fast as possible in the first approximately 50 meters is vital to success, and Bryan's explosive speed makes him ideally suited for the role. His rapid rise to the Olympics—making the team in under two years—is considered nearly impossible in a sport where athletes often train for many years before reaching the Olympic level. For the Sosoo family, watching Bryan represent the United States on the world's biggest stage is a moment of immense pride and a testament to his dedication, athleticism, and willingness to take on new challenges.

The Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services (LARS) food pantry is facing a critical shortage and needs the community's support. The pantry's shelves are bare due to the increased number of people seeking assistance, and Pantry Director Shannon Mouton is making an urgent appeal for donations of basic items.

"We need the community's support right now, especially because the food pantry shelves are a little bare. And we are looking for basics like flour, canned vegetables and canned meat," Mouton explained. The pantry desperately needs breakfast food, rice, milk, and other staples to serve Greater Laurel residents. Ross Hughes, one of thousands who depend on LARS, experienced homelessness for twelve years and knows firsthand how critical the pantry's services are. "Everybody needs food, you can't fight that, and with the economy the way it is, we can barely buy food," Hughes said.

The timing of the shortage is particularly challenging given the economic pressures many families face, including the high utility bills discussed above and ongoing inflation. LARS serves Laurel residents in zip codes 20707, 20708, 20723, and 20724, providing essential food assistance through scheduled appointments and walk-in hours Tuesday through Thursday from 9 AM to 2 PM (arrivals before 1:30 PM). Residents can schedule appointments by calling 301-776-0442. Donations can be dropped off at LARS, 309 Laurel Ave, Laurel, MD 20707. Community support during this shortage will help ensure that families in need continue to have access to nutritious food during these difficult economic times.

A family-owned Caribbean catering company and event venue is marking a milestone—more than five years of serving authentic Haitian cuisine and creating memorable celebrations in Greater Laurel. Owned and operated by Chef Marie Miriame Michel and Jon "Brotha" Michel, Chez Yiamme opened its doors in June 2020 at 347 Main Street in Laurel and has become one of the area's most beloved destinations for special occasions.

The name "Chez Yiamme" translates to "home of Yiamme," reflecting the executive chef's nickname and the couple's vision of creating a place where people gather, enjoy delicious meals, and feel like family. "Caribbean cuisine is deeply personal to us. It carries the stories, resilience and joy of our Haitian culture," Chef Marie Miriame Michel told Patch. The restaurant specializes in authentic Caribbean dishes inspired by Haiti's culinary heritage, with client favorites including djondjon rice, soup joumou, Haitian jerk chicken, griot with pikliz and fried plantains, snapper fillet, red beans and rice, and macaroni gratine (creamy baked pasta).

The Michels recently expanded to a new location in historic Laurel, allowing them to better serve their growing clientele with a versatile event space that accommodates up to 120 guests. The venue includes tables, food display stations, a mobile bar station, and in-house sound equipment, perfect for birthday celebrations, baby showers, bridal showers, wedding receptions, networking events, repasts, art expos, anniversaries, community gatherings, and intimate cultural events. Beyond serving exceptional food, Chez Yiamme gives back through community collaborations and philanthropic efforts with the Jean Joseph Darbouze Foundation, which supports programs benefiting underserved families in the United States and Haiti. As they look toward the future, the Michels plan to expand their catering reach, host more curated cultural events, and strengthen their presence as a go-to destination for special occasions throughout the DMV.

This week's photo comes from Laurel resident Andrew Klank, who captured this image of a frozen Laurel Lake where some idiot put a shopping cart out in the middle of the lake. Even during a deep freeze, Laurel finds ways to keep things interesting! If you've got photos of Laurel that capture what you love about our community, tag us on Instagram @ilovelaurel or email them to [email protected]!

Looking for something to do this week? Here are some great events happening in Greater Laurel:

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

AI for Parents WORKSHOP 📅 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM 📍 Keller Williams Realty Centre, 8825 Stanford Blvd, Ste. 300, Columbia, MD 21045 | Learn how to help your kids navigate AI and ChatGPT safely and effectively.

LARS Fundraiser @ Olive on Main 📅 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM 📍 Olive on Main, 504 Main St, Laurel, MD 20707 | Support the LARS food pantry while enjoying delicious food at Olive on Main.

Thursday, February 26, 2026

Lunch Business Networking @ Acapulco Restaurant & Grill 📅 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM 📍 Acapulco Restaurant & Grill, 643 Main St, Laurel, MD 20707 | Connect with local business professionals over lunch and build your network.

Saturday, February 28, 2026

Teen Trip: Snowtubing Adventure 📅 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM 📍 Robert J. DiPietro Community Center, 301 8th St, Laurel, MD 20707 | Departs from Robert J. DiPietro Community Center. Teens can enjoy an exciting day of snowtubing—sign up early as spots fill fast!

Sunday, March 1, 2026

Give Hockey a Try Day 📅 10:20 AM to 12:00 PM 📍 The Gardens Ice House, 13800 Old Gunpowder Rd, Laurel, MD 20708 | Try ice hockey for free and see if you've got what it takes to hit the ice!

Monday, March 2, 2026

Dracula Auditions @ Laurel Mill Playhouse 📅 6:30 PM 📍 Laurel Mill Playhouse, 508 Main St, Laurel, MD 20707 | Audition for the Laurel Mill Playhouse production of Dracula.

Friday, March 6, 2026

Women's Month Meetup: Ladies Night Out 📅 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM 📍 The Mansion at Laurel, 13910 Laurel Lakes Ave, Laurel, MD 20707 | Celebrate Women's History Month with an evening of connection and community.

Adult Trip: Rod-N-Reel Resort (21+) 📅 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM 📍 Robert J. DiPietro Community Center, 301 8th St, Laurel, MD 20707 | Departs from Robert J. DiPietro Community Center. 21+ only. Enjoy a day trip to Rod-N-Reel Resort for adult fun and relaxation.

Saturday, March 7, 2026

St. Patrick's Day Cookie Decorating Class 📅 2:00 PM 📍 LARS, 309 Laurel Ave, Laurel, MD 20707 | Get in the St. Patrick's Day spirit by decorating festive cookies.

The Gold Rush @ North Laurel Community Center 📅 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM 📍 North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd, Laurel, MD 20723 | Family-friendly gold rush adventure and educational program.

Reading Between the Lines 📅 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM 📍 Laurel Multiservice Center, 204 Fort Meade Rd, Laurel, MD 20707 | Celebrate literacy and reading with activities for all ages.

Friday, March 13, 2026

Acoustic Jam Presents: A St. Patrick's Day Musical 📅 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM 📍 North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd, Laurel, MD 20723 | Enjoy live acoustic music celebrating St. Patrick's Day traditions.

Teen Trip: "The Wizard of Oz" @ Atholton High School 📅 6:00 PM 📍 Robert J. DiPietro Community Center, 301 8th St, Laurel, MD 20707 | Departs from Robert J. DiPietro Community Center. Teens can catch a live performance of The Wizard of Oz at Atholton High School.

Saturday, March 21, 2026

Adult Trip: MGM Resort (21+) 📅 12:00 PM 📍 Robert J. DiPietro Community Center, 301 8th St, Laurel, MD 20707 | Departs from Robert J. DiPietro Community Center. Enjoy a day trip to MGM National Harbor for gaming and entertainment. 21+ only.

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Eggstravaganza 📅 12:00 PM 📍 Granville Gude Park, 8300 Mulberry Ave, Laurel, MD 20707 | Join the community for a festive Easter egg hunt and spring celebration.

That's all for this week! Stay warm, watch those potholes, and let's keep supporting each other through winter's final stretch.

Until next time,

— Mike Mondy
Founder, I❤️LAUREL

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