The Town of Hampstead has chosen a longtime member of the Laurel Police Department in Prince George’s County to be its new police chief.

Little Locals Town & Gym won the 15th annual Carroll Biz Challenge, earning a $10,000 cash prize and about $24,000 worth of services.

A fire at Westminster’s Rosenstock Apartments caused an estimated $100,000 in damage after officials said a propane torch sparked the blaze.

Kristen Zihmer pulled her nominee over resurfaced posts, while Board President Steve Whisler defended an appointee who bypassed the application process.

The Westminster Bypass plan was abandoned in 2003. Officials say few, if any, properties remain tied to the project.

A vehicle fire in Westminster spread to three parked vehicles and a fourth car hit by debris, causing about $55,000 in damage, state investigators said.

Carroll County’s deputy administrator will fill in as interim county administrator while the county searches for a permanent replacement for Roberta Windham.

The school board will review the new MCAP data Wednesday alongside plans for MSTAR, the state’s incoming replacement testing system.

Strong storms that passed through the region Monday may have caused a lightning strike fire in Westminster.