Invasive spotted lanternfly found in trap in Cecil Co.

A spotted lanternfly has been found in a trap in Cecil County, raising concern that the invasive species could soon establish itself in Maryland. The insects can damage or destroy crops and leave porches covered in goo. The Maryland Department of Agriculture will conduct surveys throughout the fall and into the winter in search of any lanternfly eggs, in hopes of preventing it from gaining a foothold in the state. “By staying ahead of the spotted lanternfly we can keep our farmers’ crops and the state’s agricultural industries safe,” Secretary Joe Bartenfelder said. State agriculture officials have been on the lookout for the lanternflies since they were first seen in Pennsylvania four years ago. “Luckily, we found the first spotted lanternfly toward the end of the season and the confirmed spotted lanternfly is a male — which means it did not produce any egg masses in the state,” Kim Rice, manager of the department’s Plant Protection and Weed Management Program, in a statement. Spotted lanternflies feed on more than 70 types of plants and crops, including grapes, hops, apples and peaches as well as oak and pine trees. The speckled, four-winged insect is native to China, Vietnam and parts of India. Since a population was detected in Berks County, Pa., the insect has spread to 12 other counties in that state and to parts of Delaware, Virginia and New Jersey. Researchers are still looking for an effective way to fight the pest. Earlier this year, the threat of a lanternfly invasion contributed to the failure of a proposal to ban a pesticide in Maryland that has been linked to autism and developmental delays in children. Jervis Square in Belcamp for the report of a stabbing. When they arrived, deputies found Gary Bernard Williams, 18, suffering from a stab wound to the upper body, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office. They immediately rendered medical care before they were relieved by medics who took Williams to the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. Shortly after they arrived, deputies identified Williams’ brother, whose name has not been released, as the suspect and arrested him. The investigation was assumed by detectives from the sheriff’s office Criminal Investigation Division. Investigators from the Forensic Services Unit responded to the area to collect and preserve physical evidence. Investigators determined the brothers were arguing when the younger stabbed the older with a knife. The younger brother was taken to the Criminal Investigation Division to be interviewed. What charges will be filed and whether the younger brother will be charged as an adult or a juvenile have not been determined, according to Cristie Hopkins, director of media relations for the sheriff ’s office. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Det. Donald Kramer, 443409-3546.