The big story this week in Harford County was the severe thunderstorms that rolled through last Sunday, but potential toll increases and the addition of numerous businesses to the county is creating controversy.

1. Two Tornadoes Confirmed in Harford County

The National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes touched down in Sunday's severe thunderstorms that rolled through Harford County. The twisters were in Street and Riverside.

Funnel clouds were spotted over Abingdon and Bel Air south while a fire was reported in Belcamp. Area residents took to Twitter to express comment on the storm while Patch readers shared their photos of the storms.

2. Panera Joining Wemgans; Home Goods, Designer Shoes Warehouse Replacing Weis

After Harford County residents and Patch readers displayed displeasure at the idea of a Panera Bread joining Wegmans at the Boulevard at Box Hill, leasing agent Tom Fidler wrote that there is the possibility of many restaurants joining the location.

It was reported Tuesday that Panera Bread would be joining the Boulevard. Across from the new shopping center will be Home Goods and Designer Shoes Warehouse at the former Weis location in the Constant Friendship Plaza.

3. $500K Budget Addition; Middle School Math Credits

The Harford County Board of Education approved middle school math classes for high school credits and increased the fiscal year 2012 budget Monday night. The extra money was added mostly to help fund transportation due to rising fuel costs.

4. Hundreds Oppose Toll Hikes at Public Hearing

A hearing at Perryville High School on Thursday garnered opposition to raising tolls at the Hatem Bridge, the main connection between Harford and Cecil Counties, and across the state. Residents packed the high school to hear from a variety of speakers from state government about the potential toll hikes.

5. Harford County Deputy Hit by Alleged Drunk Driver

A Harford County sheriff's deputy that was on-duty early Wednesday morning was "seriously injured" when the cruiser he was in was hit by a drunk driver. The deputy was transported by Medevac to Shock Trauma where he was released later in the morning. The driver, an Edgewood man, has been charged with driving under the influence, driving under the influence per se, failure to control speed to avoid collision and reckless and negligent driving.

Other Top Stories

A Bel Air man was charged with indecent exposure last weekend in Ocean City.

At Tuesday's County Council meeting, a local woman spoke out against the proposed Walmart at Route 924 and Plumtree Road.

Two tractor-trailers collided on Tuesday morning and forced Interstate-95 to be closed for almost five hours.

The ShopRite in the Festival was officially "reopened" on Wednesday after a 10-month renovation that cost about $5 million.

The Maryland State Police made eight arrests as part of a traffic crackdown.

The Harford County Board of Education recognized many academic and athletic achievements at its meeting.

In sports, John Carroll baseball coach Joe Stetka resigned days after having two players picked by the Baltimore Orioles in the MLB draft. The spring All-UCBAC teams were also announced.