By: Robert J. Terry

Two big personalities on Maryland’s business landscape — William Donald Schaefer and Edwin F. Hale Sr. — dominated the news this week, and that’s reflected in the top 5 staff-written stories by The Daily Record’s business reporting team.

1. William Donald Schaefer: 1921 – 2011 – by Melody Simmons and C. Fraser Smith
William Donald Schaefer, the mercurial, demanding leader who reshaped Baltimore in four terms as mayor before serving two terms each as governor and comptroller of Maryland, died Monday at the age of 89.

2. First Mariner Chairman Hale to step down – by Rachel Bernstein
1st Mariner Bank founder Edwin F. Hale Sr., will step down as chairman and CEO as part of a New York investment company’s plan to take a stake in the struggling Baltimore banking company.

3. After 61 years, iconic Werner’s restaurant closes its doors – by Rachel Bernstein
The future tenant of the old Werner’s spot will need to appeal to downtown Baltimore’s business district without becoming another upscale restaurant out of reach for the luncheonette’s former regulars.

4. First Mariner founder Edwin Hale ready to look for new challenges – by Rachel Bernstein
First Mariner Bancorp CEO Edwin F. Hale Sr. isn’t happy that he will be leaving the company he founded, but he said Wednesday he plans to keep his hand in development and Baltimore’s business community.

5. Local group acquiring Pikesville retirement community – by Rachel Bernstein
A local group of physicians, clergy and investors is buying a continuing care retirement community to bring what it says will be a more personal and local touch than that of its out-of-state owners.