• Patricia M. Murret writes, Stabbing prompts security boost:

    The city’s parks department has stepped up private security surveillance at Bohrer Park near Olde Towne following a vicious gang stabbing last month in which a 17-year-old was stabbed nearly 50 times and left for dead.

  • Sebastian Montes writes, Chiefs, Latino leaders focus on dialogue:

    Latino leaders and county police agencies have embarked on an effort to broaden their dialogue, refocus on cooperation and turn the tide on years of police mistrust that have built up over the role — real and perceived — that officers play in enforcing federal immigration law.

  • Patricia M. Murret writes, City election code overhaul stalled:

    Members of a city committee working to revise city election code say they can’t make progress until the Maryland Board of Elections rules on whether a coalition of unions, special interest groups and residents violated state law by making contributions in last fall’s city elections.

  • Patricia M. Murret writes, Angel Jones sworn in as city manager:

    Angel Jones was sworn in as Gaithersburg’s new city manager on Monday. Mayor Sidney A. Katz presided, with all five City Council members literally standing behind him.

  • Patricia M. Murret writes, Olde Towne Youth Center construction contract given:

    Gaithersburg leaders approved on Monday a $3 million-plus contract with Warner Construction of Frederick to build a 6,500-square-foot Olde Towne Youth Center.

  • Patricia M. Murret writes, Specialty stores feel the squeeze of market downturn:

    Ellen Brown has been doing the work of two since July. The owner of Mason’s Flowers in Olde Towne Gaithersburg says business is down so much that she can’t afford to hire another florist and instead is picking up the extra hours.

  • Patricia M. Murret writes, More consumers choosing meals on the go:

    Ben Eitan hovered over a refrigerated food case at Magruder’s supermarket on Quince Orchard Road in Gaithersburg and mulled his options. Taiwanese rice noodles? Chicken-fried rice? Baked meatloaf?

  • Kevin James Shay writes, Restaurants turn more to catering as business drops:

    Reacting to a slowing economy and higher food costs, many Maryland restaurants are taking on more catering jobs and adopting other measures to keep customers returning, industry officials say.