gaithersblog.net

Ann E. Marimow and Dan Morse write:

Federal investigators are probing the disability retirement packages of two former assistant police chiefs in Montgomery County and appear keenly interested in how one of them was able to secure a subsequent job heading the Gaithersburg police department, according to subpoenas reviewed yesterday.

As part of what federal authorities described in the subpoenas to the county and city as a “criminal investigation of a suspected felony,” the investigators are seeking information about William C. O’Toole and John A. King, both of whom receive tax-free disability payments because of back injuries suffered while on the Montgomery force. King is now Gaithersburg’s chief, and O’Toole is executive director of the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy.

• Meghan Tierney writes, Man sentenced to seven years for vehicular manslaughter:
  

  A man who collided with a vehicle, killing the driver, while fleeing police in a car with unlit headlights was sentenced to seven years in prison on Thursday.

  Anthony James Kutten, 20, a former resident of Montgomery Village, was pulled over by Gaithersburg police on Feb. 13 for swerving and driving without headlights, according to charging documents. He was stopped on Odenhal Avenue and then sped off, leading the officer on a short chase.

• Contessa Crisostomo writes, Many county hotels already sold out for Inauguration Day:
  

  The demand for hotel rooms during the week of the presidential Inauguration Day is higher than previous inaugurations, and some Montgomery County hotels are fully booked, hotel managers said.

• Patricia M. Murret writes, City election sign ordinance to be revised:
  

  Gaithersburg city officials are scrambling to revise the city’s election sign ordinance following allegations by the American Civil Liberties Union that the law violates the First Amendment.

• Marcus Moore writes, Schools’ pay raises likely to be cut back:
  

  With the economic outlook gloomy, school officials and the leaders of three unions have agreed to renegotiate pay raises, but it’s unclear how much the unions are willing to give back.

• Meghan Tierney writes, Cider Barrel may be moved:
  

  Germantown’s iconic Cider Barrel may be moved from its Frederick Avenue location to a more hospitable location, according to county planners.

• Nathan Carrick writes, Murder trial likely to begin today:
  

  The trial for Michael Wayne Adams, the man accused of killing a popular athletic trainer in February, is expected to begin today in Montgomery County Circuit Court in Rockville.

• Melissa J. Brachfeld writes, More funding requested to study uses at Gude Landfill:
  

  County officials studying uses for the former Gude Landfill are requesting funding from the County Council to hire a consultant to look into placing a school bus depot on the Derwood site.

• Patricia M. Murret writes, Of Note Around Gaithersburg:
  • City Hall anticipating cable upgrades by May
  • Florida-bound
  • Signs before permits
  • Sidewalk improvements
  • Street reconstruction contract expanded
  • City welcomes officer

• Sebastian Montes writes, ‘Science City’ looks to muster supporters:
  

  A coalition of biotech firms, health care providers and academic institutions is coming together in the Shady Grove Life Sciences Center to foster cooperation in transforming the 700-acre area west of Interstate 270 into a world-class research hub.

• Patricia M. Murret writes, Narrow sidewalks pose problems for students:
  

  Hundreds of students pour out of Gaithersburg Elementary School in Olde Towne every weekday, and the narrow sidewalks on North Summit Avenue can’t handle the deluge, school administrators say.

• Sebastian Montes writes, Wellness centers planned for three high schools:
  

  Gaithersburg, Watkins Mill and Wheaton high schools are moving forward in earnest to plan in-school “wellness centers” for students without health insurance or who face other barriers to medical treatment.

• Patricia M. Murret writes, Thefts at Asbury prompt investigation:
  

  Residents, some of whom have dementia, are bedridden and dying, have been robbed at Asbury Methodist Village in Gaithersburg in recent months, and police say they are investigating care management, maintenance and housekeeping staff.

• Patricia M. Murret writes, O’Malley hosts forum with students while touring the city:
  

  Gov. Martin O’Malley and his cabinet converged on Gaithersburg on Thursday during the state’s Capital for a Day program.

• Patricia M. Murret writes, City approves law aimed at curbing mansionization:
  

  Gaithersburg leaders approved legislation last week that requires homeowners planning a single-family home’s total square footage by 50 percent or more to submit renovation plans to the city’s Planning Commission.

I received the following email from Robin Ferrier; anyone with an interest in what is happening on the periphery of Gaithersburg might want to attend:

Dear Community Member:

Just a quick reminder for those of you who have gotten busy…

The Montgomery County Planning Department has two community meetings left for discussions about the Gaithersburg West Master Plan, which includes the Shady Grove Life Sciences Center and the Belward Research Campus. The dates and descriptions are as follows:

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Presentations on the Life Sciences Center, Corridor Cities Transitway, area-wide issues, and planning principles with break-out group discussions.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Discussion of future Life Sciences Center districts, CCT stations, planning principles, design and density with break-out group discussions.

All meetings will take place at the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s Shady Grove Training Facility at 16641 Crabbs Branch Way in Rockville.

We hope you can join us! The M-NCPPC and Shady Grove Life Sciences Center property owners welcome your participation, ideas, and suggestions, and encourage you to attend all the meetings since the agendas will cover different issues. Please feel free to forward this email to any of your friends and neighbors who you feel might be interested in attending and participating in this public process. (I also have attached a flyer with details about the dates, times, and location for these meetings.)

For more information, please visit www.mcparkandplanning.org/planning/community/gaithersburg or contact Nancy Sturgeon at 301-495-1308 or nancy.sturgeon@mncppc-mc.org.

– Robin

Robin Ferrier
Communications Manager
Johns Hopkins University — Montgomery County Campus
9601 Medical Center Drive
Rockville, MD 20850
work: 301-315-2896
fax: 301-294-7010
email: rferrier@jhu.edu
web: http://www.mcc.jhu.edu

Via Connected Communites, where reports for all six districts are available.

P1 Beat:

• An aggravated assault occurred in the 17100 block of Queen Victoria Court in Gaithersburg on Monday, 10/27. This incident was between individuals known to one another and the suspect was arrested at the scene.
• An alert citizen contacted the police after observing a suspect breaking into vehicles in the 9800 block of Mahogany Circle in Gaithersburg on Sunday, 10/26 around 4:00 a.m. A suspect was arrested at the scene.

P2 Beat:

• No significant activity to report.

R1 Beat:

• A strong-arm robbery occurred on Friday, 10/24 around 1:30 a.m. outside of the Texas Paradilla Restaurant located at 9631 Lost Knife Road in Montgomery Village. The victim was physically assaulted and robbed of cash.
  Suspect: H/M 5’0” to 5’2”, long black hair, black jacket with lots of symbols
  Suspect: H/M 6’0” to 6’3”
  Suspect: up to 3 additional H/Ms and two H/Fs
• A residential burglary occurred in the 400 block of Russell Avenue in Montgomery Village. There was no sign of forced entry but property was reported missing.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 9800 block of Leatherfern Terrace in Gaithersburg on Tuesday, 10/21. Suspects broke the window and removed a GPS unit.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 500 block of N. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg on Monday, 10/20. No signs of forced entry however camera equipment and a laptop computer were taken.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 9800 block of Canal Road in Gaithersburg on Tuesday, 10/21. Suspects removed a portable DVD player from an unlocked vehicle.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 100 block of Lakeforest Mall in Gaithersburg on Monday, 10/20. Suspects pried the window and removed a GPS unit, tools and a radio receiver.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred on Whetstone Drive in Montgomery Village on Thursday, 10/23. Suspects broke the window and removed a wallet, cash, cell phone and keys from the vehicle.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 1600 block of Tanyard Hill Road in Gaithersburg on Friday, 10/24. Suspects broke the window and removed a GPS unit.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 18800 block of Walkers Choice Road in Montgomery Village on Friday, 10/24. Suspects broke the window however nothing was reported missing.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 9100 block of Turtle Dove Lane in Montgomery Village on Thursday, 10/23. Suspects pried door to gain entry but nothing was removed.

R1 Thefts from autos

R2 Beat:

• A strong-arm robbery occurred near the ballfield at Apple Ridge Road and Swallow Point Place in Montgomery Village on Wednesday, 10/22 at 5:00 p.m. The suspect approached the adult male victim and demanded the victim’s backpack. He then snatched it off the victim’s shoulder and fled on foot.
  Suspect: B/M 15-19 years, 5’11” to 6’3”, thin, black hoody with white & blue writing
• A residential burglary occurred in the 19800 block of Wheelwright Drive in Montgomery Village between Tuesday, 10/28 at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday, 10/29 at 2:00 a.m. Forced entry and property was removed.
• An aggravated assault occurred in the 19500 block of Transhire Road in Gaithersburg on Friday, 10/24. This assault was domestic-related. Suspect was arrested at the scene.
• An aggravated assault occurred in the 19300 block of Dunbridge Way in Montgomery Village on Friday, 10/24. This assault was domestic-related. Investigation is ongoing.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 10200 block of Cove Ledge Court in Montgomery Village on Sunday, 10/26. Suspects broke the window and removed a GPS unit and a wallet.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 10000 block of Battleridge Place in Montgomery Village on Sunday, 10/26. Suspects broke the window and removed a car stereo.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 10200 block of Crested Iris Drive in Montgomery Village on Sunday, 10/26. No signs of forced entry however an iPod, and car stereo were removed.
• A theft from a vehicle occurred in the 9500 block of Fern Hollow Way in Montgomery Village on Monday, 10/27. Suspects broke the window and removed a car stereo.
• A theft of vehicle parts occurred in the 19500 block of Worsham Court in Montgomery Village on Monday, 10/27. Suspects removed the wheels/tires from the vehicle.

S1 Beat:

• No significant activity.

S2 Beat:

• An attempted burglary occurred in the 17200 block of Amity Drive in Gaithersburg on Thursday, 10/23 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The resident discovered the forced attempt but no entry was made, nothing taken.
• An attempted stolen vehicle occurred in the 7300 block of Mayhill Drive in Gaithersburg overnight between Saturday, 10/25 and Sunday, 10/26. Suspect attempted to steal a 1998 Honda Accord.
• A stolen vehicle occurred in the 7600 block of Laytonia Drive in Gaithersburg overnight between Saturday, 10/25 and Sunday. 10/26. Suspects stole a 1997 Honda Accord.
• A stolen vehicle occurred in the 17500 block of Amity Drive in Gaithersburg overnight between Monday, 10/27 and Tuesday, 10/27. Suspects stole a 1994 Honda Civic.

S2 Auto Thefts

Via Connected Communites, where reports for all six districts are available.

P1 Beat:

• An aggravated assault occurred in the 800 block of West Side Drive in Gaithersburg on Monday, 10/20. The argument escalated into a physical altercation and the suspect cut the victim with a razor/knife. The 26-year-old male suspect was arrested at the scene.
• A residential burglary occurred in the 100 block of Crossbow Lane in Gaithersburg on Thursday, 10/16 between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Forced entry and property was removed.
• A residential burglary occurred in the 17000 block of King James Way in Gaithersburg on Friday, 10/17 around 10:30 p.m. An alert neighbor called to advise that he heard people inside an apartment when there shouldn’t have been someone there. Three arrests were made of three adult males.
• An attempted burglary occurred at Dick’s Sporting Goods, 2 Grand Corner Avenue in Gaithersburg between Thursday, 10/16 and Saturday, 10/18. Forced used but no entry was made, nothing taken.
• Three thefts from vehicles occurred in the parking lot at the Marriott, 9751 Washingtonian Boulevard in Gaithersburg on Saturda, 10/18 between 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. A GPS unit was stolen from each vehicle.

P2 Beat:

• A commercial burglary occurred at Cookies by Design, 476 North Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg between Wednesday, 10/15 at 6:00 p.m. and Thursday, 10/16 at 5:50 a.m. Forced entry and property was removed.
• An armed robbery occurred in a parking lot in the 800 block of Clopper Road in Gaithersburg on Monday, 10/20 around 10:15 p.m. Two victims were approached by two suspects displaying handguns and demanding cash. One victim was struck with the weapon and money was stolen. One adult male suspect was found on Perry Parkway with a handgun and positively identified. The other suspect escaped.
  Suspect: B/M, age 18, wearing a black-hooded-sweatshirt, and blue jeans

R1 Beat:

• A strong-arm robbery occurred on Thursday, 10/16 between 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. at the Lake Forest Transit Center at 9650 Lost Knife Road in Montgomery Village The victim advised he was approached by five men (NFD) who demanded his money.
• A residential burglary occurred in the 18400 block of Lost Knife Circle in Montgomery Village on Friday, 10/17 between noon and 5:00 p.m. Money and credit cards were taken from a purse inside.

R2 Beat:

• An armed robbery occurred near Watkins Mill Road and Crested Iris Drive in Montgomery Village on Monday, 10/13 at 10:00 p.m. Suspect displayed a weapon, struck the victim, and fled after obtaining cash and personal property.
  Suspect: B/M, white tee shirt, black pants, handgun
• A robbery occurred near Montgomery Village Avenue and Stedwick Drive in Montgomery Village on Wednesday, 10/15 at 2:15 a.m. The suspect implied he had a weapon and demanded money. The suspect punched the victim in the face and fled with property.
  Suspect: B/M 6’0”, 150-170, dredlocks, green shirt, tan pant.

R2 Robberies

S1 Beat:

• An aggravated assault occurred on Russell Avenue in Gaithersburg on Saturday, 10/18 around 11:40 p.m. The victim was approached by three men, one of whom began slashing at the victim with a razor. Suspects fled on foot
  Suspect: H/M 5’7”, 175, dark blue jacket, neon blue shirt, blue jeans, razor
• An aggravated assault occurred on Sunday, 10/19 just after midnight near the clubhouse at Girard Street and Larkspur Way in Gaithersburg. A private security officer attempted to dispel a group of 10 to 15 teens who were being disorderly. One suspect displayed a handgun, another displayed a butterfly knife. All fled after punching the victim in the face.
  Suspect: B/M 16-18, 5’2”, 130, red & white shirt, black & white bandana, handgun
  Suspect: B/M 16-18, 5-6”, 140, light complexion, knife
  Suspect: B/M 16-18, 5’6”, 140, light complexion, hard cast on right wrist

S2 Beat:

• An armed robbery of a food deliverer occurred in the 8500 block of Snouffer School Road in Gaithersburg on Thursday, 10/16 around 2:40 p.m. After placing a bogus order, the suspect met the victim just inside the building and displayed a handgun, demanding money. The victim complied.
  Suspect: B/M 5’9”, 189 lbs., DOB/6-2-84, unknown address
• A robbery occurred in the 7900 block of Pearlbush Drive in Gaithersburg on Thursday, 10/16 around midnight. The victim stated she was trying to mediate a domestic dispute between friends of hers when the two attacked her. The victim was beaten, kicked, and robbed of her property.
  Suspect: B/M 5’9”, 240 lbs.
  Suspect: B/F 45-50 years, 5’6”, 200 lbs.
• A strong-arm robbery occurred in the 17700 block of Meadow Vista Way in Gaithersburg on Tuesday, 10/21 around 2:35 p.m. The juvenile victim was attacked from behind by two suspects who knocked him down and struck him with their fists. Both fled to the rear of the address.
  Both Suspects: B/M 16-18 years, 5’5” to 5’7”, 140-160 lbs., dredlocks, black gloves, black jackets
• A commercial burglary occurred at a rental office in the 8500 block of Snouffer School Road in Gaithersburg on Saturday, 10/18 between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Forced entry but nothing reported missing.
• An open garage burglary occurred on Halfpenny Court in Gaithersburg on Sunday, 10/19 between 11:50 a.m. and 12:40 p.m. A bicycle was removed.
• A residential burglary occurred in the 7500 block of Laytonia Drive in Gaithersburg at an unknown time between Friday, 10/17 and Sunday, 10/19. Forced entry and property was removed.

From the City’s website:

Sunday, November 09, 2008

Aggravated Assault

On 11/09/08 at approximately 4:00 a.m., officers responded to the unit block of N. Summit Drive for a stabbing victim. The suspect(s) fled on foot and the victim was treated for non-life threatening wounds. There is no further information available at this time.

---

Friday, November 07, 2008

Armed Robbery

The Sovereign Bank located in the 400 bllock of N. Frederick Ave was robbed by two armed gunman who fled the area with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Suspect 1-B/M 6′2 160lbs, black ski mask, thin black jacket blue jeans
Suspect 2-B/M 6′0 150lbs, heavy down coat, sweatpants carrying a red bag

Burglary

On 11/7/2008 at 8:00 a.m. officers responded to 9 DeSellum Ave for a commercial burglary. Suspects unknown forced entry into the business and took cash.

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Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Strong Arm Robbery

On 11/5/08, at 6:15p.m., there was a strong arm robbery in the 700 block of Clopper Road. The victim was approached by three suspects who hit him in the head and took property from him.

Suspects #1 & #2 - Black males, about 15 years old, 05′07″, thin builds.
Suspect #3 - Black male, about 20 years old, 06-00″, heavy build.

All suspects were wearing black hooded sweatshirts and blue jeans.

---

Monday, November 03, 2008

Attempted Burglary

On 11/3/08, between 6:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., there was an attempted burglary in the 800 block of Amber Tree Court. Entry was attempted by trying to force open a window. There are no suspects.

Burglary

On 11/03/08, at 3:13 a.m., the front window of the Brighton Beer and Wine Store located at 225 Muddy Branch Road was broken out. The suspects entered the store and stole various merchandise. An investigation is ongoing.

Suspects - Two unknown race males, wearing dark clothing and ski masks.

On 11/03/08, between 8:00 a.m.. and 6:00 p.m., there was a burglary in the 1300 block of Travis View Court. Entry was made by prying open the back door. A vehicle and other property was taken. The vehicle was later recovered after the suspects attempted to burn it.

Suspects - Two males wearing winter coats.

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Sunday, November 02, 2008

Burglary

On 11/02/08, sometime between 12:00 a.m. and 2:50 a.m., an unknown suspect(s) forced entry into a rear door of a residence in the 200 block of Meadowgate Terrace. Numerous items were stolen from multiple victims. An investigation is ongoing.

On 11/02/08, at approximately 4:37 p.m., police responded to the 400 block of Russell Avenue for the report of a burglary. There were no signs of forced entry and property had been taken.

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Saturday, November 01, 2008

Strong Arm Robbery

On 11/01/08, at 10:46 p.m., the suspects approached the manager of Chucky Cheese located at 516 N. Frederick Avenue as he was taking the nightly deposit to the bank. The suspects punched the manager and demanded the money. The manager gave the suspects the money and they fled the scene on foot. An investigation is ongoing.

Suspects - Three unknown race males all wearing dark clothing and Halloween masks.

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Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Attempted Burglary

On 10/28/08, between 1:30 p.m. and 3:50 p.m., there was an attempted burglary in the 200 block of West Deer Park Road. The window screen was cut and the window was opened.

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Friday, October 24, 2008

Aggravated Assault

On 10/24/08, at approximately 8:45 p.m., officers responded to Grace United Methodist, located at 119 North Frederick Avenue, for a stabbing victim. The suspect stabbed the victim twice as a result of a verbal altercation, and fled on foot. The suspect was located a short time later and arrested. Suspect was treated for non-life threatening wounds.

---

Monday, October 20, 2008

Armed Robbery

On 10/20/08, at approximately 10:18 p.m., police responded to the 800 block of Clopper Road for a call that was later determined to be an armed robbery. The two victims advised that they were approached in the parking lot by two suspects, who brandished handguns and physically assaulted them. Property was taken from one of the victims, then the suspects fled the scene. One suspect was located and apprehended a short time later. Police are attempting to locate and identify the second suspect.

Suspect #1 - Arrested
Suspect #2 - Black male, wearing a black hooded jacket or sweatshirt, and armed with a silver colored revolver.

Arrest

On 10/20/08, at 1:42 a.m., police responded to the 800 block of West Side Drive for a stabbing. Upon arrival, investigation revealed that two roommates had an altercation over a female acquaintance and one cut the other on the abdomen with a box cutter. The victim’s injury is non-life threatening. Arrested: Jose Gomez, Hispanic male, 26 years old, with a Gaithersburg address.

Burglary

Sometime between 4:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on 10/20/08, a residence in the 400 block of Russell Avenue was burglarized. There were no signs of forced entry and property was taken.

MCPD Press Release via Connected Communities:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 8, 2008
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Media Services Division, 240-773-5030

Critically Missing Gaithersburg Woman

Detectives from the Montgomery County Police 5th and 6th District Investigative Section are asking the public’s help in locating a critically missing Gaithersburg woman. Andrea Antoinette Clarke was last seen leaving a residence in the 7600 block of Creekstone Court in Gaithersburg on November 4, 2008, at 3:30 p.m. It is believed she was walking toward the Shady Grove Metro Station.

Ms. Clarke is described as a 45-year-old black female, 5’ tall, weighing approximately 90 pounds. She has short black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black hat, red coat, and jeans.

While there is no evidence of foul play, there is concern for Ms. Clarke’s health. She is bipolar and refuses to take her medication. She is familiar with and comfortable using public transportation. In previous events where she has been missing, she has frequented churches in Prince George’s County.

Anyone who has information about Ms. Clarke’s whereabouts is asked to call the police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000.

• Patricia M. Murret writes, PACs will not be prosecuted for role in city election:
  

  The Office of the State Prosecutor will not press criminal charges against political action committees for donating to candidates running in the November 2007 Gaithersburg elections.

• Janel Davis writes, Feds subpoena retirement documents for county officers:
  

  Federal authorities have subpoenaed documents related to disability retirement benefits paid to former assistant chief John King, who retired from the county last year before becoming Gaithersburg police chief.

• Patricia M. Murret writes, City’s routine bonus payments called ‘rare’:
  

  A recent history of awarding thousands of dollars in bonuses to top Gaithersburg officials has prompted new City Manager Angel Jones to consider revamping the reward system.

• Sebastian Montes writes, Groups clamor for input on ‘Science City’:
  

  County planners will not use a citizens’ advisory board to help craft the blueprint for transforming 500 acres in Shady Grove into the centerpiece of Montgomery County’s future in bioscience and applied research.

• Joe Beck writes, Victims share experiences of carjackings, kidnappings:
  

  Two victims of violent carjackings in Germantown described in court Thursday the injury and terror they endured when they were kidnapped at knifepoint.

• Patricia M. Murret writes, Paintball vandal attacks Gaithersburg mosque:
  

  Yellow paintballs were shot at the Islamic Center of Maryland in Gaithersburg early Saturday, according to center leaders.

• Susan Singer-Bart writes, Pedestrian dies attempting to cross East Gude Drive:
  

  A Gaithersburg man died after being struck by a car as he was crossing a road in Rockville Saturday night.

• Patricia M. Murret writes, Gaithersburg gets turn in spotlight as Maryland’s ‘Capital for a Day’:
  

  Gov. Martin O’Malley and his cabinet converged on Gaithersburg Thursday during the state’s Capital for a Day program.

  Gaithersburg is the seventh of eight cities chosen for the series, which is designed to help connect the state government to important issues, needs and programs, O’Malley said during a Town Hall meeting with students from several city schools.

• Janel Davis writes, County coffers take $17.2M hit in state cuts:
  

  So far this year, the county has endured $17.2 million in reductions as part of the nearly $300 million in cuts approved Oct. 15 by Gov. Martin O’Malley and members of the Board of Public. For fiscal 2010, which begins in July, the tab for the county is $2.3 million so far.

• Sean R. Sedam writes, Slot machine gambling wins approval:
  

  Maryland voters on Tuesday approved a constitutional amendment that legalizes slot machine gambling in the Free State with the aim of adding millions to state coffers for schools.

• Janel Davis writes, Ficker’s ballot question too close to call, awaiting absentee count:
  

  Absentee and provisional ballots will determine the fate of the ballot question pushed by anti-tax advocate and frequent gadfly Robin Ficker.

• Marcus Moore writes, Abrams behind in school board race with absentees still out:
  

  It appears that Montgomery County residents have elected two new members to the school board, ousting a veteran in the process. Voters also returned an appointed member of the school board to his seat.

• Gazette Staff write, Edwards, Van Hollen, Bartlett each receive another term:
  

  The three incumbent congressmen representing Montgomery and Prince George’s counties were re-elected Tuesday as voter turnout caused long lines at polling places.

• Patricia M. Murret writes, Longtime nonprofit forced to temporarily shutter:
  

  For nearly 20 years, Pat Byrne of Gaithersburg and volunteers from St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church gathered Saturday mornings to help the needy furnish their homes.