Here are five top news items from the week of Sept. 25.
1. Bill Would Require Gun Stores to Give Suicide Prevention Information
A new bill would require gun stores in the county to provide buyers with information about suicide prevention. The Suicide Awareness and Firearm Education (SAFE) Act was introduced Tuesday by County Council President Evan Glass.
2. Thousands of Residents Would be Affected if Government Shuts Down
The federal government is heading toward a shutdown that could throw many county residents out of work or expect them to continue working without pay, according to U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-8th).
Unless Congress acts to keep or restore funding, many of this country’s safety net programs could dry up, depending on how long the shutdown lasts, he added.
3. Officials Get Firsthand Experience with Firefighting
Montgomery County and state officials helped extinguish a smokey fire, used the jaws of life, crawled through a dark building and tried to revive an unconscious person during Fire Ops 101 Friday. The 33 participants got a small taste of what it is like to be Montgomery County Fire and Rescue personnel and see firsthand what dangers they face.
4. Despite Rain, Poolesville Day Shines On
Rainy weather did not hold back Poolesville Day as residents filled Fisher Avenue on Saturday, Sept. 23. The 31st annual Poolesville Day lined the street near Whalen Commons. A town parade started at 10 a.m. and the rest of the day featured music, vendors and exhibitors, and food.
5. Office Cleaners Fight to Keep Hours
Area commercial office cleaners, including more than 1,200 who work in Montgomery County, believe contract talks “remain far apart.” Negotiations for a four-year union contract that covers about 9,000 commercial office cleaners in the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore area with Washington Service Contractors Association began in June. According to SEIU Local 32Bj, union members are fighting proposed cuts to their hours, which are scheduled to begin Oct. 15. According to the union, the association wants to cut five-hour shifts to four hours, which would amount to a 20% pay cut for some workers.
