Here are five top news items from the week of Oct. 16.
1. Activists, Officials Rally to Keep Guns Away From Domestic Abusers
A coalition of activists and Maryland officials gathered in Rockville Tuesday, Oct. 17 to express their outrage that the U.S. Supreme Court will rule on a case that would allow domestic abusers to possess firearms.
2. White’s Ferry Closure Remains Most Urgent Upcounty Transportation Issue
The Upcounty Transportation Town Hall, held Thursday, Oct. 12, centered on many local issues. But no topic seemed as urgent as the nearly three-year closure of White’s Ferry.
County Transportation Director Chris Conklin remarked on current Ferry negotiations while Link Hoeing, Chair of the western county Fair Access Committee offered a rebuttal.
3. Opposing Sides Clash Over Proposed Tip Credit Elimination
Controversy over a tip credit bill continued Tuesday, Oct. 17, as opposing sides on the matter of eliminating the tip credit in Montgomery County clashed at the county council building. Police arrived on the scene outside the council building after tensions escalated among some. According to the Rockville City Police Department (RCPD), police responded to the council building for a reported assault in progress. Two females had engaged in a physical confrontation, and both declined to pursue charges.
4. Police Chief: Driver Charged with Attempted Murder After Intentionally Striking Sergeant
Montgomery County Police Department Chief Marcus Jones said Sgt. Patrick Kepp was gravely injured Wednesday morning after he was intentionally struck by a driver during an attempted traffic stop on I-270. Frederick Raphael Mayorga, 19, of Frederick, Maryland faces charges including attempted first-degree murder. During a court hearing Thursday, Mayorga was held without bond.
5. Champion Oak Transformed into Art in the Park
An old tree that once shaded the corner of Beach Drive and Cedar Lane in Kensington has a new life. A crowd gathered Oct. 11 to see the unveiling of a whimsical carving by chainsaw master Colin Vale.
