Fran Murphy
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Articles by Fran Murphy
19-year-old sentenced in Gaithersburg traffic death of 88 y.o. woman
19-year-old sentenced in Gaithersburg traffic death of 88 y.o. woman A 19-year-old driver was sentenced to 14 years in prison in the death of an 88-year-old woman in May of 2025. All but 18 months of the sentence were suspended. The sentencing occurred on Friday, Oct. 23. Myrtle Gottlieb and another victim were injured in a collision in Gaithersburg on May 31, 2025. It was approximately 8:35 in the morning when a Jeep Compass crashed into the Toyota Carolla where Gottlieb was a passenger.
Black advocacy group votes ‘No Confidence’ in MCPS, demands action
Black advocacy group votes ‘No Confidence’ in MCPS, demands action The Montgomery County Education Equity Action Group issued a “No Confidence” statement regarding Montgomery County Public Schools Friday afternoon.
Black advocacy group votes ‘no confidence’ in MCPS
Black advocacy group votes ‘no confidence’ in MCPS The Montgomery County Education Equity Action Group issued a “no confidence” statement regarding Montgomery County Public Schools on Friday afternoon.
Teacher vacancies plummet in Maryland
Teacher vacancies plummet in Maryland The Maryland State Department of Education announced historic declines in teacher vacancy rates over the last four years on Monday. Post-pandemic, the rate has fallen by 73.3 percent. The report credits increased investments in public education and recruitment and retention efforts statewide. Maryland public schools employ 64,000 educators. As the largest school district in the state, Montgomery County has about 14,000 educators in the system.
County fair asks parents to pick option 3 on MCPS calendar survey
County fair asks parents to pick option 3 on MCPS calendar survey For the first time in its 77-year history, the Agricultural Fair overlaps with some of the proposed start dates for the opening of public school for county students. In 2027, the Fair is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 13 through Friday, Aug. 27. A new survey from Montgomery County Public Schools offers three options for the opening of school in August of 2027: 1: Student transition day Monday, Aug.
Man sentenced in Rockville flag football shooting spree
Man sentenced in Rockville flag football shooting spree It was a sunny Saturday afternoon in Rockville’s Welsh Park, when the defendant fired 14 shots in pursuit of his sometime girlfriend. According to a press release from the County State’s Attorney’s Office, on Monday, Kenneth Oates, age 40, was sentenced to 100 years in prison following his conviction in April.
Fire prevention highlighted at media briefing
Fire prevention highlighted at media briefing The county’s commitment to National Fire Prevention Month proved to be an important topic at this week’s county executive¬†media briefing. County Executive Marc Elrich highlighted concerns about charging lithium-ion batteries. He pointed out the dangers of overcharging them. And he asked residents not to charge their devices in beds, couches or under pillows.
3 Montgomery County schools earn Maryland Blue Ribbon honors
3 Montgomery County schools earn Maryland Blue Ribbon honors Beverly Farms Elementary School in Potomac, Somerset Elementary in Chevy Chase and Travilah Elementary in North Potomac were announced as Blue Ribbon schools in Maryland on Wednesday by Gov. Wes Moore. This year, 23 outstanding Maryland schools qualified for the Blue Ribbon honor. The awards focus on performance in state and national assessments.
No Kings protesters visit Pike & Rose farm market
No Kings protesters visit Pike & Rose farm market No Kings shifted its mission this weekend from protests to encouraging residents to vote early. The North Bethesda group’s press release cited as many as 400 residents rallying along Rockville Pike on Saturday. The protesters were asking voters to make a plan to vote in advance during Maryland’s weeklong in-person early voting period, which starts Thursday, Oct. 22. The county has 14 early voting centers.
Man arrested for hate crime at Aspen Hill fast food restaurant
Man arrested for hate crime at Aspen Hill fast food restaurant Montogmery County police officers have arrested and charged a man with hate crime-related offenses for an incident that occurred at a Taco Bell in Aspen Hill. According to the charges, on Aug. 20, Ryan Barile, 44, of Halethorpe, Maryland placed an order at the Georgia Avenue fast food restaurant. Barile became upset after receiving his order. He began yelling at an employee, making racially derogatory remarks.
MCPS shares ‘The Hard Truth’ in report to parents and teachers
MCPS shares ‘The Hard Truth’ in report to parents and teachers Montgomery County Public Schools face some new challenges moving forward. That was the message in a report published Thursday on their website and shared with parents and educators. Titled “The Hard Truth”, MCPS lists some newly released statistics that will shape operations of the school system in the years ahead.
MCM hosts Board of Education forum
The candidates for Board of Education appeared at a forum conducted by the League of Women Voters at the MCM studios in Rockville on Wednesday night. In the upcoming Nov. 3 General Election, four Montgomery County Board of Education positions are on the ballot. District 1 candidate Grace Rivera-Oven and District 5 candidate Elma-Lorraine Diggs are both running unopposed. Brenda Diaz and Omar Lazo both seek election to the At-Large seat.
Upcounty celebrates National Farmers’ Day
Upcounty celebrates National Farmers’ Day Nearly 50 years ago, in 1980, the county set aside 93 thousand acres in its northmost regions as an agricultural reserve. On Monday, farmers in the Reserve celebrated National Farmers’ Day. The Fair Access Committee created this video to let down county dwellers get a glimpse of life in the Ag Reserve and why it matters. The Ag Reserve represents one third of land in the county, preserving its farming heritage.
Wells responds to Jawando: ‘not a viable campaign’
Wells responds to Jawando: ‘not a viable campaign’ Last week, Councilmember Will Jawando, the Democratic nominee for Montgomery County Executive, referred to his opponent’s campaign as not “viable.” He also cited her campaign war chest at less than $20,000.
MCPS lays out the process for upcoming boundary studies
MCPS lays out the process for upcoming boundary studies Following last year’s boundary studies for high schools, MCPS is now embarking on a countywide process for elementary and middle schools. The impetus — declining enrollment, overcrowding at some schools while others have lower enrollment and poor conditions at some facilities. Surveys for parents and interested community members will be available starting on Monday, Oct. 19.
Hate Bias Report finds most incidents happen in county schools
Hate Bias Report finds most incidents happen in county schools The State of Maryland published the 2025 Hate Bias Report on Friday. The report is a collaboration among several partners including the Maryland Department of State Police (MSP) and the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center (MCAC). Overall, Montgomery County accounted for 39.7% of reported incidents. Among the findings was a statistic about schools in Montgomery County K-12.
Henderson conditionally selected as Gaithersburg Mayor
Henderson conditionally selected as Gaithersburg Mayor Gaithersburg City Council Member Lisa Henderson was conditionally selected to serve as Mayor of Gaithersburg on Monday. She would assume the job until the next municipal election. According to the city press release, the position is contingent on the election of current Mayor Jud Ashman who is running for the county council for District 3.
Gene’s Costumes reopens in Kensington in time for Halloween
Gene’s Costumes reopens in Kensington in time for Halloween It’s been nearly three years now since Gene’s Costumes in Kensington closed after an electrical fire. On Thursday, owner Ginger Ager pumped up the signature jack-o’-lantern on the roof and reopened the door for customers. The Fire The fire started on Jan. 2, 2024, in the shop’s basement while Ager and her mother were at work upstairs. “If it had been the week before, I was closed between Christmas and New Year’s.
Poolesville named best public high school in Maryland
Poolesville named best public high school in Maryland Poolesville High School earned #1 status in the state for 2027 on Wednesday. Niche, a firm that evaluates and ranks schools to help students and families find the right placement, gave the award. According to its website, Niche thoroughly examines schools through metrics like surveys of student and teacher satisfaction, academic performance, athletic participation and diversity.
New website debuts for entrepreneurs, startups in Montgomery County
New website debuts for entrepreneurs, startups in Montgomery County WorkSource Montgomery (WSM) launches a new website aimed at helping entrepreneurs, small business and employers on Thursday, Oct. 1. According to WSM, the site was developed in partnership with the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC). It will help connect businesses with resources and support available throughout the county.
Man sentenced to 120 years following conviction in ‘senseless’ double murder
Man sentenced to 120 years following conviction in ‘senseless’ double murder Murder victims left to right: Leilani Marroquin and Marcell Hebron Convicted of two counts of second-degree murder, a defendant was sentenced to 120 years in prison in Circuit Court on Monday.
Jawando’s council colleagues campaign for him ahead of Nov. 3 election
Jawando’s council colleagues campaign for him ahead of Nov. 3 election As debate continues over Democratic nominee Will Jawando’s decision not to participate in any additional candidate forums before the Nov. 3 election, several of his Montgomery County Council colleagues are scheduled to campaign on his behalf at upcoming fundraisers. On Saturday, Oct.
Poolesville Day celebrates with a purpose
The Poolesville Day parade kicked off on time on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 20. Every year the event draws 12,000-15,000 visitors to the Upcounty destination. For the last six years the Fair Access Committee has put breakfast on the menu for local politicians as well. MCM drove north to check out the festivities.
County Republicans pull support for candidate Maldonado
County Republicans pull support for candidate Maldonado In a unanimous vote, the Montgomery County Republican Party (MCGOP) voted to withdraw support for District 7 county council candidate Harold Maldonado. Tuesday night, following reports of antisemitic, anti-Black and conspiracy-based statements, Maldonado appeared before party members to defend his actions.
Poolesville pedestrian dies in hit-and-run
Poolesville pedestrian dies in hit-and-run A pedestrian was fatally struck in a hit-and-run incident in Poolesville near Fisher Avenue and Milford Mill Road early Sunday morning. According to Montgomery County Police, preliminary investigation indicates a 27-year-old man was struck by an unknown vehicle in the area near 19630 Fisher Ave. The driver did not remain on the scene and has not been located. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital where he later died.
Silver Spring driver sentenced to 1 year for manslaughter
Silver Spring driver sentenced to 1 year for manslaughter Victim: 85-year-old Josephine Gieske Jesica Argueta, 24, of Silver Spring, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the death of 85-year-old Josephine Gieske in August of 2025. According to a press release from the State’s Attorney’s Office, her sentence was suspended to all but one year with five years of probation. Argueta pled guilty in July to one count of vehicular manslaughter by gross negligence and one count of second-degree assault.
Inspector General finds county attorney employee guilty of vehicle misuse
Inspector General finds county attorney employee guilty of vehicle misuse Inspector General for Montgomery County Megan Davey Limarzi announced the results of an investigation into an employee at the Office of the County Attorney on Monday. The unnamed employee was accused of several violations in the use of a county-owned vehicle. According to the report, the employee stood accused of using the vehicle for personal trips and taking the vehicle home.
Jawando’s county executive campaign continues as he recovers from heart attack
Jawando’s county executive campaign continues as he recovers from heart attack Jawando and his family were not present. His wife, Michele Jawando, was scheduled to appear, but a campaign aide told MCM she was “too emotionally overwhelmed” to attend. The average recovery time from a heart attack could be anywhere from two weeks to three months, according to Cleveland Clinic. Jawando’s doctors said they expect him to make a full recovery, according to an Instagram post shared by the councilmember.
MCPS’ Salvadoran employees remain at work
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Salvadorans with work visas in the U.S. expired on Wednesday, Sept. 9. That change triggered concern for the 43 thousand plus community members who live in the county. At Montgomery County Public Schools, the notice from the federal government arrived a month ago. It stated that any employees from El Salvador would soon lose their immigration status. At that point, the schools provided their 54 employees with 30 days’ notice of termination.
Man accused of 80 garage thefts in Silver Spring arrested
Man accused of 80 garage thefts in Silver Spring arrested A man accused of 80 vehicle thefts in Silver Spring garages that involved smashing windows and stealing what was inside was arrested by Montgomery County police. For months, in the middle of the night, three Silver Spring public parking garages — Wayne Avenue, Ellsworth Drive and Cameron Street — were the suspect’s playground, according to police.
Gaithersburg Mayor Ashman offers conditional resignation pending election results
Gaithersburg Mayor Ashman offers conditional resignation pending election results Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman offered his conditional resignation on Tuesday, Sept. 8. The resignation took place at the regularly scheduled City of Gaithersburg council meeting. A candidate for the county council in District 3, his resumption of duties is pending the results of the November Gubernatorial election. The resignation will become effective on Monday, Nov. 9.
County Executive Republican nominee Wells issues statement on Jawando’s heart attack
County Executive Republican nominee Wells issues statement on Jawando’s heart attack Esther Wells, the Republican nominee for County Executive, issued the following statement about her opponent Councilmember Will Jawando’s heart attack on her Facebook page on Sunday: “I was truly saddened to hear about what Councilmember Jawando and his family have been through this weekend. In moments like this, politics fades away, and what matters most is his health, his loved ones, and the road ahead.
Elrich, Fani-Gonzalez issue statements after Jawando’s heart attack
Elrich, Fani-Gonzalez issue statements after Jawando’s heart attack County Executive Marc Elrich, who supports Councilmember Will Jawando in his campaign to succeed him, sent a message of support to his colleague Sunday following news of Jawando’s heart attack. “I was very concerned to hear about Councilmember Will Jawando’s heart attack this weekend, and I’m relieved that he received immediate care and is doing well,” Elrich said in a statement.
Councilmember Jawando suffers heart attack
Councilmember Jawando suffers heart attack Councilmember Will Jawando, the Democratic nominee for County Executive on the November ballot, suffered a heart attack on Saturday. He was stricken while playing his weekly pickup basketball game. According to a press release by his office, Jawando was taken to George Washington University Hospital. A stent was surgically inserted to improve blood flow to his heart. His doctors say given his overall good health, they expect a full recovery.
6-year-old girl with autism allegedly assaulted at Gaithersburg school, principal responds to news reports
6-year-old girl with autism allegedly assaulted at Gaithersburg school, principal responds to news reports A 6-year-old girl with autism was allegedly assaulted by another student Friday, Aug. 28, while attending Flower Hill Elementary School in Gaithersburg, according to a report by local news outlet DC News Now. The school’s principals has responded to the news reports in a letter obtained by MCM from Montgomery County Public Schools.
New MARC Train schedule connects MoCo to Baltimore
New MARC Train schedule connects MoCo to Baltimore Tired of that grinding commute to Baltimore? MARC Trains can connect you starting on Monday, Sept. 28.
County’s oldest Labor Day parades set in Gaithersburg, Kensington
County’s oldest Labor Day parades set in Gaithersburg, Kensington Two local communities celebrate Labor Day — Monday, Sept. 7 — with parades that have become a time-honored tradition in Montgomery County. Kensington kicks off its 59th Annual Parade and Festival at 10 a.m. Look for equestrians, dance groups, floats and fire trucks. Festivities on Armory Avenue start after the parade passes by. They run until 2 p.m. with family fun activities that include a bounce house and live music.
Elrich reacts to Stop the Spend petition defeat
Elrich reacts to Stop the Spend petition defeat County Executive Marc Elrich shared his perspective on the judgment against the Stop the Spend ballot petition on Thursday. If 10,000 signatures had been verified, the referendum would be on the November ballot. If passed, it would have limited the county council’s annual operating budget increases to the rate of inflation. Only a unanimous vote by the council would have allowed for bigger budgets.
Stop the Spend petition fails in court
Stop the Spend petition fails in court The Committee to Control MoCo Spending wanted to put a referendum on the November ballot to curb county budgets. Last week, following review by the Board of Elections the petition was denied due to a lack of sufficient verifiable signatures. Believing they still had enough valid signers to meet the 10,000 signature quota, the Committee took the petition to court for further scrutiny.
Wootton petition to keep school building open advances
Wootton petition to keep school building open advances The Community and Education Policy Alliance (CEPA) announced its appeal challenging the closing of the physical property known as Wootton High School will move forward. That press release follows the first prehearing conference on Tuesday, Sept. 1. Last December, MCPS announced the school would be moved to Crown High School in Gaithersburg while maintaining the name of Wootton.
Three schools cut the ribbon for back to school
Three schools cut the ribbon for back to school Two brand new elementary schools, and a senior high held ribbon cutting ceremonies ahead the new school year. “Bright classrooms, a new playground and classrooms filled with learning and laughter,” is how James, a Burtonsville student, described his new campus. “Save the school, save the town,” said Jim Brown, chairman of the Poolesville town council.
Autism caregiver employee strike enters sixth week
Autism caregiver employee strike enters sixth week Childcare workers at Verbal Beginnings who work with autistic children rallied in Derwood on Thursday for better wages. The 33 workers, who are registered as behavior technicians, Teamsters Union 639 members and state delegates all gathered to voice their protest. According to Collin Johnson, a spokesperson for the group, the staff has not had a raise in more than three years.
Stop the Spend rejected signatures go to court
Stop the Spend rejected signatures go to court The Committee submitted two batches of signatures in July to place a referendum to curb county budget increases on the ballot. The referendum would amend the county charter. It would require a unanimous vote by the county council to increase the yearly operating budget by more than the rate of inflation.
Tonight: Marylanders could catch a partial lunar eclipse
Tonight: Marylanders could catch a partial lunar eclipse Though there may be clouds, a deep partial eclipse of the moon should be visible here in Maryland starting Thursday night. The eclipse will begin slowly around 10:30 p.m. and reach its fullest shadow just after midnight on Friday morning. Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse can be safely seen with the naked eye. Experts recommend a telescope for a better view. The best places to observe the event are away from lights.
Wootton’s back to school shadowed by unknown fate
Students filed into Rockville’s Wootton High School on Tuesday for the first day of school, just like they have since 1970. But this year the occasion was shadowed by the specter of its closure next year. Plagued by facilities problems and redistricted by the boundary study, its doors may close for good. MCM talked with Rockville Councilmember Adam Van Grack about Wootton’s future. VIDEO Still pending in court is the lawsuit some Wootton parents mounted to forestall the school’s closing.
Community rallies for injured 4 year old who lost his mom in collision
Community rallies for injured 4 year old who lost his mom in collision Four-year-old Adam Bouziri lost his mother 44-year-old Raoudha Khelifi in a traffic collision last Monday evening in Rockville. He was holding her hand when they were struck by a car near Twinbrook Parkway and Chapman Avenue. Adam sustained serious injuries and remains in the hospital. Meanwhile a GoFundMe page has been started to help him and his family cover the costs.
Back to school rules of the road reminders
Back to school rules of the road reminders With first day of school on Tuesday, those iconic yellow buses will begin arriving in neighborhoods all over the county. Montgomery County Public Schools wants to remind drivers to be attentive when they see school buses on the road.
Poolesville honors farmers with plaque on Whalen’s Commons
Members of the Fair Access Committee and the Town of Poolesville recently honored the local farms and farmers in a ceremony on Whalen Commons. The new plaque was dedicated late last month. It stands on the commons near the Town Hall. It reminds visitors and residents of the importance of the Agricultural Reserve to the county. And it recognizes the farm community for its contributions to the Upcounty area. The Fair Access Committee created this video to mark the occasion.
Worried about rabies? Beavers aren’t the problem
Worried about rabies? Beavers aren’t the problem Over the past two weeks, headlines in the DMV about rabid animals have focused on beavers. Earlier this month, in Frederick County, two Marylanders were bitten by beavers at Cunningham Falls. The most recent encounter occurred here in Montgomery County at Seneca Creek State Park. Despite this year’s high profile beaver attacks, these outcomes should be considered unusual.
Ballot petition to cap county spending fails
Ballot petition to cap county spending fails The Board of Elections announced on Monday that the ballot petition to curb county spending has failed. They sent a Notice of Determination to the MCGOP committee that gathered the necessary signatures to be on the November ballot. Following guidelines dictated by Maryland Election law, the signatures were examined and sorted, finishing on Monday, Aug. 17. Ten thousand signatures are required to initiate a ballot referendum.
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