A fire at 166 Chevy Chase Street in Kentlands has displaced nine people in two neighboring units of the piggy-back townhouse community. Eleven fire rescue units responded to the blaze at 3:17 p.m. on September 8. “The fire originated on the exterior deck of 166A,” said Gaithersburg Fire Marshal Ivan Humberson. “It extended up...
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Sonic waves may be the wave of the future for getting rid of the algae that covers much of Lake Varuna. Gaithersburg city officials are considering using an ultrasonic algae control device to kill the filamentous algae growing in the lake at the entrance to the Lakelands community. The battle against the algae in...
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The Kentlands Community Foundation (KCF) has named Kentlands resident Carrie Dietz as its newest director. Dietz replaces Bridget Ryder, who served in the post for seven years. Ryder resigned last month to take a new job. “The Foundation is all about ‘facilitating community’ and Carrie’s commitment to community service mixed with her organizational, writing...
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Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) welcomed approximately 144,000 students — an increase of 2,200 students over last year — for the start of the 2010-2011 school year on August 30. “We have a busy and exciting year ahead at MCPS,” said Jerry Weast, MCPS superintendent of schools. “We have the best staff in the...
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It was a smooth entry into the 2010-11 school year at Lakelands Park Middle School (LPMS) August 30, according to Principal Deborah Higdon. “It was excellent,” she said. “Staff and students were excited to return.” In her second year as at LPMS Higdon said she and the staff will continue to build a purposeful,...
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Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Superintendent Jerry Weast plans to retire when his contract expires next year. Dr. Weast is one of the nation’s longest-serving school district superintendents. “It has been an incredible honor to serve this system as superintendent and I will be forever grateful for the opportunities I have had here,” said...
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Late enrollment made for some last minute shuffling of classrooms just hours before students met their teachers at the sneak peek event at Rachel Carson Elementary School (RCES). Traditionally students get postcards mailed to them letting them know who their teacher will be for the coming school year. This year mailboxes were empty. Principal...
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Quince Orchard High School will be holding a yard sale on Saturday October 9 to support the school’s marching band, the Marching Cougars. Area residents are invited shop at the sale, which runs from 9 a.m. to noon. Donations are encouraged and can be dropped off at the school’s front portico at 15800 Quince...
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Although most city employees did not receive cost of living or salary increases for the second year in a row, The Town Courier has learned two top officials are receiving more compensation and/or benefits. Gaithersburg Community and Public Relations Director Britta Monaco saw her salary jump nearly $10,000 midway through the 2010 fiscal year...
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Hundreds of people packed the Montgomery County Council hearing room on August 30 to testify at a Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) public hearing about the reliability of Pepco. The meeting began with dozens of elected leaders who testified on behalf of the residents they represent, including U.S. Congressman Chris Van Hollen, State Delegate...
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