Top Headlines: A Fatal Crash, Sex Law Reform, Development News and a 103rd Birthday

With more than a dozen websites across Montgomery County, Patch brings you news from every corner of our community. Catch up on headlines you might have missed this week, including a speed camera controversy in Chevy Chase, a push to ban fracking in Maryland and a retail race in Clarksburg.

Frederick Woman Killed In Fatal Crash Near I-270S Shady Grove Exit

GAITHERSBURG—A fatal accident on Interstate 270 southbound caused major delays Monday morning for commuters in the Gaithersburg-Rockville area. Read more on Gaithersburg Patch.

Rockville Case Cited in Bid to Close Sex Law Loophole

ROCKVILLE—Part-time school employees in Maryland have been able to engage in sexual relationships with students as young as 16 and avoid prosecution due to a loophole in state law. Read more on Rockville Patch.

CHEVY CHASE—The Montgomery County Police Department has no plans to remove a speed camera in the 4300 block of Jones Bridge Road that a district court judge ruled was improperly placed. Read more on Chevy Chase Patch.

Frick 'Interested' In Exploring Attorney General Run

BETHESDA—Del. Bill Frick (D-Dist. 16) is considering a potential run for the Maryland Attorney General seat, Frick confirmed to Patch this week. Frick's fellow District 16 representative, Sen. Brian Frosh, is also exploring a run. Read more on Bethesda Patch.

Montgomery County Lawmakers Want to Ban Fracking in Maryland

SILVER SPRING—Two bills to ban a controversial method of extracting natural gas, known as fracking, will move through the Maryland General Assembly this year. While at least one lawmaker said the practice could significantly boost the state's economy, two Montgomery County legislators think the environmental risk is too great. Read more on Silver Spring Patch.

GAITHERSBURG—Gaithersburg's chief arts and events official recommended scrapping Kentlands Oktoberfest for a summer arts festival and changing Olde Towne Street Festival to a fall festival. Read more on Gaithersburg Patch.

Chevy Chase Lake Sector Plan Draft Goes to County Council

CHEVY CHASE—The Montgomery County Planning Board approved county staff planners' draft for the Chevy Chase Lake Sector Plan, which now heads to the county council and executive for analysis and approval. The plan for the Chevy Chase Lake Sector has been in the works for a few years, and many residents feel that proposed building heights and densities are too high. Read more on Chevy Chase Patch.

Wheaton Redevelopment: Developer Choice May Come Soon

WHEATON—Who will Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett choose to redevelop Wheaton's downtown area? The announcement could come as soon as next week. Read more on Wheaton Patch.

Patch Readers Opine on Clarksburg’s Retail Race

GERMANTOWN—For Clarksburg residents, the promise of suburban life should include a placeholder for shopping malls, as retail developers are in negotiations to buy 40 acres of Clarksburg land, news outlets have reported. Read what Patch readers think about the proposition at Germantown Patch.

B-CC Restaurant Week Begins In Full Swing

POTOMAC—In case you missed the 300 posts we’ve already written on the subject—Bethesda-Chevy Chase Restaurant Week began Thursday. Check out the list of participants, pricing and dates on Potomac Patch.

Roster Building Continues for Germantown’s New Pro Soccer Team

GERMANTOWN—The Germantown-based Washington Spirit continues to build its dream team with the recent addition of four NCAA women’s soccer stars from the National Women’s Soccer League’s inaugural draft. Learn more about the new players at Germantown Patch.

Bethesdan Celebrates 103rd Birthday at Clara Barton Community Center

POTOMAC—Rita DiLazzara of Bethesda enjoyed laughter, cake and a visit from Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett during a party hosted in honor of her 103rd birthday Wednesday morning. Read more on Potomac Patch.