Maryland Top Headlines: Cruel Phone Scam in Rockville, Startling News on Gun Violence, School Bus Driver Calls Road Idea 'Insane'

By Patch Staff

Phone Scammer Tells Rockville Woman Her Son Would Be Killed If She Didn’t Send Money

ROCKVILLE—A Rockville woman was the victim of a phone scam in which a caller told her that her son had been kidnapped after an accident and would be killed unless she sent money, according to Montgomery County police. Instructed not to call police, the victim complied, wiring money to Florida and Puerto Rico. Read more on Rockville Patch.

National study suggests school meals helps productivity and reduce childhood hunger.

O’Malley Visits Elkridge to Warn of Effects of Sequestration

O'Malley said 12,000 jobs in the state could be lost.

CHEVY CHASE—Mayors Against Illegal Guns, an organization in which Town of Somerset Mayor Jeffrey Slavin is a member, released a report with startling findings regarding gun violence. Read more on Chevy Chase Patch.

Student Inspiration Leads Southern Art Teacher to National Recognition

Michael Bell and his students have won nationally recognized awards, but in his spare time Bell does work for the TV show, the “Sopranos.”

A 20-year-old Westminster man was hospitalized in a crash in Reisterstown Tuesday night that killed a 74-year-old woman.

Two Carroll County farms were honored this weekend as "Dairies of Distinction" by the Maryland Dairy Industry Association.

Is Key School's Obezag 'Most Unique Mascot?'

A national contest is currently under way to determine the most unique mascot among high schools and an Annapolis school is in the running.

Anne Arundel County Exec Builds New Administration

The most recent addition to the Anne Arundel team includes NASA contractor Richard Durkee as director of information technology.

Pedestrian Killed in Hit-and-Run on Connecticut Avenue

ASPEN HILL—A 53-year-old woman was fatally struck near the intersection of Connecticut Avenue and Randolph Road Tuesday night. Police are searching for the driver. Read more on Wheaton Patch.

School Bus Driver Says Raising ICC Speed Limit An 'Insane Idea'

GAITHERSBURG—A letter to the editor calls raising the speed limit on the Intercounty Connector and other state highways an insane idea. Read more on Gaithersburg Patch.

Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club Seeks to Hit the Right Notes

BETHESDA—Operators of the new business, which opened on March 1, hope that combining an intimate entertainment experience with quality food and parking will make the club a destination for a wide variety of music fans. Read more on Bethesda Patch.

Fire Causes $600K in Damages to Potomac Home
POTOMAC—A quick-thinking neighbor spotted a fire on Willow Green Court on Monday afternoon and called 9-1-1. Two teens were rescued from the burning home. Read more on Potomac Patch.

GAITHERSBURG—A 52-year-old man suspected of 10 commercial robberies and two street robberies in Montgomery County — including four in the Gaithersburg area — was arrested during a traffic stop in Gaithersburg Feb. 17.Read more on Gaithersburg Patch.

Rockville City Council Finalizes Abandonment of Anderson Alley

ROCKVILLE—The Rockville City Council finalized its decision to abandon part of Anderson Alley, following a 3-2 vote that capped a heated exchange among the mayor and council members and months of brewing tension among residents in Rockville’s West End. Read more on Rockville Patch.

Attorney for Wilde Lake Teen Responds to Rape Allegations

Attorney says evidence will show teen's innocence.

Police: State Troopers Injured by Drunk Driver on I-95 in Laurel

A Laurel woman was charged in the incident with driving under the influence.

Mistrial Declared in Jason Scott Murder Case

A new trial is expected to commence in October.

Asian Brothel Raided and Closed in Greenbelt

The second brothel discovered in two weeks by police in Greenbelt was closed Tuesday.

This news round up is posted on 49 Patch sites in Maryland. Not all comments that may be posted will be from your local area.