East County

County Leaders React to WaPo Article on Paint Branch High School Principal

By Patrick Herron

Last Friday, an email was sent to the Paint Branch High School community informing them of the school’s principal, Dr. Joel Beidleman, going on extended leave. Beidleman was named principal at Paint Branch in June and was previously principal at William Farquhar Middle School in Olney.

On Friday, the Washington Post released an article alleging that Beidleman was reported to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) 18 times in seven years and details alleged sexual harassment, workplace bullying, and other inappropriate conduct at multiple schools, spanning over a decade. The article states that Beidleman was placed on leave by MCPS and that the school system will launch an “independent, external investigation.” Yesterday, several local leaders took to social media to share their thoughts on the situation:

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Paint Branch High School Principal on Extended Leave Pending Investigation, Per the Washington Post

By MCS Staff

Last Friday, an email was sent to the Paint Branch High School community informing them of the school’s principal, Dr. Joel Beidleman, going on extended leave. Beidleman was named principal at Paint Branch in June and was previously principal at William Farquhar Middle School in Olney.

A Washington Post article released this morning alleges that Beidleman was reported to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) 18 times in seven years and details alleged sexual harassment, workplace bullying, and other inappropriate conduct at multiple schools, spanning over a decade. The article states that Beidleman was placed on leave by MCPS and that the school system will launch an “independent, external investigation.”

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MS-13 Member from Montgomery County Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy Including Murder

By MCS Staff

Per the Office of the United States Attorney, District of Maryland: MS-13 member Kevin Alexander Castillo Calderon, a/k/a “Fantasma,” “Ghost,” “Eterno,” and “Josue Argueta Gonzalez,” age 25, of Colesville, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to a racketeering conspiracy, including a murder.

According to court documents, the La Mara Salvatrucha gang, also known as “MS-13,” is an international criminal organization composed primarily of immigrants or descendants of immigrants from El Salvador, with members operating in the State of Maryland, including Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Frederick County, as well as throughout the United States.  In Maryland and elsewhere, MS-13 members are organized into “cliques,” smaller groups that operate in a specific city or region.  MS-13 members are required to commit acts of violence, both to maintain membership and discipline within the gang and against rival gangs.  One of the principal rules of MS-13 is that its members must attack and kill rivals, known as “chavalas,” whenever possible.  Participation in criminal activity by a member, particularly in violent acts directed at rival gangs or as directed by gang leadership, increases the respect accorded to that member, resulting in that member maintaining or increasing his position in the gang and opens the door to promotion to a leadership position.

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Adult Bike and Scooter Classes This September, October and November

By Patrick Herron

Per MCDOT: The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), in collaboration with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), is offering adult bike classes in September, October and November. The classes include both Learn to Ride and Basic Skills classes. MCDOT also will offer four free, walk-up scooter classes following select bike classes.

Advance registration is required to participate in the bicycle classes and cost $10 for Montgomery County residents. There is no charge for WABA or Capital Bikeshare For All members. Bicycles and helmets will be provided at no charge for the adult Learn to Ride class participants and can be rented from WABA, if needed, for the Basic Skills class participants. Scooter classes are free of charge.

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Police Respond to Shooting Late Monday Night

By MCS Staff

At approximately 10:09 p.m., Montgomery County Police officers responded to the 14000 block of Castle Blvd. In Fairland for the report of a shooting. 

According to police, “the preliminary investigation has revealed that a shooting occurred at the location. An adult male was struck in the arm and transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Approximately 3 apartments were also struck by the rounds. There are suspects in custody. The scene is secured. There is no current threat to the public.”

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Mega Millions Jackpot Reaches $1.55 Billion; Six $10,000 Winning Tickets Sold Last Week in Maryland

By Patrick Herron

Other local winners last week included $10,000 scratch-off tickets sold at Giant (46 Bureau Drive) in Gaithersburg and at Shady Grove Beer & Wine (15904 Shady Grove Rd) in Gaithersburg. Full list of winners across the state of Maryland below, courtesy of MD Lottery:

“No one hit the Mega Millions jackpot over the weekend, boosting the game’s top prize to $1.55 billion, but six players in Maryland won $10,000 each in the game in the past week, one each in Annapolis, Edgewater, Frederick, Leonardtown, Ocean City and Silver Spring. The $1.55 billion jackpot is the largest Mega Millions jackpot ever, and the third largest U.S. jackpot. The biggest Lottery wins in the past week, however, were four prizes between $100,000 and $500,000 on scratch-off tickets purchased in Adelphi, Cumberland, Perry Hall and Pikesville.

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MCFRS Respond to High-Rise Apartment Fire Early Sunday Morning; Two Transported With Life-Threatening Injuries

By Patrick Herron

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a fire at the Enclave Apartments (11235 Oak Leaf Dr,) near Columbia Pike in White Oak on Sunday morning, August 8. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, the fire was located on the 19th floor of the 20-story building. Firefighters rescued two people who were both transported to the hospital with life-threating injuries.

We will post an update when addition information becomes available. Per @mcfrsPIO on Twitter: “Update – Enclave Apt, Oakleaf Dr, 20-sty Apt bldg, fire on 19th floor, fire is out, @mcfrs FFs located 2 patients in fire Apt, both assisted by FFs, @MCFRS_EMIHS  transported 2 adults, both Pri1 trauma, both w/ life-threatening injuries”

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MCFRS Respond to Collision With Rollover and Entrapment Sunday

By Patrick Herron

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a two-car collision on Sunday, August 6 in White Oak. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, the incident occurred  at the intersection of Columbia Pike (Rt29) and Burnt Mills Ave and involved a rollover and two people trapped. All occupants have been extricated and three adult patients were transported with non-life threatening injuries.

Some lanes are currently blocked. We will post an update if additional information becomes available. Per mcfrsPIO on Twitter: “Columbia Pike/Rt29 & Burnt Mils- 2 car collision, with 2 people trapped. Everybody extricated, @MCFRS_EMIHS transported 3 adult patients, all pri 3, NLT. Some lanes blocked”

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