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Court Orders Vote On Montgomery Co. Ambulance Fee

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland's highest court has ordered a public vote on a recently passed ambulance fee in Montgomery County.

The Court of Appeals on Wednesday reversed a lower court ruling and ordered the referendum on the ballot for Nov. 2.

The lower court had ruled that elections officials were correct to bar referendums because thousands of people signed their names on petition forms in a manner that conflicted with state law. The county board of elections rejected thousands of petition signatures, including illegible ones and some from people who signed without a middle initial.ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland's highest court has ordered a public vote on a recently passed ambulance fee in Montgomery County.

The Court of Appeals on Wednesday reversed a lower court ruling and ordered the referendum on the ballot for Nov. 2.

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Handsfree In Maryland

LAUREL, Md. (WUSA) - - The first time you're caught driving in Maryland with your cell phone to your ear it will cost you $40.00 every violation after that carries a penalty of $100 and a point on your driving record.

"People really get distracted when they're on their phone," said Tia Goodwater.

MORE: 9NEWS NOW's Great Hang Up Campaign

But admit it. We've all done it before.

Roger Sullivan said, "I feel a need to see what's happening in my other world when i'm driving so it is a temptation."

"Yes, I have and it's dangerous because i have a kid and i shouldn't be doing it," admitted Sherreen Tolliver.

"It's going to be difficult to enforce." 

County Facing $140M Shortfall for Fiscal 2012

The Gazette reports that Montgomery County has a $145 million budget shortfall that officials already have identified for fiscal 2012, which begins next July.

On Tuesday, county officials told the County Council that known expenditures will be 4.3 percent higher in fiscal 2012 than this year. A fiscal plan approved by the council earlier this year allows for growth of one-tenth of one percent.

To help curb government expenses, County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) has directed all county agencies to prepare to trim their budgets by as much as 15 percent. County spokesman Patrick K. Lacefield said such a scenario might not even be the worst case if decisions during the next Maryland General Assembly session, which begins in January, transfer more state expenses — such as teacher pensions — to county government.

Heavy Rainfall Possible Thursday

With the area drying out after showery conditions for the last few days, another storm system is brewing and could threaten the Washington D.C. Metro area with more rainfall by Thursday.

Current weather model forecasts indicate the potential for some very heavy rainfall in association with a tropical weather system that is currently developing in the Caribbean. This storm system could intensify and stream tropical moisture and rainfall over the area. Most forecasts indicate the potential for greater rainfall that was experienced during the most recent rain event.

Residents should stay tuned for local media and the local weather service office for the latest details and updates. It should be noted that rainfall of the magnitude forecasted COULD cause areas of flooding.

On the positive side, however, more rainfall will provide great relief for the farmers currently being impacted by moderate to severe drought.

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Montgomery County Prepares For Budget Cuts


ROCKVILLE, Md. (WUSA) --- County Executive Ike Leggett, projecting a budget shortfall of between $100 million and $200 million, is asking county departments to prepare for 10% to 15% budget cutbacks to make up the difference.

Bethesda Greek Festival

Celebrate the Greek heritage at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George on October 2nd and 3rd.

There will be food, wine, music & raffles. 

On Saturday the event will be held from 12pm-12am and Sunday 12-7pm.  Tickets are $10-$25.

For more information please call: 301/569-7990

157 Montgomery County Public School Students Are National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

There are 157 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists from Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in the 2011 competition, eight more than the previous year. The semifinalists will go on to compete nationally for scholarships that will be offered in the spring. The competition is sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. 

The MCPS semifinalists come from 16 high schools. The schools and their number of semifinalists are:

Bethesda-Chevy Chase: 8
Montgomery Blair: 40
Blake: 1
Winston Churchill: 13
Clarksburg: 1
Einstein: 1
Poolesville:  9
Quince Orchard: 2
Richard Montgomery: 30
Rockville: 1
Seneca Valley: 1
Springbrook: 3
Walter Johnson: 7
Walt Whitman: 24
Watkins Mill: 1
Wootton: 15