Fatal Fire Ruled Homicide, 'Wintery Mix' Forecast, Purple Line Contracts: News Nearby

Patch has community sites across Maryland. Here are some of the top posts from the past 24 hours.

Gaithersburg Townhome Fire Death Ruled Homicide

Authorities on Tuesday identified the man who died in a Gaithersburg townhouse fire last month, and said the death is now considered a homicide.

Montgomery County Police are investigating the suspicious death of Steven Skalabrin, 63, whose body was found after a March 29 fire at a townhouse in the 1800 block of Windjammer Way in Gaithersburg. >>> Read more.

»Gaithersburg fire scene photo courtesy of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services

Snow?! 'Wintry Mix' in Maryland Weekend Forecast

If you thought a record-low temperature of 24 degrees – hit Wednesday morning at two regional airports -- was the worst thing the weather forecast could hold in April, guess again. The dreaded "wintry mix" of rain and snow is possible in Maryland this coming weekend, according to the National Weather Service. >>> Read more.

Purple Line Contract Signed; Construction to Begin 2016

Maryland leaders on Wednesday approved a $5.6 billion contract for Purple Line Transit Partners to build and operate the light-rail Purple Line in Montgomery and Prince George’s County. Twenty-one stations are planned. >>> Read more.

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