Rural Counties Consider Seceding from Maryland: MD Top News

By Patch Staff

After Susquehanna River Fatality, Governor Issues Warning
Six people drowned in Maryland waters in the past month, Maryland Natural Resources Police said. Read more on Havre de Grace Patch.

Should Carroll County be Part of a New State?
A new initiative aims to create a new state made up of Maryland's five Western counties, including Carroll. Read more on Westminster Patch.

OSHA Alleges Safety Violations at Proving Ground Super Pond
Federal regulators site serious violations at the Aberdeen Proving Ground facility where two Navy divers and a civilian technician have died this year. Read more on Aberdeen Patch.

Towson University Names Athletic Director
The new hire takes over for former director Mike Waddell, who left the university following controversial cuts to the athletics program. Read more on Towson Patch.

Edgewater Mom Officially Named an Ironman
After more than 12 hours, a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run—Edgewater mom Rachelle Synoracki crossed the finish line in Lake Placid, NY, and heard the words she had been waiting for: “Rachelle Synoracki, you are an Ironman.” Read more on Edgewater-Davidsonville Patch.

Bradley Manning Supporters React to Verdict
Former Army intelligence worker Bradley Manning was acquitted on charges that he aided the enemy but was convicted of numerous other crimes and could still face a lengthy prison sentence. See how his supporters reacted outside the gates of Fort Meade in Maryland. Read More in Odenton-Severn Patch.

UMBC To Build $85M Athletic Facility, President Says
Ground-breaking for a new arena could come in 2015, with the grand opening about two years later, UMBC officials said recently. Read more on Catonsville Patch.

Takoma Park's Raskin May Become First Female Treasury Deputy
Sarah Bloom Raskin, of Takoma Park, could become the first woman to serve as deputy secretary of the U.S. Treasury, after President Barack Obama said Wednesday he plans to nominate her to the post, Bloomberg reported. Read more on Takoma Park Patch.

10 Years Later: Merriweather Thrives After Nearly Shutting Down
Merriweather Post Pavilion was recently named the best outdoor amphitheater on the East coast by Rolling Stone Magazine, but only ten years ago Howard County officials had considered shutting down the concert venue for good. Read more on Columbia Patch.

NOAA Contractor May Lay Off 106 in College Park, Silver Spring
A contractor which provides security services for the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's facilities in College Park and Silver Spring may lay off 106 workers this fall. Read more on College Park Patch.

Former Seagram's Property Fire Remains Under Investigation
The fire that significantly damaged a four-story building on the former Seagram's Distillery campus in Dundalk remains under investigation. Read more on Dundalk Patch.

Bethesda Doctor to Pay $17M for False Health Care Claims
Bethesda resident Dr. Ishtiaq A. Malik has been ordered to pay more than $17 million for submitting false or fraudulent claims to state and federal health programs. Read more on Bethesda-Chevy Chase Patch.

Carroll County Sheriff Candidates Weigh in on Drones
The Board of Carroll County Commissioners recently discussed drones and their potential use in Carroll County. Three candidates running for Sheriff in 2014 weighed in with their opinion on the potential use of drones to police the county. Read more on Eldersburg Patch.