Local Leads: 11/20/09

News you need to know

The following stories have been hand-selected by the Assignment Desk at News4:

CATERER CHARGED WITH DUI, COPS DELIVER FOOD
Talk about fast food. Police delivered a catered lunch order Wednesday after the caterer who was trying to make the delivery was charged with driving under the influence.  Willie D. Meekins, 32, of Fort Washington, tested at four times the legal blood alcohol content limit for driving, which is 0.08, according to Maryland State Police. (Frederick News Post)

MONTGOMERY COUNTY BUDGET WOES
Big cuts are likely in store for Montgomery County, as officials try to figure out how to fill a new and unexpected $100 million budget hole.  County officials learned this week that they would receive $85 million, or 28 percent, less in income tax revenue in November than expected. The state collects the county's income tax and distributes it to the county throughout the year, with November being one of the biggest pay periods. (Examiner)

VRE MAY END YOUTH DISCOUNTS
Despite an overwhelming majority who oppose the plan, the Virginia Railway Express operations board is expected to vote Friday on a measure that would effectively end a policy of discounting youth fares. The policy, which gives riders aged 11 to 21 a 50-percent discount on their rail fare, could be eliminated today after claims of fraud and abuse. The agency previously noted a rise in adults purchasing reduced youth fares and said elimination of the policy could bring $100,000 in annual fare revenue.(Insidenova.com)

VIRGINIA TAX COLLECTIONS
Virginians are taking home less pay, spending less in stores and still are getting hit on their investments, new state tax-collection statistics show. Business profits are up sharply, the statistics show, but economists say that with retail sales lagging, when that will translate into new hiring and investment is unclear. (Richmond Times Dispatch)

NOT SO SMART ROBBERS
Frederick police have arrested and charged two employees of The Greene Turtle Restaurant in downtown Frederick for staging an armed robbery at the restaurant earlier this month. An investigation into the Nov. 9 robbery led to the arrest of Zachary B. Saltzman, 21, of Frederick and Christina N. Sprunger, 19, of Brunswick, both employees of the restaurant located at 50 Citizens Way, between Market and Court streets, police said. (Gazette)  

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