Catch up on the past week's news, including Montgomery County Public Schools' decision on controversial "pink slime" meat, a manslaughter conviction in Germantown, a U.S. congressman caught up in a divorce controversy and an update on Nick's Organic Farm on Brickyard Road in Potomac. 

MCPS to Ditch 'Pink Slime' for 2012-13 School Year

Montgomery County Public Schools will join many other companies and organizations in ceasing the use of Lean Finely Textured Beef (LFTB)—also known as "pink slime"—in its school lunches for the 2012-13 school year, MCPS spokesman Dana Tofig said. Read more on North Potomac-Darnestown Patch. 

Somerset Resident Runs for School Board

Morris Panner, a father of four children—all enrolled in the county school system, is running for an at-large position on the county school board. “Public education is the glue of democracy. ... [It] enables everyone to have a chance to learn and advance,” Panner said. Read more on Chevy Chase Patch.

Manslaughter Conviction Rendered After Fight Over Clogged Toilet Led to Stabbing

A Germantown man was convicted of manslaughter Monday after a brawl over a clogged toilet led to the stabbing death of his roommate’s son. James Biddinger, 27, will face a maximum 10-year sentence for the death Kevin Mbayo, 22, on May 3, 2011. Arguments keened on whether Biddinger intended to kill Mbayo or whether he acted in self-defense. Follow the trial's coverage at Germantown Patch.

County Council Responds to Brickyard With Proposed Legislation

It may be too late for Brickyard, but the Montgomery County Council is working to put a check on County Executive Isiah Leggett's near-sole authority to deal out county-owned assets. Read more on Potomac Patch.

Move Prompts Concern for Beloved Bethesda Farmers Market

Sunday will mark the grand re-opening of the Bethesda Central Farm Market in the market's new location at Bethesda Elementary School. But, some say the move from Elm Street—in part prompted by the pending construction of a major public parking garage in downtown Bethesda—will cut the market off from the heart of the downtown. Read more on Bethesda Patch.

POLL: The Pumphrey Parking Lot

Monday night's Rockville City Council hearing on Robert A. Pumphrey Funeral Home’s proposal to build a parking lot in the city's historic West End included nearly two hours of testimony from 40 people and led to a debate that continued online throughout the week. Read more on Rockville Patch.

U.S. Congressman Embroiled in Tamar Epstein Divorce Controversy

The rift between Tamar Epstein and Aharon Friedman over an Orthodox Jewish writ of divorce led to protests of more than 100 people in 2010 outside Friedman’s apartment building on University Boulevard. The controversy continues as Epstein’s supporters ramp up the pressure on a U.S. Congressman. Read more on Wheaton Patch.

White Oak Police Station to Begin Construction in May

A Mount Airy-based contractor will begin constructing a new station for the Montgomery County Police Department's 3rd District by mid-May, according to county officials. The new building will be located at the corner of Milestone Drive and New Hampshire Avenue in White Oak and it will replace the existing station in downtown Silver Spring. Completion is expected by late 2013. Read more on Colesville Patch.

Takoma Park Police Chief to Retire

After 42 years of law enforcement service and five years in Takoma
Park, Police Chief Ronald Ricucci will retire on July 30. A national executive search is underway to find a replacement. Read more on Takoma Park Patch.