Gaithersburg, MD|News|
MoCo Police Seek Information On Woman Missing Since March
Mecal Liza France was last seen on Friday, March 14, in Redland, police said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
- Across America
I'm a national breaking news editor covering and providing support in several states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York City, Massachusetts, Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. I re-joined Patch in 2019 as a roving editor before moving to the national desk in January 2020. This is my second stint with the company — I launched and managed Ankeny Patch in Iowa from 2011 to 2013.
Before returning to Patch, I spent four years assisting with marketing and communications for a nonprofit that provided services to people with disabilities. I also spent time as a reporter at the Des Moines Business Record, served as editor of the Britt News-Tribune in Iowa, and started my career as a journalist at the Jackson County Chronicle in Wisconsin.
Reach me at megan.verhelst@patch.com.
Posting Activity
Rockville, MD|News|
2 Students Arrested Following Lockdowns At Rockville High School
The high school was placed on lockdown twice on Thursday following reports of guns on campus, police said.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Illinois, IL|News|
5 Things To Know About Tyler Robinson, Charlie Kirk's Accused Killer
Kirk, a conservative activist, was fatally shot on Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
MD Ensures COVID-19 Vaccine Access Amid Shifting Federal Guidelines
Gov. Wes Moore said state officials will continue to use science-based guidance on who should receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Fredericksburg, VA|News|
VA Eases COVID-19 Vaccine Access Amid Shifting Federal Guidelines
The Virginia Department of Health this week issued guidance that should make it easier for residents to receive the shot.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
Here's How To Be Part Of Great Adventure's Fright Fest This Halloween
Dying for a great job? Six Flags Great Adventure is looking for workers to be part of the park's annual Fright Fest.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
These Are Guy Fieri's Favorite New Jersey Restaurants
A new report by Lovefood has identified Guy Fieri's favorite restaurant in every U.S. state. See which NJ eateries made the list.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across New Jersey, NJ|News|
America's Most Trustworthy Accents: See Where New Jersey's Ranked
Analyzing 14 different unique American accents, BetUS Casino sought to identify which is the most trustworthy.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Tampa, FL|News|
La Niña Watch Issued: What It Could Mean For FL's Winter
There's a chance of a La Niña winter this year, according to climate experts. Here's how it could impact Florida.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
Most Bed Bug Infested Cities: Where These VA Towns Rank
Pest management company Orkin recently released its annual list of the Top 50 Most Bed Bug-Infested U.S. Cities.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Old Town Alexandria, VA|News|
Here's Where These 11 VA Cities Rank For Quality Of Life
A new analysis by LawnStarter identified which cities set the gold standard for quality of life. See where these Virginia towns ranked.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
This Is Guy Fieri's Favorite Virginia Restaurant
A new report by Lovefood has identified Guy Fieri's favorite restaurant in every U.S. state. See which Virginia eatery made the list.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Maryland, MD|News|
Most Bed Bug Infested Cities: Where This MD Town Ranks
Pest management company Orkin recently released its annual list of the Top 50 Most Bed Bug-Infested U.S. Cities.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Maryland, MD|News|
Here's Where These 2 MD Cities Rank For Quality Of Life
A new analysis by LawnStarter identified which cities set the gold standard for quality of life. See where two Maryland towns ranked.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Baltimore, MD|News|
This Is Guy Fieri's Favorite MD Restaurant
A new report by Lovefood has identified Guy Fieri's favorite restaurant in every U.S. state. See which Maryland eatery made the list.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Across Virginia, VA|News|
'Potential Threat' Prompts Lockdowns At 2 Virginia HBCUs
The threats were reported on Thursday at both Virginia State University and Hampton University, both historically Black universities.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Fredericksburg, VA|News|
VA Leaders 'Horrified' After Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Fatally Shot
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin was quick to speak out following the shooting that occurred on Wednesday at Utah Valley University.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Annapolis, MD|News|
'Disgraceful Act Of Gun Violence': MD Reacts To Activist Charlie Kirk's Death
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore was swift to condemn the shooting death of Charlie Kirk that occurred on Wednesday at Utah Valley University.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Baltimore, MD|News|
2 'Highest-Rated' MD Pizzerias Will Be At Dave Portnoy’s One Bite Pizza Festival
The festival on Saturday in New York City will feature more than 40 of Dave Portnoy's highest-rated pizza parlors in America.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
Lake Elsinore-Wildomar, CA|News|
Lake Elsinore Fire Map: See Crump Fire Perimeter, Evacuation Areas
The blaze was first reported at 12:30 p.m. at Riverside Street and Highway 74 in an unincorporated area of Meadowbrook and Lake Elsinore.
Megan VerHelst, Patch Staff
