Each week, community bloggers contribute to Patch sites across Prince George's County and Maryland through our Local Voices section. Non-profit groups, students, residents, and government agencies and officials are among those that weigh in with their viewpoints and help contribute to the dialogue in our communities. Check out a few of the blogs we featured on Patch sites this week.

Comptroller Peter Franchot Hopes To Combat Cigarette Smuggling

This week, Patch’s own political blogger Bryan Sears brought us a post about the  increase in the smuggling of cigarettes that have not been taxed in Maryland. Comptroller Peter Franchot is asking residents to keep an eye out for anyone who may be carrying an unusually large amount of cigarettes. “If you happen to look in someone's car and you see 6,000 packs of cigarettes in the back seat, could you call my office?" Franchot said. "We would like to ask those people what the story is."

Maryland State Police Weigh In On Defendant DNA Testing

Maryland State Police Superintendent Col. Marcus L. Brown weighed in this week on the debate over whether police officers should be allowed to take DNA samples from a defendant charged with a crime. The appropriate use of DNA can make Maryland safer, Brown argued.

Tone Up and Trim Down the Healthy Way

Cindy Freland talks about getting your body ready for summer's fashions. 

Spring Real Estate Market Has Arrived

Bowie Realtors Brendan and Chelsea Spear talk about the city's housing market and why the spring is a good time to buy.

Student Journalist Highlights Social Media Use Among the Autistic

Aspiring journalist and University of Maryland student Emaun Kashfipour brought us a blog this week on how social media can help autistic individuals to communicate.

Want to blog on Patch? Sign up by clicking Start a Blog on the homepage. Have questions e-mail sonia@patch.com.