2022 - Page 367 of 530 - The MoCo Show

Published May 7, 2022 at 10:54AM

MCPS has launched a resources webpage with helpful information for LGBTQ+ students, parents and staff. Per MCPS: The webpage includes emergency hotline numbers; resource sections for students, staff and parents, as well as a calendar of upcoming awareness holidays and visibility days.

Staff resources include information on supporting LGBTQ+ students at home and in the classroom, informational handouts for sharing and a glossary of terms supported by MoCo Pride Center. The student resource section includes links to MCPS policies, support meeting information, the curriculum and resources in relation to athletics. Parental resources include educational resources and bullying report forms.

Education

11 Individuals, Organizations Recognized for Distinguished Service by Montgomery County Board of Education

By MCS Staff

Published May 7, 2022 at 10:46AM

The Montgomery County Board of Education has announced its recipients for the 25th Annual Awards for Distinguished Service to Public Education. The awards were established by the Board of Education to recognize and show appreciation for exemplary contributions to public education and to MCPS. Nominations were received from the general community, as well as community organizations, businesses, the superintendent and Board members. More information on the awardees will be shared in the next few weeks.

This year’s Distinguished Service Award winners are:

MoCo Government

Montgomery County Supports Preservation of Affordable Housing at Snowden’s Ridge in Silver Spring

By Patrick Herron

Published May 7, 2022 at 10:02AM

The property, located at 2035 Harlequin Terrace, Silver Spring, held its grand reopening celebration Friday. This is APAH’s first property in Montgomery County, as well as the State of Maryland. “Here at Snowden’s Ridge, the County supported preservation of existing affordable housing,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “To expand affordable housing efforts, I proposed $140 million housing budget – the largest in County history – including a dedicated $40 million NOAH fund to preserve affordable housing. Preserving affordability preserves communities and protects families from displacement. We need the $40 million NOAH Fund to protect more residents, as we did here at Snowden’s Ridge.”

The County provided a $1.5 million CDBG loan and $1.25 million HIF loan in 2019 to support the acquisition. When the initial HIF loan was repaid, the property retained the existing CDGB loan and the County provided a new $5 million HIF loan for recapitalization and renovation, along with a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement. The loans and PILOT provided by Montgomery County support affordability, with all 87 apartment units utilizing project-based vouchers targeting families at 30 percent AMI. The property includes 12 one-bedroom units; 21 two-bedroom units; and 54 three-bedroom units. Five units were converted to be fully accessible.

Germantown

Germantown Oral Surgeon Indicted on Murder Charges by Grand Jury

By Patrick Herron

Published May 7, 2022 at 9:47AM

Dr. James Ryan, the the oral surgeon accused of second-degree murder for the death of his girlfriend earlier this year, was indicted by a grand jury on Thursday. According to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, now that Ryan has been indicted, motions and a trial date will be scheduled next week. Ryan was arrested on March 22 and charged in connection with the death his of 25-year-old girlfriend, Sarah Harris.

Ryan is accused of providing controlled substances, including Propofol, ketamine, diazepam, and midazolam to Harris, who died from a drug overdose on January 26. In addition to second-degree murder, Ryan’s charges also include reckless endangerment and possession of a controlled or dangerous substance with the intent to sell or distribute. Ryan is an oral surgeon who owns a practice on Observation Drive in Germantown. If convicted of all charges, Ryan could face 78 years in prison.

Beyond MoCo

Beyond MoCo: Ocean City Listed as One of the ’25 Best Beaches in the U.S.’ by Travel + Leisure Magazine

By MCS Staff

Published May 7, 2022 at 9:10AM

Travel + Leisure a travel magazine and website based in New York City with over 4.8 million readers, according to its corporate media kit, has released a list of the “25 Best Beaches in The U.S.” that includes nearby Ocean City, MD. The list also includes beaches from New York, Hawaii, California, Florida, and more. According to the article, “many different criteria define the perfect beach: the sand, the waves (or lack thereof), the level of seclusion, the public transportation and accessible parking, the boardwalk, the activities, and even the amount of shaded trees.”

Ocean City, MD: “Ten miles of white-sand beach plus a three-mile boardwalk packed with amusement park rides, bike rentals, shops, and delectable treats make Ocean City Beach a popular vacation spot. You’ll find a variety of hotels, restaurants, and even a brewery on the boardwalk. Jet skiing, surf fishing, and fishing charters are popular here as well.”

Crime

Montgomery County Dentist Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Obtaining Medicaid Funds and Paying Recruiters to Refer Medicaid Beneficiaries to His Dental Office in Exchange for Kickbacks

By MCS Staff

Published May 7, 2022 at 8:50AM

Edward T. Buford III, age 70, of Silver Spring, Maryland, pleaded guilty on May 4, 2022, to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and healthcare fraud. As part of his guilty plea, Buford will be required to pay $1,267,630 in restitution.

Per the Maryland District of the U.S. Attorney’s Office:

Maryland

Maryland’s ‘Move Over’ Law Will Expand Again in October

By MCS Staff

Published May 7, 2022 at 8:47AM

Based on a recent bill (SB0147) signed into law by Governor Larry Hogan on April 21, Maryland’s “Move Over” law will expand once again on October 1, 2022. In Maryland, the law was originally enacted in October 2014 requiring motorists to move over for emergency vehicles, law enforcement vehicles and tow trucks. The law was expanded in 2019 to include service vehicles such as transportation, service and utility vehicles, as well as waste and recycling trucks that have their lights flashing.

The expanded law that will be enacted on October 1st, later this year, will require a driver to make a lane change or slow the speed of their vehicle when approaching from the rear any stopped, standing or parked vehicle displaying hazard warning lights, road flares or other caution signals including traffic cones, caution signs or non-vehicular warning lights. The expanded law is aimed toward protecting all road users.

MoCoSnow

Flood Warning in Effect for All of MoCo Until 4pm

By MCS Staff

Published May 7, 2022 at 8:17AM

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for all of Montgomery County from now until 4pm this afternoon. Per the NWS:

* WHAT…Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues.

Maryland

557 Fatalities on Maryland Roadways in 2021

By MCS Staff

Published May 7, 2022 at 8:11AM

MDOT, law enforcement partners announce 2021 figures and urge commitment to safety; Survey indicates 93% of Marylanders consider unsafe driving a major problem

While states across the country experienced an increase in roadway fatalities in 2021, Maryland saw a decline of nearly 3% compared to 573 fatalities in 2020. State transportation and law enforcement officials gathered in April to announce the data, and said despite the decrease, Maryland still saw an unacceptable number of crashes – 519 – resulting in 557 fatalities, including 129 pedestrians and six bicyclists.

MCFRS

Fallen Heroes Day Commemorates Firefighter Kenny Lacayo, A Wheaton High School Alumnus Who Lost His Life Battling a Rowhome Fire in Baltimore on 1/24

By MCS Staff

Published May 7, 2022 at 7:48AM

This year’s Fallen Heroes Day ceremony that took place on Friday, May 6th at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens honored over a dozen first responders who died in the line of duty, including Baltimore City Firefighter and paramedic, Kenny Lacayo (video of the ceremony can be seen here). He was a career firefighter who attended Wheaton High School and Montgomery College & is a Life Member Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad.

The Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad released a statement remembering Kenny following his death:

MoCo Athletics

MoCo’s Cheer Prodigy All Stars Royal Elite Advance to Cheerleading Nationals

By MCS Staff

Published May 7, 2022 at 7:28AM

Cheer Prodigy All-Stars Elite Junior 1 team, Royal Elite, located in Gaithersburg, represented Montgomery County on the nation’s biggest stage on May 6, 2022 at the Varsity D2 Summit competition, held at ESPN’s World Wide of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.