Bethesda

Update: Ridgefield Road Closure Extended Until Fall 2023

By Cordell Pugh

Beginning the first week of June, Ridgefield Road will be closed between River Road (MD-190) and Westbard Avenue. An updated announcement states that Ridgefield Road will remain closed for approximately 16 months, meaning Ridgefield likely won’t reopen until at least October 2023.

Two separate posted detours will direct some traffic to Goldsboro Road, and others to Little Falls Parkway. Ride On Route 23 (Friendship Heights-Sibley Memorial Hospital) will also be detoured during the closure. One of the two sidewalks along Ridgefield is slated to remain open during the closure.

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Health

Montgomery County Releases Population Health Report; Includes Details on MoCo’s Demographic Changes, Leading Causes of Death, and Adolescents Births

By Patrick Herron

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services has released an updated population health report, “Health in Montgomery County 2010-2019”, which includes “data and statistics on major health topics such as demographics and social determinants of health; vital statistics; maternal and infant health; chronic diseases; infectious diseases; behavioral health; injuries; and environmental health” in Montgomery County and how it compares to State and national health outcomes. According to the report, health outcomes in Montgomery County have performed better than state and national averages, but there are “several health conditions with increasing trends and disparities by race/ethnicity, age, sex, and geographic areas that warrant special attention.”

Findings of the report, per Montgomery County: 

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I-270

Update: Two Maryland State Troopers Struck By Suspected Impaired Driver on I-270

By Patrick Herron

On Thursday, a collision involving a Maryland State Police vehicle closed three lanes on southbound 270 from Exit 4 (Montrose Rd) to Exit 1 (Democracy Blvd) and resulted in  two Maryland State troopers being transported by EMS with non-life-threatening injuries. On Friday, the Maryland State Police announced that chargers are pending against the driver who struck the troopers, who is believed to have been impaired at the time of the collision.

(ROCKVILLE, MD) – Charges are pending against a suspected impaired driver who struck two Maryland state troopers in their patrol vehicles on I-270 yesterday.

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Bethesda

New Toy Store Now Open in Montgomery Mall

By Patrick Herron

Alex Baby and Toys, a new concept from FYE, is now open in Montgomery Mall. The store is located downstairs next to Old Navy.  According to Westfield Montgomery, “from legos and baby essentials to LOL’s and STEM, they are your one-stop-shop for all things play.” We’re told the store offers toys for all ages, not just toddlers and young children.

According to Billboard, FYE was purchased by Sunrise Records in 2020. Sunrise paid $10 million to take over ownership of the 200-store chain. The purchase included assuming some of the chain’s liabilities including, accounts payable, store leases, and the chain’s frequent buyer membership program while also gaining a target inventory of $40 million. It also took on all FYE employees. FYE closed its Wheaton Mall location in January 2019 and its Lakeforest Mall location one year later in January of 2020. There is another Alex Baby and Toys listed as being in Holyoke Mall at Ingleside in Massachusetts, but the phone number is not currently active, so it may also be opening soon.

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Events

Skywatching Program at Observatory Park in Gaithersburg

By MCS Staff

Turn your eyes skyward and enjoy the amazing sites from Observatory Park, home to the historic Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory.

Observatory Park will be dark, but please do not bring a bright flashlight; bring a red light as it will be less intrusive to other watchers. Red cellophane will be available to cover any white light flashlights. Also adjust the brightness of electronic devices. These events are free, but require registration.

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Chevy Chase

Fire Caused by Recalled Surge Protector Thursday Evening

By MCS Staff

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Units were called to the 5100 block of Fairglen Lane, off of Fairfax Rd, in Chevy Chase for small fire at a single family home on Thursday evening.

The fire involved an electrical box that was attached to the outside of the home and was quickly put out by firefighters upon arrival. Connected to the electrical box that caught fire was a Supco surge protector that was previously recalled for its potential to cause fires. There was no extension to the fire,  no additional smoke, and no injuries.

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MoCo History

History of the Town of Laytonsville

By MCS Staff
Frank Bell's House Circ. 1900 - Today's Town Hall

With the 130th annual Laytonsville Community Parade returning to Laytonsville on Saturday, May 14 “Better Together for 130 Years” after a couple years off due to Covid-related concerns, we wanted to share some history on the town. Information and Pictures courtesy of the Laytonsville Historical Center:

Laytonsville has stood as a crossroad to the history of Maryland for over two centuries.  The intersection of the northern district of the town provides a route to the major metropolitan areas of the state– Damascus and Frederick County, to the east to Baltimore, to the south toward Washington, D.C., and to the west the Potomac River.  Although in January 1998 Laytonsville is still a cozy town, its small size, 614 acres and a population of 295, belies its long and interesting history. 

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Poolesville

Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for ‘Crossvines’ Project in Poolesville That Will Have a Winery and Custom Crush, Special Events Facility and Bistro

By Patrick Herron

Among those joining the formal groundbreaking ceremonies were County Councilmembers Andrew Friedson and Craig Rice; Maryland State Senator Brian Feldman; Poolesville Mayor Jim Brown; Craig Beyrouty, dean of College of the Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland; Keith Miller, CEO of the Montgomery County Revenue Authority; and Marc Weller, founding partner and CEO of Weller Development Company. See photos from the groundbreaking event.

“For the past two years, Montgomery County and the nation have been dominated by the impact of COVID-19, but we continued to plan for the future—and for our future economy,” said County Executive Elrich. “Crossvines is an exciting project that will change the economic prosperity of the Agricultural Reserve. As one of the only grape-crushing facilities in the region, this will open up opportunities for more landowners to grow profitable grapes and to explore winemaking as part of their future options.”

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