MCS Staff, Author at The MoCo Show

University Blvd to Get a Temporary Bus/Bike Lane, Awaiting Flash Bus Corridor Implementation

Published June 19, 2023 at 7:42AM

MCDOT plans to install temporary combined bus and bicycle lanes on University Boulevard to speed riders and cyclists along and enable data collection for a future redesign. In the longer term, the corridor will get a comprehensive overhaul with the addition of a Flash Bus Corridor. Montgomery County’s Bus Rapid Transit is marketed as Flash. Flash is Montgomery County’s bus rapid transit (BRT) system.

Nationally, BRT is recognized as a high-capacity bus-based transit system that delivers fast service that may include dedicated bus lanes, traffic signal priority, off-board fare collection, elevated platforms and enhanced, modern stations. Pedestrian and bicycle enhancements are incorporated as part of the Flash implementation long term.

Maryland

MD Dept of Agriculture Invests $650,000 in Innovative Soil Health and Agroforestry Practices

By MCS Staff

Published June 19, 2023 at 7:31AM

The Maryland Department of Agriculture announced that 16 projects will receive grant funding totaling $650,000 through the new Healthy Soils Competitive Fund. This unique program provides financial assistance to qualifying farms—large and small—and organizations that adopt innovative conservation practices that benefit climate, soil, and water.

“We are delighted with the response to this new grant program that encourages innovative conservation ideas and strategies from local farmers and growers,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “It’s a win-win for healthier food, cleaner air, and improved water quality in our streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay.”.

Maryland

Air Quality Alert in Effect For Monday, June 19

By MCS Staff

Published June 19, 2023 at 6:57AM

The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a Code ORANGE Air Quality Alert on Monday, June 19th for the Maryland suburban DC region, which includes all of Montgomery County. Additional information below per the Maryland Department of the Environment:

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) ozone concentrations remain possible Monday, compounded by persistent, though diffuse, wildfire smoke. Winds turn from the south on Monday. This will cause a recirculation of the regional airmass bringing pollution from Sunday back northward. Despite the anticipated lower emissions due to the state holiday Monday, ozone development leading to potential USG conditions for a wider area along and north of I-95 from DC to Baltimore remains possible outside of thunderstorms. As flow turns towards the east on Tuesday into Wednesday and increased chances for rain develop, air quality improves, with generally categorical Good AQI air quality expected. For current air quality conditions please check this website.

Bethesda

VinoRita Wine Slushies Coming Soon to Montgomery Mall

By MCS Staff

Published June 18, 2023 at 9:13PM

VinoRita Wine Slushies is coming to the Montgomery Mall food court, taking over the kiosk space that was previously home to HalfSmoke, Gelato Galax, and Coldstone Creamery. HalfSmoke closed in April and VinoRita currently has a hearing with Montgomery County’s Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) on Thursday, July 6th at 1pm. VinoRita currently has locations in Georgia (Atlanta) and North Carolina (Charlotte and Concord). While an opening date is not yet available we don’t expect it to take long following the approval of the alcohol license.

The menu consists of a variety of flavors, including the best selling “Black San,” which is a Blackberry Sangria. Other flavors include Peach Frose, Strawberry Daquiri, Blueberry Pomegranate, and a variety of non-alcoholic slushees. Additional information below, Per VinoRita:

Crime

Woman Arrested For DUI and Hit & Run That Occurred Early Saturday Morning

By MCS Staff

Published June 18, 2023 at 8:51PM

Chief Antonio DeVaul from the Takoma Park Police Department announced the arrest of Jessica Delgadillo, 46, of Severn, Maryland, for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Hit & Run that occurred early on Saturday morning (June 17th).

Per Takoma Park Police: On June 17 at approximately 1:09 am, Takoma Park Police were in the 7600 block of New Hampshire Avenue on the scene of a four-vehicle collision when Delgadillo side swiped the driver door of the police officer’s cruiser and fled into Prince George’s County. Officers were able to locate Delgadillo, who displayed numerous indicators of possibly being under the influence of alcohol. A Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) was conducted, which she failed. Delgadillo was arrested and transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.

DC Sports

Washington Wizards Trade Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns

By MCS Staff

Published June 18, 2023 at 4:44PM | Updated June 18, 2023 at 10:21PM

According to NBA reporter Shams Charania, The Washington Wizards are trading three-time All-Star Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns for Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, a handful of second-round picks, and multiple pick swaps.

Last year, Bradley Beal signed a 5 year / $251,019,650 contract with the Washington Wizards, including $251,019,650 guaranteed, and an annual average salary of $50,203,930. In 2023-24, Beal will earn a base salary of $46,741,590, while carrying a cap hit of $46,741,590 and a dead cap value of $46,741,590 (along with a no-trade clause that will be waived for this trade). The Wizards, who recently hired new team president Michael Winger and new general manager Will Dawkins have now unloaded the contract necessary to rebuild.

WMATA

Metro Service Information for Juneteenth

By MCS Staff

Published June 18, 2023 at 4:20PM

Per WMATA: In observance of the Juneteenth federal holiday, Metrorail trains will run on a Saturday schedule from 5 a.m. – midnight and Metrobus will operate on a Saturday supplemental schedule. All routes that normally operate on Saturday will operate in addition to supplemental service on selected routes. MetroAccess customers may make a separate reservation to travel on the holiday; however, all pre-scheduled subscription trips will be canceled.

Customers traveling over the Juneteenth holiday can connect via Metro to Amtrak, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport. This is expected to be one of the busiest travel weekends since the pandemic, so give yourself extra time to catch your train or flight.

Education

Three MCPS Students Earn $55K Scholarships From Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

By MCS Staff

Published June 18, 2023 at 3:02PM

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation announced earlier this school year that three graduating high school seniors from Montgomery County will receive the Cooke College Scholarship. This year’s recipients will receive up to $55,000 annually to cover the costs of their undergraduate education, as they go on to attend the nation’s top colleges and universities next fall. The winners from Montgomery County are:

The Cooke College Scholarship Program seeks to help high-achieving students with financial need earn a college degree. In addition to substantial financial support, Scholars also receive ongoing academic coaching and advising, graduate school and career advising, and access to a network of thriving and motivated peers in the Cooke Scholar community. Scholars will also receive opportunities for internships, study abroad, and access to graduate school funding.

Beyond MoCo

Buc-ee’s To Open First Virginia Location; Plans For Additional VA Stores

By MCS Staff

Published June 18, 2023 at 12:42PM

According to New Kent County Economic Development, Buc-ee’s Travel Center will expand their operations to New Kent County, Virginia at the exit 211 interchange along Interstate 64. The company plans to construct a 74,000 SF store with 120 fueling positions, 557 parking spaces, 24 Tesla charging spaces and 10 bus/RV parking spaces. The anticipated opening date for the Virginia’s first Buc-ee’s is 2027 with additional Virginia locations planned for the future. According to BizJournals, “Buc-ee’s has identified multiple Virginia sites for potential stores, including one on the I-81 corridor and another on I-95 north of Richmond, bringing the chain ever closer to Greater Washington.”

According to the company, “Buc-ee’s Travel Center is a family-focused travel center featuring a wide range of freshly prepared foods including home-crafted bbq, custom made sandwiches, fresh salads and fruits, baked goods, and sweets as well as a unique collection of gifts, housewares, clothing, and weekend get-away gear. Buc-ee’s is open 24/7 and provides our guests with the cleanest restrooms and friendliest staff to be found anywhere; much less on I-64. Buc-ee’s is not a truck stop; 18 wheelers are not allowed on the property. Buc-ee’s is a one-of-a-kind destination. Buc-ee’s will employ (full time with benefits) over 175 residents earning an average minimum wage of $16-18 per hour”.

Chevy Chase

Dok Khao Thai Eatery (Woodbridge, Columbia) is Coming to MoCo

By MCS Staff

Published June 18, 2023 at 8:54AM

Dok Khao Thai Eatery is coming to Montgomery County, signing on to move into a new space in Chevy Chase Lake, next to The Charmery (opening on Friday) off of Connecticut Ave in Chevy Chase. Dok Thai Thai Eatery opened its first location in Woodbridge, VA, followed by a second in the Merriweather District in Downtown Columbia, which is coincidentally also located to a relatively new location of The Charmery. Only a few spots remain available at Chevy Chase Lake, which is anchored by Amazon Fresh.

The restaurant describes itself as a “Local Thai Cuisine for everyone – every dish is crafty made to order using high quality ingredients including locally made fresh noodles, chef’s home grown Thai herbs, & Rare-Finds Asian vegetables.” The menu includes “Deliciously addictive Street Food & Noodles, Sense of Thai craft cocktails, and homemade cakes and an Asian Inspired Dessert Bar . At Dok Khao Thai Eatery, we brought to you the breeze of a Bangkok Night Market and the taste of real Thai street food with a variety of Thai small plates, healthy salads, & hearty noodle soups.” An opening date/timeframe is not yet available. Featured photo courtesy of the Dok Khao website.

DMV

Temporary Taste and Odor Changes to Tap Water Continue in Parts of Maryland

By MCS Staff

Published June 18, 2023 at 8:42AM

Last week we let you know that customers served by WSSC Water’s Potomac Water Filtration Plant (Potomac River) may notice a change in the taste and odor of their tap water because of algal activity in the Potomac River. The customer alert remains active on the WSSC website and the service map can be seen below.

Per WSSC, This temporary change is not harmful and is due to an increase in a naturally occurring substance, Geosmin, caused by warmer weather and low water levels in the Potomac River. The naturally occurring compound, Geosmin, has no health effects at the current concentration. Despite the taste and odor issues, the water remains safe, meeting all EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.