Author: MCS Staff

Maryland

Nearly 5,000 People Hit the Trails for Maryland’s First Day Hikes

By MCS Staff

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports that 4,896 people hiked 9,780 miles during First Day Hikes in 41 state parks on New Year’s weekend. Between Dec. 31, 2022 and Jan. 2, 2023, there were 37 scheduled ranger-led programs with an additional 23 self-guided opportunities available on state public lands across Maryland. Despite some rain, most of Maryland enjoyed spring-like weather during the New Year’s weekend, helping encourage people to get outside. Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford joined Maryland DNR Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio at North Point State Park for their final First Day Hike in office.

“It’s great to start off the year with a hike through one of our 76 state parks,” said Lt. Governor Rutherford. “The First Day Hikes are a great opportunity for all Marylanders to come together, lace up their hiking boots, and explore the natural beauty of Maryland.” Secretary Riccio kicked off the hike with appreciation for the DNR teams that host the events every year. “I want to thank our Maryland Park Service staff and volunteers and Natural Resources Police for what they do every day and for allowing us to enjoy these incredible opportunities,” Secretary Riccio said.

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Maryland

Maryland: Board of Public Works approves funding for clean water and the Chesapeake Bay, mitigation plan for Ever Forward grounding

By MCS Staff

The Maryland Board of Public Works in Annapolis approved a wetlands license that requires the owner of the container ship Ever Forward to fund the seeding of oyster bars as mitigation for the effects of that vessel’s grounding on aquatic habitat. The board also approved $25 million in funding that had been included in the budget approved last year for the interstate initiative to reduce water pollution at the Conowingo Dam and advance the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. The board is composed of Governor Larry Hogan, Treasurer Dereck E. Davis and Comptroller Peter Franchot.

“The seeding of oyster bars will contribute to an improved aquatic habitat and provide long term water quality benefits,” said Deputy Secretary/Acting Secretary of the Environment Suzanne E. Dorsey. “From the time that the Ever Forward was grounded to the refloating of the vessel to the issuance of this wetlands license and its special conditions, the Maryland Department of the Environment has been on the job to ensure that the Chesapeake Bay and its habitat for oysters and other aquatic life are protected.”

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Beyond MoCo

Beyond MoCo: Kite Announces Plans to Expand Cell Therapy Manufacturing Operations, Add 100 New Jobs in Frederick County

By MCS Staff

Kite, a Gilead Company (Nasdaq: GILD), today announced plans to expand its global cell therapy supply chain operations in Frederick County. This year, the California-based company will begin construction on an approximately 70,000 square-foot centralized raw materials warehouse that will serve Kite’s global manufacturing network and will be located adjacent to its existing facility in the Urbana Corporate Center. The expansion will bring an additional 100 jobs to the area, with the company expecting to employ more than 500 full-time staff between its two facilities by the end of 2026.

“As the global leader in cell therapy, it is important to continue to streamline our manufacturing processes to meet the needs of people living with difficult-to-treat blood cancers. Centralizing our raw materials storage and testing will enable us to bring control of materials in-house to increase the speed and efficiency of our global manufacturing operations so we can continue to grow to meet patient demand,” said Chris McDonald, SVP & global head of technical operations, Kite. “Additionally, by locating these global operations in Maryland, we can serve both our European and California manufacturing operations in the same day. With three major airports in the area, we have increased flexibility in receiving and shipping materials, which is critical for patients who are waiting for our therapies.”

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Beyond MoCo

Beyond MoCo: New 126,000 SF Indoor Water Park Now Taking Reservations; Additional Information Released

By MCS Staff

Great Wolf Lodge, North America’s largest family of indoor water park resorts, will be opening its newest resort in Perryville, MD (located in Cecil County, northeast of Baltimore City) in August 2023. Great Wolf Lodge Maryland will be the company’s 20th resort in North America, and their largest. It will offer 700 family-friendly suites, a 126,000-square-foot indoor water park, a 57,000 square-foot entertainment center, and 12,000 square-feet of conference space. Perryville is about 70 miles and a little less than an hour and a half away from most parts of MoCo. The company has recently released additional information about the water park and is offering a 25% discount on reservations.

Per the press release: Careening down slides, jumping over waves, floating down a lazy river, and getting drenched by a thousand gallons of water cascading from a giant tipping bucket are a few of the water-filled adventures families will discover at the all-new Great Wolf Lodge Maryland. The indoor water park is the marquee attraction at Great Wolf Lodge, and the water park planned for the company’s Maryland resort will be the largest Great Wolf Lodge has ever built. The water park at Great Wolf Lodge Maryland will offer more than 128,000 square feet of enclosed fun with slides, pools and water play for all ages, and a cozy 84-degree temperature year-round.

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Derwood

Collision Closes Muncaster Mill Rd on Sunday Morning

By MCS Staff

Updated with additional information

Montgomery County Police issued a traffic advisory, at 8:05am on Sunday morning, that states Muncaster Mill Rd. is is closed between Windsor Manor Lane and Sycamore Lane due to a traffic collision. Per the advisory, drivers are advised to seek an alternate route and significant delays are expected.

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MoCoSnow

Hypothermia Alert Issued for Montgomery County Starting 4pm Saturday

By MCS Staff

Montgomery County has extended the Hypothermia Alert for 4:00 pm Saturday, 1/14/23 – 1:00 pm Sunday, 1/15/23. Expect wind chill to be at or below 32 degrees. Wear layers and take extra precautions if you spend significant time outdoors during that time. A Hypothermia Alert is issued for the County when forecasted temperatures, and/or wind chill, in at least part of the County fall below 32 degrees creating a hazardous situation in which hypothermia and frostbite are likely. A Cold Emergency Alert could be issued for the County when dangerously cold conditions are present, including, but not limited to, sub-zero temperatures and wind chill for which it will be dangerous to be outdoors for prolonged periods of time.

There is always particular concern for children, seniors, homeless individuals and animals during periods of extreme cold.

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Business

Silver Spring’s Riderwood Appoints John Porter as New Associate Executive Director

By MCS Staff

This past fall, John Porter was appointed associate executive director at Riderwood, the Erickson Senior Living community in Silver Spring, Riderwood announced in a press release earlier this month. Porter, who most recently served as director of dining at Ashby Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Ashburn, Va., began his senior living career at Riderwood almost 15 years ago. In that time, he’s proven himself to be a dedicated and effective leader who excels at supporting both residents and staff. “We are excited to welcome him back to Riderwood, where he will serve the community at the highest level,” says Dee Dee Gray-Weaver, Riderwood’s executive director. “Our residents will benefit from his proven leadership, expertise in senior living, and unwavering desire to help.”

Believe it or not, Porter has longstanding professional and personal ties to Riderwood. His mother, Sharon Porter, has lived at the community since 2003. “It is a great honor and opportunity to return to Riderwood at this stage in my career,” says Porter. “I look forward to working directly with community members, including my mom.” A graduate of the University of Baltimore with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management, Porter spent his first years out of college working in the restaurant and mortgage industries. When his parents decided to move to Riderwood, the decision changed not only their lives, but his own as well.

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Crime

Police Investigate Armed Robbery of Food Truck

By MCS Staff

Per Takoma Park Police: On 01/13/2023, at approximately 4:00 pm, Takoma Park Police officers responded to the Pupuseria Luisa food truck located in the 6500 block of New Hampshire Avenue, Takoma Park, for the report of an armed robbery that occurred earlier. Upon arrival, officers met with the business owner, who advised on today’s date at approximately 2:00 pm, two Hispanic males stepped into the food truck and one suspect presented what appeared to be a handgun. The suspects demanded cash from the food truck workers. The two suspects fled the scene southbound on New Hampshire Avenue on foot.

Suspect One was described as a tall and skinny Hispanic male wearing a black face mask and red jacket. Suspect Two was described as a short, heavy set, Hispanic male wearing a black face mask and black jacket. Anyone with information on these events should contact the Takoma Park Police Department at 301-270-1100 and refer to case #230002143. Featured photo courtesy of the Pupuseria Luisa Facebook page.

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Beyond MoCo

Beyond MoCo: Maryland State Police Arrest Man On Sextortion, Child Pornography Charges In Prince George’s County

By MCS Staff

Per the Maryland State Police: Troopers arrested a Prince George’s County man on Thursday after a Maryland State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigation developed evidence of sextortion and possession and distribution of child pornography.

The suspect is identified as Isaiah S. Poole, 21, of Suitland, Maryland. Poole is charged with seven counts of possession of child pornography, two counts of soliciting minors to engage in sexual conduct, two counts of causing minors to engage as a subject in a performance that exposes their intimate parts by threatening to inflict emotional distress and one count of distribution of pornography. Poole was transported to the Prince George’s County Detention Center, where he is being held without bond.

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MCDOT

Ride On Bus Will Be Increasing Frequency on 31 Routes Starting Sunday, January 29

By MCS Staff

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will increase service on 31 Ride On bus routes starting Sunday, Jan. 29. The increases are part of the adjustments to 44 routes overall to improve efficiency based on ridership. Throughout the year, ridership data and on-time performance are monitored regularly to identify routes that could achieve increased efficiency with schedule updates.

“Public transit that is reliable and on time is critical to the people who count on it,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “It is a best practice to regularly evaluate and adjust bus service to ensure needs are being met. Dependable and reliable bus service leads to increased ridership which supports our sustainability efforts, reduces congestion and increases the quality of life for our residents.” Montgomery County bus route changes starting Jan. 29 will include:

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