Author: Patrick Herron

MoCo Government

Montgomery County Offers Free Tax Prep for Residents Earning $67,000 or Less

By Patrick Herron

Montgomery County residents with a household income of $67,000 or less can receive free tax preparation services through the Community Action Agency’s VITA program, available virtually and in-person at locations in Rockville, Gaithersburg, and Wheaton through April 10. VITA helps residents maximize refunds by claiming tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit, and also assists with ITIN applications on Wednesdays; appointments can be scheduled by calling 240-777-1123 or visiting the CASHBACK website. (more…)

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Education

MCPS Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Inclusive Education Amid Executive Orders

By Patrick Herron

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Superintendent Thomas W. Taylor and Board of Education President Julie Yang released a message reaffirming MCPS’s commitment to inclusive, high-quality education amid concerns over recent executive orders. They emphasized maintaining local curriculum control, supporting educators, and upholding the district’s core values through all legal means.

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Health

Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detected in Montgomery County

By Patrick Herron

According to the Maryland Department of Agriculture, state lab testing has detected highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI) in a Montgomery County backyard flock, prompting a quarantine of affected premises and the depopulation of birds to prevent its spread. While the risk to the general public remains low, officials urge flock owners to follow biosecurity measures, register their birds, and report suspected cases, with additional precautions recommended for hunters and those in close contact with poultry.

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Crime

Hit-and-Run in Gaithersburg Leads to Home Invasion and Armed Police Chase with 4-Year-Old in Tow

By Patrick Herron
Watkins Mill Rd and 355, via Google Maps

A hit-and-run in Gaithersburg on January 27, 2025, led to a stolen vehicle, a home invasion in Germantown, and an armed police pursuit across state lines, ending in Virginia with the arrest of 32-year-old Esmeraldo Martinez De La Cruz, who was reported missing from New York along with his 4-year-old daughter. Martinez now faces multiple charges in both Virginia and Montgomery County. (more…)

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Germantown

Red Robin Offers $10K Engagement Ring Giveaway for Onion Ring Proposals for Valentine’s Day

By Patrick Herron
Are you ready to pop the question? Get engaged with one of Red Robin’s fan-favorite golden onion rings for the chance to win a diamond engagement ring of choice, awarded as $10,000 in gift cards to a jewelry store and a $180 Red Robin gift card! See full contest details at redrobin.com/lovebird-combo (PRNewsfoto/Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.)

Red Robin is celebrating Valentine’s Day by giving one lucky couple the chance to win a $10,000 engagement ring and free Towering Onion Rings for their engagement by proposing with an onion ring at a Red Robin location and sharing their love story online between Feb. 13-19. Red Robin currently has one Montgomery County location at 20001 Century Blvd in Germantown. Full details below courtesy Red Robin:

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