Author: Patrick Herron

MoCo Government

Montgomery County Council Approves the Pedestrian Master Plan

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Council voted today to approve the Pedestrian Master Plan, which is Montgomery Planning’s first comprehensive vision to improve accessibility and create safer, more comfortable experiences for people walking and rolling around the County. 

“As chair of the Transportation and Environment Committee, meeting our Vision Zero goals and creating safer, more walkable, bikeable and accessible streets are top priorities for me,” said Council President Evan Glass. “The passage of the Pedestrian Master Plan and the recent enactment of the Safe Streets Act bring us closer to our goals of making our streets safer for everyone. I’m proud of the steps we are taking to prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety, and I look forward to the implementation of the various recommendations laid out in this plan. Additionally, I want to thank the Montgomery Planning Board and staff for their work on this holistic pedestrian and bicyclist plan.” 

Go to Montgomery County Council Approves the Pedestrian Master Plan Read more
Beyond MoCo

Maryland Road Named One of America’s Top Autumn Foliage Road Trip Destinations

By Patrick Herron

MarketWatch Guides has released their inaugural Fall Foliage Road Trip guide and the The Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway has been named one of the top destinations. The byway is located about two hours from Montgomery County. Per the article, “Scenic fall drives are often — and understandably – associated with the mountains. But the Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway offers an alternative of catching the colors among the gentle terrain and lulling waters of the Chesapeake Bay region. The National Scenic Byway runs along Maryland Route 213 and Maryland Route 18 between the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

At just two-and-a-half hours from Washington, D.C. and an hour-and-a-half from Baltimore, Md., the byway is doable as a daytrip from either city. And while the fall colors and tideland scenery are worth the trip alone, fall color season is also still crab season in eastern Maryland. Make sure to set aside some time for the region’s famed crab cakes at one of the many waterside restaurants along the route in scenic towns like St. Michael’s and Cambridge.” Click here to read the complete top ten list. Featured image courtesy of Market Watch.

Go to Maryland Road Named One of America’s Top Autumn Foliage Road Trip Destinations Read more
Gaithersburg

Apartment Building and Multiple Vehicles Struck by Bullets Monday Night in Gaithersburg; One Arrested

By Patrick Herron

According to Montgomery County Police, “On Monday, October 9, 2023, at approximately 9:55 p.m., MCP officers responded to the 7900 block of Spiceberry Circle in Gaithersburg for the report of shots fired. The preliminary investigation has revealed that several suspects arrived at the location in a vehicle, and shots were fired. Three vehicles in the parking lot and an apartment were struck by gunfire. Shell casings were recovered.  An adult male has been arrested. This is an active and ongoing investigation.”

We will provide an update when additional information becomes available.

Go to Apartment Building and Multiple Vehicles Struck by Bullets Monday Night in Gaithersburg; One Arrested Read more
Beyond MoCo

Two $50,000 Powerball Tickets Sold in Maryland; Jackpot Climbs to $1.72 Billion

By Patrick Herron

While no one matched all six numbers for last night’s $1.55 billion jackpot, two $50,000 winning tickets were sold in Maryland for the October 9 drawing. The lucky winners purchased their tickets at Your Store (10137 Old Ocean City Blvd) in Worchester County and at 7-Eleven (8900 Edmonston Rd) in Prince George’s County. The winning numbers were 16, 34, 46, 55 and 67; the Powerball was 14. The Powerball drawing scheduled to take place Wednesday, October 11 has an estimated jackpot of $1.73  billion, with an estimated cash option of $756.6 million, making it the 2nd largest jackpot in U.S. history. Powerball drawings take place every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million. The odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. Additional details below courtesy of Powerball:

“Wednesday’s estimated jackpot ranks as the second-largest Powerball jackpot and U.S. lottery jackpot, only behind the world record $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot won in California on November 7, 2022. The Powerball jackpot rolled Monday night, after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn – white balls 16, 34, 46, 55, 67 and red Powerball 14. The Power Play® multiplier was 3X.

Go to Two $50,000 Powerball Tickets Sold in Maryland; Jackpot Climbs to $1.72 Billion Read more
Uncategorized

Sports Betting Contributes $3.2 Million to the State of Maryland During September

By Patrick Herron

Per the Maryland Lottery: Maryland’s 13 retail and 12 mobile sportsbooks that operated during September 2023 combined to generate $3,231,427 in contributions to the state. Each sportsbook contributes 15% of its taxable win to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, which supports public education programs.

Statewide handle in September totaled $442,450,666, with mobile handle accounting for 95.1% of the total at $420,957,789. Mobile wagering delivered $2,888,568 in contributions to the state during September, while retail sportsbooks contributed $342,859. The state’s sports wagering market added its 13th retail location when Canton Gaming and its operator partner Parx Interactive opened a sportsbook at The Greene Turtle in Towson on Sept. 29.

Go to Sports Betting Contributes $3.2 Million to the State of Maryland During September Read more
MDLottery

Powerball Jackpot Climbs to $1.73 Billion, Second-Largest Jackpot in History

By Patrick Herron

The Powerball drawing scheduled to take place Wednesday, October 11 has an estimated jackpot of $1.73  billion, with an estimated cash option of $756.6 million. Powerball drawings take place every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million. The odds of winning a prize are 1 in 24.9. Additional details below courtesy of Powerball:

“Wednesday’s estimated jackpot ranks as the second-largest Powerball jackpot and U.S. lottery jackpot, only behind the world record $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot won in California on November 7, 2022. The Powerball jackpot rolled Monday night, after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn – white balls 16, 34, 46, 55, 67 and red Powerball 14. The Power Play® multiplier was 3X.

Go to Powerball Jackpot Climbs to $1.73 Billion, Second-Largest Jackpot in History Read more
MoCo Government

Montgomery County Council Meets on Oct. 10 to Vote on the Pedestrian Master Plan

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Council will meet on Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 9 a.m. and will begin with two proclamation presentations. The first, presented by Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles and County Executive Marc Elrich will recognize World Mental Health Day. The second, presented by Councilmember Natali Fani-González will recognize the work of employees at the Department of Transportation.

At 1:15 p.m. an additional proclamation, presented by Councilmembers Sayles, Marilyn Balcombe and Dawn Luedtke, will recognize National Farmer’s Day. More detail on each agenda item is provided below:

Go to Montgomery County Council Meets on Oct. 10 to Vote on the Pedestrian Master Plan Read more
MCFRS

Update: Saturday Night Fire Causes $125K in Damage; Three Adults and Two Pets Displaced

By Patrick Herron

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a call for a fire at a two-story single family home on the 12000 block of Coldstream Drive, near Victory Lane, in Potomac late Saturday evening.  According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, the fire was out by approximately 8pm and one patient was evaluated for minor injuries. That person refused transport and all three occupants of the home were able to get out safely. The fire originated in the basement of the home, but a cause has not been made available. Three adults and two pets have been displaced.

On Monday, Piringer tweeted it was likely that Lithium battery cells were involved to some degree, however other electrical equipment was located in immediate basement area. Damage is estimated to $125K.

Go to Update: Saturday Night Fire Causes $125K in Damage; Three Adults and Two Pets Displaced Read more
MoCo Recreation

Reminder: Montgomery County Recreation Center Membership Passes are Now Free

By Patrick Herron

Montgomery County Recreation Center membership passes are free for County residents in 2023 A free pass will provide access to fully equipped fitness rooms, open gym (drop-in) activities and game rooms at any community recreation center during regularly scheduled hours. The free pass does not include access to aquatic centers. For aquatic center pass information and prices, visit Aquatic Passes – Department of Recreation – Montgomery County, Maryland (montgomerycountymd.gov).

“We are pleased to be offering this service free to our residents in 2023,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “As we head into the new year and many are renewing their fitness goals, I encourage our County residents to take advantage of these great spaces. Make sure to head to a community recreation center near you to check out all they have to offer. Thank you to the team at Montgomery County Recreation for helping make this happen.

Go to Reminder: Montgomery County Recreation Center Membership Passes are Now Free Read more
MoCo Government

County Executive Elrich Signs Bill Banning The Sale and Use of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers and Leaf Vacuums by July 2025

By Patrick Herron

“The keywords with this bill are phasing out and phasing in,” said Jon Monger, director of the County’s Department of Environmental Protection. “We are phasing out gas powered leaf blowers and phasing in electric leaf blowers over the next two years. We designed this legislation to give landscape companies, independent landscapers and the public ample time to comply with the law.”

The new law will:

Go to County Executive Elrich Signs Bill Banning The Sale and Use of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers and Leaf Vacuums by July 2025 Read more
View More Stories