Per the State of Maryland: Governor Moore today delivered the keynote address during the closing session of the 2023 Maryland Association of Counties summer conference in Ocean City. The governor spoke about the disciplined approach required to grow Maryland’s economy amid budget shortfalls and the critical value of partnerships to emerge stronger as a state.
Excerpts from Governor Moore’s speech as prepared:
MCPS must fulfill its duty to protect its employees through a truly independent investigator, one with extensive experience in victim-focused sexual misconduct investigations and one that does not have a pre-existing relationship with the district. We encourage the public to join us in calling for a truly independent investigation, and for MCPS to work with us on reforming their policies so that this never happens again.
Given the scale and scope of allegations employees provided to MCPS, an investigation needs to focus on why MCPS management failed to protect staff and instead promoted the principal. MCPS has now chosen to conduct a second investigation of their complaints using a firm that specializes in protecting management from sexual harassment claims, not in ensuring safe working conditions for employees.
Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown co-led, along with Attorney General Letitia James of New York, a coalition of 13 attorneys general in comments supporting the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) proposed Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair Rules. The rules largely implement the bipartisan PIPES Act of 2020 and would require the use of commercially available leak detection technology and common-sense operational controls to minimize both intentional and unintentional releases from gas pipelines.
“Every leak from gas infrastructure poses a direct threat to our communities and fuels global warming, which we know disproportionately impacts already overburdened families and communities. This proposal is a commonsense approach to eliminate leaks and needless environmental waste,” said Attorney General Brown. “It’s a win for both the safety of our citizens and the protection of our environment.”
Per the City of Rockville: Rob DiSpirito has resigned as Rockville’s city manager. DiSpirito submitted his resignation to the Mayor and Council on Thursday, Aug. 17. It became effective at 5 p.m. that day.
The Mayor and Council accepted his resignation and appointed Deputy City Manager Barack Matite as acting city manager, effective immediately. DiSpirito had served as Rockville’s city manager since January 2017.
Per the Maryland Department of Health: Maryland Department of Health has confirmed and reported a positive case of locally acquired malaria in a Maryland resident who lives in the National Capital Region. The individual was hospitalized and is now recovering. They did not travel recently outside of the United States or to other U.S. states with recent locally acquired malaria cases.
“Malaria was once common in the United States, including in Maryland, but we have not seen a case in Maryland that was not related to travel in over 40 years,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Laura Herrera Scott. “We are taking this very seriously and will work with local and federal health officials to investigate this case.”
Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 2nd District Investigative Section are investigating a burglary that occurred on Monday, August 7, 2023, at the Bone Jour store in the 4900 block of Del Ray Ave. in Bethesda. Detectives have released surveillance video of the suspects and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying them.
The investigation has revealed that the rear door of the store was pried open, and a female suspect entered the store. A bundle of permanent balloons was stolen from outside of the store.
Per Westfield Montgomery: Westfield Montgomery is proud to partner with Bethesda-based non-profit organization, The Napkin Network for the “Napkin Nook” initiative in a testament to the mall’s ongoing commitment to the community. As 1 in 3 families struggle to afford diapers for their children, the Napkin Nook welcomes those in need to take home essential baby items such as diapers and formula, making their parenting journey a little easier. Stationed on the lower level in front of the PlaySpace, the activation aims to bridge the gap between families in need and those eager to help, recognizing the challenges of motherhood and the persistent need within the community.
“The Napkin Network is here to assist in this messy, wonderful, challenging, and necessary journey known best as ‘motherhood,” says Founder Lindsay Gill. Echoing Gill’s objective, Zeina Davis, Director of Marketing for Westfield Montgomery says: “As a native of Montgomery County and a mother myself, it’s my pleasure to facilitate the betterment of mothers and families who contribute to the vitality of our center and are at the heart of our vibrant community. We aim to be a cornerstone of the community, offering both support for families and a platform for local artists.”
Per MCPD: The Special Victims Division is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Tanease Callands, a missing 15-year-old. Callands was last seen on Friday August 11, 2023, at approximately 2:30 p.m., in the 11200 block of Georgia Ave. in Silver Spring. She is 5’5″, 130 lbs, with black hair, brown eyes, and a nose ring. She was last seen wearing a pink t-shirt, whitewashed jean shorts and grey Crocs.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Tanease Callands is asked to call Montgomery County Police Non-Emergency (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line).
Per MCPD: The Montgomery County Department of Police is investigating a serious collision that occurred on Thursday, August 17, 2023. At approximately 6:39 p.m., Montgomery County 4th District officers and Fire Rescue personnel responded to the area of Georgia Avenue and Kayson Street for the report of a serious traffic collision involving four vehicles.
The preliminary investigation has revealed that a gray Audi A6 was traveling southbound on Georgia Avenue when it struck a Red heavy duty Ford Truck and trailer that was attempting to turn onto northbound Georgia Avenue. The truck spun, detaching from its trailer and collided with a Chevy Traverse. The detached trailer then spilled into the road and was hit by a white Ford Taurus.
Pazos tweeted, “In addition to 6 transport units and 2 dozen fire dept personnel, a MCFRS hazmat unit responded to the scene for vehicles with fuel spills. Traffic is being diverted from the scene, and units are starting to release the scene to MCPD.”
Per Montgomery County Police: “Georgia Avenue at Kayson Street is closed as the result of a traffic collision. Drivers are advised to seek an alternate route. Expect delays.”
Permanent signage has been installed at Hangry Joe’s in the Montgomery Village Shopping Center. The Nashville-style hot chicken restaurant will be located adjacent to the Starbuck’s at 19290 Montgomery Village Ave. Hangry Joe’s in know for its hot chicken sandwiches, known as the “Chicken Sando”, and allows guests to choose the spice level of the fried chicken (Plain<Mild<Medium<Hot<Angry Hot). The menu also consists of chicken fingers, chicken & waffles, wraps, nuggets, loaded fries, and salads. Sides include cider slaw, waffle fries, and fried okra.
Hangry Joe’s has additional Montgomery County locations in Wheaton (2533 Ennals Ave) and Rockville (718-B Rockville Pike and 10050 Darnestown Rd.)