Patrick Herron, Author at The MoCo Show

Governor Wes Moore Announces Appointments to Office of Social Equity and Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council

Published July 18, 2023 at 10:35AM

Per the State of Maryland (7.17.23): Governor Wes Moore today announced the appointment of Audrey L. Johnson as Acting Executive Director of the Office of Social Equity and Courtney Davis as Deputy Director. Johnson’s nomination will be submitted to the Senate for confirmation during the 2024 Legislative Session. The Office of Social Equity, an independent agency established by the Cannabis Reform Act of 2023, is charged with providing resources and support for historically disadvantaged individuals and businesses seeking to enter the adult-use cannabis market. The vital responsibilities of the office include implementing technical assistance programs for qualifying social equity applicants and licensees, reviewing regulations and laws through an economic equity and social justice lens, and supporting key programs including the Community Repair and Reinvestment Fund and the Cannabis Business Assistance Fund.

“Acting Executive Director Johnson and Deputy Director Davis are exceptionally talented and committed leaders who have dedicated their professional careers to eliminating barriers to economic opportunity and promoting social justice,” said Gov. Moore. “We were very thoughtful and intentional in selecting the leadership of this agency, and I have full confidence in their ability to ensure that social equity and economic inclusion remain key pillars of Maryland’s adult-use cannabis industry.”

MoCo Government

Longest-Serving County Attorney Marc Hansen Has Died

By Patrick Herron

Published July 18, 2023 at 9:49AM

Former Montgomery County Attorney Marc Hansen passed away on July 15. Hansen worked for the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office for 37, including 12 years as County Attorney. Hansen was born in 1946 in Kankakee, Illinois and attended MacMurray College, Washington University, and American University. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich released the following statement on Monday:

“Montgomery County today lost a kind and passionate long-time resident who devoted much of his life to public service with our County Government. Marc Hansen worked in the County Attorney’s Office for 37 years, including the last twelve as the County Attorney. He retired in January 2022, as the longest-serving County Attorney. Over almost four decades, multiple County Executives, dozens of County Council members, and thousands of County colleagues relied on his advice and guidance.

Beyond MoCo

Six Defendants Charged as Part of Criminal Organization that Distributed Large Amounts of Fentanyl and was Responsible for Multiple Overdoses throughout Maryland Plead Guilty

By Patrick Herron

Published July 18, 2023 at 9:24AM

On July 10, 2023, Maleik Christopher Moody, 28, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty to several charges before Judge Mary M. Kramer of the Howard County Circuit Court, including participating in a criminal organization, knowingly distributing fentanyl, and the possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Moody was sentenced to 30 years of incarceration, with all but 10 years suspended, and will serve the first five years of that sentence without the possibility of parole. Moody was the last remaining defendant to be sentenced among the six charged in this investigation. All other defendants had previously pleaded guilty.

The case originated from an investigation by the Howard County Police Department into a nonfatal opioid overdose that occurred in its jurisdiction. The continued investigation, led by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Unit, the Howard County Police Department, and the Strike Force 7 Group, led by the Maryland State Police, linked the overdose to as many as six additional overdoses in Maryland and Virginia, including at least one fatal overdose. During the investigation, detectives seized more than one kilogram of fentanyl and six handguns, observed hundreds of hand-to-hand drug transactions in multiple jurisdictions, and intercepted communications confirming the distribution of large amounts of fentanyl throughout Maryland.

The Housing Opportunities Commission launches its strategic planning process (sponsored)

By Patrick Herron

Published July 18, 2023 at 9:09AM

There’s a lot of buzz in Montgomery County about new affordable housing being built by the Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC). To increase its successes in developing affordable, mixed-income, and mixed-use housing in the county, HOC has launched a comprehensive new strategic planning process, to gather input from the community on the needs of low- and moderate-income households. HOC is requesting feedback via either their strategic planning survey or town hall meetings. Everyone who lives, works, studies and/or recreates in Montgomery County is encouraged to participate!

HOC’s outreach to the community is ambitious. The agency wants to hear from all its stakeholders – residents, customers, applicants, vendors, partners, and the general public – about the challenges and obstacles faced by low- and moderate income households in the county. Based on everyone’s feedback, HOC will create a five-year strategic plan that will guide its efforts to provide affordable housing opportunities and related services to low- and moderate-income households in Montgomery County.

Crime

50 Year Sentence for Defendant in Fatal Stabbing Outside Germantown Extended Stay

By Patrick Herron

Published July 17, 2023 at 8:48PM

According to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, “Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, the Honorable John Maloney sentenced defendant, Kyle Noble, to 60 years in prison suspend all but 50 years to serve and five years of supervised probation upon release.” Noble was convicted last month on charges of second-degree murder and armed robbery for the death and robbery of 31-year-old Efrain Arias.

This stems from an incident on September 15^th 2019, when the defendant, Noble, confronted Efrain Arias as Arias exited a vehicle in the parking lot of the Extended Stay America hotel on Milestone Center Drive in Germantown. Noble chased the victim down a hill into a field near the parking lot, fatally stabbed him, then came back and robbed the dying victim of personal property. As stated by the prosecutors in court, the attack was fueled by drug-seeking behavior and a jealous rage, as the victim was a friend of the defendant’s ex-girlfriend.

Crime

Armed Juvenile Arrested for Burglary in Germantown

By Patrick Herron

Published July 17, 2023 at 5:20PM

Per MCPD: A juvenile male has been arrested and charged for a burglary that he committed on Monday, July 17, 2023. At approximately 12:10 p.m., 5th District officers responded to the area of Pickering Ct., in Germantown, for the report of domestic violence in progress. The preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, who was armed with a knife and handgun, had attempted to force entry into the home of an acquaintance and left the scene. When officers located the suspect, he ran away toward Pickering Dr., and a perimeter was established.

The suspect was later located and taken into custody in the 13000 block of Waters Landing Dr. A backpack containing a knife and an air pistol were also recovered. The suspect was transported to the 5th District station, where he has been charged with first-degree burglary and related charges. Feature photo courtesy of Google Maps.

Health

Montgomery County Government Receives ‘Gold Bell Seal’ Award for Being a National Leader in Workplace Mental Health

By Patrick Herron

Published July 17, 2023 at 4:51PM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Government has received a prestigious 2022-23 “Gold Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health” award. The award recognizes the County’s employee-centered programs and efforts aimed at promoting mental health in the workplace. The Bell Seal National Certification program, led by Mental Health America (MHA), annually recognizes a small number of leading employers committed to creating mentally healthy work environments for employees.

“We are honored to be recognized by Mental Health America for our efforts to raise awareness, reduce stigma and increase access to mental health resources and programs,” said County Executive Marc Elrich.“Mental well-being in the workplace is no longer secondary to physical health, and it is important as an employer to make space for it. It is important to support our employees in their health journeys, both physically and mentally.”

Burtonsville

Four $25,000 Winning Lottery Tickets Sold at Shell Station (all unclaimed)

By Patrick Herron

Published July 17, 2023 at 2:35PM | Updated July 17, 2023 at 8:57PM

Four individual PICK 5 tickets each worth $25,000 ($100,000 total) were sold recently at the Shell Station/Dunkin at 700 Gaither Road in the King Farm neighborhood of Rockville. This same retailer also sold a $10,000 winning PICK 5 ticket on July 10. Additional big winners in Montgomery County last week included a $50,000 ticket sold July 16 at Williams Beer & Wine (15440 Old Columbia Pike) in Burtonsville and a $10,000 winning scratch off sold at Kingsview Beer and Wine (13406 Kingsview Village Avenue) in Germantown. Full list of winners across the state of Maryland below courtesy of MD Lottery:

The Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots continue to climb. Since there were no jackpot winners, the Powerball jackpot grew over the weekend to $900 million and Mega Millions has reached $640 million. The combined total is more than $1.5 billion. Meanwhile, six players in Maryland hit third-tier, five-digit prizes on the two multi-state jackpot games in the past week in Baltimore, Bowie, Columbia, Jessup, Rockville and Waldorf.

MoCo Government

County Council Meets on July 18 to Vote on Anti-Rent Gouging Legislation and to Establish an Airpark Community Advisory Committee

By Patrick Herron

Published July 17, 2023 at 2:21PM

The Montgomery County Council will meet on Tuesday, July 18 at 9:15 a.m. and will begin with a proclamation, presented by Councilmembers Sidney Katz, Gabe Albornoz and Dawn Luedtke to commemorate Peace Day in honor of Mattie J.T. Stepanek’s life and legacy. At 1:15 p.m., Council Vice President Andrew Friedson and Council President Evan Glass will lead a proclamation presentation recognizing Ken Reichard for his years of service to U.S. Senator Ben Cardin. More detail on each agenda item is provided below.

Bill 24- 23, Airpark Community Advisory Committee – Established

Education

Governor Wes Moore Announces Maryland Higher Education Commission Appointments

By Patrick Herron

Published July 17, 2023 at 2:13PM

The Maryland Higher Education Commission is the state’s higher education regulatory and coordinating board, responsible for establishing statewide policies for Maryland public and private colleges and universities, as well as for the for-profit career schools. The commission also administers $130 million in financial assistance to more than 65,000 Maryland students each year.

The commission consists of twelve members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. One member is a student, serving a one-year term; all other members are appointed for five-year terms.

Montgomery College

Montgomery College Receives $500,000 Donation to Help Students Enroll in Workforce Programs and Gain Employment

By Patrick Herron

Published July 17, 2023 at 8:40AM

Per Montgomery College: A new WDCE scholarship for financially-eligible job seekers, ready to get to work by June 30, 2024, is currently accepting applicants. The Montgomery College Foundation announced the establishment of the Robert I. Schattner Job Training and Certification Scholarship, a one-year opportunity for job training and certification. Scholarships are available for applicants pursuing eligible career path courses with the intention to obtain employment.

The Robert I. Schattner Job Training and Certification Scholarship will receive applications now through Wednesday, August 4, 2023. Information about the scholarship, eligibility requirements, a list of qualified courses, the application and more are now on the WDCE Career Path Scholarship webpage.