Author: Patrick Herron

Derwood

Adoption Center at “Critical Capacity”, Adoption Fees Waived for Large Dogs

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: Residents who are looking for a new furry friend are encouraged to go to the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) in Derwood. The adoption center is at “critical capacity,” particularly regarding large dogs of more than 40 pounds. It is waiving adoption fees for the next 50 dogs adopted.

From Jan. 1 through June 30, 1,117 dogs came into the animal center. During the same period in 2022, 916 dogs came into the building, meaning there was an increase of 201 dogs admitted during the first six months of 2023 compared to the previous year. The increase in the number of dogs entering the animal center in June of this year was substantial. In June, 214 dogs entered the shelter, but only 173 dogs exited. This is a significant reason the shelter is currently at capacity.

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Entertainment

We Are One Month Away From the 2023 Montgomery County Fair; Latest Info

By Patrick Herron

The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair returns next month on Friday, August 11th and will run through Saturday, August 19th. This will be the 74th annual fair and it’s third year back after having to cancel for the first time in its 70+ year history in 2020 due to Covid restrictions. You can download a copy of the 2023 Fair Catalog here.  Admission to the fair is $15 on-site and $12 online. Children 11 & under can enter free and parking is $15 per car. Tickets can be purchased here. 

Free entertainment this year includes a canine aquatics competition, pig racing, the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, illusionists, remote control car racing, comedy shows, and stilt walkers.  Ticketed events at the Fair’s Grandstand include Truck Drag Racing on August 14th, the Renegade Monster Truck Tour on August 16th and 17th, and Demolition Derby “Night of Destruction” on August 18th and 19th.

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Bethesda

The Salt Line Opens in Bethesda on Tuesday, July 11th

By Patrick Herron

Back in September 2021 we let you know the popular DC restaurant The Salt Line would be making its way over to Bethesda Row, taking over the location at 4900 Hampden Lane that was previously home to Greek restaurant Kapnos until 2018. After a soft opening over the weekend, The Salt Line will hold its grand opening on Tuesday, July 11th.

According to the restaurant, the opening menu at features a selection of beloved New England favorites also found at The Salt Line’s Navy Yard and Ballston locations, as well as additions from Executive Chef Eric McKamey and Long Shot Hospitality Chef/Partner Kyle Bailey. Highlights include the Local Heirloom Tomato Salad, Bucatini and Clams, Maine Peekytoe Crab Roll, and more. In addition to full beer and wine lists, the cocktail program is heavily influenced by the New England lifestyle and showcases imaginative twists on timeless classics such as the Cape Codder G&T, The Blue Cheese Martini, Sbagliato Spritz, and more. The interior evokes a nautical feel, with mahogany paneling, brass fixtures, booths inspired by yacht seats, a huge u-shaped bar, and vintage coastal ephemera throughout.

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Bethesda

21-Year-Old Man Found Guilty But Not Criminally Responsible in Fatal Stabbing of Stepfather in Bethesda

By Patrick Herron
Courtesy Google Maps

According to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, “Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, the Honorable Marielsa Bernard found defendant Sergio Koyangbo, 21, of Bethesda, guilty but Not Criminally Responsible (NCR) for the stabbing death of his stepfather, 46-year-old David Beasley on March 6, 2022. The State challenged an NCR finding by a state expert in December of 2022 and retained one of Maryland’s leading forensic psychiatrists to conduct an independent evaluation of the defendant. That doctor, however, came to the same conclusion of an NCR finding. In light of the second expert’s opinion, the State conceded the issue. Immediately following today’s hearing, Koyangbo was committed to the Maryland Department of Health. He will remain in a medical facility pending future evaluations.

According to Montgomery County Police, on March 6, at approximately 9:30 pm, 2nd District Officers arrived at the scene and located a male victim, later identified as 46-year-old David Beasley from Bethesda, inside the residence with apparent stab wounds to his body. Officers provided life-saving measures to Beasley until Montgomery County Fire Rescue arrived at the scene. Beasley was transported to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Detectives spoke with witnesses and determined that Koyangbo stabbed his father, Beasley, inside the residence. Detectives also located items of evidentiary value at the residence. Koyangbo was placed under arrest without incident and transported to the Central Processing Unit, where he has been charged with first-degree murder. He is being held without bond.

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Crime

Body Found in Seneca Creek; Police Asking for Assistance Identifying

By Patrick Herron

Per MCPD: The Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division, Homicide Section is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a body that was recovered from Seneca Creek. On Sunday, July 9, 2023, at approximately 5:41 p.m., 1st District officers, along with officers from Maryland Natural Resources were dispatched to the area of for the report of a body in the Creek.

Montgomery County Fire Rescue responded and removed the body, and it was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, who determined the manner of death to be a homicide.

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Crime

Guilty Verdict for Man Who Drove From Florida to Kill Estranged Wife’s Boyfriend

By Patrick Herron
Courtesy Google Maps

According to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, “In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, before the Honorable Christopher Fogleman, a jury has found defendant, Gary Savage, 60, of Tampa, FL, guilty of Attempted First-Degree Murder, Voluntary Manslaughter, and two counts of Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Crime of Violence.

This stems from an incident on September 3rd, 2021. The defendant drove from where he was living in Tampa, FL to the home of his estranged wife on Baileys Court in Silver Spring, MD. When Savage arrived, his estranged wife and her boyfriend, 44-year-old Whali Shabazz, were getting into a vehicle. Text messages that were admitted into evidence showed Savage knew the two victims were together and expected Shabaz to be there when he arrived. Savage opened fire on both of them, killing Shabaz and continuing to shoot at his estranged wife while she took cover behind another vehicle. She was not injured.

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Clarksburg

Collision Reconstruction Unit Investigating Germantown Fatal Motorcycle Collision; Identity of Victim Released

By Patrick Herron

Per MCPD: A 24-year-old Clarksburg man has died following a traffic collision that occurred on Sunday, July 9, 2023. At approximately 6:13 p.m., 5th District officers and Montgomery County Fire Rescue personnel responded to the intersection of Frederick Rd. at Milestone Manor Ln., for the report of a traffic collision involving a motorcycle and a vehicle.

Preliminarily, Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) detectives have determined that the operator of a black 2021 Yamaha MT09 motorcycle was traveling southbound on Frederick Rd. approaching the intersection at Milestone Manor Ln. when for reasons still under investigation, he struck a left turning white 2017 Toyota Prius. The driver of the Prius and a passenger were treated for minor injuries at an area hospital. The motorcyclist was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead. The motorcyclist has been identified as Elijah Isaiah Shand Thweatt, of Clarksburg. Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact CRU detectives at (240) 773-6620.

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MoCo Government

Arc Montgomery County Celebrates 65th Anniversary

By Patrick Herron

Per the Arc Montgomery County: The Arc Montgomery County kicked off their 65thanniversary on Sunday, June 25, 2023 on the beautiful campus of the Barrie School.  The event, with full reserved capacity of over 300 registered attendees, included the installation of the 2023-2024 Board of Directors, presented by Montgomery County Council President Evan Glass, and an awards ceremony recognizing community partners, including Montgomery Parks Program Access, who have gone above and beyond in supporting The Arc’s mission of inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Immediately following the awards ceremony there was a celebration picnic with a grill buffet, DJ, raffle prizes, a moon bounce, arts & crafts, and a photo booth for everyone of all ages and abilities to celebrate together.  Councilmember Will Jawando delivered a proclamation honoring this historic anniversary during a cake-cutting ceremony.

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MoCo

7-Eleven is Giving Away Free Slurpees on July 11

By Patrick Herron
Courtesy 7-Eleven

As part of its 96th birthday celebration, 7-Eleven will be giving away free small Slurpees on Tuesday, July 11. 7-Eleven has been running the “Free Slurpee Day” promotion since 2002. The company is also launching a  new look for its frozen drink as part of the retailer’s new “Anything Flows” campaign.

“For nearly 60 years, Slurpee has been a timeless icon, bringing our communities together to help create moments of joy through the weird and wonderful experience that is the Slurpee drink,” said Marissa Jarratt, 7-Eleven Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing & Sustainability Officer. “Now, as we usher in the new generation of Slurpee, we celebrate this iconic brand’s evolution and its continuous ability to add a little more awesome to our customer’s day.” New design pictures below:

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MoCo Government

Montgomery County’s Latino Health Initiative Celebrates First Graduating Class of Community Health Worker Certification Program

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: The Latino Health Initiative (LHI), one of three minority health initiatives that are part of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), recently hosted its first-ever community health worker (CHW) certification program graduation. The group of 20 graduates was honored following completion of a rigorous six-month training program that included 100 hours of instruction and a 40-hour practicum.

CHWs, also known as health promoters, play a vital role in informing and advocating for community members who face cultural and language barriers in accessing health care services. As trusted frontline health workers, CHWs reach many in the community who are uninsured or underinsured, or otherwise unconnected to health care resources.

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MCPD

Police Respond to Stabbing Early Monday Morning

By Patrick Herron

Montgomery County Police responded to a stabbing on Monday, July 10. According to MCPD, “at approximately 2:27 a.m., officers responded to the 12000 block of Milton St. in Silver Spring for the report of a stabbing that just occurred. Officers arrived at the scene and located an adult male victim, suffering from a laceration on his arm. The victim was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.  

The suspect has not been apprehended. This is an active and ongoing investigation.” We will post an update if additional information becomes available.   Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.

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