Health

Per the Maryland Department of Health: Following Governor Wes Moore’s proclamation of May as Asthma Awareness Month, the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) is urging Marylanders to have an Asthma Action Plan, monitor air quality, and reduce asthma triggers in the home and at school and work.

Asthma is a serious, common, and chronic lung disease that causes difficulty breathing and affects about one in 13 people, and in 2018 resulted in more than 29,000 asthma-related emergency department visits in Maryland. The state health department is working closely with its partners to continue sharing critical information and resources on this issue.


Gaithersburg

Miss Toya’s Southern Kitchen at 229 Boardwalk Pl. in Gaithersburg has announced it will open in two weeks. The restaurant posted the following message on its Instagram page on May 16: “We are excited and proud to announce that we are two weeks away from opening. Join our constantly growing team. Please send all resumes to the email address above. We will be accepting in-person interviews starting next week. Be a part of the Miskiri Hospitality Group and join our 7th location!”

The restaurant is part of Jeffeary Miskiri’s Miskiri Hospitality Group, which describes itself as a unique collective of Black, family and woman-owned products and restaurants in the DC area. Miss Toya’s will be located in the 2,741SF space that was previously occupied by BGR and serve southern-influenced dishes such as red beans and rice, macaroni and cheese, and a southern fried chicken sandwich. . Miss Toya’s Southern Kitchen in Rio will be a fast-casual restaurant, while the Miss Toya’s Creole Kitchen at 923 Ellsworth Dr in Downtown Silver Spring is full-service (wait staff, etc.) We will post an update when the opening date is announced. Featured image courtesy of Google Maps. 


MoCo Government

Per Montgomery County: Today the Montgomery County Council appointed Artie L. Harris, Jr. as the new Montgomery County Planning Board chair and Josh Linden as a Planning Board member. The Planning Board serves as the County’s principal land use and planning advisor. Planning Board members also serve as commissioners of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. 

“The new Montgomery County Planning Board reflects Montgomery County’s diversity across backgrounds, experience and party affiliations,” said Council President Evan Glass. “The Council’s public selection process has led us to make twocritical appointments today. Artie Harris and Josh Linden have the combined experience, leadership and listening skills that are necessary to engage with community members and the Council about land use and planning issues. These individuals will play an integral role in establishing a vision for the future of our County.


Bethesda

The preliminary investigation by detectives has determined that three suspects entered the store with large cloth laundry bags and stole a large amount of high- end skin care products.


Crime

According to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, “In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, before the Honorable Margaret Schweitzer, a jury has convicted defendant, Jaime Havier Lee, 43, of an unconfirmed address, on the charge of second-degree murder for the stabbing death of 36-year-old Cornelius Lyon of an unconfirmed address. The jury returned its verdict late yesterday evening. Lee faces up to 40 years in prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 28th, 2023, at 1 p.m. in front of Judge Schweitzer.

This trial, prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorneys Donna Fenton and Jodie Mount stemmed from an incident on May 2nd, 2020. That afternoon, officers with Montgomery County Police and Rockville City Police responded to the 100 block of Frederick Avenue in Rockville where the victim, Lyon, was lying on the ground, deceased. According to witnesses, Lyon had walked to the area in an attempt to seek help. He had been stabbed by Jaime Lee inside of a nearby apartment in the 700 block of Lenmore Avenue. Witnesses say a group of men were inside the apartment when a fight broke out over $20 dollars. The defendant and victim became involved in a verbal argument which escalated, and Lee stabbed Lyon in the face, chest, left arm and neck. Multiple people then fled the apartment including both the victim and the defendant. Rockville City officers located Lee in the area a short time later.”


Clarksburg

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Special Victims Investigations Division (SVID) are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Andre Thomas, a missing 15-year-old from Clarksburg.

Thomas was last seen on Sunday, May 14, 2023, at approximately 8:15 p.m., in the 23600 block of Public House Rd. Thomas is approximately 5-feet, 8-inches tall. He has black hair and brown eyes. It is unknown what he was last seen wearing. Police and family are concerned for his welfare.


Maryland

The initiative is administered by three state agencies through nine programs. Through the Department of Housing and Community Development’s Neighborhood BusinessWorks Loan to Lender program, Lendistry will be able to lend up to $250,000 to small businesses that are owned and operated by Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals; Very Small Businesses; or are in Community Development Financial Institutions Investment Areas.​​

“The Neighborhood BusinessWorks program is a great resource to stimulate investment in communities that are prime for revitalization,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “The funds allow us to go above and beyond the department’s regular lending capacity and serve even more businesses across the state.”


Crime

Montgomery County Police and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services responded to a stabbing on Monday night in Wheaton.  According to MCPD, “The call came in at approximately 11:44 p.m. when an adult Hispanic male stumbled into the 7-11 at 11400 block of Georgia Avenue suffering from stab wounds. Montgomery County Police officers arrived and began lifesaving measures until Fire Rescue arrived and transported the victim to an area hospital in serious condition. Officers searched the area, but were not able to identify or locate a suspect.”

We will post an update if additional information becomes available. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.


Beyond MoCo

According to the Frederick Police Department (FPD), there have been several sightings of a small black bear in the city of Frederick. FDP posted the following message on Facebook:

“🚨🐻Please be advised: We have received several reports regarding sightings of a small bear in our area. Please be aware that FPD is fully aware of the bear sightings, and we are actively monitoring the situation. To ensure everyone’s safety, we kindly request that you do not approach the bear if you happen to encounter it. Bears are wild animals and unpredictable, especially when they feel threatened or cornered. Please stay tuned for any updates or instructions from FPD regarding this matter. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we navigate this situation.”


Uncategorized

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Council will meet on Tuesday, May 16 at 9 a.m. and the meeting will begin with two proclamation presentations. The first proclamation, presented by Councilmembers Dawn Luedtke and Natali Fani-González, commemorates American Craft Beer Week. The second proclamation presentation, led by Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe, recognizes May 2023 as Discover MoCo Month.

Vote expected: At 2 p.m., the Council is expected to nominate and vote to appoint a new Montgomery County Planning Board member. Roberto Piñero has been serving as a temporary acting Planning Board member.


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