Author: Patrick Herron

Takoma Park

Crate Prevents Dog From Being Injured After Large Tree Falls on Home

By Patrick Herron

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to the 6900blk of Cherry Ave., near Sligo Creek Parkway, in Takoma Park on Wednesday afternoon after a large tree fell on a house and caused roof and structural damage. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer,  the tree collapsed on the house and crashed through to where a dog was located in a crate, which protected/saved the dog from being injured.  No humans were home at time and the house has been posted unsafe to occupy.

Per @mcfrsPIO on Twitter: “Update – Cherry Av., TP, large tree fell on house causing roof & structural damage (flat roof), posted unsafe to occupy, tree collapsed on house & crashed through to where dog was located in a crate which actually protected/saved the dog from being injured, no humans home at time”

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MoCo Government

Council President Evan Glass Releases Statement on the FY24 Recommended Operating Budget

By Patrick Herron

“Reviewing and approving the budget is one of the most critical responsibilities of the Council. Every budget brings its own set of challenges and opportunities, and it’s the Council’s obligation to ensure that this budget positions the County for long-term success and economic prosperity.

“As we undertake this important task, the Council will provide thorough oversight to ensure taxpayer investments are used prudently. We must balance the needs of today with those of tomorrow, which include supporting our schools, our teachers, our first responders, our healthcare professionals and other frontline workers.

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MoCo Government

County Executive Recommends 10-Cent Increase in County’s Property Tax Rate to be Used Exclusively to Fully Fund MCPS Budget Request

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich today released his recommended Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Operating Budget of $6.8 billion, which is an increase of 7.7 percent from the FY23 approved all funds budget (County Government plus outside agencies.) The recommended FY24 budget reflects record level and significant investments for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), Montgomery College, affordable housing, economic development, public safety, and efforts to combat climate change.

To access the entire recommended FY24 budget, click here. To watch the County Executive’s FY24 recommended budget presentation, click here.

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MoCo Government

Results of 2022 County ‘Urban Heat Island Mapping Campaign’ Document That Extreme Heat Has Greater Impact on Areas with Less Green Infrastructure

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: The results of the 2022 Montgomery County “Urban Heat Island Mapping Campaign” document that neighborhoods with less green infrastructure and more concrete experienced temperatures up to 10 degrees higher than nearby cooler areas. The County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) released the results of the campaign in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Climate Adaptation Planning and Analyst (CAPA).

A StoryMap created by DEP provides a comprehensive overview of the campaign. Among its findings were that areas with low-income households and people of color have higher temperatures than other areas in Montgomery County due to a lack of green spaces and trees, indicating that extreme heat is a social justice issue.

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MDLottery

$158,092 Winning Lottery Ticket Sold at MoCo Gas Station

By Patrick Herron

The $5 game has a progressive jackpot that starts at $40,000 and increases with the sale of each ticket until someone buys a progressive jackpot-winning ticket. The World Championship Poker game went on sale in September 2021 and still has 10 progressive jackpot prizes remaining. Sunshine Ethio is also a winner. For selling a jackpot-winning FAST PLAY ticket worth $100,000 or more, the store located at 6907 New Hampshire Avenue in Takoma Park earns a $1,000 bonus from the Lottery.

Instructions on claiming prizes in person or by mail are available HERE. Players must redeem prizes larger than $25,000 by mail or at Lottery headquarters in the Montgomery Park Business Center, 1800 Washington Blvd., Suite 330 in Baltimore. The Lottery’s Claims Center in Baltimore is open by appointment only (no walk-ins). Click HERE to schedule an appointment.”

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Silver Spring

Arrests Made in Connection with Bonifant Street Homicide

By Patrick Herron

Per MCPD: Two Capitol Heights men, Kajohn McCombs and Ahmahd McCombs, both 22-years-old, are in custody following the murder of Deandre Keith Ellis on Sunday, March 5, 2023. On Sunday, March 5, 2023, at approximately 10:17 p.m., 3rd District officers responded to the location for a check the welfare call. Upon arrival, officers located Ellis deceased, in a car, with an apparent gunshot wound. Through the course of the investigation, Major Crimes detectives developed Kajohn and Ahmahd as suspects. Detectives applied for arrest warrants and both suspects were taken into custody on Tuesday, March 14, 2023.  The suspects were transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit. At this time, bond information is not available. This is an ongoing investigation.

 

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Germantown

(CANCELED) Montgomery Parks to Host ‘Petals and Paws’ in Germantown

By Patrick Herron

This event has been canceled due to inclement weather. It will not be rescheduled.

Per Montgomery Parks: Put a spring in your step at South Germantown Recreational Park’s HeartSmart Trail (18028 Central Park Circle) for our pet-friendly walk ‘Petals and Paws’. See the flowers begin to bloom and accessorize your canine and walk through the 1.0-mile loop. End the trail with light refreshments for purchase from TOIMOI Bakery, and dog-approved snacks for purchase by Doggy Donuts.

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MoCo

WSSC Water’s Watershed Recreation Areas Now Open from Sunrise to Sundown

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: WSSC Water’s Patuxent Watershed recreation areas are now open from sunrise to sundown for all permitted activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and picnicking. The recreational areas span more than 4,000 acres along its two reservoirs, Triadelphia and T. Howard Duckett, in Montgomery, Prince George’s and Howard counties.  The reservoirs serve as drinking water sources for WSSC Water.

Visitors of the watershed who are 16 years or older must have a valid permit, which can be purchased online at wsscwater.com/watershed or in person at the Brighton Dam Visitor Center, which is located at 2 Brighton Dam Road in Brookville.  Complimentary permits are available for visitors 65 or older, active military and disabled veterans.

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Derwood

25th Annual Free Gas and Steam Engine Show Returns to Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood on Saturday-Sunday, April 29-30

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: The 25th Annual Montgomery County Gas and Steam Engine Show will return to the Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood on Saturday-Sunday, April 29-30. Admission and parking are free at the event hosted by The Friends of The Agricultural History Farm Park, Inc. and supported by Montgomery Parks.

The Agricultural History Farm Park is located at 18400 Muncaster Road in Derwood. The show will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on April 29 and from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on April 30. Leashed pets are welcome.

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Takoma Park

Independent Book Store to Open in Takoma Park This Spring

By Patrick Herron

People’s Book, a woman-owned general purpose bookstore, has announced it will be opening at 7014-A Westmoreland Ave in Takoma Park in the late spring/early summer. According to People’s Book, “the store will have a diverse selection of over 12,000 books, with a special focus on children’s literature, local interests, new releases and independent magazines. The inventory will also include book-themed gifts. Locally roasted drip coffee, kombucha, and other beverages and treats will be available.”

“Takoma Park is our family’s forever home, and we’re excited about providing readers of all ages opportunities to explore, learn, and connect with their neighbors,” said Megan Bormet, store owner and former elementary school educator.  “Helping kids and adults find books they love is what I like to do best, and I’m thrilled that we can do this at People’s Book.”

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