Patrick Herron, Author at The MoCo Show

Montgomery County Providing 50,000 Loaner Computers to Low-Income Residents; Receives Additional $22.6 Million in Digital Equity Grants

Published October 10, 2022 at 5:21PM

Computer distribution events also provide in-person assistance to help eligible families get free home or mobile internet service so they can better use the computers.

“Everyone deserves to be part of the digital world—it is a necessity,” said County Executive Elrich. “Montgomery County was focused on digital equity before the pandemic, and it is critical to our economic and educational recovery efforts. I appreciate the Federal, State and private sector entities for these investments and am proud of what Montgomery Connects is doing to bring much needed funding to expand digital equity programs for our residents most in need.”

Health

Halloween ‘BOO!sterama’ to Be Held Saturday, Oct. 29 at Westfield Wheaton Mall; Montgomery County Encourages Updated Boosters as COVID-19 Illness Continues

By Patrick Herron

Published October 10, 2022 at 5:16PM

Both Moderna and Pfizer bivalent boosters will be available at the BOO!sterama. Anyone 12 and older who had their last vaccine dose at least two months ago should get the updated booster shot. The event will be held at Westfield Wheaton Mall, outside of the Carter’s store on the second floor. Individuals who receive their booster at the event will be entered in a drawing to receive one of five $50 gift cards that can be used throughout Westfield Wheaton’s wide variety of retailers.

“Over the past month, Montgomery County became the largest jurisdiction to become 90% fully vaccinated,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “However, being ‘fully vaccinated’ doesn’t protect us enough and we must convince every eligible individual to get the new bivalent booster. These booster shots are free and can protect you from the risk of serious illness from COVID-19. I am grateful and appreciative of our partnership with Westfield Wheaton to provide space, incentives and access to get our vaccines directly in front of potential recipients.”

Highways / Interstates

Maryland State Police Arrest Seven People After Protests Shut Down I-495 In Montgomery County

By Patrick Herron

Published October 10, 2022 at 3:39PM | Updated October 16, 2022 at 9:28AM

Per the Maryland State Police: (ROCKVILLE, MD) – Maryland State Police arrested seven people after a group of protestors shut down a portion of Interstate 495 this morning in Montgomery County. Shortly before 10:30 a.m., troopers from the Maryland State Police Rockville Barrack responded to inner loop of I-495 at U.S. Route 29 following multiple calls of protestors dressed in neon vests holding signs and blocking the road. According to a preliminary investigation, more than 10 pedestrians were sitting in the road and blocking all lanes of traffic. Several other protestors were walking around and holding signs.

Troopers from the Rockville and College Park barracks, with assistance from Montgomery County Police, asked the protestors multiple times to leave so they could be issued a criminal citation. After several warnings, those who did not comply were arrested without incident.In all, seven people were arrested at the scene. During the protest, traffic was diverted off the beltway until the road could be cleared. The interstate was reopened by 11:15 a.m. All seven people arrested were charged with obstructing or hindering the free passage of another in a public place or on a public conveyance and failing to obey law enforcement officer who attempts to prevent a disturbance to the public peace. The suspects were identified as:

Montgomery College

County Council Seeks Applicants for Nominating Committee for Board of Trustees of Montgomery College

By Patrick Herron

Published October 10, 2022 at 1:33PM

The committee consists of two members appointed by the County Executive, one by the Montgomery College Alumni Association and two by the County Council. The current Council representatives on the committee are Kenneth Jones and Althea Lloyd-White. The terms are for two years. The Nominating Committee was established by state law and has no limit to the number of terms members can serve.

The committee reviews applications for vacancies on the Board of Trustees of Montgomery College and submits recommendations to the Governor, who makes the appointment. Approximately three committee meetings are held each year. Meeting dates and locations are arranged at the convenience of the entire committee. In the past, the committee chairperson has requested that committee members also attend several Board of Trustees meetings.

Germantown

Germantown Man Arrested and Charged with Attempted Murder in Montgomery Village Shooting

By Patrick Herron

Published October 10, 2022 at 1:04PM

Officers arrived at the scene and located a juvenile male suffering from apparent gunshot wounds on the back staircase of the location. Officers administered life saving measures to the victim until Montgomery County Fire Rescue arrived at the scene. The victim was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. Items of evidentiary value were collected from the scene.

During the month of September 2022, detectives identified Damien Fisher as the suspect in the August 16th shooting. Additionally, detectives learned that Fisher was also a suspect in a carjacking and kidnapping incident. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant, charging Fisher with kidnapping, first-degree assault and unauthorized removal of a vehicle.

Derwood

Montgomery County Provides Relief for Florida Shelters in the Aftermath of Hurricane Ian; Cats and Dogs Available for Adoption

By Patrick Herron

Published October 10, 2022 at 12:42PM

As a Best Friends Network Partner, the Office of Animal Services (OAS) received a request for aid. Working together with the Best Friends Emergency Response team, OAS was able to accept 10 cats and three dogs from the Humane Society of Pinellas, which acted as a transport hub for dogs and cats to move out of Florida in the wake of the hurricane to create more room in local shelters for displaced pets. Animals from the transport originally came from multiple Florida shelters, but primarily from Manatee County Animal Services.

The cats and dogs were given several days to relax and recover from their long road trip. They were then evaluated medically and behaviorally in preparation for eventual adoption at MCASAC. The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) provides high-standard sheltering and care to the homeless, abused and neglected animals and ensures the safety and welfare of the County’s residents. The Center is the County’s only open-admission, municipal shelter.

Gaithersburg

Opening Information for My Cup Runneth Over Southern Cuisine

By Patrick Herron

Published October 10, 2022 at 12:27PM | Updated October 10, 2022 at 12:43PM

Popular local food truck My Cup Runneth Over Southern Cuisine has announced that it will hold the grand opening of its new brick and mortar location at 8405 Snouffer School Rd in Gaithersburg on Wednesday, October 26, from 11am-7pm. The restaurant is located at the former site of Jazzy Seafood. In the meantime you find My Cup Runneth Over’s food truck at 9801 Centerway Rd in Montgomery Village every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1-6pm.

According to their website, “Established in 2010, we started out in Jackson, MS where we owned a coffee shop/bakery & our Downtown location was full scale. We relocated back to Maryland in 2016 where we now cater & operate a mobile food truck. We specialize in southern Soul Food; Smoked BBQ ribs, Fried catfish, pulled pork, shrimp po-boy, buffalo wings, fried chicken, mac n cheese, collard greens, candied yams, bbq baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw a variety of cakes & desserts.”

Highways / Interstates

Traffic: Demonstrators Shut Down I-495 at Route 29, All Traffic Stopped

By Patrick Herron

Published October 10, 2022 at 11:00AM | Updated October 10, 2022 at 7:23PM

Per MCPD: The Montgomery County Police Department is assisting Maryland State Police for a large traffic backup on I495 at Georgia Avenue and Colesville Road. Drivers are advised to seek an alternate route. Expect significant delays.

Traffic advisory – IL495 at Colesville Rd @MontgomeryCoMD currently completely shut down due to protestors in the roadway @MDSP @MDSHA

Rockville

MCFRS Respond to Collision With Entrapment on Shady Grove Road Monday Morning, Several Lanes Blocked

By Patrick Herron

Published October 10, 2022 at 9:32AM

According to Montgomery County Police, Shady Grove Road is down to one lane in each direction at Pleasant Road, as the result of the collision. Drivers are advised to seek an alternate route and should expect significant delays. Per mcfrPIO on twitter: “Update – Shady Grove Road, collision one person pinned, @mcfrs M703, PE732, T731, RS703, BC705, A732 on scene, Some lanes blocked”

Update – Shady Grove Road, initial Dispatch ~840a, 1 person pinned, patient extricated ~905a, @MCFRS_EMIHS transporting 1 adult Pri1 trauma, others persons refused transport, collision involved two (2) other vehicles (car & hvac van), some lanes are blocked https://t.co/XLTtDFuBAw pic.twitter.com/n1t0pZNIgt

Silver Spring

Updated Opening Information for the Silver Spring Outdoor Skating Rink

By Patrick Herron

Published October 10, 2022 at 8:54AM | Updated October 10, 2022 at 10:14AM

Reservations are required to skate and can be made at www.silverspringiceskating.com/. Additional information below courtesy of the Silver Spring Urban District: The Silver Spring Ice Skating Rink at Veterans Plaza is offering staggered skating sessions with online reservations and ticket purchasing. The rink itself is outdoors, in the open air. This makes it a great place for families and adults looking for fun, winter themed outings, especially if they are hesitant to attend indoor gatherings due to the increased spread of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant.

The Silver Spring Ice Skating Rink requires social distancing while at the facility, on the ice rink itself, and while waiting to enter the facility. Masks must be worn inside the facility.

MoCo Athletics

Montgomery County Council Committee Meetings on October 10, 2022

By Patrick Herron

Published October 8, 2022 at 9:14PM

The Public Safety (PS) Committee will meet on Monday, Oct. 10, at 9:30 a.m. to review Bill 17-21, Police – Community Informed Police Training, and receive an update on crime statistics.

The members of the PS Committee include Chair Sidney Katz, Council President Gabe Albornoz and Councilmember Tom Hucker.