Crime

Detectives Investigating Shooting Involving Two Groups; Surveillance Video of Suspects Released

By Patrick Herron

Per MCPD: “Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 3rd District Investigative Section are investigating a shooting that occurred on Thursday, October 26, 2023, in the 1000 block of Ruatan Street in Silver Spring. Detectives have released surveillance video of the two groups of suspects and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying them.  At approximately 4:24 p.m., 3rd District officers responded to the location for the report of a shooting.

The investigation by detectives has revealed that two groups of individuals exchanged gunfire on the side and the front areas of an apartment building on Ruatan Street. After the shooting, group one left the scene on foot toward Quebec Terrace, while group two left from the rear of the building and drove away in a white Honda Civic, which had tinted windows, a white rear spoiler and black rims.  A large number of shell casings were recovered from the crime scene.

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Crime

Rapist Who Met Victim Through Social Media Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

By Patrick Herron
Courtesy Google Maps

According to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, “In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, the Honorable Robert Greenberg sentenced defendant, Rome Hill, 32, of Silver Spring, to life in prison suspend all but 30 years to serve and five years of supervised probation. Hill was convicted by a jury on October 19th, 2023, on charges of First-Degree Rape, Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony and Unlawful Possession of a Loaded Handgun. The sentencing hearing was held this Tuesday, November 7th, 2023. Upon release, conditions of probation will include registration as a Tier III sex offender for life and no contact with the victim.

On September 9th, 2020, the defendant sent a friend request and private social media message to the victim who was a stranger to him. They messaged and spoke over the phone for two days. On September 11th, the victim felt comfortable enough to meet Hill in person and invited him to her apartment. That evening, Hill produced a handgun and raped the victim. Assistant State’s Attorneys Frank Lazzaro and Christina Ferris prosecuted this matter.”

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Derwood

‘Christmas on the Farm’ Will Show Off Holiday Festivities of Montgomery Agricultural History Farm Park on Dec. 2-3

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: “The feeling of celebrating a holiday on a farm will be the theme on Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 2-3, at the annual “Christmas on the Farm” event at the Montgomery Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood. Among the highlights will be the opportunity to see farm animals up close, to visit the park’s tool museum and to enjoy free cookies and cider. 

The Agricultural History Farm Park is located at 18400 Muncaster Road in Derwood. The event will be held from noon-5 p.m. each day. Admission and parking will be free. 

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Beyond MoCo

Two New Washington DC Restaurants Earn Michelin Stars

By MCS Staff

The first MICHELIN Guide Ceremony bringing together New York, Chicago and Washington, D.C., provided a few updates for the Washington, D.C. area:

“The MICHELIN Guide inspection team is delighted add the international flavors of Causa and Rania to the Washington selection of Starred establishments,” Poullennec said. “These world-class restaurants blend tradition with innovation to deliver a delicious meal and memorable experience.” Here are Washington’s new MICHELIN-Starred restaurants, with inspector notes from each:

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Beyond MoCo

Giant Pandas Depart National Zoo for China

By Patrick Herron

Per the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute: “

Giant pandas Tian Tian (tee-YEN tee-YEN), Mei Xiang (may-SHONG) and Xiao Qi Ji (SHIAU-chi-ji) began their journey to China this morning. They departed the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) at 9:31 a.m. EST for Dulles International Airport in northern Virginia where they will board a dedicated and custom-decaled FedEx Panda Express Boeing 777F aircraft. The approximately 19-hour, trans-Pacific flight from Washington, D.C., to Chengdu, China, will include a brief refueling stop in Anchorage, Alaska.

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Arts

The DMV’s Winter Lantern Festival Begins November 24th

By MCS Staff

Learn about the culture and craftsmanship of traditional Chinese lantern festivals at the Winter Lantern Festival Washington, located at Lerner Town Square at Tysons II (8025 Galleria Dr, Tysons, VA 22102). Modern LED lights are embellished by traditionally hand-crafted lantern frames made from small pieces of classically made Chinese silk cloth and steel wire. All lanterns are created by artisans, some of which have over 20 years of experience in their trade and bring magical folklorical creatures to life. Each unique piece holds a story of its own that will be told to visitors to help contextualize their experience even more.

“With our lights and lanterns, we hope to provide an unforgettable experience for all. This year, not only will we bring lanterns, we are also excited to bring more family fun such as, dino rides, picture taking opportunities to further expand the entire experience.” The exhibition is held in an outdoor venue with indoor space available if you need to take a break during the 60-120 minutes experience. Though it is held in an outdoor venue, it is a rain or shine event. Feel free to take photos as new this year are a few figures just for picture taking. The venue reminds you to please make sure not to disturb others while taking photos. Professional equipment and tripods are not permitted. “Winter Lantern Festival’s unique luminescent nightwalk brings the culture and craftsmanship of traditional Chinese lantern festivals, where contribution is celebration!”

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MoCo Government

Legislation Introduced to Strengthen Conservation of the Tree Canopy

By Patrick Herron

From the Offices of Council Vice President Friedson and Council President Glass: “Council Vice President Andrew Friedson and Council President Evan Glass introduced legislation today that would update the laws regarding the tree canopy and roadside tree work to encourage the conservation of trees in Montgomery County. Bill 40-23, Tree Canopy and Roadside Tree Requirements – Fee Revisions, adjusts the fee structure for trees removed in the County’s right of way to ensure the fees are commensurate with the costs, including the environmental cost of removing the tree and the cost of tree replacements.

“Improving our tree canopy is essential to meeting our environmental goals and ensuring healthy and livable communities in Montgomery County,” said Council Vice President Friedson. “This legislation will help us plant more trees in our neighborhoods to improve air quality, reduce heat islands and enhance quality of life.”

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MoCo Government

Montgomery County Grant Program Seeks Providers to Assist Disabled, Older Adults and Low-Income Residents with Transportation Needs

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: “The Montgomery County Department of Transportation is soliciting applications for the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Enhanced Mobility Grants Program from qualified organizations to provide direct transportation services in the County. This program aims to increase access to transportation services for County residents who are disabled, individuals with limited incomes, older adults and other vulnerable populations (specifically in underserved communities). A total of $800,000 in funding is available for FY24.

County Executive Marc Elrich proposed, and the County Council approved, $800,000 for a joint capital and operating grant program. Of that amount, $640,000 was allocated to capital expenses and $160,000 to operating expenses.  At present, the funding is available for one year, so all funded activities must be implemented within 12 months.

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MCDOT

Hybrid Public Meeting on Silver Spring’s Stateside Drive Sidewalk Project for Joann Leleck Elementary School to be Held on Tuesday, Nov. 14

By Patrick Herron

Per MCDOT: “On Tuesday, Nov. 14, starting at 6:30 p.m., the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will hold a hybrid public meeting to discuss the construction of sidewalks adjacent to Joann Leleck Elementary School within the Oakview community on Stateside Drive from Avenel Road to Stateside Court.

The sidewalk project was initiated by MCDOT’s Safe Routes to School program to provide a safe route for students walking and biking to Joann Leleck Elementary School. MCDOT encourages you to attend, share your input and provide any suggestions that may better reflect your community’s needs.

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Rockville

City of Rockville Unofficial Election Results; Residents Also Voted On Allowing 16/17 Year-Olds and Non-Citizens to Vote, Term Limits, and Representative Districts

By MCS Staff

Per the City of Rockville: Rockville voters elected Monique Ashton mayor with 7,190 votes, or 58.71% of the total, according to unofficial results in the City of Rockville’s vote-by-mail election, which were announced early today. Six councilmembers were also elected: Kate Fulton; Adam Van Grack; Izola (Zola) Shaw; David Myles; Barry Jackson; and Marissa Valeri.

The Mayor and Council serve four-year terms. Mayoral challenger Mark Pierzchala received 5,006 votes, or 40.88%. There were 51 write-in votes for mayor. The top six vote-getters for council seats were:

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