Beyond MoCo

Planned Buc-ee’s Likely to Become First to Open in Virginia

By MCS Staff

Last month we let you know of plans for Buc-ee’s Travel Center to expand their operations to New Kent County, Virginia at the exit 211 interchange along Interstate 64– the first in Virginia. The company plans to construct a 74,000 SF store with 120 fueling positions, 557 parking spaces, 24 Tesla charging spaces and 10 bus/RV parking spaces. The location is in the Richmond area, over 125 miles from most parts of Montgomery County. Now we know of plans for a new Buc-ee’s Travel Center that will likely beat this one to opening, in Rockingham County, Virginia at the exit 240 interchange along Interstate 81 (located near Harrisonburg, VA)– a similar distance form Montgomery County, in a different direction.

Per the Rockingham County, VA Facebook page, the company plans to construct a 74,000 square foot store with 120 fueling positions and 24 EV charging stations. The projected opening is in 2025. The company has requested a Special Use Permit for the review and approval of a proposed sign plan for the project.

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DC Sports

Report: New Commanders Ownership Group Reportedly Uses ‘Redskins’ When Discussing Long Term Plans

By MCS Staff

When ownership of the team changed hands earlier this month, many wondered is there was a chance the new ownership group would change the team’s name. More fuel was added to that fire when ESPN senior writer Don Van Natta Jr. stated on the Rich Eisen Show that “There’s a ‘pretty good chance’ the new ownership of the Washington Commanders will change the franchise name and have a ‘complete re-branding’ of the team.” Vegas has even released odds on the name-change happening and possibilities on what the new name could be. Now, a report from Sports Illustrated’s The Spun states that the new ownership group refers to the team as the “Redskins” when discussing their long-term plan.

ESPN’s Commanders reporter John Keim shared the following from head coach Ron Rivera on people using the term Redskins more since new ownership came in: “Well I know this, [Washington Commanders Managing Partner] Mr. [Josh] Harris and that ownership group talked extensively about bringing back the glory. And again, what Coach Gibbs did, the traditions, that alumni group of guys that are around. It’s hard to escape it. It really is. That’s just the truth of the matter. Just so everybody knows, we do that with the utmost respect for the native tribes and for the American Indian. Anytime that’s brought up. it is brought up with the utmost of respect.”

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Beyond MoCo

Don Geronimo Fired Following Disparaging On-Air Remarks During Commanders Training Camp

By MCS Staff

Longtime local radio host Michael Sorce, better known as Don  Geronimo, is no longer employed by WBIG Big100 after making disparaging remarks about WUSA9 sports reporter Sharla McBride during his radio show on Thursday. Initially, He and co-host Crash Young were barred from training camp on Friday.

Adam Longo of WUSA9 provided a statement on Saturday that came following an internal investigation from Aaron Hyland, DC region president for iHeartMedia: “After an internal review, Don Geronimo is no longer an employee of WBIG.   We take matters of this nature very seriously and this behavior does not align with our core values.”

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Business

Press Release: Historic Holiday Inn Gaithersburg Reopens

By MCS Staff

Three weeks ago we let you know of the reopening of Holiday Inn in Gaithersburg after a three year closure. B.F.Saul released the following press release earlier in the week with additional information:

Mark Carrier, President of the B.F. Saul Company Hospitality Group, announced the long-awaited reopening of the historic Holiday Inn Gaithersburg (2 Montgomery Village Avenue; 301.948.8900)  The unique hotel property is convenient to metropolitan Washington D.C. and has long been known as a welcoming property in the Washington region. 

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Ashton

MoCo’s Bryan Kim Wins 75th U.S. Junior Amateur Golf Championship

By MCS Staff

MoCo native (Brookeville) and 2023 Sherwood graduate, Bryan Kim, has won the 75th U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, held at Daniel Island Club in Charleston, South Carolina. He will be attending Duke University in the fall.

Kim, 18, joins Jason Widener (1988) as Duke players to etch their name on the U.S. Junior Amateur Trophy that includes the likes of major champions Tiger Woods, Johnny Miller, David Duval, Jordan Spieth, Scottie Scheffler and Brian Harman, this year’s Open winner at Royal Birkdale who sent a congratulatory video message to the champion. Kim advanced to the championship match, where he defeated Joshua Bai. A breakdown of the championship can be found here. Kim is 11th in the latest iteration of the American Junior Golf Association rankings and 443rd in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. As champion, Kim receives the following:

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Entertainment

Comic Convention is Coming to Gaithersburg on August 6th

By MCS Staff

The Montgomery County Comic & Cosplay Club, a social club of people who are passionate about comics, anime, and cosplay– and everything related to it, are hosting MonkeyCon from 10am-4pm at Bohrer Park (506 S Frederick Ave.) in Gaithersburg on Sunday, August 6th. Tickets are available online for $15 ($5 off with code MONKEY).

Per the event listing, “MonkeyCon is Montgomery County’s Comic Con and is fun for the whole family. Everyone is invited to attend if you’re from Virginia, DC, Maryland, or anywhere! Make sure you come dressed as your favorite superhero or character! MonkeyCon is brought to you by the Montgomery County Comic & Cosplay Club: a social club of people who are passionate about comics, anime, and cosplay – and everything related to it! Not only do members come together at social events and on social media, but they host their annual meeting – Monkey Con – a convention with media screenings, seminars, contests, cosplay, vendors, and more!” MonkeyCon is welcoming the following special guests this year:

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Gaithersburg

Pedestrian Stuck and Killed by Train Sunday Morning in Gaithersburg

By MCS Staff

One person is dead after being struck by a CSX train Sunday morning in Gaithersburg. According to Assistant Chief with Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) David Pazos on Twitter, “MCFRS is dispatched for a pedestrian struck by a heavy rail train behind the Motel 6 @ 497 Quince Orchard Rd. Units on the scene confirm 1 deceased w/no other injuries. Incident released to CSX and MCPD. Trains shut down till the investigation is complete.”

We will post an update if additional information becomes available.

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Beyond MoCo

University of Maryland is One of Eight Universities Recognized in Newsweek’s List of “America’s Greatest Workplaces”

By MCS Staff

The University of Maryland was included in Newsweek’s 2023 list of America’s Greatest Workplaces, one of only eight universities recognized among the 1,000 major employers.

The rankings, based on a large-scale study conducted in collaboration with data firm Plant-A Insights Group, evaluated and scored companies based on eight categories: company image, corporate culture, working environment, work-life balance, training and career progression, compensation and benefits, sustainability awareness, and proactive management of the diverse workforce. UMD earned four out of five stars in the list released this month.

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MCFRS

Dozens Displaced at Rockville Complex Following Saturday Storm

By MCS Staff

The Bethesda Park Condominiums complex, in the area of Randolph Rd. and Parklawn Dr., was one of the hardest hit when the sever storms rolled through late Saturday afternoon. According to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services Chief spokesperson Pete Piringer, a “microburst” could have been responsible for dozens of trees were knocked down and many of them were blown into or on top of buildings. A microburst is is a localized column of sinking air (downdraft) within a thunderstorm that can cause extensive damage at the surface.

A large crane was already on the scene earlier today helping with dozens of crews clear the trees that are now scattered across the complex and roofs of the buildings. Dozens of residents have been displaced and many remain without power into Saturday night. The county has set up shelters that many residents will be going to for the night. There are no known injuries

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Aspen Hill

Tree Falls on Two Houses, Trapping Occupants; No Injuries, 10 People Displaced

By MCS Staff

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a call on the 12200 block of Charles Rd, off of Veirs Mill Rd (near the Korean Korner) at approximately 4:45pm on Saturday, for a tree that fell onto a house and trapped at least some of the occupants.

MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer provided an update stating that there were no injuries and that all 10 occupants are accounted for. The affected families, which include five adults and five children, have been displaced. The Red Cross is assisting. Severe damage was caused across the county due to Saturday’s storm.

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