Rockville

Per MCPD: On Monday, April 17, 2023, Rockville City Police and Montgomery County Police detectives responded to College Gardens Elementary School, in the 1700 block of Yale Place in Rockville after three elementary school students became sick. The investigation by detectives determined that a group of students found a container of blue items that they believed to be candy.  Three of the students, all seven-years-old, briefly ingested the items and then spit them out.  When they started to feel dizzy, all three went to the school nurse who called EMS.  They were transported to local hospitals as a precaution.

None of the items were recovered, and detectives are unsure of exactly what the students consumed.  However, based on toxicology of some of the victims, investigators believe that the items may have been a methamphetamine related drug, such as Adderall or MDMA (ecstasy or Molly). “I am relieved that the students will ultimately be fine, but in many ways, what happened today is frightening,” said Chief Marcus Jones.  “I hope that it serves as a powerful motivator for parents to keep having the difficult conversations with their children about the dangers of taking or eating unknown substances.”


Gaithersburg

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a collision involving a driver crashing their vehicle into a building at 8135 Snouffer School Road, near Cherry Laurel Lane, in Gaithersburg on Monday evening shortly before 6pm.

The crash occurred at Seasons Nursery, Inc. According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, the driver was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. There is no word at the cause of the collision at this time. Featured photo sent in by Instagram user @gotta_fw_steff


Gaithersburg

The personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2023’s Most Diverse Cities in America, and MoCo claimed the top three spots with Gaithersburg, Germantown, and Silver Spring coming in as the three most diverse cities/areas the United States. Rockville was also ranked 13th. Categorized rankings available below.

To determine the places in the U.S. with the most mixed demographics, WalletHub compared the profiles of more than 500 of the largest cities (areas) across five major diversity categories: socioeconomic, cultural, economic, household and religious.


Derwood

Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, is hosting a free Community Science Festival at Lake Needwood in Rock Creek Regional Park on Saturday, April 29, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Discover the flora and fauna that live in your neighborhood and hone observation skills through interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities with Montgomery Parks scientists and naturalists. Take part in the City Nature Challenge and become a citizen scientist. Attendees will also be able to learn how to get involved with local groups and projects.

What: Montgomery Parks Community Science Festival


WMATA

Per WMATA: Metro today announced travel alternatives to help customers prepare for the 2023 Major Construction scheduled for this summer. Starting Friday, May 12, Metro will begin a four-part construction effort focusing on system maintenance and modernization- including rail replacement, fiber optic cable installation, and improved station facilities.

This major construction will result in rolling service impacts on the Orange, Silver, and Green lines over the summer months. Free shuttle bus service will be available for customers during all station closures. Customers are advised to plan extra time for their travel.


Bethesda

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police- 2nd District Investigations Section are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Color Ji Serene, a missing 37-year-old.  Serene was last seen on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, in the 7100 block of Democracy Boulevard.  Serene is 5-feet, 5-inches tall and weighs approximately 140 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black dress. Police and family are concerned for her welfare.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Color Ji Serene is asked to call the police non-emergency number at (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line) or the 2nd District Investigations Section at (240) 773-6710. Callers may remain anonymous.


MoCo Police

Please know that your Montgomery County Officers are trained on effective response to all types of calls for those who have autism/IDD to include calls for wandering. We understand the urgency in response and the challenges of caring for an individual that may wander. We only want to find your loved one safe. MCPD responds to an average of 3-8 calls a week, for individuals we locate before families call 911.

Please do not wait to call 911 if your loved, who has autism/ IDD, is missing. We know that there will be bumps in the road in caring for a child/adult that has autism and a propensity to wander.


Bethesda

Charlie, a mainstay in the Bethesda community for many years, has passed away according to the “Bethesda Bopper” Facebook page– a page dedicated to the man who brought smiles to many faces while dancing his way through Bethesda. The full post can be seen below:

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Charlie, fondly known as the Bethesda Bopper, who passed away last week.


Clarksburg

The Jolly Shows Carnival will be at the Clarksburg Outlets (22705 Clarksburg Road Clarksburg, MD 20871) from April 19 to April 30.  There will be over 30 attractions, including carnival rides, games, and food wagons. According to their website, “We are a new generation of carnival operators who strive to be more progressive and professional. We realize that we must produce a premium product for our customer’s hard earned money. We won’t forget our proud traditions, but we are committed to overcoming the stigmas which have hindered our industry for far too long.” Tickets can be purchased here.

Unlimited Ride Specials Pre-Sale Information (ends April 19 at 5 pm): 1 Wristband: $25 (save up to $5); 4-Pack: $85 (save up to $35); 50 Ride Tickets: $45 (save $15)