Blog - Page 1875 of 3015

Published February 24, 2023 at 11:33AM

African International Market will be opening on March 4 in the Festival at Muddy Branch shopping center on Muddy Branch Rd in Gaithersburg. The store is being opened by the family that owns the African market at 13011 Wisteria Dr. in Germantown, which opened back in 2021. The store will sell international items from Africa, Latin America, and the Carribbean, including the “best of fresh Ghana yams, ripe and green plantains, smoked goat meat, beef, fresh fish, halal meat, kenkey, shitto, fried fish, agege bread, and a lot more.” Grand opening information will be announced soon.

The Festival shopping center is currently home to Family Dollar, Lotte Market, Matthew’s Grill and Planet Fitness.

Bethesda

Detectives Investigating Multiple Thefts from Autos and Credit Card Fraud

By Patrick Herron

Published February 24, 2023 at 11:16AM

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 2nd District Investigative Section are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect who committed multiple thefts from autos and credit card fraud in the Bethesda area. Detectives have released surveillance photos of the suspect. On Wednesday, August 31, 2022, a victim reported that his credit cards were stolen out of his car and were used a Home Depot in Bethesda to make fraudulent purchases of gift cards.

On Sunday, September 11, 2022, the victim, who is a Fauquier County, VA resident, stated that her credit cards were stolen out of her car, in the overnight hours of September 10, into September 11, 2022. Her stolen credit cards were then used at a Home Depot in Bethesda on September 11. Detectives determined that the suspect used the stolen credit cards to purchase gift cards.

Maryland

Governor Moore Announces Initiatives and Investment to Support Rebuilding and Elevating Maryland Police Force

By Patrick Herron

Published February 24, 2023 at 10:46AM

Per the State of Maryland (2.23.23): Governor Wes Moore today announced historic initiatives and investment in public safety to support rebuilding the State police force, promoting intelligence sharing and collaborative enforcement strategy, and reducing crime across Maryland. Joined by newly confirmed Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services Carolyn Scruggs and Secretary of Juvenile Services Vincent Schiraldi, the governor named Lieutenant Colonel Roland Butler as the next Maryland State Police Superintendent.

“To rebuild the State Police force, we must elevate the profession, invest in the training and development of our troopers, and do all we can to cultivate a culture that retains, advances, and rewards the most effective and ethical law enforcement professionals,” said Governor Moore. “The Maryland State Police is the vanguard of law enforcement in our state and at its best, that is what our State Police has done; and under my administration, that is the standard State Police will uphold.”

A post from Our Lady of Good Counsel High School

Sign up for Good Counsel Summer Camps today!

Published May 18, 2026 at 10:45AM

Summer fun starts at Good Counsel! Our Summer Camps are packed with exciting activities, sports, creativity, adventure, and unforgettable memories for campers of all ages. From the field to the classroom and everywhere in between, there’s something for everyone at Good Counsel’s Summer Camps!

Spend your summer learning, laughing, and making new friends with the Good Counsel community. Spots are filling fast so be sure to register today!

Register at: www.olgchs.org/camps

Register Today:

Gaithersburg

Isaac’s Poultry Market Will be Closed Friday, February 24 After Overwhelming Opening Day; Plans to Reopen Saturday

By Patrick Herron

Published February 24, 2023 at 10:27AM

Isaac’s Poultry Market at 12167 Darnestown Rd in Gaithersburg, which officially opened on Thursday, February 23, has announced it will be closed today, February 24, after an overwhelming first day of business. The restaurant posted the following message on its Instagram page:

“Wow! Thanks to the hundreds of people that came out to opening day for Isaac’s Poultry Market! Your love was so strong that we went through 3 days of food in just 1, so we are not able to open today. We are working closely with our great local vendors to restock, prepare for the weekend, and plan to reopen tomorrow Saturday 2/25 at 10:45am.”

Event

Ariéto Yukayú Guáyiga – An Evening of Strength, Spirit & Survival

May 28, 2026 6:00 pm -9:30 pm

The Historical Odd Fellows Lodge

1308 Olney Sandy Spring Road

Sandy Spring, Maryland 20860

Website Contact Social

Historic Indigenous Recognition Event to Take Place in Montgomery County, Maryland

The Taino American Indigenous National Organization (T.A.I.N.O.) proudly announces its upcoming signature public event,

Education

Board of Education Tentatively Adopts $3.2 Billion Fiscal Year 2024 Operating Budget

By MCS Staff

Published February 24, 2023 at 8:31AM

The Montgomery County Board of Education, by unanimous vote, approved a $3.2 billion Operating Budget recommendation for FY 2024. The request includes a $296 million increase – 10%– over the current budget and $272 million above the minimum amount required by the maintenance of effort law.

The budget reflects amendments based on BOE feedback to provide focused investments to improve literacy and math across the district. This includes the addition of supervisors, instructional staff and coaches to increase math and literacy support, oversight and progress monitoring for schools, and increased professional development opportunities for staff. The budget also prioritizes salary increases to support recruitment and retention and the addition of security assistants to promote a safe and inclusive school climate.

Beyond MoCo

Beyond MoCo: Howard County Adjusts School Start Times for the 2023-2024 School Year

By MCS Staff

Published February 24, 2023 at 8:21AM

At its meeting on Feb. 23, 2023, the Howard County Board of Education adjusted the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) school start times for the 2023-2024 year, shifting high schools to begin at 8:00 a.m., among other changes. The exact start time for each school will be determined later this spring and shared with the community as transportation routes are finalized. There is no impact to the current school year. The new start times will take effect beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, slated to begin for students on Aug. 28, 2023.

The process of evaluating adjustments to school start times began on April 15, 2021, when the Board of Education directed the Superintendent to review and evaluate the current school start times. The HCPSS Office of Student Transportation worked with Decision Support Group to analyze current start times, bell schedules and transportation routes, and develop a plan that could adjust school opening times. Two options were provided for Board and stakeholder consideration.

Gaithersburg

Four Buildings Containing 380 Residential Units Proposed for Nike Missile Launch Site in Gaithersburg

By MCS Staff

Published February 24, 2023 at 8:03AM

Muddy Branch Investments, LLC, has submitted Sketch Plan application SK-9497-2023, proposing to construct 380 multifamily residential units in four buildings up to five stories in height, all located on approximately 14 acres at the former Nike Missile site at 770 Muddy Branch Rd, which was sold last year for over $12 million. The sketch plan includes surface parking, open space, pedestrian connections, and amenities for the multifamily units. The sole vehicular access to the proposed development will be along a private street coming off Muddy Branch Road.

The subject property is located west of Muddy Branch Road, north of the Lakelands Ridge community and the Muddy Branch Square shopping center, east of the Lakelands Ridge community and Great Seneca Highway, and south of the Timberbrook community, Lakelands Ridge conservation area, and City-owned land.

Crime

MS-13 Members Involved in Murders That Took Place in Gaithersburg and Germantown Sentenced to Life in Prison for Racketeering, Murder, Extortion, and Federal Drug Charges

By MCS Staff

Published February 24, 2023 at 7:56AM

Per the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland: U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis has sentenced Luis Flores-Reyes, a/k/a “Maloso,” “Lobo,”’ and “Viejo Lovvon,” age 42, of Arlington, Virginia and Jairo Jacome, a/k/a “Abuelo,” age 40, of Langley Park, Maryland, to life in federal prison, for charges related to a racketeering enterprise known as La Mara Salvatrucha, or “MS-13.” Jacome and Flores-Reyes were convicted by a federal jury on September 29, 2022, of a racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, and an extortion conspiracy. The jury also found Flores-Reyes guilty of a drug distribution conspiracy. Flores-Reyes was sentenced yesterday and Jacome was sentenced today. The defendants and co-defendants were also involved in murders that took place in Gaithersburg and Germantown.

On January 12, 2023, Judge Xinis also sentenced co-defendant Brayan Contreras-Avalos, a/k/a “Anonimo” and “Humilde,” age 28, of Langley Park, Maryland, to life in federal prison for his participation in the same racketeering conspiracy.

Education

MCPS: Five Things To Know (2/24/23)

By MCS Staff

Published February 24, 2023 at 7:50AM

1. Come Out This Saturday for a Family Forum on Fentanyl & Life-Saving Narcan Training In partnership with Montgomery Goes Purple, MCPS invites families to come out Saturday, Feb. 25 for an event and discussion on fentanyl. Panelists will share important information on the dangers and prevalence of illegally made fentanyl, prevention tools and protective factors for students, and resources for treatment when needed. The event will be from 9:30–11:30 a.m. in the Northwood High School auditorium, 919 University Blvd. West in Silver Spring. Breakout discussions for students and parents/caregivers and students, resource fair, COVID-19 vaccinations and refreshments will be available. Panel and breakout sessions will be in English and Spanish. RSVP. Fentanyl Resources

2. Finalists Selected for Student Member of the Board of Education: Sami Saeed, a junior at Richard Montgomery High School, and Yoseph Zerihun, a junior at Springbrook High School, are the finalists for the 46th Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB). Mr. Saeed and Mr. Zerihun were chosen from a pool of 12 students by more than 400 voting middle and high school delegates at this year’s SMOB Nominating Convention. Elections will be held on April 19. Read more about the candidates.

Education

Hundreds Participated in This Year’s HBCU Fair; Many Students Were Accepted Into Schools On-Site

By MCS Staff

Published February 24, 2023 at 7:41AM

Hundreds of students, educators, administrators, community members, caregivers and HBCU representatives with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) participated in this year’s HBCU Fair on Friday, February 17.

The free in-person event at The Universities at Shady Grove provided students in Grades 8–12 an opportunity to meet representatives from more than 50 HBCUs. Representatives shared information and answered questions from students and parents about admissions, financial aid, testing, majors and much more. The event also featured a college preparation workshop for middle school students and parents, a discussion on college life, FAFSA completion assistance, scholarship information and more.

Rockville

Rockville Ranked Eighth Most Ethnically Diverse City in U.S., According to Study

By Patrick Herron

Published February 23, 2023 at 9:57PM | Updated February 24, 2023 at 7:32AM

Per the City of Rockville: Rockville has been ranked eighth overall and fourth among small cities in the U.S. for its ethnic diversity, once again placing highly in an annual WalletHub study. More than one-third of Rockville’s 67,117 residents were born outside of the U.S.

Rockville and three other Montgomery County municipalities, Gaithersburg, Germantown and Silver Spring, ranked in the top 10 spots among all cities, of any size, in the entire United States.