MDLottery

On only three previous occasions has the Mega Millions jackpot gone beyond $700 million, and all three times those rolls continued on past $1 billion. One was in January just two years ago, when the jackpot was eventually won in Michigan at $1.05 billion on January 22, 2021. Will history repeat itself with another billion-dollar January win?

The game’s first billion-dollar jackpot came on October 23, 2018, when a South Carolina winner took home a $1.537 billion prize. That remains the record Mega Millions jackpot, although a third billion-dollar run came close last summer when an Illinois ticket won $1.337 billion on July 29. Find a complete list of jackpot winners here.


Wheaton

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police- Cold Case Section are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing 18-year-old from Wheaton. Luis Enrique Ortiz was last seen on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, in the 12000 block of Berry St. Ortiz is approximately 6-feet, 1-inch tall and weighs 220 pounds. He has brown eyes and brown hair. Police and family are concerned for his welfare.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Luis Enrique Ortiz is asked to call the non-emergency number at (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line) or the Major Crimes Division – Cold Case Unit at (240) 773-5070. Callers may remain anonymous.


MDLottery

UPCOMING INITIATIVES

The Maryland Lottery kicked off the year with today’s launch of its first 50th anniversary-themed product, the $1 We’re 50 Win $50 FAST PLAY game. Beginning Jan. 23, Lottery players can look for the Gold Multiplier family of games, which includes four scratch-offs ranging in price from $1 to $10. Players can enter non-winning tickets into the Gold Multiplier Second-Chance Promotion for the chance to win one of five $50,000 prizes.


Event

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,


Rockville

Per the City of Rockville: Rockville rings in the Year of the Rabbit this month with performances and interactive displays, at the city’s Lunar New Year celebration. The annual celebration, organized by the city in partnership with Rockville’s Asian Pacific American Task Force, will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at Thomas S. Wootton High School, 2100 Wootton Parkway. Admission is free.

Multicultural performances will be from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Confirmed performers include kung fu by US Chinese Wushu Institute, drumming by Peace Mission Korean Dance Group, a piano selection by Seasharp Music Studio, opera by DC Beauty of Beijing Opera Ltd., and dance performances by dance by Xiaorong Dance Arts, Natananjali School of Dance, and Fairfax County Dance Troupe.


Rockville

Per the City of Rockville: The City of Rockville is giving away 150 radon test kits to city residents for National Radon Action Month. The test kit involves placing a small measuring device in the basement or the lowest level of your home, raised three feet off the ground, in the middle of the room for two to four days. Once the test is completed, follow the directions on the test kit packaging to mail the device to a laboratory for the results. Reservations for a free test kit, a link to discounted $3 kits and more can be found at www.rockvillemd.gov/radon.

A new radon law goes into effect Sunday, Jan. 1 in Rockville that applies Montgomery County’s home energy disclosure and radon testing laws to the sale of single-family homes and townhomes in Rockville. The change provides home buyers with access to important home health and energy information.


Maryland

Six decades of delivering joy. Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring is one of the largest hospitals in Maryland. It was founded in 1963 by the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross and has led all Maryland facilities in new births since its inception. On January 10th, the hospital celebrates its 60th anniversary.

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MoCo Recreation

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Recreation Center membership passes will be free for County residents in 2023. Starting Jan. 3, a free pass will provide access to fully equipped fitness rooms, open gym (drop-in) activities and game rooms at any community recreation center during regularly scheduled hours. The free pass does not include access to aquatic centers. For aquatic center pass information and prices, visit Aquatic Passes – Department of Recreation – Montgomery County, Maryland (montgomerycountymd.gov).

“We are pleased to be offering this service free to our residents in 2023,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “As we head into the new year and many are renewing their fitness goals, I encourage our County residents to take advantage of these great spaces. Make sure to head to a community recreation center near you to check out all they have to offer. Thank you to the team at Montgomery County Recreation for helping make this happen.”


Gaithersburg

Yesterday we reported that Texas Parrillada at 9631 Lost Knife Rd in Gaithersburg has closed with the restaurant’s last day of service being on Sunday, January 1. Now we know that the restaurant will be replaced by Los Amigos– a Mexican restaurant. We are told the restaurant plans to offer authentic Mexican cuisine and hopes to open on January 18th:

Texas Parillada had a long run in the Montgomery Village Crossing shopping center, which is home to BLT Grill, Hook & Reel, and Roy Rogers. the restaurant offered menu items that included Tex-Mex staples like burritos, carne asada, enchiladas, and tacos.


Rockville

Matveeva is approximately 5-feet, 11-inches tall and weighs 120 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing black cargo pants and a grey or green jacket.   Police and family are concerned for his welfare.


MCPS

In a message sent before winter break, we asked that you remain vigilant and aware of the potential impact of the respiratory diseases (Influenza, RSV and COVID-19) circulating in our community. These illnesses may pose a combined challenge to our local healthcare system across our region following the holiday season. We need everyone’s help to reduce the impact on school operations in these first few weeks following winter break. Remember, protective measures still apply – keeping up with vaccinations, practicing healthy habits to prevent the spread of illness, and staying home if you are sick.

While we are excited to be back in school and for learning to continue on Tuesday, Jan. 3, we can only do this if we take care of ourselves and each other.