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“This is a project that had been talked about around here, on and off, for decades, but had never gotten off the ground. It truly is Hagerstown’s very own ‘Field of Dreams,’” said Governor Hogan. “When I became governor, I pledged that Western Maryland—and all of rural Maryland—would no longer be forgotten or ignored, and that we would work together at all levels of government to revitalize this incredibly historic city of Hagerstown, and that is exactly what we have done.”

In 2021, the governor enacted legislation that authorizes MSA to issue bonds to finance and construct the facility, to be owned and operated by the Hagerstown-Washington County Industrial Foundation (CHIEF) and leased by an Atlantic League team. The governor’s supplemental budget provided $8.5 million toward this effort, and another $1.5 million was designated in the FY23 capital budget.


DC Sports

On Tuesday afternoon, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay was the first NFL owner to publicly make a statement against Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder. “I believe there is merit to removing him as owner.” he said, according NFL reporter Ian Rappaport. In response to a report that Dan Snyder “has dirt” on other NFL owners, Commanders reporter Matthew Paras tweeted that Irsay said he could “care less” if Dan Snyder has “dirt” on other owners. “You could investigate me ’til the cows come home. That’s not going to back me off.”

The Washington Commanders released a statement responding to Irsay’s comments: “It is highly inappropriate, but not surprising, that Mr. Irsay opted to make statements publicly based on falsehoods in the media. It is unfortunate that mr. Irsay decided to go public with that statement today, while an investigation is in process, and the team has had no opportunity to formally respond to allegations. The Commanders have made remarkable progress over the past two years. We are confident that, when he has an opportunity to see the actual evidence in this case, Mr. Irsay would conclude that there is no reason for the Snyders to consider selling the franchise. And they won’t.”


Arts

The eighth annual Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards is searching for the best songwriters in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. The competition, founded by Cathy Bernard, is named in honor of Fred Ebb, one of the great American songwriters and creator of Broadway hits such as Cabaret and Chicago and iconic songs including New York, New York. Applicants must submit three original songs. Each song must have lyrics. Therefore, instrumental compositions are not accepted. All genres are accepted. Maximum song length is 4:30 min.

The contest will be a multi-staged, adjudicated competition. Jurors will include professional artists, venue operators, booking agents and music academia. The jury will select the finalists who will perform their original songs during a concert in Bethesda, Maryland on Friday, April 1, 2022 at the Bethesda Blues and Jazz Club. Each finalist will perform two of the songs they submitted for the competition. The Grand Prize Jury will attend the concert to select the winners. The winning songwriter and young songwriter will be announced at the close of the show. Judging criteria below:


Beyond MoCo

The 2023 season also will see the return of annual, popular events at the park including Grand Carnivale, Halloween Haunt and WinterFest. All events, plus the newly added winter weekends, are included with the purchase of a Kings Dominion season pass, now available for the lowest price of the season.

In 2022, guests were introduced to the park’s newest themed area, Jungle X-pedition, its newest coaster, Tumbili, two re-themed family favorites – Reptilian (formerly Avalanche) and Arachnidia (formerly Scrambler) – as well as new dining experiences and live entertainment.


MCPS

1. Quince Orchard 7-0 (LW 1): The Cougars are now the lone undefeated team in the county with their victory over Gaithersburg 48-8.  As a team QO rushed for 212 yards and 4 TDs. Up next, the biggest rivalry in the DMV vs a resurgent Northwest, in the MoCoShow Game of the Week.

2. Damascus 6-1 (LW 3): The Swarmin’ Hornets beatdown Rockville 49-6.  A trip to Silver Spring to take on Springbrook is next.  


MoCo Government

For 17 months, Councilmembers have been working with staff and listening to suggestions from residents across Montgomery County to develop a general plan for the County’s future. The Thrive Montgomery 2050 Draft Plan contains the text and supporting maps for a comprehensive amendment to Montgomery County’s current General Plan (On Wedges and Corridors).

The document establishes a vision for Montgomery County’s future growth and encompasses broad, countywide policy recommendations for land use, zoning, housing, the economy, equity, transportation, parks and open space, the environment and historic resources.


MoCo Libraries

The Washington Wizards Book of the Month programwill feature one book for readers grades K-2, one book for readers grades 3-5 and one book for readers grades 6-8 to explore each month. The books will be great for kids to read alone or for families to read together.

Montgomery County joined this program on Oct. 1. MCPL’s October selections can be found at Montgomery (dcfamily.com).


Gaithersburg

Permanent signage is now up at two future destinations at Muddy Branch Square in Gaithersburg– Lum Thai and Jazzercise.

In June 2021 we let you know that Lum Thai, a Thai food and chicken restaurant (according to signage), would be coming to Muddy Branch Square, in the space previously occupied by Roggenart and Canela Bakery at 806 Muddy Branch Road. Since then things have been mostly quiet, but renovations began for the upcoming restaurant a couple months back. We stopped by earlier this week and construction is progressing, but there is plenty of work left to do. We anticipate an early 2023 opening.


Education

Students and families are invited to attend an open house at Thomas Edison High School of Technology on Oct. 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thomas Edison High School of Technology is located at 12501 Dalewood Drive in Silver Spring. Attendees will be able to visit the facility, learn about program offerings and the process to apply, meet instructors and learn about career opportunities, such as industry licensure and work-based learning.

The first-round application window is now OPEN for students who wish to attend the school next year. It will close on Friday, November 4th. Apply today! “If you want to learn more about Edison’s programs, please inquire with your school counseling department about presentation dates, visit us at our Open House on October 19th, or preview program information on out website!”


Beyond MoCo

Howard County Police warn residents of a national trend that has seen an increase in thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles. This trend has been referred to as the “Kia Boyz Challenge” that has gained popularity on social media, including the video sharing app TikTok. The challenge was allegedly started by the Kia Boyz, who showed people how easy it is to use a USB cable in the steering columns to start, and steal Kias and Hyundais.

Per Howard County Police: In recent months, Howard County has seen an increase in thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles, which is part of a national trend occurring across the U.S. If you have a 2016-2021 Hyundai or 2011-2021 Kia model that is started by a key, consider taking the following preventive measures:


Silver Spring

The suspect is described as a Black male, armed with a black handgun, 5-feet, 7-inches tall, skinny build, approximately 25-years-old and wearing a black baseball hat and a green hooded sweatshirt. Anyone with information regarding this suspect or this crime is asked to call the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5070 or 240-773-TIPS or contact Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).  A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect. Callers can remain anonymous.