Beyond MoCo

A Connecticut man was arrested in Rockville on July 1 on a warrant for a June 6 double-murder that occurred in Maine. David Barnett, 34, of Bristol, CT is alleged to have killed Kelzie Caron (21) and Pierre Langlois (21) at a residence in Auburn, ME. Barnett is currently being held in Montgomery County pending extradition, according to FOX5.

Barnett will be held at the Montgomery County Jail pending extradition proceedings. The Maine State Police and Auburn Police Detectives have been building this case with their interstate partners at the local, state, and federal levels in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and Maryland. The investigation into the murders continues and people with information regarding this case are encouraged to contact the Auburn Police Department or the Maine State Police.”


Gaithersburg

Construction is progressing at Isaac’s Poultry Market at 12167 Darnestown Rd in Gaithersburg, the former site of Pizza Hut. The restaurant is being opened by Rob Gresham, a lifelong MoCo resident and the former Director of Operations at CAVA, and hopes to be serving customers in September according to a recent Instagram post.

The restaurant will feature American roasted chicken, wings, sandwiches, and salads. Rob tells us that everything they sell will be made from scratch and that the menu will feature plenty of healthy options. Isaac’s will also feature frozen custards and a variety of baked goods and desserts.


Kensington

The fireworks displays will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m.. The timing of the fireworks shows may change due to weather conditions. Low lawn chairs, blankets and coolers are welcome at both events. There will be food vendors at both locations. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted. The rain date for the fireworks display only is July 5.

Sign language interpreter services and other auxiliary aids or services will be provided upon request with as much notice as possible, preferably at least three business days before the event. To request special accommodations, contact a therapeutic recreation specialist at 240-777-6870 or email [email protected].


Gaithersburg

SummerFest kicks off at 6 p.m. with Nation, one of DC’s top dance bands. Enjoy delicious offerings from food and local craft beverage vendors, including Dogfish Head, Landmade, Lone Oak, Steinhardt Brewing, True Respite, and Waredaca. ATMs available onsite. The air-conditioned Activity Center will serve as a comfort station with indoor bathrooms and space to relax up until 9 p.m.

Once it gets nice and dark (approximately 9:25 p.m.), a spectacular fireworks display will light up the night with bursts of amazing colors and styles that launch up to 500 feet. Bohrer Park is the best place to watch them, but there are several viewing options in surrounding locations. A map identifying best viewing spots is available here.


MoCo Government

Establishment of the ACC is in accordance with House Bill 670, which was approved by the Maryland General Assembly in 2021. The State law created a new uniform procedure for police accountability and discipline, including the establishment of a PAB and ACC in each county.

Appointed by County Executive Elrich to Montgomery County’s ACC are Christopher Jennison and Andrea McCoy Johnson.


Bethesda

Caruso’s Grocery will be taking over the dining room portion of Owen’s Ordinary in Pike & Rose, according to a report by Washingtonian Magazine.  The bar and patio at Owen’s Ordinary will then be rebranding as Owen’s Tavern and Garden.  Both Caruso’s and Owen’s are operated by Neighborhood Restaurant Group.  Chef Matt Adler told Washingtonian that Owen’s dining room was never as busy as its  bar and patio so it made sense to repurpose the underutilized space.

Caruso’s Grocery opened its first location at The Roost food hall in Capital Hill DC back in May 2021.  According to their website, “Caruso’s Grocery is modeled after the classic, Italian-American ‘red sauce joint. You know the one: red banquettes, a killer chicken Parm, Sinatra pouring through the speakers. If you’re looking for modern interpretations of a chef’s take on the classics, you won’t find them here. Caruso’s Grocery will be home to traditional Italian-American fare focused on execution and high quality ingredients – menu items include Chicken Parmesan, Penne alla Vodka, Mozzarella en Carozza, Sole Francaise, Garlic Bread with Four Cheese Sauce, and more old school hits. A joint venture from Neighborhood Restaurant Group and Partner Matthew Adler.”


Downtown Silver Spring

In April 2021, we let you know that IHOP’s new concept, Flip’d by IHOP, would be taking over the old Asian Bistro Cafe location at 8537 Georgia Avenue between Panera and Red Lobster, according to the PetersonCos website. Asian Bistro Cafe closed about 6 years ago and the space has remained vacant ever since.

Over a year later, construction is moving along  and the kitchen looks nearly ready to go (photo below) at the fast-casual breakfast spot. Downtown Silver Spring previously let us know that Flip’d was expected to open this Spring, but it looks like it still may be a couple months away as signage has not yet been installed.


Traffic

The Maryland State Highway Administration has announced that all travel lanes are now open on southbound I-270, following over two weeks of repairs for a sinkhole that was caused by a failed corrugated drainage pipe in the right lane of I-270 southbound, prior to Exit 9 (I-370).

Per MDSHA last week: “Major pipe failure looked small on surface of SB I-270, but it was only the tip of the iceberg. Damage underneath was not visible to drivers but is 20 ft wide, 15 ft long & 12 ft deep. Crews are installing new 80-ft pipe w/a focus on your safety.”


Rockville

The City of Rockville’s Department of Public Works has released its Annual Drinking Water Quality Report today, proclaiming that Rockville’s water has met or exceeded all federal water quality regulations. A press release sent out by the City of Rockville cutes challenging working conditions due to ongoing upgrades that are currently occurring at the city’s water treatment plant, which is located on the banks of the Potomac River. The full press release can be seen below:

In another year of challenges to provide the city with safe and reliable drinking water, Rockville’s water once again met or exceeded all federal water quality regulations limits, the city’s Department of Public Works said in the Annual Drinking Water Quality Report released today. The city’s water treatment plant, on the banks of the Potomac River, serves 70% of Rockville, or approximately 13,000 accounts and 52,000 community members. The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission serves the remainder of the city.