Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 2nd District Investigative Section are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Jessica Greco, a missing 49-year-old. Greco was last seen on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, in the area of 11020 Ardwick Dr. in North Bethesda.  She is 5’4″, 140 lbs., with red hair, green eyes, and was last seen wearing one shoe, a beige shirt, tights, and carrying a backpack.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Jessica Greco is asked to call Montgomery County Police Non-Emergency (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line).

The high school football playoffs are in full swing, and Round 2 promises a fresh set of electrifying battles. Here’s a closer look at the matchups and our predictions as we dive deep into the action:

4A West

• #4 Northwest at #1 Quince Orchard: This clash between Northwest and Quince Orchard marks the 11th playoff rematch between these two formidable teams. With a long history that has seen both teams trading wins, this showdown carries a ton of history and emotion. Quince Orchard has been dominant in the regular season, winning 9 out of 11 meetings, and they’ve showcased one of the top defenses and offenses in the state. Antonio Berry and Xavier Rivers need to bring their A-game to secure a win for Northwest, but facing Quince Orchard is no easy feat. Prediction: Quince Orchard by 21
• #3 Gaithersburg at #2 Churchill: In this battle of physical football, it’s all about the rushing game. Gaithersburg’s Gideon Ituka, the MPSSAA rushing leader and a Wisconsin commit, goes head to head with David Avit, the #2 rusher in the MPSSAA. Last year, Churchill outlasted Gaithersburg, and they might follow a similar strategy this time to limit Gaithersburg’s offensive production. Expect a gritty clash. Prediction: Churchill by 8

4A North

• #5 Blair at #1 Walter Johnson: Walter Johnson dominated their previous matchup, and they’ll aim to replicate that performance. Establishing a strong ground game could be their key to victory, keeping Blair’s inconsistent yet potent offense at bay. Prediction: Walter Johnson by 27
• #3 BCC at #2 Paint Branch: A mere two weeks ago, the Barons and Panthers locked horns, with Paint Branch edging out a win. It’s poised to be another tight contest with a similar outcome. The rematch will test their mettle once more. Prediction: Paint Branch by 6

4A/3A West

• #4 Wootton at #1 Frederick: Wootton’s defense was pivotal in their last game, but they face a team that recently decimated an opponent by 56 points. Frederick’s prowess is evident, and they enter this contest as clear favorites. Prediction: Frederick by 35
• #3 Urbana at #2 Magruder: Magruder showcased their offensive strength in their previous game, and they’ll rely on Running Back Marcus McCritty once again. However, facing Urbana is no small task. The Colonels must bring their A-game and more to hang with this formidable opponent. Prediction: Urbana by 28

4A/3A South

• #4 Whitman at #1 Blake: A rematch from week 1, this showdown brings the undefeated Bengals against the resurgent Vikings. While Whitman has shown improvement, so has Blake, and they excelled in the first matchup. The Bengals remain strong favorites, and the Vikings face a challenging task. Prediction: Blake by 28
• #3 Einstein at #2 Suitland: While on paper, this might seem like a potential blowout, Einstein’s spirit and determination shouldn’t be underestimated. Suitland boasts superior depth, and while they might pull ahead, Einstein is sure to make this a game worth watching. Prediction: Suitland by 14

3A West

• #4 Sherwood at #1 Oakdale: Sherwood is riding high after dispatching South Hagerstown, and Running Back Van Mahoney had a standout performance. Now, they face the undefeated Oakdale Bears, a team that checks all the boxes for a state championship contender. Oakdale is the favorite, but in the unpredictable world of high school football, upsets can happen. Could the Warriors shock the world? Prediction: Sherwood by 1

2A West

• #4 Walkersville at #1 Damascus: The Walkersville faithful have vivid memories of a painful 2017 loss to Damascus, and they’ll look for redemption in the Hornets’ Nest. With All-County Athlete Michael Cooley getting healthier each week, the Swarmin’ Hornets appear poised to break Walkersville’s hearts once again. Prediction: Damascus by 8

Round 2 of the high school football playoffs is a stage for redemption, history-making, and heart-stopping moments. These young athletes continue to inspire, and we’re in for a treat as we watch their journeys unfold. Buckle up, and enjoy the ride.

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Whetstone Elementary School, located at 19201 Thomas Farm Road, had a tradition that celebrates students who have demonstrated the school’s Wildcat core values. Each quarter, the school literally rolls out the red carpet.

Students chosen by their teachers receive a certificate and dance down a red carpet while their classmates, teachers, principal, mascot Wendy the Wildcat, and caregivers clap and cheer them on. “Our caregivers love this event and appreciate the acknowledgement of their children,” said principal Loretta Woods in an update by MCPS. Woods started the tradition when she arrived at the school as a way to show the students they are special, supported and loved by all and invite parents and caregivers to join in that celebration.

Woods, who is an MCPS product herself, graduating from Paint Branch High School, was the winner of the 2021 Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award. The Mark Mann award is presented annually to an MCPS administrator who has shown exceptional performance in promoting academic excellence, positive human relations and community outreach.

Featured photo courtesy of MCPS

Per the Office of the Montgomery County State’s Attorney: “In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, the Honorable Eric Johnson sentenced defendant, Eon Brummell, 27, of Germantown, to 20 years in prison suspend all but 5 years to serve and five years of supervised probation upon release.

On Oct. 30^th, 2023, Brummell pleaded guilty to a Distribution of Narcotics charge that was filed in May of 2023 stemming from an incident in May 2022. He also pleaded guilty to Possession of a Large Amount of Narcotics due to the fact that he had 634 pills containing fentanyl in his possession when he was arrested in June of 2023. Judge Johnson issued his sentence at the time of the plea hearing.

“These pills, made to look like pharmaceutical medication were, in fact, fentanyl. Fentanyl-related deaths are plaguing the nation and we thank all involved in working to remove dangerous, illicit substances from our community. The arrest was the result of a joint investigation with Montgomery County Police Department who participated in the DEA, HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) Task Force. We commend the detectives, Assistant State’s Attorney Daniel Kroepsch who handled prosecution, and Judge Johnson who issued an appropriate prison sentence,” said State’s Attorney John McCarthy.

Per MCDOT: “On Tuesday, Nov. 28, starting at 7 p.m., the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will hold a virtual public hearing to discuss the latest plans for the Heritage Triangle Trail Project in Sandy Spring. The public will have an opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions.

The Heritage Triangle Trail is a project to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety along Dr. Bird (MD. 182) and Norwood Roads. The Dr. Bird Road section is planned to run along the east side of Dr. Bird Road (MD 182) from Sandy Spring Road (MD 108) to the current terminus of an existing shared use path located approximately 1,400 feet south of MD 108. The Norwood Road section is planned to run along the east side of Norwood Road from just north of the driveway to the Adventure Park at Sandy Spring to just south of Ednor Road, where it will tie into an existing shared use path approximately 1,700 ft. south of the Adventure Park. Public input is encouraged and may influence the design of this project.

Online registration is required to attend virtually. On the morning of the meeting, an invitation to participate in this meeting will be emailed to registrants. Prior to the meeting, the public is encouraged to review the project files on the project website. Written and oral testimony carry the same weight. Written testimony and questions may be submitted by email to [email protected] or via the online written testimony/comment form. All information provided, including questions and comments, will become a matter of public record.

Interpreter services will be provided upon request with five business days advance notice by contacting Lori Main by email at [email protected] or call 240-777-7271. Learn more about MCDOT’s engineering and construction projects by visiting montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-dte. For more information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on X, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.”

Chuck E. Cheese is now open at 5238 Nicholson Ln in North Bethesda/Rockville. Chuck E. Cheese was previously located at 5270 Randolph Rd in Loehmann’s Plaza before moving to its new, larger location in White Flint Plaza, taking over the space that was previously home to Retro Fitness. The location is one of the first in the area to feature Chuck E. Cheese’s new trampoline park.  There will be a grand opening celebration on Thursday, November 9 from 5-7pm that will feature free cake and the chance to win a free birthday party.

Chuck E. Cheese has an additional Montgomery County location at 1127 University Blvd E in Takoma Park. The children’s indoor entertainment arcade also had a location in Gaithersburg that closed in 2020 after being in business at Gaithersburg Square for over 30 years. Per the Biz Journals report, the new location will “feature a 17-foot digital wall and other technological advances over the older locations. There will still be some Chuck E. Cheese mainstays, including things like skee-ball, air hockey, and, of course, pizza.” The Rockville location has also matched pre-2019 numbers this year, hosting 289 birthday parties.

From the Office of Councilmember Natali Fani-González: “During today’s Council session, Councilmember Natali Fani-González, who chairs the Economic Development (ECON) Committee, introduced ZTA 23-09, Farming – Incidental Outdoor Stays. This new zoning measure would update the County’s Zoning Ordinance to allow incidental overnight stays on farms with agritourism businesses, with certain limits. Council President Evan Glass, Council Vice President Andrew Friedson and Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles are cosponsors of this ZTA.

Carmen’s Italian Ice is opening its newest location this Wednesday, November 8. Carmen’s is partnering with the owners of Kung Fu Tea at 130 Market St in Gaithersburg and is taking over the portion of the building that was previously occupied by Tutti Frutti. According to Carmen’s, it will initially offer three flavors of custard and six flavors of Italian ice. The new store will be offering half off 1/2 off of ices and gelatis in-store all day on Wednesday for “Jayden Day”.

Earlier this year Carmen’s partnered with the Clarksburg Market at 23329 Frederick Rd to open a similar concept in Clarksburg. About Carmen’s: It started with a simple idea. Introduce homemade gourmet Italian Ice to the Washington DC area. Jason Mandler – a native of Parsippany, New Jersey – opened Carmen’s Italian Ice & Cafe in Rockville, MD in 2001. Tracing its roots back to Philly and South Jersey where this dessert has been a mainstay for years, Carmen’s offers homemade, gourmet Italian Ice in over 60 flavors. It also now offers frozen custard, shakes, and a toppings bar.