Bethesda Archives - Page 136 of 277

Ghost Story: Maryland Mines

Published October 27, 2023 at 12:17PM

In 1906, a crew of miners at the present-day intersection of Falls Road and MacArthur Boulevard (Potomac) were preparing to set off an explosion in a mine’s tunnel in a search for gold. Gold was previously discovered in a nearby stream in the 1860’s and local businessmen were looking to strike it rich. As the story goes, one of the miners tossed their helmet, which was outfitted with a lit candle, during a break. It landed near dynamite and caused a massive explosion that collapsed a building and killed a hoist operator named Charles Eglin. Then, strange things started to happen…

According to Visit Montgomery, “horses would be afraid to go near the mine. Tools and food would go missing, and someone knocking on the walls would reverberate through the tunnels. One of the most chilling incidents happened to a night watchman who said he came across a demon with fiery eyes and 10-foot-long tail. The mine closed soon after and today most of it is now on restricted and private property.”

The Ghosts of Glen Echo

By MCS Staff

Published October 26, 2023 at 3:31PM

Glen Echo Park was first developed in 1891 as a National Chautauqua Assembly, which taught the sciences, arts, languages, and literature. The Chautauqua lasted for just one season, and by the early 1900s, the site had become Glen Echo Amusement Park — the premier amusement park serving the Washington area until 1968, when it closed (learn more about the civil rights story here). Below we will share with you a tragic tale that has become somewhat of a local ghost story. A video of what Glen Echo Park looks like today can be seen below.

Glen Echo Park was home to the “Coaster Dips” roller coaster. The popular attraction opened in May 1921 and remained until the park closed in 1968. Coaster Dips was nearly 70 feet tall, and the Potomac River could be seen in the distance before plummeting to the bottom of the rickety wooden coaster. Tragically, William J. Lawrence, a 21-year-old Washington drug clerk, fell from the coaster in 1929. According to local legend, screams from the coaster echo into the late evening hours on clear nights. Per the Washington Post in 1929:

Detectives Investigating Theft and Credit Card Fraud in Bethesda

By Patrick Herron

Published October 26, 2023 at 3:21PM

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 responsible for a theft and fraudulent credit card use in Bethesda. On Saturday, September 16, 2023, at approximately 1:40 p.m., the victim was at a CAVA restaurant in the 4800 block of Bethesda Avenue when an unknown suspect stole his black Lulu Fanny Pack, containing personal property and credit cards, from the back of his chair.

Moments after the victim discovered his bag had been stolen, he received a notification that his credit card had been used at a Target in the 6800 block of Wisconsin Avenue. Detectives obtained surveillance video of the suspect. The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 40 to 50-years-old with a salt and pepper beard. He was wearing a black Nike baseball hat, a gray Nike long sleeve zippered sweatshirt and black Nike sweatpants.

MoCoShow High School Football Game of the Week – Congressional Cup Championship: Churchill at Walter Johnson

By Damon Anderson

Published October 26, 2023 at 12:42PM | Updated November 5, 2023 at 12:07PM

In the world of high school football, it’s not uncommon to ponder the “what-ifs” and to wonder how the outcome of early-season matchups might differ if they were played later in the year. While it’s thrilling to have marquee matchups right out of the gate, teams often evolve and improve, making early-season assessments less reliable. Such is the case for Churchill and Walter Johnson, who squared off in Week 1 of the last two-year cycle. Last year, their opening encounter was marked by turnovers and a general sloppiness that clouded both teams’ true potential. Churchill, in particular, faced an uphill battle after that defeat, which led to a string of nine consecutive victories, with Running Back David Avit emerging as a star.

Had they met again later in the season or in the playoffs, the narrative might have been very different. This season, the eagerly awaited rematch is scheduled for the final week of the regular season. Both teams have had time to discover their identity, solidify their strengths, and understand what it takes to secure a victory. Barring any unforeseen twists, the better team should be evident on the field.

Public ‘Listening Sessions’ to Receive Public Input on Capital Crescent Trail Improvements to be Held on Nov. 2 and Nov. 8

By Patrick Herron

Published October 25, 2023 at 1:37PM

Per Montgomery County: “Montgomery Parks wants to hear from the community about future improvements to the Capital Crescent trail. The two upcoming meetings, to be held on Thursday, Nov. 2, and Wednesday, Nov. 8, will provide an opportunity for trail users to share ideas for renovations to the 3.5-mile portion of the trail in Montgomery County from Downtown Bethesda south to the District of Columbia line.

The Capital Crescent Trail 2.0 project will reimagine the trail by evaluating features such as width, signage, access, trail connectivity and amenities. Parks planners will consider public input and best practices in trail design to produce a long-term vision for the trail.

MoCo’s Noah Bratschi Wins Silver Medal in Speed Climbing at 2023 Pan American Games

By MCS Staff

Published October 25, 2023 at 7:25AM

Montgomery County’s very own Noah Bratschi, a 2018 graduate of Churchill High School, has brought home the silver medal in Speed Climbing from the Pan American Games. Speed Climbing is a sport where athletes compete on identical routes with the goal of reaching the top of a 15m-high wall as quickly as possible.

Bratschi previously won the bronze medal at the 2021 International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) World Championship in Moscow, Russia to become the first American speed climber to win a World Championship medal in thirty years (since 1991). With that, he also became the first American to ever win a medal on the modern IFSC homologated speed climbing wall.

MCFRS Responds to Call For Window Washers Stuck on Scaffolding at Marriott Headquarters

By MCS Staff

Published October 24, 2023 at 12:56PM

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) units have been dispatched to 7750 Wisconsin Ave/Marriott Headquarters for two window washers who are stuck on scaffolding after a mechanical issue with the cable.

The two personnel are not injured and were four stories above grade in a back alley. The MCFRS technical support team was on the scene and the two workers were removed via Fire Department aerial. Power to a nearby pole was taken down by Pepco as a precaution. There were no injuries or transports.

Police Investigating Fatal Democracy Boulevard Collision; Victim’s Identity Released

By Patrick Herron

Published October 24, 2023 at 10:39AM

Per MCPD: “Montgomery County Department of Police – 2nd District officers are investigating a fatal two-vehicle collision that occurred on Saturday, October 21, 2023. The preliminary investigation has revealed that at approximately 6:26 p.m., 60-year-old Byron Jennings was driving a 2012 Kia Sorento westbound on Democracy Blvd prior to Newbridge Drive when he suffered a medical emergency. The Kia then left the roadway, causing a 2015 BMW to collide with the curb and to leave the roadway.

The driver of the BMW sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital. Jennings, of Lynchburg, VA, was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.” Featured image courtesy of Google Maps.

Deer Rescued After Falling Into 15’ Window Well Sunday Morning (VIDEO)

By MCS Staff

Published October 23, 2023 at 8:35PM

On the morning of October 22, Montgomery County residents were greeted with an unusual scene – a deer had fallen into the window well of their Potomac home. The young buck, though unscathed from the fall, was unfortunately trapped in the 15-foot deep well. Thankfully, the homeowner’s knew who to call! Animal Service Officers Flores-Lopez and Jesien responded to the scene, wasting no time in mobilizing support for the challenging rescue operation (video below) courtesy of Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center.

Officer Ingle, assisted by staff veterinarian Dr. Ramirez, humanely sedated the struggling deer via blow dart, a tool recently acquired by MCASAC for difficult rescues such as this one. Within moments, the effects of the sedative took hold, allowing the team to climb safely into the well and approach the trapped deer. Montgomery County Maryland – Fire & Rescue Service arrived on scene and assisted our officers in loading the deer onto a basket stretcher, which was connected to the crane system on the top of the fire truck. Finally, the deer was safely lifted out of the window well.

Student Arrested and Charged as an Adult After Bringing Gun to Walter Johnson High School

By Patrick Herron

Published October 23, 2023 at 5:34PM | Updated October 23, 2023 at 6:06PM

According to Montgomery County Police, a 17-year-old Walter Johnson High School student has been arrested and charged as an adult for possession of a firearm. The student, who is a Bethesda resident, was arrested after a witness reported to school security that the student had a gun. Montgomery County Public Schools security team members located the student, conducted a search and located a loaded 9 mm handgun.

At approximately 1:30 p.m., on Monday, October 23, 2023, Montgomery County Department of Police Community Engagement Officers were dispatched to the school, located in the 6400 block of Rock Spring Drive. Based on the information provided and evidence of the gun, officers arrested the student.

25 Worst Parking Lots in Montgomery County (2023 Edition)

By Patrick Herron

Published October 23, 2023 at 10:05AM | Updated October 23, 2023 at 5:25PM

Everyone has had their share of terrible experiences in MoCo parking lots, and while there are more than 25 “bad” parking lots, we’ve narrowed down a list (in no particular order) of what may be the worst based on our experiences and comments left by readers throughout the years.

Featured image courtesy of Google Maps.