The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is investing in a well connected pedestrian and bicycle network which enriches the livability of a community. Therefore, MCDOT is implementing bicycle facilities such as off road shared use paths, which serve as critical links in the transportation system, providing access to residential areas, transit, commercial districts, schools, places of worship, parks, and recreation areas.

MCDOT has initiated preliminary design for the Emory Lane and Muncaster Mill Road (MD 115) Shared Use Path Project from Holly Ridge Road to Muncaster Mill Road at the proposed North Branch Trail in order to provide safer bicycle and pedestrian access between the ICC bike path along Georgia Avenue and the proposed North Branch Trail/Rock Creek Regional Park. Photos courtesy of MCDOT.


Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) is holding a fee-waived adoption event for dogs over 40 pounds starting Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, Feb. 14, and running through Friday, Feb. 24. The “More to Love” adoption event is sponsored by Friends of Montgomery County Animals (FMCA). While small dogs get adopted quickly, often within an hour of being made available for adoption, it is not uncommon for dogs over 40 pounds to wait a month or more for their new homes.

“Some people have misconceptions that bigger dogs are harder to train, require more exercise or need more space,” said Adoption Supervisor Faith Koleszar. “That all really depends on the personality of the dog. Some are hiking buddies and some are couch potatoes. Believe it or not, a big dog can be a great apartment dog—as long as they are getting the care and attention they need. If you come to the adoption center with an open mind, we can find you a great match.”


Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) is holding a fee-waived adoption event for dogs over 40 pounds starting Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, Feb. 14, and running through Friday, Feb. 24. The “More to Love” adoption event is sponsored by Friends of Montgomery County Animals (FMCA).

While small dogs get adopted quickly, often within an hour of being made available for adoption, it is not uncommon for dogs over 40 pounds to wait a month or more for their new homes.


The first 100 customers at the renovated Wendy’s in Derwood could receive free food for a year. The renovated Wendy’s location at 15807 Frederick Rd will hold its grand re-opening on Saturday, January 28th. As the fast food chain did with its 18425 Woodfield Rd restaurant in Gaithersburg, they’ll give away 100 VIP ticket to those 16 and older and present in line at 10:30am when the dining room opens (a purchase is necessary to be considered for a card). Anyone who gets a VIP ticket will be able to come back to the store once a week for a year to receive a free sandwich, salad, or breakfast biscuit.


Antisemitic graffiti was found on a desk today at Colonel Zadok Magruder High School at 5939 Muncaster Mill Rd in Derwood. This is the fourth time in the past week that antisemitic graffiti was found at a Montgomery County Public School, as over the weekend, MCPS sent out a message alerting the community that drawings of swastikas were recently found on desks at at three separate MCPS schools. Magruder Principal Dr. Leroy C. Evans sent the following message to Magruder students and families:

Given the seriousness of this incident and heightened concerns around racial insensitivity and anti-Semitism, we seek parent support and involvement in speaking with your children in our efforts to eliminate this hateful and harmful behavior.


Updated with additional information

Montgomery County Police issued a traffic advisory, at 8:05am on Sunday morning, that states Muncaster Mill Rd. is is closed between Windsor Manor Lane and Sycamore Lane due to a traffic collision. Per the advisory, drivers are advised to seek an alternate route and significant delays are expected.


According to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, the defendant in the January 2022 shooting at Magruder High School was sentenced today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County.  The judge sentenced Steven Alston Jr. to 40 years in prison suspend all but 18 years and 5 years probation upon release. While incarcerated, he will be admitted into the Patuxent Youthful Offender Program. 

Alston pleaded guilty last month to the charge of Attempted First Degree Murder for the shooting of a fellow student at Magruder High School.  Alston was 17 years old on Friday, January 21, 2022, when he shot the 15-year-old victim inside of the school restroom using a privately manufactured firearm, or ghost gun.  He was charged as an adult.


The shelter is still full of animals waiting to find their new homes. Many types of animals are available for adoption including birds, guinea pigs, rabbits, reptiles, cats and dogs. Adopting is easy—and even easier with $0 adoption fees. The adoption process can be started online by filling out the adoption questionnaire and emailing in the required documents. Adopters also can choose to visit the Adoption Center during open hours to start the process in-person. The questionnaire, required documents and more information about the adoption process can be found at montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/adoption/howtoadopt.

New animals arrive at the shelter every day. Potential adopters are encouraged to view who is available for adoption online at montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/adoption before their visit to the facility. Adoptions are first-come, first-served by appointment. Walk-in appointments are subject to counselor availability. Adoptions are same-day and animals are not held for adopters so they should be prepared to take an animal home at the time of their appointment. The shelter will be closed for the holidays on Dec. 25 and 26.


The shelter is full, and adopters are urgently needed. All types of animals are available for adoption including guinea pigs, rabbits, reptiles, cats and dogs. For those considering adding a new pet to your family, now is the time. Adopting is easy—and even easier during the Home for the Holidays with no adoption fees.


A virtual meeting will take place via Zoom on Thursday night to discuss the property located at 15501 Monona Drive in Derwood that is currently home of the America Society of Plant Biologists. The plan is for the contract purchaser to develop the property with a two-story building for medical/scientific manufacturing and production use. Full letter by Lerch, Early, & Brewer to local residents can be seen below:

“Dear Neighbor, I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself. Lerch, Early & Brewer represents Glenline Investments, the contract purchaser of the property located at 15501 Monona Drive (the “Property”) that is currently the home of the America Society of Plant Biologists (“ASPB”).


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