Per The Maryland Department of the Environment: The Maryland Department of the Environment is urging citizens and businesses in a large part of the state to voluntarily reduce their water usage as a drought watch has been issued. “Water conservation is a good practice year-round, but we are asking residents and businesses to pay particular attention during the summer months when the State can experience hot and dry conditions,” said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain.

“You can do your part by limiting the use and duration of sprinklers for lawns, taking short showers as opposed to baths, and not leaving the faucet running while brushing your teeth. These things sound simple, but it all adds up.” A drought watch has been issued for Western Maryland and portions of Central Maryland based on lower-than-normal stream flows and groundwater levels for this time of year. During a drought watch, MDE increases oversight of water supply conditions and encourages voluntary water conservation practices. No mandatory water use restrictions have been issued.


Two private fireworks displays will take place in Montgomery County tonight (Monday, July 3rd). The events will take place at Chevy Chase Country Club (located at 6100 Connecticut Ave., Chevy Chase) and  Montgomery Country Club (located at 20908 Golf View Dr., Laytonsville).

According to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, the clubs are hosting a ‘private/permitted event’ which will include a fireworks display & aerial explosions. The displays are scheduled to start at approximately 9:30pm at Chevy Chase Country Club and at approximately 9:20pm at Montgomery Country Club. The displays should last between 20 and 30 minutes. While the events are private, the fireworks will be visible in the surrounding areas.


The Family Room Laytonsville will be hosting “The Fourth at the Family Room”’on Monday, July 3rd. Nearby Montgomery Country Club will be setting off their fireworks on Monday, July 3rd and the display can be seen from the parking lot of The Family Room (6820 Olney Laytonsville Rd), featuring “The Best Burger in the DMV” Steeze Burger.

The fireworks display begins at 9:15pm, but it is advised to arrive early to secure your spot. Per The Family Room: “We will be open late on July 3rd for ice cream, Steezeburgers and local fireworks. @steeze.burger will be serving burgers starting at 5p until they sellout! 🍔 We will also have live music from local artist @katekeeleymusic starting at 6:30p! Grab dinner, dessert and enjoy live music and fireworks with us at The Family Room!” Additional events across the county that include fireworks can be seen here.


A Laytonsville Town Special Election will be held on Monday, June 12, 2023. The election will be held at the Laytonsville Town Hall, 21607 Laytonsville Road, and the polls will be open from 3:00pm to 8:00pm.

All citizens of the Town age 18 years and upward and who are registered, bona fide residents of the Town for not less than thirty (30) consecutive days before the election shall be qualified to vote. CANDIDATES FOR MAYOR: Charles Hendricks and Sharif Hidayat.


Laytonsville Elementary School principal Maria Watson sent a letter to the Laytonsville community on Monday informing them of vandalism discovered on a bench outside of the school. According to the letter, the vandalism included a “drawing of a swastika with the name Hitler” drawn on a bench outside of the school. The full letter, with additional information, can be seen below:

“Dear Laytonsville Elementary School Community,


Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Serviced (MCFRS) responded to a fire at a two-story farmhouse on the 4200 block of Sundown Road between Sunshine and Laytonsville on Saturday afternoon.

According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, approximately 55 firefighters responded to the call. Upon arrival, fire and smoke was coming from the house, which is located in a non-hydrant area with a limited access driveway. Live wires were reported down in the area and all occupants and pets were reported out of the house.


Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a call for a house fire on Foxlair Rd, off of Huntmaster Rd, in the Gaithersburg/Laytonsville area at approximately 9:45 on Monday night after a passerby reported the house on fire.

According to MCFRA Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, the situation involved the exterior of the home being on fire due to decorative Christmas lights. Upon arrival, firefighters found the fire “mostly out”, and completed extinguishing what was left. There were no injuries, but there was approximately $25k incurred in damage.


The Swenson family, who owns The Office Cafe & Lounge at 6860 Olney Laytonsville Rd in Laytonsville, is mourning the loss of Larry Swenson. The family has shared the following message below via The Office Cafe & Lounge Facebook Page, referring to Swenson as an incredible man, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend:

“We are deeply saddened to share the passing of our beloved owner Larry Swenson.


This is an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact CRU detectives at (240)773-6620.


As 2022 ends, we’re sharing a few of our most-read stories of the year, from September: A large house party that had sold over 600 tickets and was scheduled to take place Sunday night in Laytonsville was cancelled after the owners of the home became aware of the event and alerted Montgomery County Police.  According to a Tiktok video that was promoting the event, it promised to be the “DMV’s Biggest Mansion Pool Party” and was taking place on over “3+ acres of land” with “10+ security guards.”  MCPD sent out a notice to the community on Sunday afternoon, stating  “An event scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 4 in the 5900 block of Sundown Rd. in Laytonsville, has been cancelled. Montgomery County Police will be present and are advising attendees to stay away from the area and contact event organizers for a refund.”

According to MCPD. “the event organizers had rented the house for what was supposed to be a private party, but they posted on social media and sold tickets to the party. Over 600 people purchased tickets. The owners of the home became aware of it, cancelled the event and made police aware of what was happening.”


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