MoCo

Zoning Measure Introduced That Would Allow Overnight Stays on Farms

By Patrick Herron

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.

“The agritourism sector in Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve is growing and thriving. Our many farm breweries, wineries, pick your own farms, equestrian centers, and agricultural education businesses all draw people and revenue from across the region,” said ECON Chair Fani-González.

Go to Zoning Measure Introduced That Would Allow Overnight Stays on Farms Read more

Several Councilmembers Release Statements Denouncing CASA’s Comments on the Israel-Hamas War

By Patrick Herron

Like much of the world, we join in condemning the outrageous attack by Hamas in Israel. Our hearts go out to the innocent children and families caught in the midst of this horrendous conflict. We also reject the notion that any act of violence can ever justify the heinous practice of terror currently unleashed by Israel in Gaza, including on refugee camps, medical and UN aid workers, and more. As we dedicate ourselves to building a world where our community can live free from discrimination and fear, we deeply acknowledge the interconnectedness of the struggle for the liberation of the Palestinian people and Black and brown communities in the United States. Our shared and unwavering commitment is to foster humanity, safety, and lasting peace throughout the entire region while confronting the historical oppression that demands urgent redress.

Finally, we strongly support the struggle for decolonization, affirming the rights of Indigenous peoples and historically colonized nations to reclaim their land. The Palestinian struggle mirrors our own; with many CASA members fleeing governments and countries wrecked by the damage of US economic and political intervention. We firmly assert: free Palestine NOW!”

Go to Several Councilmembers Release Statements Denouncing CASA’s Comments on the Israel-Hamas War Read more

MoCo Native Jordan Hawkins Scores 31 Points on The Nuggets Monday Night

By MCS Staff

Montgomery County native and New Orleans Pelicans rookie Jordan Hawkins, making a start in place of CJ McCollum, scored a career-high 31 points on Monday night in a 116-134 loss to the defending World Champion Denver Nuggets. Hawkins’ coach Willie Green referred to him as fearless, saying, “When he’s open he’s going to shoot it. He’s aggressive and the beauty of it is Brandon, Z, all of his teammates are looking for him.”

The young man from Gaithersburg was drafted 14th overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2023 NBA Draft. He is averaging 12.6 and 4.7 rebounds per game coming off of the bench, but earning significant minutes, for the Pelicans this year. Including the seven he hit on Monday night, Hawkins has made 20 three pointers in seven games this season. He has made 11 in his last two, showing that he is the outside-shooter he was drafted to be in the NBA.

Go to MoCo Native Jordan Hawkins Scores 31 Points on The Nuggets Monday Night Read more

County Council Meets on Tuesday, November 7 to Vote on a Supplemental Appropriation for the Drone as First Responder Pilot Program within the Montgomery County Police Department

By Patrick Herron

Unless otherwise noted, the Council will hold the following hybrid public hearings at 1:30 p.m.  Residents can visit the Council website to learn about the multiple ways to provide testimony.

Zoning Text Amendment 23-08, Transferable Development Rights – Cemetery

Go to County Council Meets on Tuesday, November 7 to Vote on a Supplemental Appropriation for the Drone as First Responder Pilot Program within the Montgomery County Police Department Read more

15 Years for Defendant in Shooting over Marijuana Deal

By MCS Staff

Per the Office of the State’s Attorney: “Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, the Honorable Cheryl McCally sentenced defendant, Tavon Burton, 21, of Gaithersburg, to 20 years in prison suspend all but 15 years to serve and five years of supervised probation upon release. The State requested Burton be admitted to the Patuxent Youthful Offender program and Judge McCally recommended he be admitted to the program while incarcerated.

Burton pleaded guilty on July 24th, 2023 to first-degree assault for an incident on October 10th, 2022 when he fired a gunshot at a 21-year old male from whom he planned to purchase marijuana. The victim told police Burton attempted to hand him counterfeit money and a confrontation ensued. As part of the plea agreement, Burton also pleaded guilty to an unrelated burglary charge from January 2021.”

Go to 15 Years for Defendant in Shooting over Marijuana Deal Read more

DMV Native Chop Robinson Projected By Many As First Round Pick in 2024 NFL Draft

By MCS Staff

Chop Robinson, a 6’3, 253 pound Defensive End for the Penn State Nittany Lions, watched his current team beat his previous team as Penn State rolled through Maryland 51-15 on Saturday. Robinson, a Quince Orchard High School graduate and Gaithersburg native who owns his high school’s sack record, was injured two weeks ago against Ohio State, and wasn’t able to play in the last two games, including Saturday’s game against Maryland. The now-Penn State standout is having a great season for the 8-1 Nittany Lions, with five tackles for loss, three sacks, and a forced fumble on the season, and hopes to return next week against Michigan. Many analysts and draft experts currently have Robinson going in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Last year, Robinson was selected All-Big Ten honorable mention by the coaches and media, named a Pro Football Focus All-Big Ten second team selection, and earned the team’s Reid Robinson Outstanding Defensive Lineman Award with Adisa Isaac. Appearing in 12 games as a sophomore, he posted 26 tackles (19 solo), 10 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two pass breakups, three quarterback hurries, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble. Prior to the start of this season, Robinson earned preseason second-team All-American honors and was named to the Bednarik Award, Lombardi Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch lists prior to the start of the season.

Go to DMV Native Chop Robinson Projected By Many As First Round Pick in 2024 NFL Draft Read more

24-Year-Old Missing Man Previously Last Seen in Germantown Was Found Dead by Police

By MCS Staff

The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) has provided a sad update to a missing person’s investigation, as MCPD has announced that Alan Hooker, 24, was found dead by police on October 31st. According to police, no foul play is suspected. Hooker was previously last seen on September 15th in Germantown. The original missing persons release can be seen below.

Per MCPD on October 10th: “The Montgomery County Department of Police – 5th District Investigative Section is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Alan Hooker, a missing 24-year-old.  Hooker was last seen on Friday, September 15, 2023, at approximately 6 p.m., in the 20900 block of Frederick Road in Germantown. He is 5-feet, 9-inches tall, 140 pounds, with brown eyes, black hair, possible facial stubble, and was last seen wearing a blue shirt with Husqvarna in white lettering on the back, a light brown parka hat, black pants and carrying a neon green backpack.

Go to 24-Year-Old Missing Man Previously Last Seen in Germantown Was Found Dead by Police Read more

$100,000 Winning Scratch-off Sold at 7-Eleven

By Patrick Herron

Recently, “Harry” and his brother were in the Mt. Airy area, where “Harry” is planning to buy a farm, and they stopped at 7-Eleven #28890 located at 1610 Ridgeside Drive in Mt. Airy. “We were having a bad day,” he recalled, “so I said, ‘Let me try the 50 Years! scratch-offs.’”

The winner’s brother was busy buying convenience store items and “Harry” called him over to show him he won $100,000. “He didn’t believe me at first,” the accountant recalled. Their excitement spilled over and soon everyone knew what had happened. “We were loud about it! We celebrated with everybody in the store.”

Go to $100,000 Winning Scratch-off Sold at 7-Eleven Read more
View More Stories