Per Montgomery County: Today the Council unanimously passed Bill 24-23, sponsored by Councilmember Dawn Luedtke, to establish an Airpark Community Advisory Committee (ACAC) for neighbors of the Montgomery County Airpark (MCA), Airpark users, and other key stakeholders to address facility operations as well as noise and safety impacts. Councilmember Luedtke represents Council District 7, which includes communities adjacent to the Airpark.

“Creating an Airpark Community Advisory Committee is an important step many communities around the country are taking to provide a platform for residents impacted by air traffic to better understand operations and discuss potential improvements with regulators – most prominently the Federal Aviation Administration,” Councilmember Luedtke said. “I’m pleased for the unanimous support of my Council colleagues and thankful to the many residents, Airpark users, and the leadership of the MCA for their feedback to help strengthen the new ACAC.”


Former Montgomery County Attorney Marc Hansen passed away on July 15. Hansen worked for the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office for 37, including 12 years as County Attorney. Hansen was born in 1946 in Kankakee, Illinois and attended MacMurray College, Washington University, and American University. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich released the following statement on Monday:

“Montgomery County today lost a kind and passionate long-time resident who devoted much of his life to public service with our County Government. Marc Hansen worked in the County Attorney’s Office for 37 years, including the last twelve as the County Attorney. He retired in January 2022, as the longest-serving County Attorney. Over almost four decades, multiple County Executives, dozens of County Council members, and thousands of County colleagues relied on his advice and guidance.


The Washington Post recently released a list of the area’s top high school sports programs, assigning points to schools in various categories, including end of season ranking for teams, All-Met student athletes, player/coach of the year awards, state tournament results, and championships. Montgomery County Schools took six of ten spots in the Maryland Public School category, and six of 20 spots in the Private School categories which included schools in the entire DC Metropolitan region, but were split into two separate lists for boys and girls athletics.

Montgomery County public schools listed in the top 10 for Maryland include, Whitman (155 points), Churchill (153 points), Poolesville (135 points), Sherwood (129 points), Damascus (124 points), and Quince Orchard (122 points). Montgomery County private schools in the girls category include Stone Ridge (176 points), Good Counsel (144 points), and Bullis (78 points). Montgomery County private schools on the boys side include, Georgetown Prep (233 points), Landon (208 points), and Bullis (119 points). Full lists can be seen here.


Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Government has received a prestigious 2022-23 “Gold Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health” award. The award recognizes the County’s employee-centered programs and efforts aimed at promoting mental health in the workplace. The Bell Seal National Certification program, led by Mental Health America (MHA), annually recognizes a small number of leading employers committed to creating mentally healthy work environments for employees.

“We are honored to be recognized by Mental Health America for our efforts to raise awareness, reduce stigma and increase access to mental health resources and programs,” said County Executive Marc Elrich.“Mental well-being in the workplace is no longer secondary to physical health, and it is important as an employer to make space for it. It is important to support our employees in their health journeys, both physically and mentally.”


The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services has sent a letter to restaurant facilitators informing/reminding them that they cannot add cannabis, CBD, or THC to any food or drink they serve because it has not been approved as a food additive by the FDA, despite its current legal status in the state. The letter can be seen below:

“Dear Facility Operator,


The Montgomery County Council will meet on Tuesday, July 18 at 9:15 a.m. and will begin with a proclamation, presented by Councilmembers Sidney Katz, Gabe Albornoz and Dawn Luedtke to commemorate Peace Day in honor of Mattie J.T. Stepanek’s life and legacy. At 1:15 p.m., Council Vice President Andrew Friedson and Council President Evan Glass will lead a proclamation presentation recognizing Ken Reichard for his years of service to U.S. Senator Ben Cardin. More detail on each agenda item is provided below.

Bill 24- 23, Airpark Community Advisory Committee – Established


Nebi Tsarni of Maryland, a rising senior at Watkins Mill High School was named Outstanding Wrestler after defeating returning Junior Nationals champion Sydney Perry of Illinois.

Gary Abbott of USA Wrestling described the match as “a wild, back-and-forth battle at 144 pounds, 12-10.” He wrote, “With the score tied at 10-10, Tsarni scored a takedown in the closing seconds to capture an intense match. Tsarni was a 2022 16U Nationals champion.”


Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 5th District Investigative Section are asking for the public’s assistance in locating missing 25-year-old missing adult from Damascus– Johnnai Slater.

She was last seen on Friday, July 14th at approximately 2pm leaving her residence on Honeysuckle Ct. in Damascus. She is 5’5, black hair, a scar above her left eye on her forehead, and has a Roman numeral tattoo on her arm. She was last seen wearing a black t-shirt and black shorts.


Xavier Gilliam, who has committed to attending and playing at Penn State University, has announced that he will be transferring to Quince Orchard High School in Gaithersburg. Gilliam previously attended Wilde Lake High School in Howard County, where he was a 4-star prospect EDGE.

Gilliam will join a Quince Orchard squad that will be looking to win its third straight State Championship (they defeated Prince George’s County schools Flowers 32-7 last year and Wise 31-13 in 2021). Gillian’s tweet can announcing his move for the upcoming school year can be seen below.


Montgomery County Police (MCP) say that on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at approximately 11:18 p.m., MCP officers responded to the 5400 block of Marinelli Road for the report of an assault. 

Per Montgomery County Police, “The preliminary investigation has revealed that there was an argument between the male victim and the adult male suspect. The suspect then displayed a machete and threatened the victim who then managed to enter his vehicle and leave the scene. The victim then contacted the police. Officers located the suspect close to the area where the crime occurred and took him into custody.” Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.


A Montgomery County ban on firearms in public spaces passed by the County Council and signed into law last year was upheld by the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland last week. The law strictly prohibits the carrying of firearms within 100 yards of places of public assembly, including parks, churches, schools and public buildings.

Last week, the court denied the request for a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction, which attempted to put an immediate halt to the law. County executive Marc Elrich wrote, “This victory is an important first step in defending our law.”


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