MoCo Archives - Page 349 of 605

County Council to Interview and Vote on Appointment of Dr. Kisha Davis as County Health Officer

Published November 15, 2022 at 6:39AM

The Montgomery County Council will will meet on Tuesday, November 15 at 9am and will interview Dr. Kisha Davis for the County Health Officer position and is expected to hold a vote on the appointment. County Executive Marc Elrich nominated Dr. David last month for the position. “Montgomery County has led the nation in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic thanks in large part to the leadership at our Department of Health and Human Services,” said County Executive Elrich. “With the nomination of Dr. Kisha Davis as our County’s next health officer, we have found a health expert and leader committed to innovation, equity, and access to healthcare. I want to thank Dr. Davis for accepting this position and I look forward to working with her, listening to her advice and following her guidance regarding the health issues and challenges facing Montgomery County.”

The health officer is responsible for continuing the County’s efforts on disease control and prevention, eliminating health inequities and promoting county-wide inclusion of health in all policies. If appointed, Dr. Davis will oversee all public health services within Montgomery County and work with the Maryland Department of Health to coordinate disease control and collaborate on state health policies.

County Council Expected to Vote Today on Weapons-Firearms in or Near Places of Public Assembly

By MCS Staff

Published November 15, 2022 at 6:34AM

The Montgomery County Council will will meet on Tuesday, November 15 at 9am and is expected to vote on Expedited Bill 21-22, Weapons – Firearms in or Near Places of Public Assembly, which would prohibit the possession of firearms in or near places of public assembly, with certain exemptions. In addition, the bill would remove an exemption that allows individuals with certain handgun permits to possess handguns within 100 yards of a place of public assembly.

Per the Montgomery Council press release: The goal of this bill is to reduce gun violence in Montgomery County. The lead sponsor is Council President Albornoz. All other Councilmembers are cosponsors. In the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision of New York State Rifle & Pistol Assn. v. Bruen, Superintendent of new York State Police, the Supreme Court overturned a requirement of New York’s handgun carry law. The New York law had required an applicant for a handgun carry license to show proper cause for the license, and the Supreme Court held that the requirement violated the Second Amendment’s right to bear arms. The Court explained, however, that longstanding laws forbidding the carrying of firearms in sensitive places, such as schools and government buildings, are constitutionally permissible.

Sandy Spring Slave Museum and Former NFL Player Richie Anderson Establish the Richie Anderson Project Youth Advisory Committee

By MCS Staff

Published November 15, 2022 at 6:30AM

Sandy Spring Slave Museum & African Art Gallery (SSSM), Inc has announced that they, along with former NFL player and MoCo native Richie Anderson, have established the Richie Anderson Project Youth Advisory Committee.

Richard “Richie” Anderson grew up in the Sandy Spring community and attended Sherwood High School where he excelled as a student-athlete in Football, Basketball, and Track-and-Field. His excellence in athletics allowed him the privilege to be a 2010 Sherwood Hall of Fame member. After high school, Anderson played for Penn State University football on a scholarship, leading him to be drafted into the NFL by the New York Jets in the 1993 NFL draft.

Montgomery County Council Meets on November 15 at 9 a.m. to Conduct Interviews and Vote on Appointments for the County Health Officer and Director of the Office of Human Resources

By Patrick Herron

Published November 14, 2022 at 7:07PM

Review: The Council will review Bill 13-22, Buildings – Comprehensive Building Decarbonization, which would require the County Executive to issue all-electric building standards for new construction, major renovations and additions by Jan. 1, 2024.

All-electric building standards will help the County achieve its zero-greenhouse gas emissions goal by ensuring future construction is electrified. Exemptions would be provided for emergency backup systems and certain uses such as manufacturing, crematories, life sciences and commercial kitchens. In addition, income restricted housing and schools will have an extended timeline.

MoCo Alcohol Beverage Services Partners with Local Businesses to Curb Drunk Driving During the Holiday Season with Coaster Campaign

By Patrick Herron

Published November 14, 2022 at 6:58PM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) is partnering with local businesses to curb alcohol-impaired driving during the holiday season. ABS is distributing beverage coasters that feature a QR code directing patrons to an online list of alternative rides to get home safely when drinking. Imprinted with the phrase “Had one too many? Scan for Ride,” the coasters are being distributed free of charge to bars and restaurants. The goal is to provide an easily accessible list of alternative rides to patrons and deter them driving after they have been drinking.

The online list that can be accessed from the coaster QR code features contact information for vehicle-for-hire services such as taxicabs, Uber and Lyft, as well as local public transportation. It also includes the Washington Regional Alcohol Program’s SoberRide discount ride program for selected holidays.

Hypothermia Alert Issued for Monday Night Until Tuesday Morning

By MCS Staff

Published November 14, 2022 at 6:43PM

Montgomery County has issued a Hypothermia Alert for 11:00 pm Mon. 11/14 – 9:00 am Tues. 11/15. Expect the wind chill to be at or below 32 degrees. Wear layers and take extra precautions if you spend significant time outdoors during that time. A Hypothermia Alert is issued for the County when forecasted temperatures, and/or wind chill, in at least part of the County fall below 32 degrees creating a hazardous situation in which hypothermia and frostbite are likely.

There is always particular concern for children, seniors, homeless individuals and animals during periods of extreme cold.

Montgomery County Council’s Statement Condemning Recent Incidents of Antisemitic Graffiti

By Patrick Herron

Published November 14, 2022 at 4:10PM

The Council stands in strong solidarity with our Jewish community and condemns all acts of hate and religious bigotry. There is no tolerance in Montgomery County for these hateful actions and abhorrent, violent imagery attacking the Jewish community. Earlier this month, the Council unanimously passed a resolution reaffirming our commitment to address antisemitism and protect our Jewish community from these awful acts of hate.

“These hateful acts are not only a desecration of public spaces but hurtful and damaging to the entire Montgomery County community. The Council extends its deepest gratitude to the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) for actively investigating these antisemitic acts and thanks the Department of Transportation for a swift response and clean-up.

Gaithersburg Police Warns of Phone Scam

By MCS Staff

Published November 14, 2022 at 3:49PM

Per the Gaithersburg PD: The Gaithersburg Police Department has recently received complaints about a phone scam in which the caller identifies themselves as an officer(s) with the Gaithersburg Police Department. During the calls, the scammer tells the victim that they have a warrant for their arrest and to avoid arrest, they should make payment using a gift card.

We would like to remind our community that this is a PHONE SCAM and that you should never give any personal information to the caller. In addition, the Gaithersburg Police Department does not call residents regarding arrest warrants and will never ask for payments to avoid an arrest. If you receive one of these scam phone calls, hang up immediately!

Council Vice President Glass Wins 2022 Phyllis Campbell Newsome Award

By Patrick Herron

Published November 14, 2022 at 10:39AM

From the Office of Council Vice President Evan Glass: Montgomery County Council Vice President Evan Glass has been recognized by the Center for Nonprofit Advancement with the 2022 Phyllis Campbell Newsome Public Policy Leadership Award. Each year the Center awards a public official from each of the four jurisdictions of Washington, D.C., Virginia, Montgomery County and Prince George’s County who have made an impact on the nonprofit sector. Council Vice President Glass was commended for his public policy accomplishments and interest in increasing support for and collaboration with nonprofits.

“Our nonprofits are the backbone of our community, providing many of the vital educational, health, arts and social services in Montgomery County,” said Vice President Glass. “I am proud to be a partner in their important work and honored to receive the Phyllis Campbell Newsome Award.” The Center for Nonprofit Advancement works to strengthen, promote and represent nonprofit organizations in the metropolitan Washington region and helps their member organizations better meet the diverse needs of their communities.

Montgomery County Has Issued a Hypothermia Alert Starting Sunday Night Until Monday Morning

By MCS Staff

Published November 13, 2022 at 7:57PM

Montgomery County has issued a Hypothermia Alert for 8:00 pm Sun. 11/13 until 10:00 am Mon. 11/14. Expect the wind chill to be at or below 32 degrees. Wear layers if you go outside. Take extra precautions if you spend significant time outdoors during that time.

A Hypothermia Alert is issued for the County when forecasted temperatures, and/or wind chill, in at least part of the County fall below 32 degrees creating a hazardous situation in which hypothermia and frostbite are likely.

(Located) Detectives From Special Investigations Unit are Asking For Public’s Assistance in Locating Missing 15-Year Old

By MCS Staff

Published November 13, 2022 at 1:23PM | Updated November 14, 2022 at 3:45PM

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Jessica Pearson is asked to call the police non-emergency number at (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line) or the Special Victims Investigations Division at (240) 773-5400. Callers may remain anonymous.