MoCo Archives - Page 350 of 629

Councilmember Albornoz Introduces Bill 10-23 to Establish an Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Commission

Published February 14, 2023 at 3:09PM

Per Montgomery County: Councilmember Gabe Albornoz introduced legislation today to establish an Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Commission. The legislation is supported by the full Council, the Executive Branch, as well as the Commission on People with Disabilities. The purpose of the bill is to better coordinate services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

“Addressing the complex system navigation needs, gaps in services, and state and County challenges impacts more than 40,000 people of all ages who have an intellectual and developmental disability in our County. An independent commission that will promote communication with families, advocates and providers is critical,” said Councilmember Gabe Albornoz, Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee.

County Executive Marc Elrich Announces New Legislation Aimed at Improving Late-Night Safety Across Montgomery County

By Patrick Herron

Published February 14, 2023 at 10:43AM

The bill would establish new rules for businesses that operate between midnight and 6 a.m. in areas which generate high calls for service. Businesses that operate in those late hours would be required to develop a business safety plan and have it approved by police.

County Council Town Hall to Discuss Public Safety, Public Health, Housing, Transportation, and More

By MCS Staff

Published February 14, 2023 at 9:17AM | Updated February 14, 2023 at 10:43AM

Town hall will be held at Lakelands Park Middle School in Gaithersburg with virtual participation available

The Montgomery County Council will hold a hybrid town hall meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 15 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Lakelands Park Middle School, which is located at 1200 Main St. in Gaithersburg. Councilmembers have scheduled this time to answer questions and listen to concerns from community members. Some of the topics for discussion will include public safety, public health, housing and transportation, and other issues of community concern.

Scotland Community Juneteenth Heritage Festival Announced

By MCS Staff

Published February 14, 2023 at 8:51AM

Celebration at Cabin John to Benefit the Scotland AME Zion Church Restoration

Celebrating the past and present of the first places African-Americans owned land in Montgomery County, the Scotland community of Potomac, Md., is announcing a significant expansion of its annual Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival for 2023. Featuring a children’s carnival and music performance, as well as art exhibitions, food, sports, and presentations on Black history in this region, the events for the federal holiday on Monday, June 19, will be spread across the Cabin John Regional Park, Cabin John Village, and the Scotland community on Seven Locks Road.

Wheaton High School Principal Appeals Decision to Cancel Wrestling Team’s Season

By MCS Staff

Published February 13, 2023 at 7:58PM

On February 2, 2023, Wheaton High School principal Joshua Munsey sent a letter to the WHS community informing them of a violation of Maryland Public Secondary School Athletic Association (MPSSAA) and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) athletic rules and regulations by the Wheaton wrestling program.

In the letter, it was explained that there was an allegation of an ineligible student-athlete competing for Wheaton High School. The wrestling program was paused on January 27th and a comprehensive investigation confirmed the allegation. This led to the cancellation of the remaining part of the season for the entire Wheaton wrestling program, per regulations outlined in the MPSSAA handbook. According to NBC4, the head coach of the wrestling team knowingly broke the rules “but thought the consequences would come down on him and not the varsity, junior varsity and girls teams.” He is no longer employed by MCPS.

Montgomery County Introduces “Late Night Business Safety Plan” Bill to Address Crime

By Patrick Herron

Published February 13, 2023 at 6:37PM | Updated February 13, 2023 at 7:03PM

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, Councilmember Kate Stewart, Police Chief Marcus Jones, and other community leaders held a press conference Monday afternoon in Silver Spring to announce the introduction of […]

MCPD: 21-Year-Old Man Charged with Gun Possession and Auto Theft in Montgomery County

By Patrick Herron

Published February 13, 2023 at 5:25PM | Updated February 13, 2023 at 6:49PM

Per MCPD: A 21-year-old Berwyn Heights, MD man is facing multiple weapons charges after being arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle. On Saturday, February 11, at approximately 6:05 p.m., a Montgomery County Department of Police 3rd District patrol officer identified a stolen vehicle traveling southbound on Columbia Pike at Tech Road. The officer radioed for assistance and once back-up arrived, attempted to make a traffic stop.

The driver of the 2009 Kia Spectra, later identified as Shaquan Demetrius Evans, fled southbound on RT 29 and became stuck in traffic at a red light on SB New Hampshire Ave. at Schindler Drive. Evans attempted to drive between the stopped vehicles hitting two cars, causing minor damage. The occupants in the two vehicles did not sustain any injuries. Evans bailed out of the Kia and ran into a nearby residential neighborhood. Another 3D officer found Evans hiding in a back yard. Evans again ran, with officers following. After a brief chase, officers apprehended Evans a few houses away in the 10800 block of New Hampshire Ave. K9 officers located a Glock 29 10mm handgun in the backyard where Evans was hiding.

Man Arrested for Solicitation of Minor in Rockville After Attempting to Meet Who he Thought Was a 15-Year-Old Girl; Other Victims a Concern

By Patrick Herron

Published February 13, 2023 at 2:47PM

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Vice and Intelligence Unit (V&I) have charged a 51-year-old man with sexual solicitation of a minor after he attempted to meet up with who he thought was a teenage girl.

On Wednesday, January 18, 2023, Todd Eugene Immel, of Mt. Airy, initiated a conversation on a social media site with a V&I detective posing as a 15-year-old girl. Immel confirmed the “girl” was 15-years-old and continued to have sexually explicit conversations with her and asked to meet to engage in sexual activities.

Montgomery County to Hold Free Flu Vaccination Clinic for Children and Adults on Friday, Feb. 17

By Patrick Herron

Published February 13, 2023 at 2:03PM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County will hold a free flu vaccination clinic for children and adults from 10:30 a.m.-5:45 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17, at the Dennis Avenue Health Center, located at 2000 Dennis Ave. in Silver Spring. Adults and children ages six months and older are eligible to receive vaccinations at the clinic. COVID-19 vaccinations and testing also will be available. The vaccination clinic is free. Appointments are required.

An annual flu shot has been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization and death. While Montgomery County has likely passed “peak” flu season and cases are currently declining, health officials still recommend vaccinations as the best way to prevent the spread of seasonal flu. In addition to vaccination, good health habits can help stop the spread of germs and prevent illnesses like the flu.

Fatmata Barrie Named Executive Director of New Montgomery County Police Accountability Board and Administrative Charging Committee

By Patrick Herron

Published February 13, 2023 at 1:57PM

Per Montgomery County: Fatmata Barrie has been named executive director of the new Montgomery County Police Accountability Board (PAB) and the Administrative Charging Committee (ACC). She was unanimously selected by the PAB and ACC subcommittee.

Ms. Barrie is a practicing attorney with more than 20 years of client-focused and result-centered experience. She also has approximately 30 years of experience as a community and civil rights advocate and organizer, with a focus on civic engagement and coalition building.

Montgomery County Airpark: Regulatory Framework and Community Impacts Discussion to Take Place On February 13

By MCS Staff

Published February 12, 2023 at 11:36AM

On February 13, the Transportation & Environment Committee will discuss the findings of the Office of Legislative Oversight (OLO) Report 2022-2, The Montgomery County Airpark: Regulatory Framework and Community Impacts, which the Council received and released on January 25, 2022. OLO will present a summary of the report at the Committee meeting (available below).

The County Council directed OLO to prepare a report that describes the governance, regulatory framework, and community impacts of the Montgomery County Airpark. The Council further asked OLO to present information on the number of aircraft flying in and out of the Airpark as well as the noise and environmental effects of Airpark operations on nearby communities.