MoCo

Governor Hogan Announces More Than $13 Million in Highway Safety Grants, Including Over $150,000 to the Montgomery County Police Department

By Patrick Herron

“Since the beginning of our administration, we have worked to ensure safety on our highways through innovative projects and partnerships,” said Governor Hogan. “These grants will continue to help reduce crashes and fatalities all across the state and ensure highway safety remains a top priority.”

In 2021, there were 562 traffic deaths on Maryland roadways, including 131 pedestrians and six bicyclists. While that number is a decrease compared to 2020 when the state had 573 fatalities, including 138 pedestrians and 15 bicyclists, police reports continue to show speed, impairment, and inadequate or improper seat belt use as the most common contributing factors in motor vehicle fatalities.

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Maryland Restaurant Week Returns September 16

By MCS Staff

Per Maryland Restaurant Week: Maryland Restaurant Week is back for its third year, kicking off September 16th. For ten days, we’re bringing all counties and all restaurants together to celebrate and support our industry. Participating restaurants may offer special menus, discounts or seasonal fare for dine-in, curbside, or carryout.

The dining public is invited to enjoy these Maryland Restaurant Week-specific specials September 16-25, 2022. Brought to you by the Restaurant Association of Maryland and generous sponsors. Montgomery County restaurants participating include:

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Did you know that you can bike all the way from Montgomery County to Downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania without ever leaving a Bike Trail?

By MCS Staff
Images from Britannica and Discovery Bicycle Tours

Originally published in October 2020, by Tom Merritt

By using both the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail (C&O Canal), as well as the Great Allegheny Passage Rail-Trail (dubbed “America’s Friendliest Long-Distance Rail-Trail”), you can bike all the way from the Southernmost point in Montgomery County all the way to the Steel City without ever needing to bike on a road. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail starts in Georgetown and follows the Potomac River to Cumberland, Maryland. Then the Great Allegheny Passage Rail-Trail goes the rest of the way from Cumberland, making its way past the Mason-Dixon Line, through the Appalachian Mountains and finishing up in Downtown Pittsburgh.

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Application Deadline Extended to Fill Vacancy on Policing Advisory Commission 

By Patrick Herron

The 15-member Commission consists of nine voting public members nominated and appointed by the County Council; four voting public members nominated by the County Executive and appointed by the County Council; and two non-voting ex officio members appointed by the County Council: the Police Chief or the Police Chief’s designee, and the President of an employee organization certified under Article V of Chapter 33 (Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 35) or the President’s designee.  

The Commission must: 1) advise the Council on policing matters; 2) provide information regarding best practices on policing matters; 3) recommend policies, programs, legislation, or regulations; 4) comment on matters referred to it by the Council; 5) conduct at least one public forum each year for community input on policing matters; 6) accept correspondence and comments from members of the public; and 7) engage in public education. The Commission must submit an annual report to the Executive and Council on its functions, activities, accomplishments and plans and objectives, by July 1 of each year. 

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Detectives Asking for the Public’s Assistance in Locating a Missing 84-Year-Old Man

By MCS Staff

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 3rd District Investigative Section are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing 84-year-old man who was last seen on Cresthaven Drive in Silver Spring.

Milton Earl Smith Jr. was last seen at approximately 11 a.m., on Thursday, September 8, 2022, leaving the 1000 block of Cresthaven Drive. Smith Jr. is 5-feet, 9-inches tall and approximately 160 pounds. He is balding with a gray mustache and glasses.

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‘Ride On Reimagined’ Customer Satisfaction Survey Offers Chance to Win a $100 Gift Card

By MCS Staff

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is asking current, former and potential Ride On bus users to take a Customer Satisfaction Survey, which will be available online through Friday, Oct. 7. Those who participate will be entered into a drawing that will award $100 gift cards to the names selected.

The survey is available in English and Spanish. Amharic, Simplified Chinese, French, Hindi, Korean and Vietnamese will be added soon. To participate in the survey, go to Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management.

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Montgomery County Council Committees to Meet on Monday, September 12

By Patrick Herron

The Public Safety (PS) Committee will meet on Monday, Sept. 12, at 9:30 a.m. to receive a briefing on the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) Fire and Explosive Investigations (FEI) Unit.

The members of the PS Committee include Chair Sidney Katz, Council President Gabe Albornoz and Councilmember Tom Hucker.

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Asian American Health Initiative Launches ‘Healthy Communities Fund’ to Support Local Organizations

By Patrick Herron

The $830,000 Healthy Communities Fund was part of County Executive Marc Elrich’s recommended Fiscal Year 2023 operating budget for DHHS and was part of the budget adopted by the County Council.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for, and the complexity of services provided to, minority communities, including the Asian American and Pacific Islander community,” said County Executive Elrich.  “We have one of the most diverse communities in the U.S. and the Healthy Communities Fund will provide financial help to organizations who work every day providing needed services to our residents.  The COVID-19 Relief Fund used in Fiscal Year 2022 was successful.  I am glad we can continue providing financial help.”

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