MoCo Archives - Page 409 of 613

Montgomery County Looking Into Changing “Intimidating” Black Police Uniforms

Published May 19, 2022 at 10:38AM | Updated May 19, 2022 at 12:19PM

At Thursday’s weekly media briefing, County Executive Marc Elrich said that the county is looking into changing the all black uniforms that Montgomery County Police Officers currently wear. Elrich said that there is a broad consensus that the black uniforms appear to be intimidating, and were originally “meant to be intimidating”, and that the change to a new color is a part of the “reimagining police” initiative. “It’s something that we ought to do, and it will help take some of the intimidation out of the appearance of an officer” he said.

Montgomery County is discussing alternate colors with MCPD and their union. Elrich also mentioned that black uniform are hot and that the new uniforms should be more comfortable, and that they are leaving the decision up to the department and officers. The cost of the uniform change could be more than a million dollars. Prior to the black uniforms, Montgomery County Police Officers wore khaki colored uniforms. You can view the media briefing below:

Statement from County Executive Marc Elrich on the Tragic Mass Shooting in Buffalo, NY

By Patrick Herron

Published May 18, 2022 at 9:57PM

“This past weekend a lone gunman changed the world for a countless number of Americans. Ten people were tragically killed at a grocery store in Buffalo, NY, and countless others have been traumatized by an attack that not only targeted the innocent but was also motivated by hate. Police have discovered the man they arrested for the crime drove hours to get to that supermarket because he wanted to target the Black community. It’s the kind of detail that prompted President Joe Biden to call the shooting ‘terrorism’ when he visited Buffalo on Tuesday.

People are increasingly feeling insecure about being able to move freely about our communities. We cannot allow this to be tolerated or to become ‘normalized’. Replacement theory is pure garbage and there is no replacement of anyone planned – the last replacement event in North America was when Native peoples were replaced by Europeans. Along with the demonization of critical race theory, otherwise known as our history to most of us, these are attacks on efforts to build an inclusive and unbiased community where all are valued, and all are safe.

Montgomery County Police Investigating Fatal Collision Involving 84-Year-Old Pedestrian

By Patrick Herron

Published May 18, 2022 at 2:13PM

The operator of the Honda and several witnesses stopped and rendered aid. The pedestrian, 84-year-old Carole Barbara Weiss, was transported to an area hospital where she succumbed to her injuries on May 17.

The initial investigation by the Montgomery County Department of Police – Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) has revealed the pedestrian crossed to the center median, toward the western side of Rockledge Drive, and entered the southbound lanes of Rockledge Drive, where she was struck.

COVID-19 Test Kits and N95 Masks Still Available at Montgomery County Libraries

By Patrick Herron

Published May 18, 2022 at 10:20AM

Courtesy MCPL

Kits and masks are available on a table or cart near the library service desk. Residents can get two test kits and four adult N95 masks per person per day. Each kit contains two tests. If you are unable to access COVID test kits or masks due to a disability, you can request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act by contacting 240-777-2982. Request rapid test kits for your organization.

Rapid tests produce results 15 minutes after you complete all steps.

Former Montgomery County Executive Sidney Kramer Passes Away

By Patrick Herron

Published May 17, 2022 at 5:51PM

County Executive Marc Elrich released this statement upon learning of Kramer’s death:

County Flags will fly at half-staff in honor of Kramer until after his funeral services which have yet to be announced.

Montgomery County Has the Highest Recycling Rate in Maryland, According to Maryland Department of the Environment

By Patrick Herron

Published May 17, 2022 at 4:25PM

In 2020, Montgomery County recycled 764,375 tons of materials, including glass, metals, paper, plastic and compostable items. The County is constantly increasing its recycling rate. In 2019 the rate for recycling in Montgomery County was 58.17 percent and in 2018 the recycling rate was 56.91 percent. Cecil County was second to Montgomery County with a recycling rate of 58.69 percent and Mid-Shore Counties—which include Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot—came in third with a rate of 49.37 percent. The County remains focused on meeting its existing goals to reduce waste and recycle more, aiming toward zero waste. Waste diversion encompasses recycling and reducing trash. It also includes credits given for programs that encourage residents and businesses to prevent waste, such as the County Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) backyard food scraps composting project and the commercial food scraps recycling partnership program.

“I am proud of what Montgomery County has achieved by recycling, reducing and preventing waste,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “The goal of the County’s Climate Action Plan is reducing communitywide greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent over the next five years and 100 percent by 2035. All of us—residents, businesses and our County government—are working together toward achieving zero waste over the next 13 years. Fighting climate change takes a village and this news is a testament that we are moving in the right direction.”

Statement from Councilmember Will Jawando on Positive COVID-19 Test Result

By Patrick Herron

Published May 17, 2022 at 11:20AM

“Yesterday I tested positive for COVID-19. Thankfully, I am fully vaccinated and boosted against the virus and am only experiencing mild symptoms. I am currently isolating in accordance with CDC guidance and will continue to work remotely.

“I encourage all eligible Montgomery County residents to get fully vaccinated and boosted to best protect themselves and their loved ones against this virus.”

With COVID-19 Cases Rising Again, County Recommends Precautionary Measures to Protect Against Greater Community Spread of Virus

By Patrick Herron

Published May 17, 2022 at 9:28AM

“Our current surge in cases is lasting longer than expected, which leaves more people at-risk of being exposed to COVID-19,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “I encourage everyone to wear masks indoors in public spaces when possible as well as continue to use our ample testing and vaccination resources we have in the County. I know we are all tired of this virus, but the virus is not tired of us. If we keep doing our individual parts, as a community, we can tamp down this increase in the case rate and avoid going back to days of more restrictive measures.”

The County’s COVID-19 case rate has risen steadily over the last month and is now more than triple the recent low on March 15. Although the County is currently an area of low-level community transmission as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the case rate is quickly approaching medium-level community transmission. While there has not been a commensurate increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations in the County, there is concern about the impact that spring break travel and holiday gatherings may have on transmission.

Additional Information Regarding Seventeen-Year-Old Charged in Connection With Death of Germantown Teen, Jai’Lyn Jones

By MCS Staff

Published May 16, 2022 at 4:46PM

A 17-year-old has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of Jai’Lyn Jones. On Monday, January 24, 2022, the Montgomery County Emergency Communications Center received a call for a male body found in a wooded area. Officers from the 5th District responded and located 17-year-old Jailyn Jones in the 18900 block of Grotto Lane in Germantown. An autopsy performed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined Jones’ death a homicide.

The Montgomery County Department of Police Major Crimes Division – Homicide Unit has been actively investigating Jones’ death and during the course of the investigation, physical evidence was recovered connecting Ta’Quawn Deon Henderson of Germantown, to the homicide. Detectives also learned that Henderson and Jones were acquaintances. Both attended Northwest High School.

Montgomery County Council Statement on Mass Shooting in Buffalo at Tops Friendly Markets

By Patrick Herron

Published May 16, 2022 at 11:40AM

“Moreover, we are thankful for the swift action taken by law enforcement and their ongoing investigation of this deadly attack as a racially motivated hate crime.

“In the midst of our grief about this tragedy, we must all recommit ourselves to stamp out hate in all its forms and to continue the fight for gun control across our nation. We stand with the residents of Buffalo, and we encourage Montgomery County residents to remain vigilant and report all acts of hate or discrimination in our own community.”

Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services Receives Record Number of Requests for Residential Deck Inspections During ‘Building Safety Month‘

By Patrick Herron

Published May 16, 2022 at 9:24AM

The previous record was 422 inspections in 2019. Inspectors have completed more than 300 of the deck safety inspection requests this year to date.

“We want homeowners to know that inspection appointments are being completed in the order they have been received,” said James Sackett, DPS residential inspections manager. “We will continue taking requests during the month of May, and inspections will continue until we meet the demand.”