Over the weekend, the Montgomery County Community Cat Coalition (MC C³) announced via social media that 33 Himalayan cats/kittens have been found in two Montgomery County parks. All 33 are currently in foster care with a trapper out for another cat that has been spotted.

According to MC C³, Himalayan cats and kittens have been found in the Wheaton area, most of them near the Sligo Creek Trail or in Wheaton Regional Park. Some have also been found in nearby neighborhoods. Citizens are engaged in an active effort to search for these cats and kittens and report sightings. Initially, over 20 of these cats were found and trapped and a later updated stated that 33 were found. Currently, there is no word on who released the cats in the area or why, with efforts concentrated on ensuring their safety.


On August 29, at approximately 3:04 am, Takoma Park Police responded to the 1300 block of University Boulevard (7-11) for an armed robbery that had just occurred.

According to Takoma Park Police, store surveillance video revealed that at approximately 2:55 am, an unknown Hispanic male suspect without a shirt on, wearing dark-colored pants/sweats, white sneakers, a black ski mask, and carrying a coral-colored shirt entered the 7-11, grabbed merchandise, and went to the register as if attempting to pay for the items.  At this point, another unknown Hispanic male suspect entered the 7-11, wearing a dark-colored hoodie, light gray pants, gray shoes, and black ski mask, carrying a black handgun, pointed the gun at the cashier, and demanded money.  The victim complied and the first suspect who entered the 7-11 grabbed the cashier tray and both suspects fled the 7-11 in an unknown direction; unknown if it was on foot or in a vehicle.


The winner told Lottery officials that a friend of his, who is an avid Racetrax player, recently won a big prize playing the simulated horseracing game. “Racetrax was a little bit on my mind after talking to my friend. I guess that’s why I bought the ticket. I made sure it was a Superfecta bet, just like his was.” The lucky plumber reports that his life has been very busy lately, professionally and personally, so it took a few weeks to cash in his $41,385 winning quick-pick ticket from the July 25 race. “It was such a good feeling knowing that I had this coming. I am going to share my good luck with my family.”

The Lottery terminal at Corner Market & Pharmacy produced the big winner, randomly selecting horses 6, 4, 11 and 7. The market’s owner receives a $413.85 bonus from the Lottery for selling a winning Racetrax ticket of $10,000 or more. The bonus is equal to 1% of the prize.” Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.


On August 25 at approximately 11:03 pm, Takoma Park Police responded to the area of Sligo Creek Parkway and Aspen Avenue for the report of possible shots fired. According to police, officers canvassed the area on foot for suspects, potential victims and casings with negative results. Park Police were notified and responded.

The investigation is ongoing under case #230051387.  If you have any information, please contact police at 301-270-1100Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.


While there are many wonderful independent coffee shops located in Montgomery County, Eater DC has included one in its list of ‘15 Must-Try Coffee Shops Around DC,’ highlighting Takoma Park’s Takoma Bev Co (6917 Laurel Ave).

Per Eater DC, “The all-day coffee shop and bar from two Northside Socialalums brought pour-overs, rotating art exhibits, and mixed drinks to downtown Takoma Park in 2017. The popular cafe has since doubled its seat count by growing into the space next door. A custom espresso machine built for the restaurant is fed a strict diet of Counter Culture Coffee, and a front counter with a white quartz top features a display case stocked with pastries and other impulse buys. Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. (and 10 p.m. on weekends) with cocktails, beer, and wine, too. Place orders online here.


Her plans for her winnings include “maybe a little investing,” she said, and possibly a vacation to an as-yet undetermined destination. As for other folks who play Lottery games and are still hoping for a big win, she says, “Just be positive.” Sharing in her positivity is the Lottery retailer where she bought the ticket, the Sunshine Ethio store at 6907 New Hampshire Avenue in Takoma Park, which picks up a bonus of $1,000. Featured image courtesy of Google Maps. 


Montgomery County Public Schools are back in session next Monday, August 28 and Takoma Park Police are reminding drivers and residents to be extra vigilant to ensure the safety of our school children and school crossing guards during the school year.

A “Crossing Guards’ primary responsibility is to facilitate the safe crossing of students to and from school each day in all weather conditions.  These crossing guards are trained and certified in traffic and pedestrian safety. Each one wears a highly visible bright yellow reflective safety vest.


Eater DC recently released a list of “17 Sandwiches to Try Around D.C. Right Now” and two sandwiches available in Montgomery County have made the list. While there are classic Montgomery County sandwich spots/delis like Twinbrook Deli in Rockville and Filippo’s (formerly Marchone’s) in Wheaton, and newer places that are highly regarded for their sandwiches like Full On Craft in the Norbeck area (technically Rockville) near Olney, and Gemelli’s in Gaithersburg, among others, Eater DC tends to stick to places much closer to D.C.

The first MoCo sandwich listed is the “Chip-wich”, available at The Girl and The Vine in Takoma Park (7071 Carroll Ave). Per Eater DC, “Takoma Park’s adorable cafe and wine shop counts the “Chip-wich” hoagie as one of its most popular orders since day one. The sandwich hides house kettle chips inside for a surprise crunch in every bite, joined by smoked turkey, smashed avocado, pepper jack cheese, bacon, sprouts, and dijonnaise.” The Girl & The Vine, a neighborhood wine, food market and bar located in the heart of the Takoma Park community opened in March 2019. The neighborhood market features a wide selection of food and beverages including wine, beers, cocktails, coffees and teas, as well as sandwiches, salads, bread, meats and cheeses, and more.


Two dogs are dead and four dogs were injured after an incident in Takoma Park on Tuesday afternoon. According to police, “On August 15, 2023, at 12:28 P.M., Takoma Park police responded to a 911 call in the 7700 block of Carroll Avenue for an unknown emergency. A female was heard screaming with the sounds of barking dogs in the background. Fire Rescue initially received a call at the same address for a possible gas leak. Fire Rescue and police discovered smoke on the first floor emanating from a kitchen microwave. Fire Rescue determined that there was no gas leak or fire at the residence, however, they discovered several injured dogs. The residents of the home reported that they owned eight dogs, two of which were pit bulls that were kept separate from the other dogs. During the evacuation of the residence, the dogs became commingled. One of the pit bulls became agitated and started attacking the other dogs.

Takoma Park Police Officers were able to contain the pit bull in an upstairs room while they waited for Montgomery County Animal Control to respond. Montgomery County Animal Control was able to take custody of the pit bull and transported it from the scene. Two dogs were confirmed to be deceased, and four injured dogs were transported by the owner to a veterinary clinic for evaluation. One dog did not appear injured. There were no injuries to any occupants of the house. Montgomery County Animal Control will follow up on the incident involving the injured dogs.” We will post an update if additional information is released. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps. 


On August 13, 2023, at approximately 3:25 am, Takoma Park Police responded to the area of Roanoke Avenue and Hudson Avenue for a report of possible shots fired reported by multiple callers.

According to Police, “Officers canvassed the area on foot for suspects, potential victims and casings. Several casings were found in the 8300 block of Roanoke Avenue.  Two vehicles were also damaged from the shots.”


Per Takoma Park Police: The City of Takoma Park Police Department would like to remind residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard their vehicles from theft.  As a trusted partner in community safety, we are committed to providing you with essential tips to help protect your vehicles and reduce the risk of theft.

According to the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration (NHSTA), more than one million motor vehicles were stolen in 2022, with more than 250,000 reported to law enforcement.  Historically, passenger cars made up approximately 74% of all stolen motor vehicles.  In fact, a motor vehicle was stolen every 32 seconds in the United States in 2022. There are numerous antitheft systems and devices designed to make vehicles more difficult to steal or easier to trace and recover.  Here are how some of them work:


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