Coming Saturday, Feb. 11: the next car and computer sale! Students in the Montgomery County Students Automotive Trades Foundation (ATF) and Information Technology Foundation (ITF) will sell used cars and computers they have refurbished on Feb. 11, at Damascus High School, from 9–11 a.m. The school is located at 25921 Ridge Road in Damascus. The cars and computers are refurbished and reconditioned by the students as part of their classroom and lab studies. The sales provide students with the opportunity to practice their sales skills, earn Student Service Learning hours, and develop a deeper appreciation for community involvement.

The ATF is also still seeking car donations, which helps high school students learn how to evaluate, repair and restore used cars. The ATF accepts donations year-round between 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Monday through Friday at Damascus, Gaithersburg and Seneca Valley high schools, at Thomas Edison High School of Technology and at the Shady Grove Bus Depot. Donations may be tax deductible. For questions about the automotive program, contact Kelly Johnson at 240-740-2051. To schedule car donations, contact Michael Snyder at 240-740-2050. Additional information available in the links below:


Bryan Bresee has officially declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, according to his Instagram post from earlier Monday afternoon. The 6’5, 305lb Clemson defensive lineman  graduated from Damascus High School in 2019. He is the former No. 1 overall recruit in the Class of 2020, and played three years at Clemson, missing significant time in 2021 with an ACL tear. He is widely expected to be drafted in the first round. His announcement and more on his time at Damascus below:

When I committed to play football for Clemson University, I never could have imagined how special this opportunity would be. The support I have received from the Clemson community the past 3 seasons has been amazing. I truly appreciate this experience.


Per @mcfrsPIO on twitter: “Update – Ridge Road and Preakness Drive, collision,  MCFRS_EMIHS, evaluating multiple injuries, incl at least 2 trauma patients, CCM18 assisting, fire hydrant damaged/sheared off, some lanes blocked”

Update – Ridge Road and Preakness Drive, collision, @MCFRS_EMIHS evaluating multiple injuries, incl at least 2 trauma patients, CCM18 assisting, fire hydrant damaged/sheared off, some lanes blocked https://t.co/EsAW9PIoLA


Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 5th District Investigative Section are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing 36-year-old from Damascus. Janine Marie Garcia was last seen in the afternoon, on Sunday, December 25, 2022, in the 27600 block of Ridge Rd. She was traveling in a blue 2017 Hyundai Elantra with Maryland tag 3DW5801.

Garcia is approximately 5-feet, 5-inches tall and weighs 120 pounds. She has brown eyes and reddish brown hair. She was last seen wearing a tan jacket, a grey Star Wars t-shirt, black leggings and green boots.  Garcia frequents the Baltimore area.


Jones is described as approximately 5-feet, 3-inches tall and weighs 130 pounds. She was last seen wearing a light gray sweatsuit (sweatpants and hooded sweatshirt). Jones is driving a dark gray 2019 Mazda CX-9 crossover style vehicle with MD registration 8EW5288. Police and family are concerned for her welfare.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Kaiti Brooke Jones is asked to call the 5th District Investigative Section at (240) 773-6237 or the police non-emergency number at (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line). Callers may remain anonymous.


Back in May we let you know about ‘That Smoothie Place’ coming to Damascus, taking over the location that was formerly home to Sprint in the Damascus shopping center at 9815 Main Street, suite 106. The store is soft opening starting today, Friday, December 9th, and it’s not just about healthy snacks at That Smoothie Place, where an inclusive workplace is prioritized.

Per That Smoothie Place: “Our store started as a small dream, a small food truck with big ideas and a focus on inclusivity. Only a year into opening our tiny smoothie truck, it gained popularity as word spread that our employees were indeed the center of our positive vibes. That began our journey to search for a storefront to expand and spread love and smoothies.


Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 5th District Investigative Section are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing 25-year-old woman from Damascus. Johnnai Antawojue Miracle Slater was last seen on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at approximately 2:15 a.m., in the area of Honeysuckle Ct.

Slater is described as approximately 5-feet, 4-inches tall and weighs 130 pounds. She has brown eyes and brown hair, styled in braids. She was last seen wearing a black trench coat and red Jordan sneakers. She was also carrying a Dell laptop. Police and family are concerned for her welfare.


Back in May we let you know about ‘That Smoothie Place’ coming to Damascus, taking over the location that was formerly home to Sprint in the Damascus shopping center at 9815 Main Street, suite 106. The store has recently announced that its soft opening is set for Friday, December 9th. Full announcement and more info below:

“The wait is over, folks! That Smoothie Place is finally ready to announce our opening date: our soft opening is set for Friday, December 9th! 🎊 During this soft opening phase, we will be open from 10am-9pm Mondays to Saturdays, and Sundays from 11am-7pm.  We can’t wait to share our delicious food & smoothies with you all 🤗”


The Damascus Swarmin’ Hornets take on the Oakdale Bears tonight at 7pm at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis for the 3A Maryland State Championship.

The Swarmin’ Hornets defeated River Hill 42-7 in the semifinals. RB Dillon Dunathan rushed for 245 yards and 4 touchdowns in the win. Oakdale, from Frederick County, defeated St. Charles 27-22. Damascus will be appearing in their 17th State Final and will be attempting to win their 12th State championship, which would tie the state record currently held by Seneca Valley.


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