Deka Biosciences (“Deka”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company headquartered at 20271 Goldenrod Lane in Germantown and focused on developing novel cytokine therapies to treat cancer and inflammatory diseases, announced that the first subject has been dosed in a Phase 1 clinical trial of DK210 (EGFR) at NEXT Oncology in Fairfax, Virginia. The Phase 1, first-in-human, multicenter clinical study seeks to characterize the safety, potential efficacy and evaluate possible biomarkers of response to DK210 (EGFR) in patients with advanced solid cancer(s) who are expressing epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) (NCT05704985).

Per the press release: “We are beyond thrilled to begin the clinical trial of DK210 (EGFR), marking our first program to enter clinical development,” said John Mumm, Ph.D., President and CEO of Deka. “Importantly, we anticipate that the results of the study will confirm the clinical safety, pharmacokinetics, exploratory efficacy and correlative biomarker responses to our first DiakineTM, establishing a solid foundation for the expanded use of this treatment in cancer patients.”


Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center has provided an update on the mother who gave birth to her baby girl on southbound I-270 early Friday morning: “Alexa Almonte never expected her first daughter to arrive roadside, but baby Valentina had other ideas. Mom and baby are resting comfortably at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center after the exciting delivery Friday, April 7. Valentina was born along southbound I-270 in Germantown at about 2 a.m.

Valentina weighs 7 pounds, 15 ounces and measures 21 inches. Her name means “healthy and strong” says Alexa, who also has two sons. Alexa says the delivery was “very unexpected” and came just 30 minutes after experiencing signs that she might be in labor. She praised the outstanding nurses at Shady Grove Medical Center for the care and emotional support they are providing to her family after the experience. “It’s so important to have,” Alexa says.


Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a house fire on Drumcastle Ct, near Frederick Rd and Germantown Rd, on Friday, April 7 around 11am. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, the occupants of the home smelled smoke and discovered that the roof of the townhouse was on fire. The cause of the fire is believed to be “resistive heating of electrical wire which ignited wood framing.” One family (two adults, two kids) has been displaced and damage is estimated to be ~$80-100K.

Per @mcfrsPIO on Twitter: “Update – Drumcastle Ct; TH, Origin/Cause, 2nd floor wall (damaged sheathing of 2 cables caused by over-driven cable staple) fire cause, resistive heating of electrical wire which ignited wood framing; Damage >$80K; Occupants smelled smoke, discovered roof on fire, called 911”


A mother gave birth to a child on southbound I270 between Route 121 and Route 27 (Ridge Rd) in Germantown on Friday morning around 2am. According to Chief Spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services Pete Piringer, both mother and newborn were transported to the hospital by EMS and everyone is doing well.

Per @mcfrsPIO on Twitter: “child birth on SB I270 between Route 121 and near Route 27 (Ridge Rd) @MCFRS_EMIHS A735 responded & family w/ newborn. Mother & newborn child were transported. Everyone is reportedly doing well.“


Ji Bei Chuan Noodle House is now open at 19520 Waters Road Unit 5 in Germantown. The new restaurant has taken over the location that was formerly home to Provisions Cafe closed in January 2022 after just over three years in Germantown.

Ji Bei Chuan is a restaurant franchise based in China that was founded in 2018. In just five years it has become one of the fast growing noodle restaurants in China with over 400 locations across the country. There are now several locations in the United States (over 50 in the last two years) with the Germantown location being the first in Maryland. Ji Bei Chuan Noodle House is open on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11am-9pm, Friday and Saturday from 11am-9:30pm, and Sunday from 11:30am until 9pm (closed on Tuesdays). The menu can be seen here. Featured photo courtesy of Ji Bei Chuan, photo below courtesy of Google Maps.


Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 5th District Investigative Section are asking for the public’s assistance in locating, Jeremy Nathan Levitt, a missing 28-year-old from Germantown.

Levitt was last seen on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at approximately 11 p.m., walking in the 20500 block of Neerwinder Street.  Levitt is 5-feet, 6-inches and weighs 160 pounds. He has brown eyes and brown curly hair.  He was last seen wearing an unknown color baseball hat, a brown Carhart jacket, gray sweatpants and brown hiking boots.  Family and police are concerned for his welfare.


Montgomery Parks is hosting a free Roller Disco on Friday, April 14, at the inline skating rink at Ridge Road Recreational Park. The event is open to all ages. “We are excited to bring Roller Disco to the community,” said Michael Coppersmith, manager of Montgomery Parks Activation Program. “We encourage guests to go all out and embrace the theme and enjoy music from the ‘70s and ‘80s.”

What: ‘70s and ‘80s themed Roller Disco


Germantown was founded in the early 19th century by European immigrants. It was called “German Town” because of German immigrants (along with immigrants from other European countries) who set up shop in the agricultural village when a road was created to connect Neelsville to Darnestown. The original plan for Germantown divided the area into a downtown and six town villages: Gunners Lake Village, Kingsview Village, Churchill Village, Middlebrook Village, Clopper’s Mill Village, and Neelsville Village. Now, Germantown has a population of over 90,000 people, making it the third most populous place in Maryland behind the city of Baltimore and Columbia (census designated place). Below you’ll find ten suggestions for free things to do in Germantown, MD:

Please note that availability and hours of operation may vary, and it’s always best to check with the respective venues or websites for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit. Enjoy your time in Germantown!


Permanent signage is up at New Grand Mart at 13069 Wisteria Drive in the Germantown Plaza shopping center. The Korean grocery chain, which has several locations across Maryland and Virginia, is is taking over the space previously occupied by Lotte Plaza, which closed in November. According to its website, “New Grand Mart carries a variety of fresh produce, fish, meats, and ethnic specialty items that is hard for other markets to match.”  No opening date has been announced. Germantown Plaza is also home to Mangino’s Pizza, Planet Fitness, and Zen Leaf.

About: “New Grand Mart, a subsidiary of Green Paradise Enterprises, opened its first store in Falls Church, Virginia in August 2013 by acquiring the former Grand Mart – Seven Corners. Following the acquisition of its second store, the former Grand Mart – Alexandria, VA, in November 2013. New Grand Mart opened its third store in Langley Park, MD in July 2014, fourth store in North Chesterfield, VA in May 2015, fifth store in Henrico, VA in Oct 2017, and sixth store in New Carrollton, MD in March 2018.”


MoCo native Jordan Hawkins leads the #4 seed UConn Huskies (30-8, 13-7 Big East) against the #5 seed San Diego State Aztecs (32-6, 15-3 MWC) at 9:20 pm tonight in the NCAA Tournament National Championship.

Jordan Hawkins averages three made 3-pointers per game for the Huskies, averaging 16.2 points per game with a 38.6% three point shooting percentage. Hawkins is a Montgomery County native who attended Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Germantown and Gaithersburg High School for his freshman and sophomore years before transferring to DeMatha. His UConn Huskies enter the game at 7.5 point favorites.


Montgomery County Police responded to reports of shots fired around 2pm on Sunday April 2.  According to MCPD, the incident occurred near the town houses on Celebration Way, off Middlebrook Rd in Germantown (across from Germantown Commons Shopping Center) and stemmed from an argument between several individuals which led to shots being fired. There were no injuries reported and there is believed to be no threat to the community at this time. Two juveniles that were seen running away from the scene were taken into custody but neither was identified as the shooter. The shooter is believed to have left the scene in a vehicle.

We will post an update when additional information is released.


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