Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to three separate collisions involving pedestrians, all before 8am, on Thursday, January 26. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer:

We will post an update when additional information becomes available.


MCPS students, parents and staff at Spark M. Matsunaga Elementary School, in Germantown, ushered in the Lunar New Year in grand style with their annual show and celebration on January 20. From traditional dances to vibrant costumes, students from all backgrounds celebrated Asian culture and traditions.

Students performed traditional Chinese and Vietnamese dances; sang; showed off martial arts moves; showcased a kids’ game; and played the flute, gourd flute and erhu, traditional Chinese instruments. Check out a photo gallery from the event. Courtesy of MCPS.


The investigation by detectives determined that the victim placed a PlayStation 4 (PS4) for sale on Snapchat. The victim and suspect agreed to meet at the victim’s house to complete the sale. Two suspects arrived at the victim’s home and when the victim gave the first suspect the PS4, he stated that he was not going to pay it. A struggle occurred between the two suspects and the victim. At some point, the first suspect produced a handgun and hit the victim with it, causing minor injuries. The suspects ran away without any property. While running, the first suspect tripped causing the gun to go off.  The first suspect is described as a Black male, 6-feet, 2-inches tall, 170 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.


New Grand Mart, a Korean grocery chain with several locations across Maryland and Virginia, is coming to 13069 Wisteria Drive in the Germantown Plaza shopping center. It 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.

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.”


Per MCPD:  Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division are investigating a Germantown home invasion. On Monday, January 23, 2023, at approximately 2:58 a.m., 5th District officers responded to the 21100 block of Archstone Way for the report of a home invasion that just occurred.

The investigation by detectives determined that three suspects, armed with handguns, broke into the residence shouting, “Montgomery County Police, get down on the ground,” and demanded cash and property. At some point, a physical altercation occurred and one of the four victims, an adult male, was struck in the back of the head, causing minor injuries. The suspects left the residence without any money or property. As they were leaving, the same victim chased the suspects down a stairwell, when one of the suspects fired a single shot toward the victim, who was not struck. The three suspects were wearing dark clothing and ski masks.


My name is Alex Tsironis, also known as “Mr. MoCo”, founder of The MoCoShow. In the early days of the show, I loved to discuss my favorite foods in the area and one of my favorite things to eat has to be steak and cheese subs. I love cheesesteaks in Philly, but I grew up here eating steak and cheese from Jerry’s with tomatoes…so I usually prefer that and mayonnaise on my steak and cheese subs. Everyone’s an expert on what they like, regardless of where they’re from, etc. and that’s why I like to make it clear that this is just my top 5. I really like a lot of steak and cheese subs that aren’t in my top 5 and I’m well aware that someone else’s list would likely look pretty different, but I love the discussion that comes with sharing…so check it out below:

Just missed: Bulgogi Cheesesteak from Cheesesteak Mike’s in Hillandale: Marinated rib-eye, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, mayo, provolone cheese. If you’re fan of bulgogi, you would probably like this sub. I like the way the grilled onions work on this one.


Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police- Major Crimes Division have arrested and charged a Germantown 15-year-old with a strong-arm carjacking in Germantown. On Thursday, January 19, 2023, at approximately 10:44 p.m., 5th District officers responded to the 19800 Century Blvd. for the report of a carjacking that just occurred.

The investigation by detectives determined that an adult female victim was getting packages from the mail when the suspect approached and offered to help with carrying packages to her Black 2012 Toyota Camry. After putting the packages in the trunk, the suspect went to the victim, who was walking down the handicap ramp with a walker, and snatched her car keys from her hand, and got in the driver’s seat. The victim was able to open the driver’s side door, but was overpowered by the suspect, causing the victim to fall and damage her walker. The suspect drove away and the victim immediately contacted police.


Kayla DiCello, a freshman from Boyds who recently graduated from Northwest High School in Germantown, was recently named the “SEC Specialist of the Week” a week after being named the “SEC Freshman of the Week.” DiCello won the all-around in the quad meet against Ball State, Lindenwood and West Virginia with a top score of 39.475. DiCello’s score was the highest all-around mark among SEC freshmen, second among nation’s freshmen and tied for nation’s 10th highest for the opening weekend.

She is now one of seven Gators to win the all-around in their first meet since 1986. DiCello tied with Trinity Thomas (2019) for Florida’s top all-around in the first collegiate meet. She shared second place on balance beam with teammate Ellie Lazzari at 9.90, and also captured third place on bars (9.925) and floor (9.875). In July DiCello was selected to compete at the upcoming Pan American Championships. In August, DiCello competed at the National Championships. She finished finished fourth in the all-around and third on balance beam.


Seneca Valley and Sherwood High School students have partnered with restaurant industry leaders to gain first-hand experience creating an elegant pop up restaurant for one night in Potomac. The event will be the culmination of months of planning between MCPS students, hospitality program teachers Melissa North and Lisa Gilbert, and the Foundation for Hospitality & Restaurant Managements’ (FHRM) Student Professional Development Committee.

“Success starts with a spark,” said Ted Xenohristos, Chief Concept Officer & Founder of CAVA, “And, we’re here to light the match!” The dinner is an opportunity for the students to experience firsthand the wide variety of activities necessary to stage a sophisticated experience—from social media and ticket sales to front-of-house management and heart-of-house hustle. With a team of CAVA chefs, the students will design, prepare and serve a four-course gourmet dinner at the Falls Road Golf Course Café on February 3, 2023.


Evidence of a shooting was found at a crash scene on Shakespeare Blvd, north of Germantown Rd, behind Neelsville Middle School in Germantown on Sunday evening. According to MCPD, “The preliminarily on scene investigation has revealed that at approximately 6:41 p.m., MCP officers responded to the intersection of Neelsville Church Rd. and Shakespeare Blvd. and located a vehicle with what appeared to be bullet holes and a firearm. Officers have not located any victim(s) or suspect(s).”

GERMANTOWN SHOOTING: ~6:30PM Sunday, Shakespeare Blvd North of Germantown Rd, behind Neelsville Middle School. (Germantown/Montgomery County, MD). Evidence of shooting found at crash scene & handgun recovered from the area. PGPD 🚁 assisting overhead.


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