New Grand Mart, a Korean grocery chain with locations across Maryland and Virginia, is now open at 13069 Wisteria Drive in the Germantown Plaza shopping center. It is located in 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.”

In addition to the grocery store, New Grand Mart will also feature a food court. Vendors announced include Gogi Friends (Korean BBQ), Noodles & Friends (Korean-Chinese fusion), Tous les Jours (bakery), Sushi Friends, and Fortune Cha (bubble tea and dessert.) According to a representative at Grand Mart, the food court is scheduled to open in next month.


Three staff members have been honored with 2022–2023 Counselor of the Year awards. The trio—one each at the elementary, middle and high school levels—were recognized at the June 6 Board of Education business meeting.

The three have one thing in common—they don’t work alone. They all say their success would not have been possible without the support of their colleagues. As one said simply, “When we work as a team, everyone thrives.” The 2022–2023 Counselors of the Year are:


The investigation by detectives has revealed that on Saturday, July 23, 2022, the suspect entered the store, pointed a handgun at the employees and demanded money. The suspect removed an undisclosed amount of money from the registers and left the scene.


The summer concert series is set to begin on Saturday, June 3rd (6pm-9pm) at the Clarksburg Amphitheater off of Clarksburg Square Rd. “We are excited to ANNOUNCE, Summer Concert Series Season is among us! 
We have top-notch performers COMING YOUR WAY!
 As well as some of our favorite food trucks returning!
 Join the fun every other week and join us at the amphitheater.” The schedule can be seen below:

• Hunter Rich will be performing on Saturday, June 3rd.


Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a house fire in the 11500 blk of Brundidge Terrace, near Brandermill Drive in Germantown on Thursday, June 1 around 6pm. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, the fire originated along the base of a fence and was likely caused by improperly discarded smoking materials. Damage is estimated to be ~$50K and there were no injuries reported. Piringer reminds residents, “Tossing your butt off the deck may seem like the easiest way to get rid of a ‘lit’ cigarette, but it can also be the easiest way to start a fire. Don’t be a flicker.”


The Independence Day celebrations will take place at the following locations:

“Our Independence Day fireworks displays are such wonderful events and the perfect opportunity to enjoy music, outdoors and time with family and friends,” said Montgomery County Recreation Director Robin Riley. “We look forward to celebrating together once again this summer.” Mid-County Sparkles will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 1 with concerts by Ocho de Bastos and Earth Wind and Fire Tribute Band. The only parking available on-site will be for individuals with disabilities. Free parking and shuttle service will be provided starting at 5:30 p.m., from Westfield Wheaton, located at 11160 Veirs Mill Road. Event goers who park at Westfield Wheaton prior to 5:30 p.m. may be subject to towing by the property owner. Follow the directional signs for event parking and shuttles.


Per MCPDDetectives from the Montgomery County of Police – Special Victims Investigations Division (SVID) are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Brianna Nicole Powers, a missing 16-year-old from Germantown.

Powers was last seen on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, approximately 12 p.m., in the 19400 block of Crystal Rock Dr. Powers is approximately 5-feet, 4-inches tall. She has brown eyes and brown hair. She was last seen wearing black and clear eyeglasses, a black hoodie, blue jeans, and black and white canvas Vans sneakers. Police and family are concerned for her welfare.


Alasya Dee Cross has been located safe and unharmed.

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Special Victims Investigations Division (SVID) are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Alasya Dee Cross, a missing 15-year-old from Germantown.   Alasya was last seen on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at her residence on Circle Gate Drive in Germantown.    Dakota is approximately 5-feet, 1-inch tall and weighs 110 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a navy blue t-shirt, dark colored sweat pants and black/white Victoria Secret Pink slides.


Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Special Victims Investigations Division (SVID) are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Zamya Santiago, a missing 13-year-old from Germantown.

Zamya was last seen on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at approximately 12:30 p.m., leaving her residence on Locbury Court in Germantown.  Zamya is approximately 5-feet tall and weighs 110 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with black and red pajama bottoms.


Now through August 31, high school students ages 14-19 can work out for free at all Planet Fitness gyms.  Students can sign up for the free pass at  PlanetFitness.com/SummerPass. Planet Fitness has Montgomery County locations in Gaithersburg, Germantown, Rockville, and Silver Spring. Additional details below:

“Planet Fitness, one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers with more members than any other fitness brand, officially kicks off its High School Summer PassTM program today, opening its doors to high schoolers ages 14 – 19[1] to work out for free this summer through August 31 at any of the more than 2,400 Planet Fitness locations throughout the United States and Canada. Sign up now at PlanetFitness.com/SummerPass or at any Planet Fitness club. Teens under 18 in the U.S. and under 19 in Canada must register with a parent or guardian online or in-club.


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