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.


According to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, “Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, the Honorable Kevin Hessler sentenced defendant, Rodjaun Neal-Williams, 21 of Clarksburg, to 30 years in prison. Neal-Williams was convicted by a jury on March 7th, 2023, on charges of Voluntary Manslaughter and Use of Firearm in Commission of a Crime of Violence for the death of 23-year-old Javon Gordon of Boyds.

This stems from an incident on April 13, 2021, on the 12900 block of Ethel Rose Way in Boyds. The defendant who was 19-years old at the time, was a passenger in a vehicle that pulled up to small group of individuals in the street. There was an altercation between Neal-Williams and Gordon while Neal-Williams was seated inside of the vehicle, and he fired a handgun, killing Gordon.


New Grand Mart, a Korean grocery chain with locations across Maryland and Virginia, will open its newest store at 13069 Wisteria Drive in the Germantown Plaza shopping center on June 8th. 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.”

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 a few weeks after June 8th.


The Germantown Flea Market returns this Saturday, June 3, from 8am-1pm at the MARC rail commuter lot at the intersection of Germantown Rd. (Rt. 118) and Bowman Mill Drive. Additional details below courtesy of the Germantown Historical Society:

The Germantown Community Flea Market is the place to find bargains and treasures. There’s something for everyone – toys & games – fashions and footwear – antiques and collectibles, lawn mowers and bicycles. You can search for your favorite CDs or books, discover kitchen gadgets you never knew you needed, jewelry to go with your favorite outfit – all kinds of things that you just can’t live without — and all at bargain prices! And the first bargain you find is when you come in – there is no admission or parking fee.


Per MCPD: 30-year-old, Trevor Copeland of Silver Spring has been arrested after walking around a Germantown neighborhood, while openly carrying an assault rifle.  On Thursday, April 27, 2023, officers from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 5th District- Community Action Team received a report of an individual walking around an apartment complex in the 23000 block of Sweetgum Circle, carrying an assault rifle and knocking on random doors.

When officers arrived at the complex, they quickly made contact with Copeland, who was on the 3rd floor. Following several minutes of communication, officers quickly apprehended Copeland. When Copeland was taken into custody, he was in possession of a Privately Manufactured Firearm (PMF) short-barreled assault rifle loaded with 300 black ammunition rounds, with one round in the chamber.


Tylasia was last seen on Saturday, May 27, 2023, leaving her residence on Aberstaw Way in Germantown.  She is approximately 5-feet, 1-inch tall. She has black hair and dark colored eyes. Police and family are concerned for her welfare.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Tylasia Claudia Russell is asked to call the police non-emergency number at (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line). Callers may remain anonymous.


Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 5th District Investigative Section are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Tommy Gbato Logan, a missing 39-year-old.

Tommy was last seen on Thursday, May 25, 2023, leaving his residence on Appledowre Circle in Germantown. He is approximately 5-feet, 10-inches tall and weighs 210 pounds. He has brown eyes and brown hair.  Tommy may be driving a gray 2007 Toyota Corolla bearing Maryland license plate 1EJ3800. Police and family are concerned for his welfare.


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