MoCoSnow

Per Maryland Governor Wes Moore: “Having been advised by Maryland Department of Emergency Management- MDEM on the impending impact of severe weather predicted as part of Tropical Storm Ophelia, I am declaring a state of emergency.

We are asking all Marylanders to remain vigilant, to stay tuned to local news stations for the latest updates, and to follow any instructions local officials may provide during this state of emergency.


MoCo Government

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) has received the “Best Enforcement Program” award from national trade magazine StateWays for its loss prevention program that reduces theft, fraud and operational errors. The program preserves profits that are then used for County programs. It is one of the publication’s nine annual Best Practices awards.

The StateWays Best Practices Award will be presented to ABS at a ceremony on Oct. 24 at the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association’s Administrators Conference in Charleston, W. Va.


Bethesda

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to the 8400 blk of Old Georgetown Road, near Greenwich Neighborhood Park, in Bethesda for the report of a child pedestrian struck by a driver. According to Montgomery County Police, Old Georgetown Road is closed at Glenwood Rd. Drivers should seek an alternate route and expect significant delays.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Old Georgetown Road at Glenwood Road is shut down following a collision.
Drivers should seek an alternate route. #MCPD #MCPNews pic.twitter.com/rRwe3ctVAc


Crime

According to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, “Today, in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, the Honorable Karla Smith sentenced defendant, Dakari Thomas, 20, of Silver Spring, to 25 years in prison suspending all but 12 years to serve and five years of supervised probation upon release. Judge Smith recommended Thomas be admitted into the Patuxent Youthful Offenders program while incarcerated.

On July 6, 2023, Thomas pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the stabbing death of Getro Marius Benamna. The defendant and victim encountered one another along the 900 block of Ellsworth Drive in Silver Spring on December 7th, 2021 and began to conduct a drug transaction. Thomas was attempting to pass off another substance as marijuana. The two men became involved in a physical altercation and Thomas produced a knife, fatally stabbing Benamna. Assistant State’s Attorneys Cortenous Herbert and John Lalos prosecuted this case.”


Arts

Per Montgomery County: Governor Wes Moore today announced a record investment in Maryland arts organizations through the state’s Arts Relief initiative. Through $40 million in supplemental funding added to the Maryland State Arts Council’s annual appropriation of $28.9 million in FY23, this record investment is helping arts organizations cope with the lasting financial impacts of the pandemic, spurring arts projects and employment in all 24 Maryland jurisdictions, and has elevated Maryland to second in the nation in per capita spending on the arts in FY23.

“Even as the world continues to reopen, we know that many arts organizations are finding it difficult to return to pre-pandemic audience levels. The same is true for artists, who are still getting back on their feet after recent challenges,” said Gov. Moore. “Thanks to this historic investment, which illustrates how much we value a strong creative economy, our arts ecosystem is poised to thrive in the coming years.”


Bethesda

Per Westfield Montgomery: This autumn, fall fashion takes center stage at Westfield Montgomery Mall’s remix event on Saturday, October 7. The city-making destination for high-brand fashion, luxury, and entertainment will welcome the new season with appearances from reality TV personalities, designer customizations, personal styling, fun photo opportunities, and more.

Ashley Darby and Gabby Prescod will headline the event with a fireside chat from 1pm to 2pm in the Nordstrom Wing on the Lower Level. Fresh off the latest season of runway shows from New York and Paris Fashion Week, Fashion editor Gabby Prescod will lead a lively discussion with fan favorite and Montgomery County native, Ashley Darby. Get a sneak peek into their lives and behind-the-scenes tales of their most memorable fashion statements. Beyond the glitz and the glam, discover the heart, passion, and sensibilities that drive their styles.


Burtonsville

Per Burtonsville Day organizers: “The Burtonsville Day Celebration Planning Committee met this morning and have decided to cancel our 2023 32nd Annual Burtonsville Day Parade and Celebration event. This we did in concern of both participants’ and organizers’ health and safety concerns. This is an unfortunate and sad decision for all of us and also event participants who show up each year but was a necessary decision to be made. Thank you for all your support and understanding. We hope to see you all next year. Stay safe.”

Prior to Cancellation: “The 32nd Annual Burtonsville Day Parade and Festival on Saturday, Sept. 23, will celebrate the theme of “Discovering East County.” The festivities will include three musical performances in association with the Music Center at Strathmore. The one-mile parade will begin at Paint Branch High School and conclude at the Marilyn J. Praisner Library and Community Recreation Center, which is located at 14906 Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville. The festival will follow from 11 a,m.-3 p.m. on the grounds of the community center.


MCFRS

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) responded to a collision with vehicle fire on Friday, September 22 on Great Seneca Highway, near Wisteria Dr. in Germantown. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, “Several people left the scene quickly, otherwise vehicle fire is being being extinguished. It appears people that left the scene are in the company of police.

We will provide an update if additional information becomes available. Featured photo courtesy of @shxt_idk on Instagram.


Germantown

Margarita Bar & Grill is now open at 19201 Frederick Rd in Germantown. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of tacos, burritos, chimichangas, pupusas, fajitas, steaks, salad, and seafood. Margarita options include Cadillac, Skinny, Flavored, Diablo, and Crazy. A video of the space and a few menu items is available in the video below.

Margarita Bar & Grill has taken over the space that was previously occupied by the Fraternal Order of Eagle #3509 and Captain Mori’s Seafood House. Seafood in the Buff, a mobile steamed crab business, operates out of the parking lot next to this location in the summer months.