Rockville

Missing woman: Sumona Kazi, 39, last seen 9/11/23 in the 2000 blk of Northrup Dr. Police & loved ones concerned for her wellbeing. If you know Ms. Kazi’s whereabouts or have any info to assist in locating her, please contact the Rockville City Police at 240-314-8900. pic.twitter.com/mOBvJMq79a

— Rockville City Police Department (@RockvilleCityPD) September 19, 2023


MoCo Government

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Council voted unanimously today to approve the Safe Streets Act of 2023 (Bill 11-23). The new law, spearheaded by Council President Evan Glass, will create safer streets for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers on Montgomery County roadways.

The new law, spearheaded by Council President Evan Glass, will create safer streets for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers on Montgomery County roadways. The legislation prioritizes pedestrians by enhancing walk times at crosswalks, and prohibits “right turn on red” at busy intersections in downtown areas. To create safer routes to school, the legislation will also require infrastructure reviews following incidents in school zones, walksheds and bus stops.


DMV

Left something on Metro and need to get it back? If it ends up at Metro’s lost and found, you may be in luck. Metro will now keep a wider list of lost items left behind on trains, buses, at stations, and other Metro facilities. The new policy, updates changes made due to pandemic-related budget constraints in 2021 that restricted Metro’s lost and found storage to wallets and electronics such as phones, tablets, laptops, and cameras only.

In addition to these items, Metro’s lost and found department will now work to also reunite customers with lost keys, glasses, backpacks, headphones, luggage, and purses. Items such as perishables, clothing, umbrellas, and bikes will not be kept by the lost and found. Non-returnable items, and any other property unclaimed after 30-days will be disposed of, donated to charity, destroyed, or auctioned.


Education

Three exceptionally inspiring high school seniors were awarded a total of $2,600 in scholarship funds for the 2023-2024 academic year through the W. Edward Bohrer, Jr. Memorial CHARACTER COUNTS! Scholarship program.

Per the City of Gaithersburg: Presented in partnership with the W. Edward Bohrer Memorial Fund and the City Student Union, the scholarships are named for former Mayor Bohrer, under whose leadership the City adopted the CHARACTER COUNTS! program in 1996. The scholarship program acknowledges students for embodying the Six Pillars of Character – trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.


Events

Since 1994, the Kensington 8K Race has been one of the most popular DC area fall races. It’s described as a “fun, fast event with beauty, challenge, and excitement” and this year it takes place on Saturday, September 23, 2023.

“Known throughout the DC Area as a true community race – parents and kids cheering on each other and welcomed visitors running through our Town and Rock Creek Park.” Four local schools – Kensington Parkwood ES, North Bethesda MS, Silver Creek MS, and Walter Johnson HS – benefit from race proceeds, with more than $250,000 raised since 2009.


MCFRS

Earlier this morning, a gas leak was reported at the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and University Blvd.  As of now, the following road closures are in effect:

Northbound New Hampshire Avenue is open for traffic. University Blvd. East heading into Prince George’s County is closed until further notice. The 1300 block of University Blvd. is also closed to all traffic.


MCFRS

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a fire in the 9600blk of Shadow Oak Dr, near Arrowhead Rd., in Montgomery Village on Tuesday, September 19. According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, the fire originated in a small pile of trash in a 2nd floor bathroom of the two-story townhouse. Firefighters assisted several residents from the building and there were no injuries reported.

We will provide an update if additional information becomes available.


Maryland

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the lottery results for the 2023 black bear hunt. Having been selected by random drawing, the 950 successful applicants will receive a permit valid for the six-day hunting season open from October 23-28 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties.

“The black bear hunt provides a unique opportunity for hunters to pursue one of our greatest natural resources here in the state and contribute to the management of the species,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Acting Director Karina Stonesifer said. “Congratulations to those successful applicants – we wish you all good luck and safe hunting during our 20th annual black bear season.”


Maryland

Fall officially kicks off Saturday, September 23, 2023—the same day as the autumn equinox—in the Northern Hemisphere. Many of us in Maryland are looking forward to leaving behind the days of record-breaking heat and welcoming clear, blue skies, cooler evenings and autumnal tree canopies. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources once again has started presenting its weekly Fall Foliage Report. What can we expect from fall foliage this year and when can leaf peepers catch a glimpse of fall’s best colors? Check it out below, courtesy of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources:

What the Science Says: For years, scientists have worked to understand the changes that occur in trees and shrubs during autumn, according to the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, but they can agree that three primary factors influence autumn leaf color: leaf pigments, length of night, and weather.


DMV

We Are Ready to Strike– An overwhelming 98% voted YES to an Unfair Labor Practice strike.

Kaiser Permanente workers in the DMV have authorized a strike that would begin as early as October 1st if a contract agreement between the union and the Kaiser is not reached by the end of September, according to a statement Monday by the local union representing DMV Kaiser employees. The statement can be seen below: