Rockville

Rockville Election Ballot to Include Four Advisory Referendum Questions: Voting Age, Non-Citizen Voting, Term Limits, Rep. Districts

By MCS Staff

Along with a list of candidates vying for an expanded number of council seats and a mayor, four advisory referendum questions will also be on the Nov. 7 Mayor and Council election ballot. Voters will have the opportunity to choose “yes,” “no” or “no opinion” on the following:

The nonbinding advisory questions — meaning they allow voters to express a preference without resulting in a change to Rockville law — are based on recommendations from the Charter Review Commission. The Mayor and Council may consider voters’ preferences on the ballot questions should they choose to change the city’s election law.

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Aspen Hill

Charley’s Cheesesteaks is Coming to Aspen Hill

By MCS Staff

Charley’s Cheesesteaks is coming to the vacant space next to FloorMax (which is next to Wing Stop) in the Aspen Hill shopping center. Construction is ongoing and an opening date is not yet available. This was previously reported as Charley’s Steakhouse, a restaurant that’s part of Florida-based Talk of the Town restaurant group, based on information we received from representatives at the store during the early construction phase. This will not be a steak house, but rather the popular chain– Charley’s Cheesesteaks.

Charley’s now has over 600 stores nationwide. Newer locations have adopted a new menu concept, offering chicken wings and ice cream in addition to its Philly cheesesteaks. “Tossed-to-order, the wings are made with 10 chef-inspired flavors ranging from Angry Ghost and Nashville Hot to milder options like Zesty Lemon-Lime Rub and Sweet Teriyaki.”

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WMATA

Congressman Jamie Raskin Urges Social Media Companies, WMATA to Address Dangerous “Subway Surfing” Social Media Trend Following Loss of Local Teen

By Patrick Herron

From the Office of Jamie Raskin (9.8.23): Today, Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) wrote letters to social media companies Meta and TikTok and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) about a dangerous social media trend, known as “subway surfing,” which recently claimed the life of a young person in his district. “Subway surfers,” who are often teenagers influenced by coaxing and sinister validation from an online community, film themselves climbing and then riding outside or on top of a moving subway car.

“This online trend has deadly consequences,” wrote Rep. Raskin to Meta and TikTok. “This summer, my constituent, Jay Thirunarayanapuram, lost his life five days after his fifteenth birthday while subway surfing. His loving parents and friends are devastated, and our world is poorer for our loss of a bright young artist, animal lover and extraordinary young man.”

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Gaithersburg

Carter’s is Returning to Gaithersburg

By Patrick Herron

Children’s clothing chain Carter’s is returning to its previous Gaithersburg Square location at 520 N. Frederick Ave. The store closed in July 2021 and was replaced by Charik African Fashion in March 2022. Charik was a family-owned African fashion store that sold shoes, clothing, and accessories and previously had a location inside of Lakeforest Mall. According to signage on the building, Carter’s is expected to open this fall.

Recently, Kogi Asian Grill and Boston Market have closed in Gaithersburg Square. Replacements for those locations have not yet been announced. In June,  Montgomery County run Oak, Barrel, and Vine opened at 512 N. Frederick Ave, next to Lil’ Cakes & Creamery and Five Below.

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MCPD

Concern for Missing 57-Year-Old Woman

By Patrick Herron

The 3rd District Investigative Section is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Arminda Williams, a missing 57-year-old female.  Williams was last seen on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at approximately 7:15 p.m., in the 8500 block of Fenton St in Silver Spring. She is 5’3″ tall, 120 lbs., with black hair, brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a white collard shirt, black jeans and gold slippers.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Arminda Williams is asked to call Montgomery County Police Non-Emergency (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line).

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Business

DMV-Based Jim Koons Automotive Companies To Be Acquired in One of the Biggest Deals in Auto Retail History

By MCS Staff

Sale of ninth largest private dealership group in the US includes 29 franchises, six collision centers, 20 dealerships in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware and one of the U.S.’ highest volume Toyota dealerships.

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: ABG), one of the U.S.’ largest automotive retail and service companies, signed a definitive agreement to acquire Jim Koons Automotive Companies, the ninth largest privately-owned dealership group in the U.S. The sale of the Mid-Atlantic Region company is one of the most sizable in auto retail history, representing over $3 billion in revenue in 2022 and includes 20 dealerships, 29 franchises, six collision centers and one of the highest volume Toyota and Stellantis dealerships in the US. Asbury currently operates 138 dealerships, representing 31 domestic and foreign brands, as well as 32 collision repair centers. Kerrigan Advisors was the exclusive sell-side advisor on the transaction, representing Koons. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2023 or early in the first quarter of 2024. Asbury plans to fund the purchase price with its existing liquidity, credit facility and cash on hand.

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Gaithersburg

Quince Orchard Principal Responds to Viral Video Showing Student Being Attacked By Another Student

By MCS Staff

A viral video of a student attacking another student at Quince Orchard High School was all over social media earlier this week, sparking outrage amongst the community. The father of the student who was attacked in the video spoke out in an interview with FOX5’s Shomari Stone. The victim’s father told FOX 5 that he believes his son was targeted. He says his son is on the autism spectrum. “I’m obviously distraught, especially after seeing the video, or videos that have been, I guess leaked or put on social media. It hurts to see your child hit numerous times by a bully.” he said.

Gaithersburg mayor Jud Ashman was tagged in a post sharing the video and in turn tagged Quince Orchard High School Principal Beth Thomas for a response. Thomas replied, “We responded swiftly yesterday to this unacceptable behavior and incident. This is not tolerated and a violation of our Code of Conduct. It undermines our values and everything we are committed to creating at QO.  EVERY child deserves to feel safe, welcomed, and valued.”

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MoCo Police

Montgomery County Police Mourns the Unexpected Loss of Sergeant Gregory Jordan

By MCS Staff

The Montgomery County Department of Police is mourning the loss of Sergeant Gregory Jordan. Per Montgomery County Police:

Sergeant Jordan passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, September 9, 2023. Sergeant Jordan proudly served the department and the citizens of Montgomery County for thirty years and was currently assigned to the 3rd District station, where he worked in the White Oak neighborhood.

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Crime

Police Arrest Man for 1st Degree Burglary; Suspect Initially Confronted By Neighbor During Burglary

By MCS Staff

Chief Antonio DeVaul from the Takoma Park Police Department has announced the arrest of Antonie Ketrell Calloway, 36, of Takoma Park, Maryland, for 1st-degree burglary.

According to Takoma Park Police, “On September 8, 2023, at approximately 8:05 pm, Takoma Park Police responded to the 7800 block of Chicago Avenue for a report of a suspicious individual entering one of the residences in the area.  A concerned neighbor confronted the individual, later identified as Calloway, regarding his presence inside the residence.  Calloway’s explanations to the neighbor were inconsistent and raised suspicions.

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MCFRS

Rockville Pike Closed at Jones Bridge Rd. Due to Downed Trees and Wires

By MCS Staff

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) received a call for wires down at the intersection of Rockville Pike and Jones Bridge Rd. According to MCFRS Assistant Chief David Pazos, units on scene report several wires and a tree that has fallen and is blocking all traffic at the intersection. MCPD and Pepco are en route and delays are expected.

Alert Montgomery provided the following: “Severe Traffic Alert: All lanes are blocked on southbound Rockville Pike (MD-355) between Cedar Lane and Jones Bridge Road due to a tree and wires down. Expect significant delays. Seek alternate route.”

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