MCFRS

Updated 10/29 With Additional Information

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) were called to the scene of a fire at the Twin Towers apartment complex on Fidler Lane and Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring a little after 2pm on Friday afternoon, according to MCFRS Public Information Officer Pete Piringer.


Germantown

Permanent signage is up for Cava Digital Kitchen at 19865 Century Blvd in Germantown, which is replacing Zoe’s Kitchen. We’re told the restaurant is hoping to open in November, but no date has been announced. CAVA opened their first Digital Kitchen in Sandy Spring, GA back in March. According to a social media posts by CAVA,  “CAVA Digital Kitchen has arrived… Just order ahead on our app or our site for easy pickup or delivery! Convenient *and* delicious. Build your bowl: order.cava.com”

CAVA, the fast-casual restaurant that started in MoCo, acquired Zoe’s and its 200+ restaurants in 2018 for approximately $300 million


Health

ANNAPOLIS, MD—As hospitals in the region and across the country experience an increase in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) admissions, Governor Larry Hogan today announced a series of new mitigation actions, along with preparedness efforts for potential fall and winter COVID-19 and flu surges in Maryland. “After meeting with our multi-agency public health task force yesterday and reviewing all of the data, I am announcing these steps to give our hospitals more tools to expand bed capacity for pediatric patients,” said Governor Hogan. “We also continue to encourage Marylanders to be COVIDReady, so that we remain one of the most vaccinated and boosted states, and stay ahead of the virus.”

Hospitals Directed to Utilize Additional State Funding to Prioritize Pediatric ICU Staffing. RSV hospitalizations are increasing earlier and more rapidly than in previous years, with the 0-2 age group comprising 57% of hospitalizations. On October 14, the Maryland Department of Health announced $80 million in additional funding for healthcare providers across the state. Hospitals will receive $25 million and have been directed in award letters issued today to utilize these resources to increase the hiring and recruitment of staff. For facilities with pediatric ICU and/or inpatient beds, awards should prioritize staffing those units appropriately before considering other non-pediatric units. All hospitals are also strongly urged to collaborate with neighboring hospitals on pediatric patient care coordination.


Germantown

At about 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday, troopers from the Rockville Barrack conducted a traffic stop on Piney Branch Road south of Ray Drive in Silver Spring, Maryland for a vehicle with suspected illegally tinted windows. Troopers observed suspected illegal drugs in the vehicle. This led to a probable cause search, which yielded a handgun that had been reported stolen in South Carolina.The driver of the vehicle, Robel Habtu, 20, of Silver Spring, Maryland was arrested at the scene. He is charged with possession of a stolen firearm, illegal possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle, illegal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of ammunition and possession of a firearm while underage. Habtu was transported to the Montgomery County Detention Center. He was released after posting $7,500 bond. The cases remain under investigation.


Wheaton

The event also will have a beer garden, which will have charges. All proceeds from beer/wine sales will go to Mid-County United Ministries, a local nonprofit organization that provides emergency food and assistance to people in need.  The costume contest will begin at 2 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Wheaton Urban District and Montgomery County Recreation. More information about HalloWheaton is available at www.wheatonmd.org.

We hope to see you at HalloWheaton this weekend! 👻 Learn more ➡️ https://t.co/gvxaAjjUut. @WheatonMD pic.twitter.com/I4bGQf20gj


Potomac

A vehicle was driven into the Walgreens at 1075 Seven Locks Rd in Potomac Woods Plaza on Friday, October 28, around 11am.  According to Chief Spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services Pete Piringer, EMS is currently evaluating one adult (driver) and no patrons were injured. We will post an update when more information becomes available. Feature photo courtesy of Sam Polland (@samthelender on Instagram).

Per @mcfrsPIO on twitter: “Potomac Woods Plaza, 7 Locks Road & Fortune Terrace, Potomac, Walgreens store, collision, vehicle struck building, @mcfrs M723, PE733, EMS703 on scene, @MCFRS_EMIHS evaluating 1 adult (driver), vehicle on sidewalk up against building, building inspector notified, no patrons inj”


Glenmont

Montgomery County Police held a press conference today regarding a hit-and-run that occurred on Sunday, October 23rd at approximately 11 p.m., in the area of Georgia Avenue and Janet Road in Wheaton-Glemont. It was announced that the victim, William Villa Vicencio, 19, had passed away due to his injuries. He was described as a happy young man, the son of a single mom who raised three boys, that was looking forward to his 20th birthday. Assistant Police Chief Marc Yamada and the family’s pastor spoke at the conference.

William was coming home from work on his bicycle when he was struck by a vehicle on Georgia Ave.  Police are searching for a dark red or maroon vehicle, possibly a 2003-2007 Honda Accord, that is missing its right side view mirror and has damage to its front bumper. The driver did not remain on scene and detectives are asking anyone in the community with information to contact detectives at 240-773-6620. There were no cameras in the area of the accident.  Police are offering a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest and conviction.


DMV

The Washington Business Journal has released its 50 School list of ‘Top 50 High Schools in the D.C. Region’ based on rankings released annually by U.S. News & World Report. 16 MCPS high schools, which can be seen below, have made the list.

Per WBJ, “the publication [U.S. News & World Report] assesses nearly 24,000 public schools nationwide, ultimately ranking 17,840 of them based on third-party data from the U.S. Department of Education’s annual Common Core of Data; statewide math, reading and science assessment test scores; and exam results from The College Board’s Advanced Placement program and International Baccalaureate program.”


Germantown

Back in April we let you know of the impending arrival of Laperaux, the Journeymanchef’s Bistro,  the new restaurant coming to 18056 Mateny Rd in Germantown, the former home of Gumbo Ya Ya, Dickie’s BBQ Pit, and Cafe Mileto (located in the same strip as Shoppers). The French bistro is making progress and currently hopes to open in December. We’ll be able to provide you with a sneak peak and additional information in about a month or so. Chef and owner Gregory Webb, who has earned such accolades and awards as “Chef of the Year 1998” in Houston, Texas, “Winner all Categories” at the Texas Open Wild Game Cookoff, “Top Chefs of Mexico City” and many others, will be bringing a French bistro to the location, which hopes to open by the end of the year.

The restaurant will offer high casual cuisine created by Webb, who has competed against Bobby Flay on The Food Network, and won numerous ‘chopped style’ competitions put on for various local charity and fund raising events, including DC Central Kitchen’s Chefs Cook Off. Webb decided on the location because it’s close to his Gaithersburg home. Previously, he spent 7 years as the executive chef at Downtown Crown’s Paladar.