Silver Spring

Orellana Ventura was last seen on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at approximately 3:30 p.m., in the 1600 block of Northcrest Drive in Silver Spring.

Orellana Ventura is approximately 5-feet, 4-inches tall and weighs 125 pounds. She was last seen wearing a black t-shirt and black jean shorts.  Police and family are concerned for her welfare.


MoCo Government

Bill 17-21 requires MCPD to collaborate with local educational partners regarding police cadet recruitment and police training, as well as provide for the continuing education of police officers on topics such as socially just policing, community service and engagement, and emerging topics in law enforcement, including cybersecurity, human trafficking, and proactive community engagement.  

“I’ve been working hard with my colleagues and the community to reimagine public safety and rebuild trust in law enforcement so everyone in our county feels safe,” said Councilmember Jawando. “As a lifelong Montgomery County resident, I’ve experienced firsthand that we are not immune to the systemic racism that leads to disproportionate outcomes in policing. Bill 17-21, The Community Informed Police Training Act, is about building the next generation of police officers that serve as community guardians. It’s a recruitment tool to grow our talent and bring in the diverse, culturally proficient, and properly trained officers that our community needs.” 


Colesville

The initial investigation has revealed that a gray 2009 Mazda 5 minivan was traveling east in the 1600 block of East Randolph Road when it crossed the centerline and struck a white 2015 Toyota Highlander. The driver of the Highlander was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the Mazda was transported to an area hospital where they were pronounced dead. The decedent has been identified as 41-year-old, Edwin Enrique Mejia Dubon, of Riverdale.


MCDOT

The Upton Drive Neighborhood Greenway project aims to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists by managing the number and speed of vehicles. Tools can include additional signage, pavement markings, and traffic calming measures such as speed humps. The project limit is from East Avenue to the Crossway Montessori School.

Online registration is required to attend. Upon submission of your registration, Zoom will provide the link and passcode for the meeting. On the day of the Nov. 3 meeting, an electronic invitation to participate in this meeting will be emailed to you with the Zoom connection instructions. Questions and comments will become a matter of public record.


Event

Historic Indigenous Recognition Event to Take Place in Montgomery County, Maryland

The Taino American Indigenous National Organization (T.A.I.N.O.) proudly announces its upcoming signature public event,


Glenmont

The preliminary investigation by detectives determined that a dark red or maroon 2003-2007 Honda Accord, was traveling south on Georgia Ave., when it struck a 19-year-old male bicyclist, that was traveling west across the roadway. The victim was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. The vehicle did not remain on scene.

Detectives are currently searching for the striking vehicle, which has damage to the front right bumper and is missing the right side view mirror. Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact CRU detectives at (240) 773-6620 or Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-fee at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Callers may remain anonymous.


Entertainment

This Saturday, October 29, the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department and the Town of Kensington are once again hosting their annual Halloween Movie Night. “Hotel Transylvania” will be shown at dusk in St. Paul Park on the big screen. Costumes are encouraged for all attendees.

The Kensington Volunteer Fire Department and the Town of Kensington will have refreshments available for purchase in the Park, including pizza, popcorn, and candy.


MoCo Government

For 18 months, Councilmembers have been working with staff and listening to suggestions from residents across Montgomery County to develop a general plan for the County’s future. The Council’s revised version of the Planning, Housing and Economic Development (PHED) Committee Draft of Thrive Montgomery 2050 contains the text and supporting maps for a comprehensive amendment to Montgomery County’s current General Plan (On Wedges and Corridors). 

“Thrive is a compelling vision for Montgomery County’s future and lays a framework to preserve things that make our community great, while meeting the unique needs of our growing County,” Council President Gabe Albornoz said. “We’re grateful to everyone who engaged with us and shared valuable insights that helped inform our decision-making. Throughout this process, the Council has made time to incorporate voices from communities across the County and gather diverse perspectives and input.” 


Gaithersburg

The Montgomery County Police Department – Autism/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Unit will be conducting a driver safety course on Tuesday, November 1, from 2-6pm at Public Safety Headquarters (100 Edison Park Drive) in Gaithersburg to teach those with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities the importance of being a safe driver and what to do if they are pulled over or in an accident.  Per MCPD:

The Montgomery County Autism/IDD Unit was established in 2004 and provides a broad approach to safety and action, along with awareness, for those with autism and other intellectual disabilities.”


MCFRS

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) we’re called to the scene of a dump truck fire on the ICC (200) between New Hampshire and Layhill Rd, according to Lt. Franco Martinez.

Units were able to extinguish the fire that came from the brakes of the dump truck. Some lanes are still blocked due to continued fire activity. Featured photo courtesy of Yael Azrad.


Gaithersburg

Exterior construction appears to be complete at the upcoming CVS location in the Kentlands. The fencing that surrounded the construction site for the last few months has been removed, but there is still work left to do on the surrounding parking lot and interior of the store (photos below). While an opening date has not been provided, it’s very possible that CVS could open in the next couple months.

We first reported that CVS would be taking over the old Tommy Joe’s/Boulevard Tavern/Brasserie Beck/O’Donnell’s location in the Kentlands back in 2019, and it took a while for demolition/construction to get started, but things have moved quickly in recent months.


Gaithersburg

Following months of delays due to flooding at the site, construction has continued at the upcoming Shake Shack location in Gaithersburg’s Kentlands neighborhood. As shown in the featured photo, the frame of the building has gone up and it should construction of the building should move quickly from here, weather permitting. While an opening timeframe hasn’t been provided, we’d expect the restaurant to open in the first half of 2023.

Background: On July 8, 2021, Shake Shack was granted approval for the construction of a 4,700 square foot building with outdoor seating as the second of three commercial infill sites totaling 16,000 square feet along Kentlands Square Place. The burger chain was granted its license to sell beer and wine on the premises during its Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) hearing on January 6th of 2022, and prepared to break ground in February. Construction began in March, but stalled after flooding that occurred over the summer.