Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded at approximately 2am on Thursday to the area of Dufief Mill Road and Frances Green Way in North Potomac for a reported fire involving a two-story detached garage or barn.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded at approximately 2am on Thursday to the area of Dufief Mill Road and Frances Green Way in North Potomac for a reported fire involving a two-story detached garage or barn.
Takoma Park Police are investigating an attempted robbery that left a man with a serious head injury earlier this week.

This October, Craftmark Homes opened the decorated model of their new townhome community, Watkins Mill Station, just north of RIO in Gaithersburg, MD. If you’ve been watching this corner of Montgomery County for what comes next, now’s the time to visit this exciting new townhome opportunity. For a limited time, Craftmark is offering up to $40,000 in Closing Costs/Rate Buy-Down to celebrate their Grand Opening.
Craftmark has brought their local area expertise to Watkins Mill Station, where they’re offering two townhome plans from the Upper $800s: The Seneca II, their award-winning, elevator-ready plan with 3-5 bedrooms and up to 3,039 square feet; and The Blueridge, a new design that’s available with a covered deck, private rear yard and up to 2,795 square feet. Both showcase designer-selected finishes, oversized kitchen islands, open layouts, and a two-car garage.

Residents of Watkins Mill Station will enjoy a community pool and bathhouse with an outdoor pavilion (currently slated to open spring/summer 2027), a tot lot, and a community pocket park with an art installation. In the meantime, Seneca Creek State Park and the Muddy Branch Greenway Trail are close by for walks, runs and time on the water.
Uniquely, and especially important for area professionals, Watkins Mill Station features an on-site MARC station, so residents commuting into D.C. can relax or get a head start on their morning rather than driving. The Brunswick Line serves the station on weekdays with commuter trains to and from Union Station, and Rockville is one stop away for riders who need to transfer to the Red Line Metro or Amtrak.
Drivers will enjoy immediate access to I-270 and the Biotech Corridor, and Downtown Crown, Kentlands, RIO, and Olde Towne Gaithersburg are just a short trip for dinner and errands.

If you’re looking to settle into a new home and host the holidays in style, Craftmark has Move-In Ready homes available in their model row. Or, do you prefer to select your own finishes? Now’s the time to act to make personal selections for spring move-ins!
Craftmark’s model home is open daily 11 AM – 5 PM, and buyers should call or email Bethany (details below!) to schedule a personal appointment to learn more about available homes and how to personalize a floor plan. Don’t forget to ask about limited-time incentives like up to $40,000 in Closing Costs/Rate Buy-Down assistance!
Craftmark Homes at Watkins Mill Station
MHBR #451
Construction is moving forward on Qdoba’s upcoming Olney location, with a new permit issued for interior work at the future restaurant. A permit valued at $200,000 has been approved for construction at 3486 Olney Laytonsville Road in the Olney Shopping Center, signaling continued progress toward the restaurant’s opening. The space was previously occupied by Eco Cleaners and is located next to Royal Bagel Bakery.
Hinzi’s is set to make its Montgomery County debut today, with a soft opening scheduled for Thursday, April 16 at its new Germantown location at 13015 Wisteria Drive, in the former Mangino’s space.
McMillan Pazdan Smith (MPS) is announcing its acquisition of Smolen Emr Ilkovitch Architects (SEI) of Rockville, Maryland. This partnership expands MPS’s presence into the U.S. Mid-Atlantic with a new studio and grows the reach of the firm’s K12 architecture, interior design, planning, and advisory practice to clients in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the surrounding region. The addition reinforces the firm’s place among the top 25 K-12 architecture practices in the United States.
“We are excited to welcome SEI to the MPS firm family. The SEI team shares our commitment to purposeful and expert design and project execution, exceptional client service, and deep community–centered relationships and presence,” says Chad Cousins, CEO, McMillan Pazdan Smith. “Together, we will support the continued growth, vibrancy, and sustainability of the DMV region with long term community investments, and industry-leading design, planning, and advisory value.”
“This little composition…is, alas, the final mortal sin of my old age. A little technique, a little heart, that is all.”
Gioachino Rossini’s "Petite Messe Solennelle" is neither little nor entirely solemn. Yet beneath the wit and irony of its title lies one of Rossini’s most personal creations, which blends the theatrical brilliance and unforgettable melodies of his comic operas—including extraordinary and virtuosic arias—with an almost uncharacteristic tenderness and spiritual depth.
The Jolly Shows Carnival is now underway at Clarksburg Premium Outlets, bringing rides, food, and games to the area through April 26.
Montgomery County Council committees will meet on Thursday, April 16 to review a wide range of Fiscal Year 2027 operating budgets, including funding for multiple government offices, non-departmental accounts, and major agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services, WSSC Water, and the Office of Management and Budget.
Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced that a federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction halting the construction and operation of a proposed ICE detention facility in Washington County.
Buzz has been building across Montgomery County’s dining scene, with several upcoming restaurants generating strong interest from readers and across social media in recent months. Based on views, likes, and shares, five spots in particular have stood out as the most talked-about projects, each at a different stage on the path to opening in our April edition. Listed in alphabetical order, here’s a look at the places creating the most anticipation right now.
Montgomery Parks is inviting the community to come together this weekend for a free, inclusive event celebrating Autism Acceptance Month at Wheaton Regional Park. “Shine Brighter Together” will take place on Saturday, April 18 from 11am to 2pm at 2000 Shorefield Road in Wheaton. The family-friendly event is designed to bring together individuals of all abilities for an afternoon of sensory-friendly activities, performances, and hands-on experiences.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) responded early Wednesday morning to a fatal house fire in the 9100 block of Charred Oak Drive in Bethesda. (more…)
Montgomery County is among the areas that will benefit from a new partnership between Uber and the Maryland Diaper Bank aimed at improving access to essential supplies and healthcare for families with young children.