Highways / Interstates

The storm is expected to begin as a wintry mix for points north and west of the I-95 corridor. Garrett and Allegany counties are expecting icing conditions, so motorists are encouraged to keep updated with forecasts and delay travel in the event of icing. The application of salt brine is used to prevent precipitation from initially bonding to the pavement. Motorists are encouraged to remain home and off the roads so crews can effectively and efficiently treat the roads.

“We’re asking for motorists’ patience while our crews are out doing their jobs, clearing paths for drivers,” MDOT SHA Administrator Tim Smith said. “While we encourage everyone to stay home if travel becomes hazardous, those who must go out should remember that the safest spot for people that have to drive is safely behind our equipment.”


Beyond MoCo

View the full list of Rural Maryland Economic Development Fund projects.

“Back in 2014, when I was first running for governor, I said that if I was elected the war on Rural Maryland would be over, and that communities that had been ignored and neglected would no longer be forgotten,” said Governor Hogan. “We have made good on that promise, delivering unprecedented investments to our rural communities. These grants and the dozens of projects they support will have a lasting and transformative impact, helping to make these areas more attractive for tourism, jobs, and economic development. This is another shining example of how we are truly changing Rural Maryland for the better.”


MCDOT

The event will be held at the County’s Gaithersburg Salt Barn, which is located at 17000 Crabbs Branch Way in Gaithersburg.


MCDOT

Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is recruiting community members for focus groups. Both riders and non-riders are welcome to participate. Each focus group will be based on one of five areas across the County. Meetings will be held in public spaces such as Regional Service Centers or local libraries. The small group format will encourage active discussion. All locations are accessible via bus. Participants will be asked to attend two (2), two-hour-long local focus group sessions held from 6 – 8 p.m. on weeknights.


MoCo Government

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will be helping residents find discounts on electric vehicles (EVs) with the launch of its new “EV Purchasing Co-op Dealership Incentives” web page. The program is the first in Maryland where a local jurisdiction is partnering directly with local automobile dealerships to provide incentives and discounts for EV purchases.

The program will amplify limited-time promotions and discounts on battery-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The initiative is the cornerstone of the next phase of the County’s EV Purchasing Co-op and will make the benefits of EVs more accessible by helping residents reduce the cost of going electric.


Gaithersburg

Recycling will take place as scheduled on December 26, 2022 & January 2, 2023. Loose leaf collection concludes on December 30. Recycling includes newspaper, mixed paper, corrugated cardboard & commingled materials (which should be separated from brush, branches, grass clippings, leaves & other yard trimmings) picked up by the City’s contractor.

On-demand bulk pick up for residents whose regular recycling days are December 26 & January 2 will be unavailable. Appointments can be made for the following week using the online form, by e-mailing [email protected], or by calling 301-258-6370.


Maryland

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Larry Hogan today welcomed Japanese Ambassador to the United States Koji Tomita to the State House, where they renewed the Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) between the State of Maryland and the Government of Japan to further bolster economic and trade relations.

The agreement will bring more Japanese investment to Maryland, and expand collaboration in a range of critical industries—including energy, high-speed rail development and passenger rail services, life sciences and biotechnology, and digital innovation such as quantum and artificial intelligence technologies.


MoCo Government

Fiscal Plan

Briefing: The Council will receive an update from Executive staff about the County’s fiscal plan. The fiscal plan provides a high-level overview of the County’s fiscal condition and position based on current revenue and expenditure assumptions. The December 2022 update includes revisions to the County’s revenues based on actual collections to-date, assumed additional revenue that will be received in the coming months, and estimated annual expenditures based on quarter one spending for the County government.


MoCo Government

Review: The Council will continue its review of the remaining local and bi-county bills for the upcoming 2023 Maryland General Assembly and may choose to take a position on each bill. On Nov. 28, 2022, the 19th Council held a briefing and reviewed 15 local and bi-county bills. The newly inaugurated 20th Council continued its review of local and bi-county bills on Dec. 6, 2022. The legislation under consideration will cover topics including voting methods, special taxing districts, parking, mass transit, speed monitoring, alcoholic beverage licensing and collective bargaining agreements. The Maryland State Delegation conducted a public hearing about local and bi-county bills on Dec. 8, with additional public hearings scheduled on Dec. 15, 2022.


Derwood

The shelter is full, and adopters are urgently needed. All types of animals are available for adoption including guinea pigs, rabbits, reptiles, cats and dogs. For those considering adding a new pet to your family, now is the time. Adopting is easy—and even easier during the Home for the Holidays with no adoption fees.


Gaithersburg

Construction has begun at the upcoming “Oak, Barrel, and Vine” store at 512 N. Frederick Ave. in the Gaithersburg Square shopping center, next to Lil’ Cakes & Creamery and the recently opened Five Below. The county-run beer, wine, and liquor store is expected to open in spring 2023 and will feature a tasting room with beers on tap and space to hold events hosted by local breweries and distillers. Additional details below courtesy of Montgomery County:

The Oak Barrel & Vine branded stores feature handpicked items with a focus on spirits and locally manufactured products. The Gaithersburg store will have a large tasting room and event space, an improved selection of small format items, queue lines for faster checkout, improved wayfinding signs and better customer accessibility. The new location will fill a gap caused by the 2018 closure of the ABS Milestone store. It also will increase service levels to the growing population in the Gaithersburg area.


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