Slice of Rockville to Close Permanently

Slice of Rockville, a popular pizza spot at Woodley Gardens in Rockville (1111 Nelson St.), announces that it’ll close its doors permanently later this month.

The restaurant put the following message out on its social media account:

“Dear friends and neighbors,

I came believe it’s been 11 years since I opened the doors to Slice and you welcomed me into this amazing neighborhood.

These years have been some of the best for me with so many of you becoming near and dear to my heart.
So it is with an especially heavy heart that I must say goodbye. Slice will remain open through June 25th so please make sure to come and say goodbye.

I want to say goodbye and thank you to each and every one of you who has helped make Slice the amazing place it has been. I hope you will give the new owners the same chance and welcome them like you did me.

Thank you again for your patronage, support and friendship. Truly, it has meant the world to me.

Be well and safe,
Dide”

Milt Peterson, Developer of RIO and Downtown Silver Spring, Has Passed Away

Acclaimed DC area real estate developer Milt Peterson passed away today at the age of 85. Peterson was involved in developing RIO in Gaithersburg, Downtown Silver Spring, and National Harbor, among others.

According to the Washington Post, “Peterson’s company estimated that he had built more than 26,000 residential properties and approximately 234 million square feet of commercial space.”

Several prominent local figures took to twitter today to share their condolences.

Deeply saddened by the passing of Milt Peterson, the legendary developer who designed Maryland’s National Harbor and downtown Silver Spring. The First Lady and I ask that you join us in keeping Milt’s family and loved ones in your prayers.

— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) May 26, 2021

Two Virginia legends lost today — Senator John Warner and Developer and Philanthropist, Milt Peterson. Two vibrant, brilliant leaders who blessed our communities and Commonwealth. pic.twitter.com/1ESIRS1d6u

— Barbara Comstock (@BarbaraComstock) May 26, 2021

We have lost a beloved visionary & legendary leader, Milton V. Peterson, Principal/Chairman of Peterson Cos.,renowned iconic developer in DMV, inc. Natl Harbor in Prince George's Co. I enjoyed knowing Milt, a generous man whom never sought attention. 🙏🏽for Carolyn & the family. pic.twitter.com/WIYSoRhOld

— MoniqueAndersonWalkerD8 (@D8Monique) May 26, 2021

We are heartbroken to announce that Milt Peterson, founder & chairman of @PetersonCos, one of the visionary real estate developers behind rio, philanthropist & devoted family man has passed away. More about Milt’s life and legacy here: https://t.co/E75Say0jjU. pic.twitter.com/vMUX7qfDQE

— rio (@RIOLakefront) May 26, 2021

Blocked Sewer Leads to Discharge into Watts Branch Near Research Blvd.

On Friday afternoon, city crews in Rockville unblocked a pipe which may have leaked up to 15,000 of waste into Watts Branch Stream.

According to WSSC, “many companies market personal hygiene wipes as “flushable,” however these products do not break down and disintegrate in the sewer system like toilet paper. The accumulation of these wipes causes blockages in sewer mains. Wastewater then overflows from manholes, often running into streams and rivers, which lead to the Chesapeake Bay.”

From the City of Rockville: 

Pets and People Cautioned to Temporarily Avoid Stream

A blocked city sewer pipe has led to an unknown quantity of discharge into Watts Branch Stream near 1901 Research Blvd.

City crews unblocked the pipe at 2:45 p.m. today (Friday, May 21). Approximately 15,000 gallons may have leaked into Watts Branch.

The City of Rockville is recommending that people and pets avoid the stream until Tuesday to allow the discharge to dissipate.

Help prevent sanitary sewer overflows by never pouring fats, oils and grease down drains and by never placing unflushable trash in toilets, such as wipes, dental floss, paper towels and tissues.

To report an overflowing manhole, contact Rockville’s 24-hour emergency line at 240-314-8567.

We are saddened to report that Omari Israel, 36, has passed away.

Earlier this evening Good Counsel Basketball posted a farewell message to the local basketball star.

”Good Counsel Basketball has lost a special family member. Omari’s personality was even bigger than his 6-8 frame. This one hurts…. you’ll be dearly missed big fella.”

Israel was a Rockville native and the first four-year starter in the history of Our Lady of Good Counsel HS. He scored more than 1,500 career points and averaged 10.0 rebounds over those four years.

As a team captain his senior year, his season was cut short after suffering a torn left ACL and undergoing surgery in January 2003, but still earned honorable mention All-Met honors that season.

He averaged 18.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocked shots as a junior after averaging 15.0 points and 8.3 rebounds with 70 blocks as a sophomore and was named second team All-Washington Catholic Athletic Conference following each of those seasons.

In 2003 he was selected to participate in the Charm City Classic, but did not play due to injury. He was a member of the D.C. Assault AAU team and led his team to the Charlie Weber Tournament championship which was held at the University of Maryland prior to his senior season.

He went on to play college basketball at Notre Dame, where he missed his first year (03-04’) rehabbing the knee injury he suffered during his senior year of high school.

The following year, 2004-05, he played in 19 games for the Fighting Irish and average 1.4 points per game and 1.8 rebounds per game.

Isreal transferred to Loyola for his junior and senior years, where he averaged over 8 points per game and almost 6 rebounds per game in his two seasons there.

Our condolences go out to his friends and family.

Detectives Conducting Death Investigation Following House Fire in Rockville; No Foul Play Suspected in Death

Per MCPD:

Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division and Fire Explosive Investigators from the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service are conducting a death investigation following a house fire that occurred yesterday afternoon in Rockville.

On Monday, May 17, at approximately 4:43 p.m., 1st District officers and Fire and Rescue personnel responded to a house fire in the 1400 block of Kersey Lane.

Fire and Rescue Service personnel entered the home and located a resident on the second floor suffering from life-threatening injuries. The resident, identified as Ragheb Zeineddine, age 75, was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

There is no foul play suspected in Zeineddine’s death.

Colt Brennan, Former Washington Football Team Quarterback, Dead at 37

Colt Brennan has passed away at the age of 37, according to a report from Hawaii News Now earlier today.

The record-breaking quarterback from the University of Hawaii was drafted in the 6th round by Washington back in 2008. He threw for 123 yards and 2 touchdowns in his debut at the Hall of Fame Game against the Colts in August of 2008.

He led all rookies in touchdown passes, passing yards, and quarterback rating in the 2008 preseason, immediately making him a fan-favorite with fans in the area.

According to this morning’s report “details about his passing were not immediately available, but Brennan is believed to have been at a rehabilitation facility in California at the time of his death.”

On April 13th he posted the following caption on his Instagram, detailing his struggles in recent years.

”I’ve been through a lot in my life. I was a convicted felon for a crime I never committed, (passed polygraph and all). I captured every dream I had as a child. I was drafted into the league only to have 2 knee and 2 hip surgeries. I reached my 3rd year in the NFL, only to awake from a coma with traumatic brain injury as a passenger in a car accident. I battled drug and alcohol abuse, and eventually developed blood clots years after the car accident. I spent 9 months in the hospital and for the last 2 1/2 years have been trying to learn how to walk again with a broken heart. I found redemption once, I will find it again. They say: “ Some people are just born to fight, and it’s not their born brave or born strong. It’s just that the Universe decided that this one, this one will have the grit and fire, and the steel in their blood. They will be tested this cosmic mettle of theirs. They will face trial after trial, be broken and damaged in countless ways, but this one was born to fight”. #cover #07espnmagazine#redemption #fighter #onelove#brokenheart“

3 Pets Perish, Family Displaced in Derwood Fire

A fire at the Mallard Cove complex on Needwood Rd in Derwood caused approximately $125k in damages this morning.

The area of origin appears to be an appliance plugged in to an electrical outlet on the kitchen counter.

Sadly, 2 cats and 1 dog did not survive the fire, but MCFRS was able to resuscitate 1 dog which was taken to the vet.

Two adults and two children were displaced.

A GoFundMe was created to help with vet bills as their surviving dog fights for its life.

Information courtesy of MCFRS PIO, Pete Piringer

Video available here.

Update: In loving memory it’s co-founder and CEO, Philip G. Sardelis, all Sardi’s locations will be closed on Wednesday, May 5th to celebrate the impact he made on the community and celebrate his life.

We are saddened to report that Philip Sardelis, MoCo native and co-founder of Sardi’s, has passed away after battling Covid since early March. Philip was a 1991 graduate of Wheaton High School and along with his cousin, also named Philip Sardelis, dreamt of a place to bring their families to enjoy fresh food and fun together.

Their thought of mixing bold ideas, rich Peruvian flavors, and fresh ingredients kept them awake at night until they decided to open Sardi’s. The first Sardi’s opened in Beltsville, MD on July 25th, 2008. Combining traditional Peruvian recipes with flavors of the South, Sardi’s was “designed for your family and your taste buds to enjoy.”

Now they serve Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania with over a dozen locations and more on the way. One of Phil’s proudest moments was when Sardi’s was selected as a premier caterer for Barack Obama’s inaugural ball. Through Sardi’s he also recently provided meals to the National Guard.

Phil was loved in the community as evident by an outpouring of social media support– He battled strong for over a month. He leaves behind his four children. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.

Driver Dies in Head on Crash on Clopper Road

At approximately 5:45am, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue units were dispatched to Clopper Road and Orchard Hills Drive between Longdraft Drive and W Watkins Mill Rd on Gaithersburg.

Per MCFRS PIO Pete Piringer, the collision involved two sedans and entrapment in one of the vehicles. The male driver of one of the sedans died on the scene and the other driver was taken to the hospital with injuries. The identity of the driver has not been released yet.

Two others involved in the crash were injured and a fire fighter was also injured with non-life threatening injuries.

Per Ready Montgomery: Traffic incident blocks both directions of Clopper Rd (MD-117) between Watkins Mill Rd and Longdraft Rd. Expect significant delays due to crash investigation. Seek alternate route (as of 9:30am Sunday morning).

Information and photo courtesy of Pete Piringer

Arrest Made in Boyds Murder, Vigil for the Victim to be Held This Evening at 6:30pm

A candlelight vigil will be held for Javon Gordon at Clarksburg High School this evening at 6:30pm. Javon was shot and killed on the 12900 block of Ethel Rose Way in Boyds this past Tuesday.

An arrest was made earlier today. Update and original release available below.

Per Montgomery County Police:

Homicide Arrest: Rodjaun Orlando Neil-Williams, 19, of Clarksburg, has been arrested and charged with the second-degree murder of 23-year-old Javon Jamal Gordon of Boyds. News release will be issued later today. Bond review today at 1:00 pm.

Original release from Montgomery County Police:

Detectives from the Major Crimes Division are investigating the homicide of 23-year-old Javon Jamal Gordon of Ethel Rose Way in Boyds.  Investigators do not believe this was a random incident.

On Tuesday, April 13, at approximately 6:52 pm, the Emergency Communications Center (911) received a call for the report of a shooting in the 12900 block of Ethel Rose Way in Boyds.  5^th District officers responded to the area and located Gordon laying in the street suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to his upper body.  Residents had already begun to administer CPR and responding officers continued to attempt these lifesaving measures.  Fire and Rescue personnel also responded to the scene.  Despite the lifesaving attempts, Gordon was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Preliminary investigation by Major Crimes detectives has determined that Gordon briefly interacted with the suspect(s),who were in a vehicle, before he was shot.  The suspect(s) then fled the area in the vehicle.

This remains an active and ongoing homicide investigation and no further details can be confirmed at this time.