Burglary spree in Poolesville

One burglar went on a broad daylight burglary spree in a residential neighborhood in Poolesville on December 1, 2025. According to Montgomery County police, the burglar was successful in obtaining entry to three homes in the Stoney Springs neighborhood between 12:13 PM and 2:00 PM that afternoon. One home entered was in the 17600 block of Cobb Avenue, and the other two were in the 20200 block of McNamara Road. Police describe the suspect only as a White male of unknown age.

Angel Reese meal now available at McDonald's in Montgomery County

McDonald's' latest celebrity meal veers from the music world to the WNBA. The Angel Reese meal includes the new BBQ Bacon Quarter Pounder with Cheese. "Featuring an unapologetically bold and smoky BBQ sauce with crispy bacon, this breakout QPC® is taking it to the next level," McDonald's promises. "Each BBQ Bacon Quarter Pounder with Cheese is cooked when you order with a 100% fresh beef+ quarter pound patty, seasoned with just a pinch of salt and pepper, and sizzled on our flat iron grill. It’s smothered in smoky BBQ sauce and layered with crispy bacon, two slices of melty American cheese, slivered onions and tangy pickles all on a soft and fluffy sesame seed hamburger bun."

Reportedly, the BBQ sauce is a new recipe, and not the one used for McNuggets or the McRib. The Angel Reese Special also includes a medium fries, and Hi-C Orange is the recommended beverage pairing.(or other soft drink) round out the roster and has 1230 calories. Speaking of local basketball stars...here in Washington, we are looking forward to the Cooper Flagg Meal, if the NBA doesn't cheat us out of the #1 draft pick again.

Driver escapes injury after crashing into Poolesville post office

A driver escaped unharmed after crashing into the U.S. Post Office at 19800 Fisher Avenue in Poolesville Monday, January 27, 2025. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson Pete Piringer said the driver declined an ambulance ride to the hospital for further testing, after being evaluated at the scene by paramedics. Fortunately, no patrons were on the sidewalk or in the lobby area at the time of the collision. A County building inspector was called in to ensure the structural integrity of the library, and determine the extent of the damage, Piringer said.

Photo courtesy MCFRS/Pete Piringer

Attempted armed robbery at CVS in Poolesville

Montgomery County police responded to an attempted armed robbery in Poolesville on August 23, 2024. A male suspect entered the CVS Pharmacy at 19594 Fisher Avenue at 10:02 PM. He displayed a firearm and attempted to steal money, but was unsuccessful and fled. 

Police describe the suspect only as a Black male in his mid-30s. No images of the suspect from the store's surveillance video have been released. If you have any information about this suspect or incident, call police at (301) 279-8000. 

When will Tropical Storm Debby impact upper Montgomery County?

Tropical Storm Debby is currently 471 miles from Montgomery County, Maryland, which will feel the former hurricane's impacts over the next three days. The storm will affect the entire Washington, D.C. metro area from around 8:00 PM Thursday night to 1:00 AM on Saturday morning. Accuweather is currently forecasting a total rainfall of 4 to 8 inches, with peak wind gusts of 40 MPH. The peak of the storm is expected to be from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Friday, when the most rain will fall on the area.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has declared a State of Preparedness ahead of the storm. "The safety of Marylanders is our top priority," Moore said in a statement. "By declaring a State of Preparedness, I am directing the Department of Emergency Management to coordinate the comprehensive preparation of State government ahead of potential impacts from the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby. Residents and visitors should monitor local weather forecasts, remain vigilant, and be prepared to follow safety instructions from local emergency officials."

Remember to keep phones and devices charged ahead of the storm. Now is the time to check batteries in your flashlights, and purchase additional batteries. Have a small transistor radio to monitor emergency bulletins and weather conditions if you lose power. And make sure your gas tank is at least half-full.

Tropical Storm Debby is currently approaching the coast of South Carolina. Its maximum sustained wind speed is 60 MPH, according to the National Weather Service, and it is moving northeast at 5 MPH. The storm is blamed for the deaths of six people in the southern United States so far.

Images courtesy NOAA, Office of Gov. Wes Moore

Free donuts at Dunkin' Donuts in upper Montgomery County this Friday, June 7

National Donut Day is this Friday, June 7, 2024. That means free donuts at your local Dunkin' Donuts in Gaithersburg, Germantown, Damascus, Clarksburg, Montgomery Village, and Poolesville. Get a free donut with the purchase of any beverage, including the limited-time drinks of summer 2024 like the Blueberry Donut Iced Coffee or the Vanilla Frosted Donut Iced Coffee Signature Latte. 

Dunkin' Donuts has also teamed up with Scrub Daddy to create two Dunkin' Donuts-themed sponges. The Scrub Daddy and Scrub Mommy sponges come as a set for $9.98 plus shipping. They can be ordered online. 

Photos courtesy Dunkin' Donuts

Where to watch fireworks in Gaithersburg, Germantown, Laytonsville, Poolesville 2022

Who needs the hassle of riding Metro downtown, or getting caught up in the Independence Day traffic, when there are many other fireworks shows right here in Montgomery County - most private - that can be viewed from nearby parking lots. Just remember not to trespass on private property. If you are within two blocks of a professional fireworks launch site, consider wearing hearing protection to avoid developing tinnitus or hearing loss, especially for children.

Let's take a look at what the fine country clubs and other organizations have in store for us this July 4th holiday of 2022:

Bethesda/Chevy Chase/Potomac

Columbia Country Club - June 28/9:10 PM

Congressional Country Club - July 3/9:15 PM

Kenwood Golf & Country Club - June 30/9:00 PM

Gaithersburg (PUBLIC)

Bohrer Park - July 2/9:20 PM

Germantown (PUBLIC)

South Germantown Recreational Park - July 4/9:15 PM

(18041 Central Park Circle in Germantown/Concert 7:00 PM/No alcohol/No pets/"Low" lawn chairs, blankets & coolers permitted)

Laytonsville

Montgomery Country Club - July 1/9:20 PM

Poolesville (PUBLIC)

Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department at soccer fields on Hughes Road at Sugarland Road - July 4

(Event begins 5:00 PM, fireworks "after dark"/Parking $5.00/No alcohol/No pets/Coolers will be inspected)

Rockville

Manor Country Club - July 1/9:00 PM

Norbeck Country Club - June 30/9:20 PM

Mattie JT Stepanek Park - July 4/9:15 PM (PUBLIC)

Silver Spring

Argyle Country Club - July 1/9:00 PM

Wheaton (PUBLIC)

Albert Einstein High School - July 2/9:15 PM

(Event begins with concert at 6:00 PM/Disabled parking only on-site/Park at Westfield Wheaton Mall beginning at 5:30 PM and take free shuttle to Einstein HS/No alcohol/No pets/"Low" lawn chairs, blankets & coolers permitted)

Photo courtesy Warner Brothers

Montgomery County hopes to reopen Poolesville liquor store today, reducing hours at all County liquor stores

The Montgomery County monopoly liquor store at 19710-D Fisher Avenue in Poolesville has been closed for two days, due to a staffing shortage. County officials said yesterday that they are hopeful the store will be able to reopen today, Wednesday, January 12, 2022. However, staffing shortages across the entire government monopoly liquor operation will require reduced hours at all County liquor stores starting today, as well. Sunday hours will remain the same, but all stores will operate from 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Monday-Saturday, until further notice.

The Crossvines project moving forward at Poolesville Golf Course

Montgomery County is getting started on a promising project to increase revenue, and help further develop the County's agricultural sector, at the County Revenue Authority-owned Poolesville Golf Course at 16601 West Willard Road. Demolition permits have been requested for the existing clubhouse. In addition to a replacement clubhouse, a new winery, a banquet hall, a classroom, a crush facility and a malting facility will be constructed on the property. MCRA is partnering with the University of Maryland to not only train students in the field, but also to research varieties of grapes and other crops.

Poolesville fireworks 2021

Montgomery County has canceled its government-funded public fireworks displays this year, making it an outlier among our neighbors Frederick and Howard counties, who are proceeding with theirs. The City of Rockville has also canceled its display, and City of Gaithersburg officials have postponed theirs. What is a traditionalist to do? If you are near any of these mostly-private fireworks displays, you may be able to enjoy a free show anyway (just don't trespass on private property). 

Bethesda/Chevy Chase/Potomac

Chevy Chase Club - July 3, 2021/9:30 PM

Columbia Country Club - June 29/9:10 PM

Congressional Country Club - July 4/9:15 PM

Kenwood Golf & Country Club - June 30/9:15 PM

Poolesville (PUBLIC)

Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department at soccer fields on Hughes Road at Sugarland Road - July 4/Event begins 5:00 PM, fireworks "after dark"/Parking $5.00

Rockville

Manor Country Club - July 1/9:30 PM

Norbeck Country Club - July 1/9:20 PM

Woodmont Country Club - June 26/9:30 PM

Silver Spring

Argyle Country Club - July 2/9:30 PM

Car stolen, property taken from another in Poolesville

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a stolen car in Poolesville early Tuesday morning. The vehicle was reported stolen from a residential parking lot in the 19500 block of Fisher Avenue around 2:23 AM, according to crime data. 

Property was stolen from another vehicle in Poolesville the previous evening. That car was parked in a lot in the 19500 block of Wootton Avenue. 19500...Another numerologist criminal?

Upcounty restaurants hit hard by new Montgomery County Covid-19 restrictions as cases, hospitalizations spike

Upcounty restaurants already struggling through the coronavirus pandemic are facing another financial blow, as Covid-19 cases spike in Montgomery County ahead of what is expected to be a difficult winter. Many mom-and-pop restaurants, and even operators of chain businesses, have said they are struggling to turn a profit while surviving month-to-month with various government assistance programs. On Tuesday, the Montgomery County Council unanimously approved tougher Covid-19 restrictions, including the reduction of restaurant capacity to 25% effective yesterday at 5:00 PM.

The new restrictions limit gatherings to 25 people or less. 25% capacity restrictions will also apply to houses of worship, retail stores, museums and galleries, and gyms. Restaurants will now be required to maintain a record of all indoor and outdoor patrons, for at least 30 days, to assist with contact tracing. Information collected must include date, time, name of each patron and contact information.

Loss of indoor dining capacity comes just as plummeting temperatures make outdoor dining much less practical. Whether heaters and tents will in any way reduce that impact will be determined for the first time this winter. We are in uncharted waters in an industry that already has razor-thin profit margins in high-rent, high-tax, high-operating-cost, liquor-monopoly-controlled Montgomery County.

At the same time, there is no doubt the pandemic is taking a turn for the worse as winter approaches, as many had predicted. Maryland hospital beds are currently filled at a higher rate than during the summer coronavirus spike. All County hospitals were under Blue Alert Monday night, and at least one went to a full Red Alert Tuesday, forcing rerouting of emergency patients who require electrocardiogram-monitored beds. Yesterday, Covid-related hospitalizations in America reached a record high.

Rape reported in Poolesville

Montgomery County police responded to the report of a strong-arm rape in Poolesville on Wednesday afternoon. The sexual assault was reported at a school property in the 17500 block of West Willard Road around 1:37 PM, according to crime data.

Poolesville resident arrested in Urbana armed robbery

A Poolesville resident has been arrested in the armed robbery of the Bank of America branch on Worthington Boulevard in Urbana. Jerry Lee Tolbert, 54, is being held without bond in jail in Frederick County.

WFMD reports that Tolbert has been charged with one count each of armed robbery, 1st-degree assault, 2nd-degree assault, reckless endangerment and the use of a firearm in a felony crime of violence. The robbery took place on February 11.

Gaithersburg, Germantown, Clarksburg, Damascus hit by unusual January storm

Damaged car on
Norbeck Road

The upcounty area of Montgomery County is being pounded by severe storms this morning. A tornado was issued for parts of Gaithersburg and Germantown, as well as the northeast corner of the upcounty near the Howard and Carroll County borders. Flooding has been reported across the upcounty, as have fallen trees and power lines. The whole county is being hit by the unusual February summer-style storm, but the upcounty is being affected the most.

Power lines, tree down on
Darnestown Road at
White Ground Road

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services have received so many emergency calls that they are now operating under Condition Red, which means there may be longer response times, particularly for non-critical incidents. Violent weather and storm damage have also impacted parts of Poolesville, Rockville and Silver Spring, most notably in the Dawsonville, Norbeck Road and Layhill Road areas.

Route 109 is currently blocked between MD 355 and the I-270 overpass after a tree fell across the roadway. Some lanes are also blocked at Route 28 and Route 107. Trees are also reported down by MCFRS on Circle Gate Drive in Germantown.

Photos by Pete Piringer/MCFRS

Maryland named worst state to retire in

High taxes, cost of living,

crime & poor health

sink state in national ranking

Just days after one of Montgomery County's top CEOs bodyslammed elected officials for failing to build the highway infrastructure needed to compete with Northern Virginia, those same County officials and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan were treated to a piledriver from Bankrate.com. The financial advice website ranked all 50 states from best to worst as retirement destinations. Maryland was named the absolute worst state in America to retire in, finishing dead last.

Bankrate cited Maryland's high taxes, high cost of living, unaffordable health care, high crime, and poor health as the primary reasons prospective retirees should steer wide and clear of our state. The last place finish is a national humiliation for our smug, corrupt and self-promoting elected officials. While our Draconian taxes, surging crime and high cost of living are already notorious, the survey especially stung because our elected officials have routinely crowed about how healthy Montgomery County is.

Not so, says Bankrate, which used Maryland health data from Gallup, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to evaluate the wellness of Marylanders, and their access to health care in the state. This isn't the first report to contradict false statements by County politicians on public health. A troubling percentage of residents in eastern Montgomery County self-reported they are in poor health in a County survey that was (not-surprisingly) ignored by all media outlets except this one. And just last year, Montgomery was found to have the highest and fastest-growing rate of sexually-transmitted disease in the state.

Where should you retire? Bankrate declared Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, South Dakota, Florida, and Kentucky as top destinations for those calling it a career. In dead last, Maryland is far behind Alabama, Tennessee, Texas and other states that are already destroying it in economic development. Along with more disastrous news on that front in recent weeks, will Montgomery County's Lake Wobegon fever finally break and bring serious change to the leadership of our moribund jurisdiction?

Storm causes fatal accident in Poolesville

A 79-year-old man was killed last night in Poolesville, when his vehicle struck a tree felled by a violent storm. The victim's identity is being withheld by Montgomery County Police until his family can be notified.

Around 8:30 PM last night, the man was driving his 2008 Chevrolet S-10 pickup east on Darnestown Road when he struck a downed tree. Earlier reports from police and fire departments suggested power lines had also been knocked down, with the wires trapping the driver inside.

The collision occurred at the intersection of Darnestown Road and Cattail Road, where the driver was pronounced dead.

Last evening's storm caused many scattered power outages in Germantown and Gaithersburg, as well.

Detectives continue to investigate this collision. Anyone who witnessed this collision is asked to contact the Collision Reconstruction Unit at 240-773-6620.