Update on Mason's Lobster Rolls in Gaithersburg (Photos)

Construction is in the advanced stage at Mason's Lobster Rolls, opening soon at 201-A Boardwalk Place at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg. Mason's offers Maine and Connecticut-style lobster rolls. They have several Washington, D.C. locations, as well as one at National Harbor in gorgeous Prince George's County. Stay tuned for an opening date.

Han Spot sets opening date at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg

Han Spot, the newest venture from local restaurateur Chris Zhu, now has an opening date at 9811 Washingtonian Boulevard at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg. The authentic Chinese restaurant will open tomorrow, August 9, 2024 for dinner, the restaurant announced Wednesday. It is in the former Union Jack's space at the Peterson Cos. development. If you've been to other restaurants owned by Zhu, you'll expect the decor and presentation to be as top-notch as the cuisine.

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

Multiple vehicles stolen from Mr. 301 Auto Sales in Montgomery Village

Multiple vehicles were stolen from the Mr. 301 Auto Sales dealership at 8061 Snouffer School Road in Montgomery Village in the early morning hours of July 22, 2024, Montgomery County police report. Officers responding to the scene found evidence of forced entry at the business. Car keys had been taken from inside the dealership, and were apparently used to start and steal several cars on the lot.

One of the stolen cars was located and recovered by police on July 27. Police have not provided any physical description of the suspects involved. If you have any information regarding this case, you are asked to call police at (301) 279-8000.

Copper Canyon Grill dining pier construction advances in Gaithersburg

Here's a look at the progress on the new dining pier being constructed on the lake by Copper Canyon Grill at 100 Boardwalk Place at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg. The pier was designed to use wood materials where possible, to blend in with the boardwalk, and will have an asphalt shingle roof. Copper Canyon Grill was the first restaurant at Rio Lakefront to obtain permission to build out onto the water in September of 2023; Guapo's soon followed in seeking approval for its own this year. 

Spirit Halloween returning to Gaithersburg for 2024

Spirit Halloween will be returning to Montgomery County for the 2024 Halloween season. This year, the Gaithersburg store will be in the former Pier One space at 30 Grand Corner Avenue at Rio Lakefront. Spirit Halloween says it will open later this month. A visit to Spirit Halloween is a Halloween season event all in itself.

DMV Empanadas opens in Gaithersburg

DMV Empanadas is now open at 560 N. Frederick Avenue at Gaithersburg Square. The Latin American fast-casual restaurant got its start as farmers market vendor in 2015, and started a bricks-and-mortar operation in Olde Towne Gaithersburg a few years later. It swapped that storefront for this one on a higher-traffic road. Initial soft-opening hours for DMV Empanadas are 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Saturdays, and 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Sundays.