Armed robbery in Gaithersburg

City of Gaithersburg police responded to a report of an armed robbery in Gaithersburg on Wednesday. A victim was robbed at gunpoint in the 300 block of West Deer Park Road just before 8:30 PM, according to crime data.

Montgomery County won't join rest of Maryland in Phase 2 reopening Friday

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has put Montgomery County officials on the hot seat again, announcing that he will move the state's reopening from coronavirus lockdown to Phase 2 on Friday, June 5, 2020 at 5:00 PM. Montgomery only entered Phase 1 three days ago, long after most of the state did. That led to many complaints from the business community and residents who argue the damage to their livelihoods and the economy is worse than the risk of contracting coronavirus. With County Executive Marc Elrich making clear he once again will be taking a more cautious approach than Hogan, those critics are livid.

By Friday evening, most of the state will be permitted to reopen businesses the governor had termed "non-essential." Churches, hair salons, barbershops, nail salons, massage parlors, tanning salons and tattoo parlors will be allowed to reopen at 50% of capacity inside. But not in Montgomery County. Elrich said on Twitter that he and other officials are evaluating if any of the loosened criteria lines up with Montgomery's Phase 1 guidelines.

Even Hogan did not escape criticism Wednesday, as his executive order still does not allow gyms, movie theaters, indoor malls, amusement parks, bowling alleys, or sporting events. One Twitter critic said the governor was "social distancing from reality."

Still others remain afraid to venture out to businesses just yet, and are in no hurry to loosen restrictions. By the middle of next week, we should know whether or not the Memorial Day weekend Ocean City boardwalk crowds caused a spike in infections or not. If so, leaders will be in quite a pickle. If not, they'll still be under fire, as there will be even more demand to reopen at the county and state levels.

Assault at Germantown bus stop

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an assault in Germantown yesterday. The assault occurred at a bus stop in the 19900 block of Aircraft Drive around 9:40 AM.

Car stolen in Germantown

Montgomery County police responded to the report of a stolen car in Germantown Sunday morning. The vehicle appears to have been taken from the driveway of a home in the 19500 block of Fetlock Drive sometime over the night. Another reminder to lock car doors, and remove any valuables visible in the vehicle cabin.

New sign installed at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg

You may recall that earlier this month Rio Lakefront property owner Peterson Cos. sought permission to install a new sign at the entrance to the Gaithersburg development. The sign has just been installed. Here it is as it is best appreciated, after dark.

Okey Poke opens in Gaithersburg

Celebrate the grand opening of Okey Poke at 501 N. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg this weekend. The poke bowl restaurant serves both raw and tempura seafood selections. Curbside/takeout service is available, and you can place your order online. Here's a look at the menu they've posted outside:

Hogan extends moratorium on utility shutoffs, allows breweries to serve in outdoor seating

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan issued two coronavirus-related executive orders this morning. First, he has extended the moratorium on utility shutoffs - including internet and phone service - until July 1, 2020. Secondly, he is allowing state-licensed breweries, wineries and distilleries to begin serving customers on-premises in outdoor seating only. Hogan's order also allows third-party shipment of alcoholic beverages to consumers.