Armed robbery in Germantown

Montgomery County police are searching for a suspect in relation to an armed robbery that was reported in Germantown on the afternoon of February 16, 2024. The robbery was reported at the intersection of Observation Drive at Found Stone Road, a residential area, at 1:25 PM that day. Police say a Hispanic male in his late teens or early twenties allegedly approached the juvenile male victim, and displayed a firearm. The suspect fled on foot with property from the victim. If you have any information regarding the suspect or this incident, you are asked to call police at the anonymous Crime Solvers tipline at 1-866-411-8477, or the non-emergency number at 301-279-8000.

Monumental Sports Network to broadcast Old Glory DC pro rugby matches for 2024 season

Monumental Sports Network has reached an agreement to broadcast 13 of Old Glory DC's Major League Rugby matches during the 2024 season. Old Glory DC plays its home games here in Montgomery County, at the Maryland Soccerplex in Germantown. The season and broadcast schedule will begin with Old Glory DC's road opener against the New Orleans NOLA Gold this coming Saturday, March 2 at 4:00 PM EST. The games streamed by Monumental Sports Network can be watched through your Pay TV subscription on cable TV, on monumentalsportsnetwork.com, or by downloading the Monumental streaming app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV, and using an "eligible TV Everywhere log-in."

"Monumental Sports Network is the ideal partner to carry Old Glory and bring all the action, intensity and elegance of professional rugby to the entire Greater Washington Region," Old Glory DC Chairman Chris Dunlavey said in a statement Wednesday. "Rugby is the greatest team sport in the world, and Monumental is bringing it to your living room."

“We are thrilled to welcome Old Glory to the Monumental Sports Network family,” Monumental Sports Network VP of Content & Programming Caitlin Mangum said. “We are happy to bolster our live programming lineup and offer D.C.-area sports fans the chance to enjoy this exciting and quickly growing sport.”

The schedule for Old Glory DC matches on Monumental Sports Network will be as follows:

Saturday, March 2 at NOLA Gold at 4pm

Saturday, March 9 at New England Free Jacks at 2pm

Saturday, March 16 vs. Chicago Hounds at 4pm

Saturday, March 23 vs. San Diego Legion at 4pm

Saturday, March 30 at Charlotte Rugby at 6pm

Saturday, April 6 vs. RFC Los Angeles at 5pm

Saturday, April 20 vs. Houston Sabercats at 5pm

Saturday, May 11 at Chicago Hounds at 6pm

Friday, May 24 at Seattle Seawolves at 10:30pm

Saturday, June 1 vs. Charlotte Rugby at 7pm

Saturday, June 8 vs. New England Free Jacks at 7pm

Saturday, June 22 at Miami Sharks at 7:30pm

Saturday, June 29 vs. NOLA Gold at 7pm

Aldi construction begins at Walnut Hill Shopping Center in Gaithersburg

Excitement is in the air at the venerable Walnut Hill Shopping Center at 16529 S. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg. Contractor HBW Construction of Rockville has begun work converting the former Weis Markets space for new anchor tenant Aldi. Renovations to update the shopping center's appearance are also underway at the property, as you can see below. 

Continue to patronize your favorite businesses at the center, as despite the tarps and scaffolding, all tenants remain open during the renovations. A second Gaithersburg location of Sheetz will add to the buzz at the shopping center in the future. The City of Gaithersburg recently approved the annexation of Walnut Hill into the city, in large part to secure the agreement with Sheetz. That Sheetz deal became a critical linchpin in Walnut Hill's plan to revitalize the property. Walnut Hill's ownership said the revenue from the Sheetz would finance the renovations to the center, property upgrades that Aldi had required as a condition of its lease. Sheetz opened its first Gaithersburg store last year, and shortly thereafter declared it was "highly-impressed with the performance" of the location.

Menu screens activated inside Wawa opening soon in Gaithersburg

The opening of the first Wawa in Montgomery County is that much closer today, with the activation of the animated flatscreen menu boards inside the convenience store at 405 S. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg. Through the windows, the screens could be seen cycling through menu items and promotional messages. 

Outside the building, fresh asphalt has been laid down on part of the parking lot area, and striping has been painted for parking spaces and crosswalks. Gas pumps have been in place since last November, and remain taped off for now. Wawa continues to show no dates for this, or any other new Wawa store, on the "Store Grand Openings" page on its website as of this writing.

New menu items at Dogfish Head Alehouse in Gaithersburg

Dogfish Head Alehouse at 800 W. Diamond Avenue in Gaithersburg has added several new items to its menu specials. Joining the list are Carne Asada, Louisiana Salmon, Seafood Stew and Chocolate Mousse. They will be available for a limited time only. This week only, the Burger of the Week is the Hearty Breakfast Burger topped with a fried avocado, a fried egg, bacon, provolone & cheddar cheese and Chipotle Mayo. It comes with a side of beach fries for $17. 

Louisiana Salmon

Seafood Stew

Chocolate Mousse

Hearty Breakfast Burger

Old Glory DC pro rugby team to host open training session for fans today in Germantown

Professional rugby arrives at the Maryland Soccerplex at 18031 Central Park Drive in Germantown today, February 24, 2024. Old Glory DC, a Major League Rugby team, will host an open training session from 1:00 to 3:00 PM this afternoon. In addition to a preview of the team in action, fans can meet the coaches and players after the session ends. Team ambassadors will provide "Rugby 101" explanations and provide real-time match analysis, and food and beverages (including adult beverages) will be available for sale from vendors on-site. Admission to the event is free.

Old Glory DC's new head coach is Simon Cross. This season's roster features stars from 11 countries around the world, including Team Captain Jamason Faanana-Schultz (AUS), DC native Jack Iscaro (USA) Rob Harley (GBR) of the Glasgow Warriors, Damien Hoyland (GBR) of the Edinburgh Rugby Club, Axel Muller (ARG), and Perry Humphreys (GBR). 

The team's season will begin March 2, 2024 with a road game against the New Orleans NOLA Gold. Old Glory DC's home opener at the Soccerplex will be on March 16, when the club hosts the Chicago Hounds. Single match and season tickets can be purchased during today's event, or online.

Break-in at Gaithersburg hardware store

Gaithersburg City police responded to a burglar alarm at a hardware store early Tuesday morning, February 20, 2024. The alarm was triggered at 2:03 AM Tuesday at a store in the 700 block of E. Diamond Avenue. Officers responding to the scene found evidence of forced entry at the store. There is no word yet on what, if any, merchandise or money was stolen.

Assault at Damascus construction site

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an assault at a construction site in Damascus Tuesday afternoon, February 20, 2024. The assault was reported at a construction site in the 26000 block of Ridge Road (MD 27) at 2:30 PM Tuesday.

Five Below seeks sign waivers from City of Gaithersburg

Five Below at 202 Kentlands Boulevard at Kentlands Market Square is asking the City of Gaithersburg for two sign waivers, to facilitate the addition of signage the discount store says it needs to remain viable at the property. The signs are necessary due to trees, landscaping and a traffic intersection that Five Below says blocks views of its store and existing signage. 

Both signs would exceed the City's 5% maximum individual sign size, and would be lit at night. One sign would be above the main entrance facing the parking lot, and the second would face Kentlands Boulevard. The waiver applications will be taken up by the Gaithersburg Planning Commission at their meeting tonight, February 21, 2024. City staff are recommending approval of both waivers.

Strong-arm robbery in Montgomery Village

Montgomery County police are searching for five suspects who assaulted and stole property from an adult male victim in Montgomery Village on February 7, 2024 around 8:00 PM. The incident was reported in the 19200 block of Montgomery Village Avenue; the Montgomery Village Center is located there. Police describe the suspects as a Black male aged 18-20, three Black males of unknown age, and one Black female of unknown age. If you can identify any of the suspects, or have any information related to this incident, you are asked to call police at the anonymous Crime Solvers tipline at 1-866-411-8477, or the non-emergency number at 301-279-8000.

Indecent exposure at Germantown apartment complex

Montgomery County police responded to a report of indecent exposure at an apartment complex in Germantown this past Monday night, February 12, 2024. The incident was reported in the parking lot of the Cherry Knoll Apartments at 18832 Bent Willow Circle at 10:52 PM Monday.

Gaithersburg man dies after being struck by driver of SUV

A Gaithersburg man was pronounced dead at the scene after being struck by the driver of a gray 2020 Honda CR-V in Montgomery Hills Tuesday night, February 13, 2024. Khalid Shakir Scriven, 27, was in the roadway of the 9500 block of Georgia Avenue near Flora Lane around 8:00 PM when he was hit. The driver of the CR-V remained at the scene and is cooperating with police.

An accident investigation is active and ongoing, police say. Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact CRU detectives at (240) 773-6620.

Frederick man arrested after allegedly discharging firearm in Montgomery Village

A man suspected of firing a handgun in a residential area of Montgomery Village was arrested in another part of the Village, after fleeing police responding to a shots-fired 911 call. Montgomery County police say Zyree Keishon Niseir Wilson, 23, of Frederick, Maryland allegedly displayed and then discharged a handgun in the 9900 block of Ridgeline Drive just before 8:43 PM on January 27, 2024. After setting up a perimeter, officers located Wilson nearby, but continued to pursue him on foot as he ran away from them again. Wilson was captured in the 10600 block of Stedwick Road, and taken into custody.

Handgun police say was in
Wilson's waistband when he
was arrested

Wilson was quickly released from jail on $500 bond. He faces charges of obstructing and hindering law enforcement, as well as multiple handgun charges, including possession of a handgun, possessing a loaded handgun, illegally possessing a handgun and illegally possessing ammunition. Police say he had a loaded handgun in his waistband when they caught up with him. There are two outstanding arrest warrants for Wilson in Frederick County, and detectives determined he is ineligible to possess a firearm due to unspecified reasons.

Gaithersburg construction update: Han Spot at Rio Lakefront (Photos)

Here's a look at the progress inside of Han Spot, the Chinese restaurant opening this year at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg. It is in the former Union Jack's space. In fact, an artifact from Union Jack's can still be seen on the back wall in two of the photos below. There is still quite a ways to go on the interior fit-out of the new restaurant, which property owner Peterson Cos. promises will have "something for everyone" on the menu.

Francesca's Collections closes in Gaithersburg

Francesca's Collections has closed at 9 Grand Corner Avenue at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg. The apparel boutique chain announced it would close 140 stores as it faced a potential bankruptcy back in 2020. That included the Bethesda Row location, but this one survived the cut. Alas, the axe has fallen in Gaithersburg now, as well, although the brand has been expanding more than contracting recently with the acquisition of Richer Poorer.

Larry Hogan announces run for U.S. Senate in Maryland

Larry Hogan, with wife Yumi,
files for U.S. Senate race at the
Maryland Board of Elections office in
Annapolis Friday

Former Maryland Larry Hogan (R) has finally come to his senses, and is running for the one office he might have a chance to win in 2024, the Maryland U.S. Senate seat of the retiring Ben Cardin (D). The question that will be answered in November: Did Hogan's decision come too late? Hogan announced his entry into the race Friday afternoon. Since leaving office in January 2023, the former governor has been exploring a potential run for U.S. President - - initially as a Republican, then as part of a bipartisan ticket under the No Labels platform.

Hogan is the strongest candidate for the U.S. Senate the Maryland GOP has been able to muster in decades. He might have even been the favorite in the race, had he segued directly from being a popular governor with bipartisan support to the Senate campaign. But Hogan's presidential ambitions have enraged both the Donald Trump-loving base of the GOP, and Democrats and independent voters who fear a No Labels ticket will end up sending Trump back to the White House in 2025. 

Once praised by Democrats for his willingness to trash Trump on the national stage, Hogan has received more jeers than cheers on social media for his No Labels adventure and U.S. Senate announcement. And Trump supporters, who still remember Hogan verbally pummeling Republican gubernatorial nominee Dan Cox throughout the 2022 election season, were already lashing "Lockdown Larry" online within minutes of his announcement Friday.

The initial raw feelings will likely give way to a suddenly serious race for the U.S. Senate in Maryland. One big winner after Hogan's announcement: local broadcasters, who are going to enjoy an infusion of cash from the Republican National Committee, National Republican Senatorial Committee and GOP dark money groups. MAGA Republicans may not be enthused to vote for Hogan, but the multinational corporations behind various superPACs suddenly see a Senate seat that could be flipped from blue to red by an establishment Reagan Republican.

The biggest losers from Hogan's entry? Democratic candidate Angela Alsobrooks, as national and Maryland Democratic strategists grapple with the fact that only David Trone will be able to dominate the money race in a contest with Hogan. And Republican Robin Ficker, who was the frontrunner in the GOP primary race until yesterday afternoon. Ficker had the most money, and greatest name recognition, among the GOP candidates prior to Hogan's announcement.

Trone vs. Hogan would likely be a premier matchup this fall, with money and national surrogates pouring into the state. The advantage has to go to Trone at the moment. He not only has unlimited funds from his own pocket, but his friends include Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Trone has even hosted fundraisers with Obama and Bill Clinton -- in person -- at his home.

Another big problem for Hogan: abortion. The word you will hear the most from summer to fall in 2024: Abortion, abortion, abortion. It will be coming from your television speakers during every commercial break. The abortion issue could provide Democrats with a clean sweep of the White House, U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate in November. It's been a winning issue for Democrats in blue and red states alike, since Roe v. Wade was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. It's an issue Hogan will have to skillfully navigate, as in that context, few Democrats will want to help tip the Senate back to the GOP by voting for Larry Hogan.

Still, even Trone hasn't been able to buy a seat in Congress every time he's run, losing his first primary contest to Jamie Raskin. Trone doesn't have much support among Republicans, except when compared to more-progressive candidates in his party. On balance, Hogan is remembered by independent and moderate voters in both major parties as a popular governor who ran the state well for eight years. He has much more name recognition statewide than Trone. But he doesn't have the razor-thin advantage he might have had, if he had gone directly into the race from Government House in 2023.

Photo courtesy Hogan for Maryland

Hangry Joe's opens in Montgomery Village

Where do you go for Nashville Hot Chicken in Montgomery Village? To Hangry Joe's Hot Chicken at 19292 Montgomery Village Avenue, in the Montgomery Village Center. The newest location of the rapidly-growing chicken sandwich chain is open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, seven days a week. Delivery is available through UberEats, DoorDash and GrubHub.

Baskin Robbins now open in Montgomery Village

Baskin Robbins is now open at 19316 Montgomery Village Avenue, in the Montgomery Village Center. I like the lighted logo signs that have the number 31 embedded in the letters, and the main one over the storefront seems to be inspired by the colors of their Cotton Candy flavor ice cream. The Flavor of the Month is Love Potion #31 for Valentine's Day, with white chocolate and raspberry flavored ice creams mixed with raspberry-filled chocolate-flavored hearts, raspberry swirls, and chocolate-flavored chips. More good news: Cookie Monster, initially a Flavor of the Month for July 2023, was so well-received that it became a permanent flavor on the menu.

Montgomery County to host meeting on security at houses of worship Feb. 21

Montgomery County officials will host a special meeting regarding security at houses of worship on February 21, 2024, from 7:00 - 9:00 PM. The meeting will be held in Bethesda, at a location to be announced only to those who register. "Attacks on houses of worship continue to occur at an alarming rate," a meeting announcement states. The meeting will feature presentations by representatives from the Montgomery County Police Department, the Fire and Explosives Investigation Unit of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, and the County's Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. 

Attendees will learn how to "minimize the risk of violent intruders," and what to do in the event of an attack on their house of worship. A menorah was vandalized outside a synagogue in Olney last December, and a suspect desecrated and attempted to burn down two Christian churches - and vandalized a Baptist cemetery - along Old Georgetown Road in Bethesda in July 2022. Meeting registration is open online now.

Photo courtesy Montgomery County

MD Retailers Association revives effort to allow beer, wine sales in Maryland grocery stores

MRA poster inside Harris Teeter

One of the biggest shocks to the system many new residents of Montgomery County experience, is the moment they learn they cannot purchase beer or wine at their local grocery store or convenience store. They quickly become familiar with Montgomery County's government monopoly on alcohol sales, and the archaic liquor laws of MoCo and Maryland. Restaurateurs and retailers frustrated with the status quo that reduces the profit margins of their businesses - and puts them at a disadvantage when competing against their rivals in Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia - made a push to change these laws in the last decade. The effort ran out of steam when no significant media campaign or financial contributions were employed to directly boost the candidates for office who would vote to overturn the Prohibition-style system.

Now the Maryland Retailers Association is reviving the campaign with a new website, and posters such as the one seen above this week in County supermarkets. There is a lot of information and data on the website. It has an easy way to contact your elected officials to encourage them to modernize our liquor laws. Whether the effort will be any more successful than the last remains to be seen.

If the MRA and business owners don't write fat checks to the candidates who will vote to change the laws, and won't publicly endorse those candidates and send glossy mailers with a list of their names to every voter, the campaign will fail again. Most of the articles linked to on the website are from media outlets who strongly support the incumbents and candidates who favor and will preserve the ossified government liquor monopoly we have now. That's not exactly a smart way to propagandize the public in favor of liquor reform, folks.

Former Maryland Gov. Bob Ehrlich was prophetic about many things. He was savagely pilloried by local officials and the media during his time in office for supporting casinos and bus rapid transit. Both later became policy cornerstones of the Montgomery County and Maryland political machines of his most-venomous opponents. One other thing he used to say that has aged very well: Until business owners "get dangerous," and actually back candidates - Democratic, Republican, Green, independent - who will vote their way, nothing will change. The MRA has a nice website. But their campaign doesn't sound very "dangerous" yet.