Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Armed robbery in Germantown


Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed robbery in Germantown yesterday afternoon, December 30, 2025. The robbery took place in the 19900 block of Century Boulevard at 3:07 PM Tuesday. A firearm was the weapon employed in the robbery.

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Samsung Biologics acquires GSK manufacturing facility in Montgomery County

 


Some rare good news out of Annapolis about the rare bright spot in the moribund Montgomery County economy: biotech. Samsung Biologics has just acquired the GlaxoSmithKline manufacturing facility in Rockville, Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced yesterday. GSK had announced earlier this year that it would be moving its vaccine research and development operations from that Rockville facility to Massachusetts. Samsung's acquisition will keep more than 500 existing jobs at the site, and add an unspecified number of additional jobs as Samsung adds potential production lines for other local biotech firms in the future.

Moore was hands-on in recruiting the South Korean firm. He personally met with Samsung Biologics executives earlier this year during an international trade and investment mission to Japan and South Korea to promote economic growth and workforce development. 

“We are thrilled that Samsung Biologics has selected Maryland for their first U.S. manufacturing facility, a testament to our state’s leadership in life sciences, our highly-skilled workforce and the commitment of our private and public sector to advance patient health around the globe,” Moore said in a statement Monday. “During our Asia trade mission, we were excited to share with Samsung Biologics executives the many reasons why Maryland is an ideal foothold from which the company can execute its long-term strategy to expand in the U.S. market.”


Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, who has targeted life sciences in his efforts to attract high-wage jobs to the County, joined Moore in celebrating the win yesterday. “The acquisition of GSK’s Rockville manufacturing campus by Samsung Biologics represents a significant achievement for Montgomery County,” Elrich said in the statement released by Moore's office. “This $280 million investment brings the world's largest contract drug manufacturer to Montgomery County, ensuring U.S.-based manufacturing continues, safeguarding over 500 current jobs, and setting the stage for further growth as Samsung boosts production capacity. It serves as a robust endorsement of the ecosystem we have cultivated, which is founded on talent, diversity, and enduring partnerships. We proudly welcome Samsung Biologics to Montgomery County, Maryland, and anticipate their contribution in enhancing our economy, workforce, and status as a global life sciences hub.”

Monday, December 29, 2025

Hobby Lobby begins hiring for Gaithersburg store

 


Hobby Lobby
's first Montgomery County store is currently under construction at 15750 Shady Grove Road at the 270 Center. Now the big box crafts retailer has begun hiring employees for this location. An ad posted on X seeks a Retail Co-Manager for the store, which sits on the border of Gaithersburg and Rockville. "Join our team and let your creativity flourish in Gaithersburg, MD," the Christmas-sweater-themed post says. "Are you ready for the opportunity to thrive as a manager?"

Friday, December 26, 2025

Strong-arm robbery in Montgomery Village


Montgomery County police responded to a report of a strong-arm robbery in Montgomery Village early on Christmas Eve. The assault and robbery were reported in the 9600 block of Nature Trail at 1:15 AM Wednesday. That is in a recently-constructed townhome development.

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Update on Koi Sushi in Gaithersburg (Photos)


Here's a look at the progress inside and outside of Koi Sushi, opening soon at 201 Boardwalk Place at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg. The window coverings have been removed, and the interior fit-out appears complete. Decor and decorative light fixtures are in place. It was slow-going for over a year, but it looks like the restaurant could realistically open shortly after the start of the new year.







Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Quincy's Golf & Social "coming soon" to Gaithersburg


"Coming soon" signage has been posted above the future storefront of Quincy's Golf & Social in Gaithersburg. It will be located at 245 Kentlands Boulevard. Golf simulators and a PGA Tour Pro Shop will be among the amenities at this latest venture by the Quincy's chain. 



Monday, December 22, 2025

Sheetz construction begins at Walnut Hill Shopping Center in Gaithersburg


Construction of the second Sheetz location in Gaithersburg is getting underway at the Walnut Hill Shopping Center at 733 S. Frederick Avenue. The area of the parking lot where the convenience store and mega gas station will be built has been fenced off. Heavy equipment is beginning to tear up the asphalt. Sheetz previously announced that its first Gaithersburg store at 751 Progress Way was doing excellent business, so it's not surprising that the company is moving expeditiously to get a second store up and running.






Friday, December 19, 2025

Kareem's Lebanese Kitchen opening in Gaithersburg


Here's a positive "Florida Man" news report: Chef Rachid Eido is expanding his Kareem's Lebanese Kitchen franchise to Maryland. It will be at the Rio Lakefront development in Gaithersburg, at 212 Boardwalk Place. That's next to IT'SUGAR. Eido is actually a native of Beirut, where he learned the art of authentic Lebanese cooking, with the flavors, aromatic spices, and warm hospitality it is known for.

Thursday, December 18, 2025

Italian aerospace firm chooses Virginia for rocket motor manufacturing facility

 


Were Maryland and Montgomery County even courting global aerospace firm Avio S.p.A in its search for a site to build a $500 million solid rocket motor manufacturing facility? We may never know. But we do know that the Italian firm has selected Virginia as the winner for the high-tech factory. The 860,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility will produce solid rocket motors for defense tactical and strategic propulsion, as well as commercial space propulsion sectors. 

“I want to thank Avio USA for choosing Virginia,” Governor Glenn Youngkin said in a statement. “Today’s announcement marks another exciting milestone for our aerospace and defense industry. Avio USA’s decision to build a new rocket motor manufacturing facility here is both an important investment in America’s national security infrastructure and underscores Avio USA’s confidence in Virginia.”

“Avio looks forward to establishing on U.S. soil a solid rocket motor production facility to contribute in strengthening the U.S. industrial base by providing decades of experience in engineering and manufacturing,” Avio S.p.A. CEO Giulio Ranzo said. “In particular, we are thankful for the Commonwealth and local governments’ warm welcome for our project and count on their future support for effective execution.” 

Does Maryland and its counties extend a warm welcome to aerospace firms? Not in this century. The County Council tried to run the last remaining big aerospace firm - Lockheed Martin - out of the county not once, but twice, with radical legislation that made us look like idiots after the bills received national news coverage. "We don't need the Lockheed headquarters," former Councilmember Nancy Floreen declared in the summer of 2010. 

It's no surprise that the County has failed to attract a single major new corporate headquarters in over 25 years. Or that, thanks to the highest personal and corporate tax and fee burden in the Mid-Atlantic region, Montgomery County and Maryland have effectively been in a recession for much of this century. MoCo's crime rate has risen faster and higher than its business and job growth rates as a result. Once the economic engine of the region, Montgomery County is now at or near the bottom across every major economic benchmark tracked by the federal government. Heckuva job, Brownie!

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

January 1 plastic bag ban looms over Montgomery County

 


The Montgomery County Council is known for doing little beyond raising taxes and the cost of doing business, and banning stuff. Councilmembers were able to do all three in their highest-profile ban of the 2025 legislative session, that of plastic bags. The ban takes effect on January 1, 2026, and impacted businesses across the county are now trying to prepare their customers to buy paper bags (remember how paper bags were causing deforestation, so we were told to use plastic?!) or reusable bags, or - ew! - reuse dirty reusable bags teeming with e coli, salmonella, and God knows what else. Ironically, Safeway, whose customer alert signage is pictured here, got its start as the Sanitary Grocery Company.



Tuesday, December 16, 2025

MCPS leases final space at former Leidos site in Gaithersburg


Matan Companies has announced that its 44-acre life science and industrial campus fronting I-270 in Gaithersburg, which consists of two 198,000-square-foot Class A buildings at 700 and 750 Progress Way, is now 100% leased. The final piece was the recent execution of a 161,500 SF lease with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), which has leased 161,500 square feet at 700 Progress Way. MCPS joins existing tenants AstraZeneca (198,000 SF full-building lease at 700 Progress Way, signed December 2023) and Daikin Comfort Technologies Distribution, Inc. (36,145 SF at 750 Progress Way, signed May 2024). Matan's announcement did not specify what MCPS plans to use the space for, or the annual cost of the lease to Montgomery County taxpayers.

“We are extremely proud to have delivered and fully leased this state-of-the-art campus,” Matan Companies Director of Leasing James Matan said in a statement. “The diversity of best-in-class occupants—AstraZeneca in life sciences, Daikin in advanced HVAC distribution, and now Montgomery County Public Schools—demonstrates the incredible flexibility and strategic location of these assets along the I-270 corridor.”

Monday, December 15, 2025

Strong-arm robbery in Germantown


Montgomery County police responded to a report of a strong-arm robbery in Germantown last Friday morning, December 12, 2025. The robbery and assault were reported in the 12600 block of Wisteria Drive at 11:00 AM Friday. They took place along the street in a commercial area.

Friday, December 12, 2025

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.

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Assault reported at Montgomery Village Middle School


Montgomery County police were summoned to Montgomery Village Middle School at 19300 Watkins Mill Road in Montgomery Village this past Monday, December 8, 2025. A 2nd-degree assault was reported at the school at 1:20 PM that afternoon.

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Assault at 7-Eleven in Germantown


Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at a 7-Eleven in Germantown last night, December 9, 2025. The assault was reported at the 7-Eleven at 12861 Clopper Road at 6:03 PM Tuesday. 

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Starbucks adds Cinnamon-Shaken Waffles to menu


Check out what's new at Starbucks for the holiday season. Cinnamon-Shaken Waffles are starting to pop up on menus at Starbucks locations across Montgomery County in recent days. Three bite-size Belgian waffles are shaken in a Cinnamon Dolce Shake Shake Topping, and served warm and golden brown. The waffles are available all day long, not just for breakfast.

Monday, December 8, 2025

Assault at Gaithersburg bar


Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at a bar near the Montgomery County Airpark in Gaithersburg early Sunday morning, December 7, 2025. The assault was reported at a bar in the 8000 block of Snouffer School Road at 2:44 PM Sunday. Police did not identify the name of the establishment.

Friday, December 5, 2025

Aggravated assault in Montgomery Village


Montgomery County police responded to a report of an aggravated assault in Montgomery Village on November 27, 2025. The assault was reported in the 9100 block of Rothbury Drive at 6:58 PM. Police say the two victims were confronted by a male suspect displaying a weapon. He allegedly proceeded to assault them and fled.

Police describe the suspect only as a Hispanic male of unknown age. If you have any information that could assist detectives in closing this case, call police at (301) 279-8000.

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Two Story Chimney Ciderworks to close in Gaithersburg

 


Two Story Chimney Ciderworks
 at 7115 Damascus Road in Gaithersburg will permanently close before Christmas, the distillery announced on social media. "We have been so blessed to be a part of this community and so many people’s lives," the post said. "The friendships and bonds will always be cherished. It is time we trade the early morning markets and late night tasting rooms in for time with our family. Our last day will be December 21. Stop in before the end of the year and share some stories and memories."

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Sixty Vines seeks permission to add retractable screens to pergola


Sixty Vines
, the new restaurant at 212 Ellington Boulevard at Downtown Crown in Gaithersburg, is seeking permission from the City of Gaithersburg to add retractable screens to its outdoor dining pergola structure. The retractable vinyl curtains will utilize the MagnaTrack Vinyl Screen System. Those screens will be black in color, and will not count as increasing the building footprint under City regulations. Sixty Vines' application will be reviewed by the Gaithersburg Planning Commission at its meeting tonight, December 3, 2025 at 7:30 PM. City planning staff are recommending approval of the application.

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Fatal single-vehicle crash claims life of Germantown man in Damascus


A tragic single-vehicle collision in Damascus early Sunday morning has resulted in the death of a 27-year-old Germantown resident. At approximately 4:05 a.m. on Sunday, November 30, 2025, Montgomery County Department of Police – 5th District officers and Fire and Rescue personnel were dispatched to the scene at the intersection of Ridge Road and Kings Valley Road following reports of a crash.

Upon arrival, responders located a gray 2013 Honda Civic coupe that had suffered a catastrophic crash. The vehicle had left the roadway, struck a fire hydrant, hit an embankment, and overturned.

The driver, identified as Bilcher Ronaldino Huinil Lopez, the sole occupant of the car, was ejected from the vehicle and found in the roadway. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The preliminary investigation into the crash suggests the Honda was traveling southbound when the driver lost control of the vehicle. Authorities have indicated that evidence found at the scene suggests that alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the fatal collision.

The investigation is currently being led by the Collision Reconstruction Unit of the Montgomery County Police Department. Due to the complex nature of reconstructing the events, it may take several weeks or longer for the investigation to be completed.

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has information regarding the incident to come forward. Please contact the Collision Reconstruction Unit directly at 240-773-6620.

Monday, December 1, 2025

Aggravated assault in Montgomery Village


Montgomery County police responded to a report of an aggravated assault in Montgomery Village on the evening of November 19, 2025. According to police, the victim was in the 19200 block of Watkins Mill Road at 7:52 PM. That is just south of the Montgomery Village Center. Two suspects assaulted the adult male victim.

Police describe the suspects only as two Black males, aged 25-30. If you have any information that could assist detectives in closing this case, call police at (301) 279-8000.

Friday, November 28, 2025

Strong-arm robbery in Montgomery Village


Montgomery County police responded to a report of a strong-arm robbery in Montgomery Village in the morning hours of November 11, 2025. A lone assailant assaulted the adult female victim, and stole her property. Police describe the suspect only as a Black female of unknown age. If you have any information that could assist detectives in closing this case, call police at (301) 279-8000. 

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Armed robbery in broad daylight in Germantown


Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed robbery in Germantown yesterday afternoon, November 25, 2025. The robbery was reported in the 13000 block of Middlebrook Road at 4:26 PM Tuesday. It took place in a commercial parking lot.

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Lakeforest Transit Center to be relocated and redeveloped at former Gaithersburg mall property


There's a new development in the redevelopment of the Lakeforest Mall site in Gaithersburg. A ceremony was held yesterday to kick off the first phase of a newly-announced partnership to relocate and redevelop the Lakeforest Transit Center. Transit is key to transforming the former community hub into a vibrant, mixed-use development, especially with no new highways or rail service planned for the massive housing and commercial growth that will occur.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, Maryland State Delegate Julie Palakovich Carr, and County Councilmembers, including Marilyn Balcombe, Sidney Katz, Dawn Luedtke, and Laurie-Anne Sayles, joined Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Director Chris Conklin, WRS Inc. Real Estate Investments Principal Kevin Rogers, and other community leaders to celebrate the milestone.

The redevelopment is a joint effort between Montgomery County and WRS Inc. Real Estate Investments. WRS is set to redevelop the nearly 100-acre site into a dynamic mixed-use community featuring residential housing, entertainment, shopping, and public gathering spaces.

“Lakeforest Mall was a place where people came together for decades, and this redevelopment gives us a chance to reimagine this site,” Elrich said Monday. “Transportation, housing, and economic development are connected, and this project reflects that.”

The now-closed Lakeforest Mall holds a special place in the community, having served as the County's largest mall for a time and a well-known gathering spot for 45 years since its opening in 1978. Greed on the part of the mall's final owner, and chronic failure by County leaders to address violent crime and gang activity at the mall resulted in the disgraceful demolition of the once-luxurious shopping mecca now underway at the site.

The first phase of the agreement focuses on site preparation for the new transit center. WRS will prepare nearly two acres of land, which includes filling in a drainage pond and grading the site to make it build-ready. This initial phase is expected to take about one year.

Following the completion of site preparation, MCDOT will purchase the land from WRS and commence construction on the new transit center itself.

The new transit center will continue to serve the eight existing Ride On bus routes currently using the Lakeforest Transit Center. Crucially, it is also being designed with scalability to accommodate the future MD 355 Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor. "The new transit center will support the nearly 2,000 riders per day who rely on the current Lakeforest Transit Center, as well as create capacity to accommodate the planned Flash Bus Rapid Transit corridor along MD 355 and any future developments," Conklin said.


Monday, November 24, 2025

Walnut Hill Shopping Center to add drive-thru Chipotle

 


Next year, you could be picking up a Chipotle burrito without even getting out of your car in Gaithersburg. The Walnut Hill Shopping Center at 16529 S. Frederick Avenue will be adding a Chipotle restaurant on the North Westland Drive side of the property. A bank building will be demolished to clear the way for the restaurant, which will have a drive-thru. The drive-thru will be only for online pickup orders, and is called a Chipotlane. There is at least one other Chipotlane in Montgomery County, at the Briggs Chaney Chipotle at 13801 Outlet Drive.

Friday, November 21, 2025

Assault at hotel in Gaithersburg


Gaithersburg City police were called to a hotel Wednesday evening, November 19, 2025, after a 2nd-degree assault was reported there. The assault was reported at a hotel in the 200 block of Professional Drive at 7:02 PM Wednesday. An Extended Stay America hotel is located on that block.

Thursday, November 20, 2025

Andy's Pizza opens in Gaithersburg


Andy's Pizza 
has opened at 145 Commerce Square Place at Kentlands Market Square in Gaithersburg. Andy's serves New York-style pizza in whole pies, or by the slice, and is quite an upgrade from previous tenant MOD Pizza. It is a double win to be able to order by the slice, with such high-quality pizzas. Next up for Andy's: a Montgomery Mall location in Bethesda.

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Damascus bank branch to be auctioned off


A former Truist bank branch in the center of Damascus is about to be auctioned off. The building and associated structures are located at 9916 Main Street. This is a prime location for business, or for potential redevelopment as residential or mixed-use, with such redevelopment eagerly sought by the Montgomery County cartel, who have been working overtime to urbanize rural Damascus. They also want to jam as many Democrats as possible into the Republican town, before the U.S. Supreme Court declares their gerrymandered legislative and council district maps illegal. The opening bid is a ridiculously low $175,000, according to the online listing.




Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Strong-arm rape in Germantown


Montgomery County police responded to a report of a strong-arm rape Sunday night, November 16, 2025, in Germantown. The sexual assault was reported in a commercial parking lot in the 12600 block of Wisteria Drive at 9:41 PM Sunday. That appears to be the Germantown Square shopping center.

Monday, November 17, 2025

Assault at bus stop in Gaithersburg


Gaithersburg City police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at a bus stop early Saturday morning, November 15, 2025. The assault was reported at a bus stop in the 9600 block of Lost Knife Road at 1:24 AM Saturday. An individual was also accused of a liquor law violation in the same incident. Lost Knife Road and Lost Knife Circle remain crime hotspots with frequent calls for police, as the Montgomery County Council continues to slumber at the switch.

Friday, November 14, 2025

Update on Andy's Pizza in Gaithersburg (Photos)


Signage has been installed at Andy's Pizza, opening soon at 145 Commerce Square Place at Kentlands Market Square in Gaithersburg. More art has been added to the interior walls of the pizzeria. Furniture has been set up on the outdoor patio. Andy's Pizza will be opening here, and at a second Bethesda location in Westfield Montgomery Mall.