Fuddruckers prepares return in Silver Spring

Fuddruckers is getting ready to reopen its former restaurant at 819 Ellsworth Drive at Downtown Silver Spring. The burger chain is staging a return after having closed its Montgomery County locations about five years ago. A County liquor license hearing for the restaurant will be held tomorrow, November 21, 2024 at 9:30 AM. Ted Turner would tell you to order the Buffalo burger, now that the Mandela Effect has given him another opportunity to do so.

Holiday "Flash Lights" decorated buses to return on US 29 in December

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation announced that "Flash Lights" buses decorated for the holidays will return on the Colesville Road/U.S. 29 Ride On Flash bus rapid transit line in December. With neon bright lights and decorations, the buses will be hard to miss, particularly after dark. MCDOT encourages the public to post pictures of the Flash Lights buses on their X, Facebook or Instagram accounts, and tag @MCDOTNow for a chance to win a $25 gift card. One winner will be randomly selected from all participants in a weekly drawing. The contest begins on Monday, December 3, 2024. Details will be posted on RidetheFlash.com.

Armed fugitive arrested at mall in Wheaton

Firearm and ammo found on suspect
arrested at JCPenney

Montgomery County police responded to a report of shoplifting at Westfield's Wheaton Plaza mall on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Officers arriving at the scene at JCPenney quickly determined the matter was more serious than the call indicated. The adult male suspect was detained, and a database search indicated he was wanted on a previous 1st-degree burglary charge, for which a warrant had been issued.

Officers searched the suspect, and found he was carrying a loaded firearm. The suspect was taken into custody without incident, 4th District Police Commander Captain David Smith said.

Obra Pharmacy burglarized in Cloverly

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a burglary at Obra Pharmacy at 15525 New Hampshire Avenue in Cloverly during the early morning hours of October 30, 2024. Officers responding to the scene found evidence of forced entry at the business. They determined that the burglar stole pharmaceuticals. Police describe the suspect only as a Black male of unknown age. If you have any information about this incident, call police at (301) 279-8000.

Virginia beats Maryland again, wins $1.3 billion manufacturing facility & 2015 jobs

Could Maryland and Montgomery County use a $1.3 billion corporate investment, 2015 high-wage jobs, and a major infusion of tax revenue? Yes! Did we win the 500,000-square-foot Microporous manufacturing facility? No! But Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin will give you three guesses as to who did. Yet again, our rival across the Potomac River has bested us in the economic development sweepstates.

Microporous, a leading manufacturer of battery separators, will construct the $1.3 billion facility in Berry Hill, Virginia. The factory will create 2015 new, high-wage jobs, and will provide more freight traffic for the Port of Virginia. Tennessee-based Microporous was founded as the American Rubber Company, which patented the first rubber battery separator in 1934. Today, their products are in high demand, as adoption of electric vehicles explodes in many countries around the world, even if demand for EVs still lags in the United States. Virginia's port will indeed see a boost in outbound traffic as a result, as Microporous is the only manufacturer of rubber battery separators used in electric automobiles and mobility devices.

“This historic $1.35 billion investment by Microporous in Pittsylvania County marks a new chapter in Virginia's incredible advanced manufacturing story,” Youngkin said in a statement yesterday. “This project not only brings over 2,000 new jobs to Southside Virginia, but also positions the Commonwealth at the forefront of our nation’s resurgence in manufacturing. Microporous' decision to establish their new facility here underscores Virginia's competitive advantages and our commitment to leading the way in innovative industries.” Youngkin's office identified North Carolina as the other finalist for the facility; it's unclear if Maryland even attempted to pursue the opportunity, or was once again asleep at the switch.

“It is with great pleasure and excitement that we welcome Microporous to the Southern Virginia Megasite and Pittsylvania County," Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors Chairman Darrell Dalton said Wednesday. “Microporous brings a new level of technological advancement to our business community as well as high paying jobs that offer another opportunity for our young people to remain and raise families in and near their hometowns. Microporous will also provide the County with added revenue to better serve our citizens. We look forward to many years of Microporous’ growth and success and Pittsylvania County is honored to be part of that journey.” 

Photos courtesy Office of Gov. Glenn Youngkin

Strong-arm cart-jacking in Silver Spring

The carjackers of Montgomery County are now turning to seizing golf carts. But the Grand Theft Auto-esque adventures of three juveniles were short-lived after Montgomery County police caught up with them. The three teens allegedly cart-jacked two golf carts in the 13900 block of Castle Boulevard around 4:00 PM on October 29, 2024. One of the adult male victims was assaulted in the process, police say. Officers recovered the golf carts, and arrested two juvenile males aged 16 and 17, and a juvenile female aged 15. All three are residents of Silver Spring, police say. 

Silver Spring museum adds Evans AutoRailer to collection

The National Capital Trolley Museum, located at 1313 Bonifant Road in the Colesville area of Silver Spring, has added another rare vehicle to its collection. A 1936 Evans AutoRailer that was used locally by the Arlington & Fairfax Railway during the late 1930s is now on display. The vehicle was unique in that it could travel on the road as a bus, or on the rails as a passenger car. 

“We are thrilled to add Arlington and Fairfax #109 to our collection,” National Capital Trolley Museum Executive Director Eric Madison said in a statement yesterday. “This vehicle not only adds an exciting new dimension to our exhibits, but it also highlights the innovation and adaptability of transportation solutions that were developed during the mid-1930s. We invite all enthusiasts, families, and history buffs to visit and explore this fascinating piece of automotive and railway history.”

Photo courtesy National Capital Trolley Museum