THE 5 CUTEST PETS YOU CAN ADOPT THIS WEEK IN EAST MOCO (PHOTOS)

Here are 5 animals in search of a loving home. All are currently residing at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter. (Please note: the location and hours of the shelter have changed since last week) You can visit them Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Or on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The shelter is located at 7315 Muncaster Mill Road, in Derwood.

Call the shelter at 240.773.5960 to check on the availability of a specific animal. When you call, have the dog, cat or small animal's name or ID number, and the 6 digit AIL number (A######) ready.

Good news - someone appears to have adopted Ollie, who was featured here last week. Congratulations, Ollie! Number 137 and Patches are also off the shelter roster, hopefully to good homes.

DOMINIQUE - ID#A380069

Dominique is an unaltered, black and white female pit bull terrier. She is around 4 years old, and has been at the shelter a long time - since October 4 of last year. Can you end her wait for a home this week? Let's make it happen.

Dominique

CATHY - ID#A383829

and

KIM - ID#A383828

Cathy and Kim are unaltered, black and tan, female mixed Yorkshire terriers. They are both around 8 months old. It seems like they should stay together. Do you have room for two?

Kim and Cathy

KALI - ID#A383649

Kali is a spayed female blue domestic shorthair, approximately 4 years old.

Kali

PETTY - ID#A383746

It's got to be extra tough to be a duck in an animal shelter. Let's help bring Petty's awkward moment to an end this week.

Petty

GLENMONT FOREST GREEN STREETS PROJECT MEETING MARCH 12

Glenmont residents may want to attend a public meeting at 7:00 PM on March 12, regarding stormwater management improvements under consideration by the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection. The meeting will be held at Wheaton High School, in the all-purpose room/cafeteria (isn't it one or the other?), located at 12601 Dalewood Drive.

Improvements are planned in a residential area roughly bordered by Randolph Road to the north, Georgia Avenue to the east, Hardy Avenue to the south, and Berry Street to the west. You can see a map and some of the project types here.

ASSAULT, DRUG ARREST IN ASPEN HILL, BURGLARIES IN WHEATON/TAKOMA PARK - SILVER SPRING CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on February 25, according to crime data:

Theft. 1200 block East-West Highway (Silver Spring).

Burglary. Wheaton Plaza South Annex.

Theft. 11000 block Veirs Mill Road.

Theft. XX block Discovery Place (Silver Spring).

Theft. 900 block Ellsworth Drive.

Vehicle burglary. 1800 block University Boulevard W.

Drug arrest. 11500 block Bucknell Drive (Wheaton).

Assault. 8500 block Springvale Road (Silver Spring).

Vehicle theft. 10900 block Inwood Avenue (Wheaton).

Assault. 13100 block Vandalia Drive (Aspen Hill).

Drug arrest. 4900 block Aspen Hill Road.

Vehicle burglary. 13200 block Superior Street (Aspen Hill).

Burglary. 6600 block Eastern Avenue (Takoma Park).

Drug arrest. 3400 block May Street (Glenmont).

SEX OFFENSE REPORTED ON KRAMER STREET + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on February 24, according to crime data:

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Vehicle burglary. 9500 block Pin Oak Drive.

Theft. 8500 block Georgia Avenue (Silver Spring).

Theft. 2000 block Wheaton Haven Court (Glen Haven).

Vehicle burglary. 2200 block Reedie Drive.

Assault/"other sexual offense." 3000 block Kramer Street (Wheaton).

Liquor arrest. 2300 block University Boulevard W.

WEAPONS ARREST IN WHEATON, 3 ASSAULTS - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on February 23, according to crime data:

Assault/"other sexual offense." 8400 block Colesville Road.

Drug arrest. Cameron and Fenton Streets.

Assault. 12100 block Selfridge Road (Wheaton).

Weapons arrest. 2900 block Weisman Road (Wheaton/Glenmont).

Vehicle burglary. 12200 block Dalewood Drive.

Assault. 8700 block Colesville Road.

SILVER SPRING/WHEATON/GLENMONT/ASPEN HILL CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on February 22, according to crime data:

Theft. 1100 block Ripley Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Liquor arrest. 11200 block Grandview Avenue (Wheaton).

Liquor arrest. Parking Lot 13 (Wheaton).

Theft. Georgia Avenue and Reedie Drive.

Assault. 11300 block Georgia Avenue.

Burglary. 4400 block Sigsbee Road.

Vehicle theft. Parking Garage 4, Fenton Street.

Vehicle burglary. 13100 block Magellan Avenue (Aspen Hill).

Assault. 2400 block Sheraton Street (Glenmont).

ASSAULT ON GRANDVIEW AVE., 2 DRUG ARRESTS BY N.H. ESTATES - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of notable crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on February 21, according to crime data:

Robbery. 8300 block Colesville Road.

Burglary. 10800 block Georgia Avenue (apparently an apartment).

Drug arrest. Cameron Street and Ramsey Avenue.

Drug arrest. Georgia Avenue and Corwin Drive.

Assault. 11200 block Grandview Avenue (Wheaton).

Drug arrest. 12500 block Veirs Mill Road (Aspen Hill).

Burglary. 4400 block Sigsbee Road.

Drug arrest. 2800 block Sheraton Street (Glenmont).

Drug arrest. University Boulevard E. and Seek Lane. (New Hampshire Estates area).

Drug arrest. Forston Street and University Boulevard E. (New Hampshire Estates area).

Vehicle burglary. 2200 block Bel Pre Road.

Drug arrest. New Hampshire Avenue at Shaw Avenue (Colesville).

Drug arrest. Stewart Lane and April Lane (White Oak).

ROBBERY IN WHEATON, ASSAULT AT WHEATON METRO - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on February 20, according to crime data:

Robbery. 2500 block Kimberly Street (Wheaton).

Theft. 1200 block East-West Highway (Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. JC Penney (Wheaton Plaza).

Drug arrest. Wheaton Metro station.

Assault. Wheaton Metro station.

Drug arrest. Burlington Avenue at Georgia Avenue.

Theft. 8500 block Georgia Avenue.

Assault. 11500 block Elkin Street (Wheaton).

Disorderly conduct. Montgomery College Takoma Park campus.

Drug arrest. Sligo Creek Parkway at Colesville Road.

ASSAULT ON GLENMONT CIRCLE, 4 WHEATON DRUG BUSTS - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on February 19, according to crime data:

Robbery. 1100 block Wayne Avenue.

Drug arrest. 2500 block Ennalls Avenue (Wheaton).

Assault. Holy Cross Hospital (assaults reported to police from hospital emergency departments do not mean the assault occurred at the hospital).

Drug arrest. Amherst and Blueridge Avenues (Wheaton).

Drug arrest. 2300 block Blueridge Avenue (related to above?).

Drug arrest. Dalewood Drive and Randolph Road (near Wheaton High School).

Theft. 600 block Forest Glen Road.

Assault. 2300 block Glenmont Circle.

Drug arrest. 2300 block Randolph Road (Glenmont).

SILVER SPRING MAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER OF HIS 2-YEAR-OLD SON

Adou Louis Kouadio

Adou Louis Kouadio, of the 9700 block of Dilston Road in Silver Spring, has been charged with one count of attempted second degree murder, and two counts of first degree child abuse.  The victim? Amir Iman-Kouadio, his own two-month-old son.

Montgomery County Police said Kouadio called 911, and his son, suffering from traumatic injuries, was transported to a hospital. Eventually police were called while the child was being treated at Children's Hospital. Kouadio allegedly could not account for the boy's severe injuries, and turned himself into the police yesterday. According to the Washington Post, the child is being kept alive on life support.

If you have any information about this horrific case, please call detectives at 240-773-5070.

SILVER SPRING HOMICIDE INVESTIGATED BY POLICE

Phillip F. Welsh was found dead in his Hanover Street home in Silver Spring Thursday, February 20. By Friday, the county medical examiner had determined the case to be a homicide, and police are investigating. Officers were called to the home, after a co-worker of Welsh's found him dead when he failed to show up for work.

If you have any information that would assist this investigation, please call 240-773-5070 to speak to the Major Crimes Division of the Montgomery County Police Department.

RASH OF VEHICLE BREAK-INS IN WHEATON + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on February 18, according to crime data:

Vehicle burglary. 1700 block East-West Highway.

Liquor arrest. JC Penney at Wheaton Plaza.

Drug arrest. Parking Lot 13 in Wheaton.

Assault. Dunkin' Donuts (Wheaton).

Drug arrest. 2500 block Arcola Avenue (Wheaton).

Vehicle burglary. 11500 block Elkin Street (Wheaton).

Vehicle burglary. 10900 block Bucknell Drive (Wheaton).

Vehicle burglary. 11500 block Elkin Street (Wheaton).

Vehicle theft. 800 block Sligo Avenue.

Vehicle burglary. 800 block Wayne Avenue.

Burglary. 7900 block Chicago Avenue (Silver Spring).

GLENMONT TEEN MISSING (PHOTO)

Taylor Lynn Howling, of the 2200 block of Greenery Lane in Glenmont, has been missing since January 20, Montgomery County Police say.

Howling is a black female, 5’03” tall, 105 pounds, with brown eyes, and black hair.  Police say she has a medical condition that requires monitoring.

She was recently sighted near West Deer Park Road and North Summit Avenue in Gaithersburg, and police are asking the public's help in locating her. If you have any information, please call police at 240-773-5400, or the police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000 (24 hour line).

THE 5 CUTEST PETS YOU SHOULD ADOPT THIS WEEK IN EAST MOCO

Here are 5 animals in search of a loving home. Some are currently residing at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter. You can visit them Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from noon to 7:00 PM. Or on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5:00 PM. The shelter is located at 14645 Rothgeb Drive, in Rockville.

Call the shelter at 240.773.5960 to check on the availability of a specific animal. When you call, have the cat or small animal's name, or the dog's ID number, and the 6 digit AIL number (A######) ready.

One dog is available from DAWG Rescue, Inc. The links will help direct you to the right place.

137 - ID#A380398

Number 137 is a neutered male cross between a Border Terrier and Jack Russell Terrier, and the county shelter staff believe he is around 9 months old. He just arrived in the shelter on Sunday.

137

232 - ID#A383045

Number 232 is an approximately 10-month-old, unaltered black and white female Pit Bull Terrier.

232

OLLIE - ID#A383704

I defy you to resist adopting this poor little guy. Ollie is a white hamster who just arrived at the county shelter on Tuesday. They think he is about 6 months old.

Ollie

PATCHES - ID#A383375

Patches is an approximately 8-year-old, unaltered calico Domestic Shorthair cat.

Patches

PRINCESS CHI CHI BU

Princess Chi Chi Bu is a Japanese Chin female, available through DAWG Rescue. She has a slight heart murmur, so she is recommended for quieter homes without small children. And she isn't completely housebroken yet, so patience will be necessary.

SILVER SPRING/ASPEN HILL/TAKOMA PARK CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of notable crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on February 17, according to crime data:

Drug arrest. Selfridge and Gridley Roads.

Drug arrest. Roeder Road and Spring Street.

Liquor arrest. 3900 block Littleton Street (Aspen Hill).

Drug arrest. Philadelphia and Cedar Avenues (Takoma Park).

Drug arrest. East Wayne Avenue and Bradford Road (Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. 4600 block Hallet Place (Aspen Hill).

WHEATON-CLARIDGE LOCAL PARK RENOVATION MEETING TONIGHT, 7 PM

Tonight from 7-9 PM at the Wheaton Claridge Local Park Activity building, Montgomery County park officials will discuss potential renovations to the park. A playground was previously removed from the park after being deemed unsafe.

The renovations could include a replacement bridge and playground, improved accessibility, and building and trail upgrades. Park officials say your input tonight will shape the final renovation proposal.

If you have questions about tonight's meeting, call the project manager, Ching-Fang Chen, at 301-495-2557.

DRUG ARREST AT WOODMOOR SHOPPING CENTER + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on February 16, according to crime data:

Assault. 11100 block Veirs Mill Road.

Robbery. Wheaton Plaza.

Disorderly conduct. 11900 block Centerhill Street.

Vehicle burglary. 1500 block Vivian Court.

Vehicle theft. 2300 block Greenery Lane (Glenmont).

Theft. 7600 block Maple Avenue (Takoma Park).

Drug arrest. Woodmoor Shopping Center.

Disorderly conduct. 7300 block Carroll Avenue (Takoma Park).

TAKOMA PARK TO HOLD TOWN HALL MEETING ON CROSS-BORDER CRIME FEB. 25

Crime activity that spans the border the City of Takoma Park shares with Montgomery and Prince George's counties, and the District, will be the subject of a special Town Hall meeting February 25, in the Takoma Park Community Center Auditorium, starting at 7:00 PM.

Topics include better information sharing and cooperation among these policing jurisdictions, and crime prevention ideas.

WHEATON ICE RINK MAKES NEWS IN CHICAGO

The Daily Herald in suburban Chicago had a story on senior citizen ice skaters, which included a photo from the Wheaton Ice Arena. The ice rink is located in Wheaton Regional Park.

Now through February 24, they are offering Sochi Olympics-related specials and events. Don't forget to pick up your Wheaton Ice Arena souvenir cup at the snack bar!

Wheaton Ice Arena, 11717 Orebaugh Avenue, 301-905-3000.

SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of notable crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on February 15, according to crime data:

Drug arrest. 11600 block Newport Mill Road (Wheaton).

Theft. JC Penney at Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Drug arrest. Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. 11100 block Veirs Mill Road.

Disorderly conduct. 11200 block Grandview Avenue.

Theft. 11200 block Georgia Avenue (Wheaton).

Theft. City Place Mall.

Assault. Comfort Inn (7990 Georgia Avenue).

Drug arrest. 8700 block Colesville Road.

Assault. 3600 block McMahon Road (Glen Haven neighborhood).

Assault. Fenton Street at Ellsworth.

Drug arrest. 800 block Pershing Drive.

Burglary. 3400 block Farthing Drive.

SILVER SPRING/WHEATON/GLENMONT CRIME UPDATE

Criminals in eastern Montgomery County weren't in a romantic mood on Valentine's Day last Friday. Here's what they were up to, according to crime data:

Robbery. Wheaton Plaza.

Assault. 8200 block Dixon Avenue (Silver Spring).

Disorderly conduct. Dunkin' Donuts (Wheaton).

Drug arrest. Bonifant Street and Fenton Street.

Drug arrest. Veirs Mill Road and Arbutus Avenue (Aspen Hill).

Liquor arrest. Glenmont Shopping Center.

Vehicle theft. 1900 block Winexburg Court (Glenmont).

Robbery. 1900 block Carters Grove Drive (Fairland).

Burglary. 14700 block Good Hope Road.

Assault. 3600 block Autumn Glen Circle (Columbia Pike corridor).

VEHICLE BREAK-IN ON GLENMONT CIRCLE, WOODMOR SHOPPING CTR. BURGLARY - CRIME UPDATE

A vehicle burglary was reported on Glenmont Circle (Glenmont Forest apartments area) on Thursday (February 13). On the same day, a burglary was reported at the Woodmor Shopping Center in Silver Spring, according to crime data. A theft was also reported on Chadwick Lane, in the Bel Pre area. And there was a burglary in the 11200 block of New Hampshire Avenue, in White Oak.

LOCAL DEVELOPER SPEAKS FRANKLY ON MOCO'S WEAK OFFICE MARKET, CRUSHING ENERGY TAX

Some refreshingly-candid commentary on Montgomery County's massive energy taxes, and weak market for office space, was delivered Tuesday by Charles Nulsen, president of Bethesda's Washington Property Company. Nulsen was testifying before the Montgomery County Council, on a slew of new energy and environmental requirements that would impact residents and businesses countywide.

But some of his more general testimony on the current economic development climate in the county jumped out. I recall being in the audience at a council hearing three years ago, and hearing the testimony of the county chamber of commerce regarding job creation. When the statistic of the low number of jobs created in MoCo was contrasted with Fairfax County's number - many times that of Montgomery's during the same period - there was an audible gasp in the room. Listening to Nulsen's testimony, those who might have tuned out local economic matters could quickly understand why we are behind.

Nulsen testified that Montgomery County businesses' utility bills are 30% higher than those in DC or Northern Virginia. He said the county currently "collects more for the distribution of electricity than Pepco itself." In addition to our tremendous traffic congestion (due to the failure to complete our master plan highways), lack of access to Dulles Airport, and high tax burden, these disparities hardly make MoCo the easy choice for large employers seeking to relocate.

That impact is felt in the county's weak office market. The vacant office space in Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring and Wheaton speaks for itself. With no large employer moving to the county in a decade, developers are abandoning planned office space countywide. We were told that "smart growth" would allow people to "live where they work." The factual evidence suggests otherwise: Office space planned for "smart growth" communities such as Clarksburg and King Farm is being abandoned, or converted to residential. An office building in downtown Wheaton was recently flipped to residential, as well. Ultimately, the "smart growth" has actually led to more traffic congestion and sprawl, as we are ending up with more residential than was even planned. And all of those additional residents are going to commute in to the usual downtown DC and VA employment centers.

Nulsen said his own office properties have a 25% vacancy rate, and that "our commercial tenant base is dwindling." He added that he has had difficulty attracting office tenants for a decade. I would point out that that coincides directly with the lack of major firms relocating to the county over the same time period. With a dwindling tax base, and surging population, the county's current economic trajectory is "unsustainable," Nulsen argued.

"We have an A- grade in environmental stewardship. We have an F in economic stewardship," was Nulsen's assessment of where Montgomery County stands at present.

SILVER SPRING/WHEATON/BURTONSVILLE SNOW AND TRANSIT UPDATE

The current temperature ranges from 33° F in Silver Spring to 34° in Burtonsville.

Expect delays on the Red Line for Shady Grove-bound trains, but Metro subways are operating. The only Metrobus routes operating in Maryland are: 83, A12, C4, C22, D12, F4, J2, K6, P12, Q1, T18, Y9, Z8. Ride On buses are on the S Schedule, which means they are (supposedly) running, but won't adhere to the posted route schedules.

The federal government is opening 2 hours late, and Montgomery County Government and schools are closed.

We could get an additional 1-3" of snow overnight, as temperatures will drop below freezing.

SILVER SPRING/WHEATON/BURTONSVILLE SNOW UPDATE

It is currently 32° F in Glenmont and Burtonsville, and we are under a Winter Storm Warning until 3 PM. There is a possibility of 2-4 more inches of snow on top of what's out there already by this afternoon, when it is expected to taper off. Temperatures could (hopefully!) reach the mid-30s by that time. Winds will gust up to 35 MPH, which could lead to power outages.

Metrobus service is suspended, and most - if not all - flights out of BWI Marshall Airport are canceled. If you can get to it, the Metrorail subway is running on all lines.

SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on February 10, according to crime data:

Theft. Target (Wheaton Plaza).

Theft. 11100 block Veirs Mill Road.

Assault. 8000 block 13th Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. City Place Mall.

Theft. 8600 block Fenton Street.

Theft. 8600 block Fenton Street.

Theft. 900 block Wayne Avenue.

Burglary. 8400 block Grove Street (Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. Harrell Street at Greenly Street (near Weller Road in Wheaton).

SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on February 8, according to crime data:

Theft. 11100 block Veirs Mill Road.

Theft. JC Penney, Westfield Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. 11100 block Veirs Mill Road.

Theft. 8600 block Colesville Road.

Theft. City Place Mall.

Drug arrest. Wayne Avenue at Georgia Avenue.

Assault. Holy Cross Hospital (note: assaults are often reported to police from hospital emergency rooms; it does not mean the assault occurred at the hospital).

Vehicle burglary. 2900 block Blueridge Avenue (Wheaton).

Drug arrest. 2500 block Clairmont View Way (Wheaton).

SILVER SPRING/WHEATON/BURTONSVILLE SNOW FORECAST - HOW MANY INCHES TO EXPECT

It is currently 17° F in Glenmont, and a super-frosty 14° in Burtonsville.

We are now under a Winter Storm Warning across the DC Metro area, from 7:00 tonight, through Thursday evening. Expect the real snow to start after 8:00 PM tonight, with accumulation of 4-8 inches by Thursday afternoon. The temperature could drop into the upper teens tonight. Temperatures in the low 30s on Thursday could create a mix of snow and freezing rain. Because atmospheric conditions suggest a heavy, wet snow, cleanup will be more difficult, and power outages are likely. Winds will pick up Thursday, with gusts in the 30 MPH range, adding to the likelihood of outages.

Some stores appeared to be running low on the most popular types of milk last evening, but most other items were in stock.

Take a flashlight, food and water in your vehicle if you must travel during Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

TAKOMA PARK WON'T FIGHT MARYLAND DEER HUNTING LAW CHANGES

Is the "People's Republic of Takoma Park" becoming Ted Nugent country? A city resolution that would have protested changes to loosen deer bow hunting regulations at the state and Montgomery County levels failed to pass at the January 27 city council meeting.

The possibility that licensed hunters could soon be pursuing deer within 50 yards of occupied buildings in the city left some councilmembers aghast. “I can see no good reason, in a highly-populated urban area such as we live in, for hunting with deadly weapons in such close proximity,” Councilmember Terry Seamens said. “I have great concern with young people playing in the backyard, putting their life in jeopardy,” Seamens (Ward 4) added, calling the rules change "ridiculous. "It makes absolutely no sense,” Councilmember Fred Schultz (Ward 6) concurred, and expressed concern that the new rules would encourage more residents to take up bow hunting within the city.

Ward 2 Councilmember Tim Male suggested such concerns were overblown. Male said he would oppose the city resolution, arguing there is “just not a lot of evidence” of suburban bow hunting causing serious or fatal injury to bystanders. In contrast, Male said that the over 3000 car accidents blamed on deer each year in the state of Maryland have proven to cause injury and death to people. Male also noted that densely-developed New Jersey recently adopted a statewide 50-yard bow hunting regulation. Ward 1 Councilmember Seth Grimes indicated that he, too, would oppose the city resolution.

Maryland's current law allows bow hunting within 150 yards of an occupied dwelling. “I don’t know of any place in Takoma Park city where 150 yards” would be available to comply with the current law, Seamens said. That makes deer hunting within city limits essentially impossible, which has led hunters and citizens concerned about the auto accidents and lyme disease that deer are blamed for to endorse the regulatory change to 50 yards.

Mayor Bruce Williams said he opposed the change, and would support the city resolution, to “make it clear we don’t think it’s appropriate here.”

Minutes later, the resolution failed, meaning the city will fall under the new hunting rules, if and when they are passed as expected. The measure's demise is in line with growing sentiment across the region that deer overpopulation should be addressed through managed hunts. But the failure is notable in a city associated with peace and a strong stance against weapons. Is Takoma Park changing (slightly), or are practical concerns simply overriding idealism?

COOKIE DOUGH OREO REVIEW (VIDEO)

Cookie Dough Oreos have arrived in Montgomery County! I found a bag at Giant, and here's my review. 

DRUG ARREST AT GLENMONT METRO, ROBBERY IN SILVER SPRING - CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of notable crimes reported in the east county on February 7, according to crime data:

Burglary. 12300 block Georgia Avenue (Glenmont).

Theft. 12100 block Edgemont Street (Glenmont).

Drug arrest. Glenmont Metro station.

Theft. 2200 block Randolph Road (Glenmont).

Theft. 6900 block Westmoreland Avenue (Takoma Park).

Robbery. 700 block Easley Street (Silver Spring).

Burglary. 2600 block Bel Pre Road.

Drug arrest. Aspen Hill Road at Frankfort Drive vicinity.

Burglary. 14700 block Carona Drive (Bonifant Road corridor).

PURPLE LINE NOW! HOSTING GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE FORUM AT MC TAKOMA PARK CAMPUS

Purple Line Now!, an organization advocating for construction of the Purple Line light rail from Bethesda to New Carrollton, will host a candidate forum to discuss transportation issues on Tuesday, February 18, at 7:00 PM, at the Takoma Park campus of Montgomery College.

The event will be held in the Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center, located at 7995 Georgia Avenue. Candidates who have confirmed their participation so far are Doug Gansler, Heather Mizeur, Ron George, and Charles Lollar.

It's free to attend, and open to the public, but you must RSVP for the limited seats available at the event website.

Should you be unable to attend, the forum will be taped for future broadcast on Montgomery College TV (Comcast Channel 10).

POLICE SAY SMASH-AND-GRABS IN WHEATON, BURTONSVILLE AND WHITE OAK COULD BE RELATED

Montgomery County Police say at least two of the 3 recent Radio Shack smash-and-grab burglaries in the east county area may be related. Radio Shack stores were broken into in Wheaton, White Oak and Burtonsville since December. The two latest took place yesterday at the Wheaton location in the 11100 block of Veirs Mill Road, and at the White Oak store in the 11200 block of New Hampshire Avenue.

URBAN BUTCHER LAUNCHING BRUNCH THIS SATURDAY IN SILVER SPRING (PHOTO)

One of the newest additions to the Silver Spring dining scene, Urban Butcher, is launching brunch service this Saturday, February 8. Brunch will now be served every Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM, more generous hours than often found at brunches ending at 3:00.

If you're tired of the usual brunch offerings, Urban Butcher is the place for you. A quick read of their brunch menu reveals a fresh approach, featuring dishes like wild prawns in olive oil, Chinese barbecue pork ribs, pate, and artisan cheese. Traditionalists need not worry, however; brioche french toast, scrambled eggs, biscuits and omelets are all there, as well.

Chef/Owner Raynold Mendizabal says, "we want to give the Silver Spring community the means to spend quality time with family, friends and neighbors in a relaxing environment while enjoying good food.”

Urban Butcher. 8226 Georgia Avenue, 301.585.5800.

WHEATON KIDNAPPING, CARJACKING CAUGHT ON VIDEO

A man's car was stolen at a Wheaton gas station around 6:00 PM Saturday, January 25. One bigger problem: his 5-year-old son was inside the car at the time, at the Exxon at University Boulevard and Georgia Avenue.

Dewitt Mathews, who thought he had locked his car doors, saw his Nissan Maxima being driven away from inside the station's convenience store. Fortunately, the driver abandoned the vehicle across the street. Mathews' son was found unharmed inside, and suspect Christian Arias - a Silver Spring resident - is in custody, and facing serious charges and a lengthy prison term if found guilty.

ABC 7 has video of the bold-but-brief crime, and the panicked scene inside the convenience store.

BILL TO REQUIRE STUDY OF NEW MD-VA POTOMAC RIVER BRIDGE ADVANCES IN VA HOUSE

The Virginia House Transportation Committee voted Tuesday to send a bill requiring further study of a new Potomac River crossing to the House Appropriations Committee. Bill HB-1244 would require the Virginia Department of Transportation to review the results of an ongoing demand study for a new bridge. The study area is between existing crossings at Point of Rocks (US 15) and the Harry Nice Bridge (US 301). A new crossing would be constructed within that area.

Historically, new Potomac River bridges had been planned at several locations. Most notable were those to connect the unbuilt Rockville Freeway to the Fairfax County Parkway at Riverbend Park, and the unbuilt Outer Beltway (I-370 extension) to VA 28. Other bridges were considered at Arizona Avenue in the District, and in relation to the George Washington Parkway. Failure to build some - or all - of these crossings is a major factor in today's congestion on the American Legion Bridge in Bethesda, and on I-495 and I-270. A recent Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments study concluded that about a quarter of all traffic on the American Legion Bridge is heading to or from the Dulles area.

If the study shows a need for a new crossing (duh!), the bill requires VDOT to furnish recommendations for specific crossing sites to the Virginia General Assembly, and VA Secretary of Transportation, by December 1, 2015.

HB-1244 is co-sponsored by Del. Thomas Davis Rust and J. Randall Minchew. There is some urgency regarding the bill, as the House Appropriations Committee has only three meetings scheduled before all non-budget House bills must be finished.

A new crossing has been endorsed by U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Virginia).

SILVER SPRING / WHEATON ICE/WEATHER UPDATE (PHOTO)

It is currently 34° in Glenmont, Maryland. Expect rain or freezing rain intermittently over the next few hours, but this further precipitation shouldn't stick.

Temperatures will remain above freezing all day, and the Winter Storm Warning expires at 10:00 AM this morning.

We're not thawed out yet, though, as you can see on this Ride On sign.

ROBBERY REPORTED AT HOLY CROSS HOSPITAL - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

A robbery was reported at Holy Cross Hospital last Friday, according to crime data. There were also several vehicle break-ins along the University Boulevard corridor, near Long Branch, Franklin Knolls, New Hampshire Estates and Takoma Park.

Here's a roundup of other crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on January 31:

Drug arrest. 3000 block Upton Drive (Wheaton).

Drug arrest. 8600 block 16th Street.

Weapon offense arrest. Veirs Mill Road and Schoolhouse Circle vicinity.

Theft. 8600 block Cameron Street.

Robbery. Wayne Avenue at Ramsey Avenue vicinity.

Theft. 11100 block Veirs Mill Road.

Drug arrest. Westfield Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. Target (Wheaton).

Theft. Macy's (Wheaton).

Liquor arrest. Parking Garage 2 (Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. Georgia Avenue at Colesville Road.

Theft. 8400 block Georgia Avenue.

Robbery. Holy Cross Hospital.

Theft. 11400 block Georgia Avenue.

Liquor arrest. 2300 block University Boulevard.

Liquor arrest. 8100 block Fenton Street.

Assault. 800 block Thayer Avenue.

Assault. Northwood High School.

Liquor arrest. 12300 block Georgia Avenue (Glenmont).

Theft. 100 block Lee Avenue (Takoma Park).

Burglaries (2). Unit block of E. Wayne Avenue.

Drug arrest. 8200 block Houston Court (Takoma Park).

Drug arrest. University Boulevard at Williamsburg Drive vicinity.

Drug arrest. University Boulevard at E. Franklin Avenue.

Vehicle burglary. 9000 block Pickwick Village Terrace (Long Branch area).

Vehicle burglary, 6800 block New Hampshire Avenue (Takoma Park).

Vehicle burglary. 9500 block Lawnsberry Terrace (Franklin Knolls).

Vehicle burglary. 700 block Seek Lane (New Hampshire Estates area).

Vehicle burglary. 700 block University Boulevard East (New Hampshire Estates area).

Assault. 14100 block Arctic Avenue.

SNOW FORECAST FOR EAST MONTGOMERY COUNTY - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON/BURTONSVILLE

The snow forecast for eastern Montgomery County is insignificant today. Expect a mix of rain and snow between early morning and mid-afternoon. Temperatures are forecast to remain above freezing throughout the day. Clouds will give way to clear skies by 8:00 tonight, but temperatures will drop below freezing - expect them to be in the upper twenties overnight.

POLICE SEARCHING FOR MISSING SILVER SPRING WOMAN (PHOTO)

Montgomery County Police are searching for 87-year-old Silver Spring resident Florence Johnson.

Johnson was last seen around 12:15 PM today in front of her home in the 8500 block of Springvale Road.

She is described as a black female with gray and black hair, approximately 5’4″ tall, and weighing approximately 130 pounds. She was last seen wearing a blue skirt, pink jacket, and blue and white sneakers.

Police say Johnson has a diagnosis of dementia, and other conditions that require medication.

Please contact police if you have any information regarding her whereabouts.

DRUG ARREST AT AMBASSADOR APARTMENTS IN WHEATON - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

A drug arrest was made at the Ambassador Apartments in downtown Wheaton this past Wednesday, according to crime data. Here is a roundup of other crimes reported across the East County on January 29 and 30:

January 29

Drug arrest. 1900 block Rosemary Hills Drive (Silver Spring).

Arrest for weapon offense. Newport Mill MS.

Theft. 9100 block Woodland Drive.

Theft. 2700 block University Boulevard.

Drug arrest. Ambassador Apartments (Wheaton).

Vehicle burglary. 11000 block Veirs Mill Road.

Vehicle burglary. 4100 block Ferrara Drive.

Burglary. 1100 block East-West Highway.

Theft. 8000 block Blair Mill Way.

Theft. 7900 block Georgia Avenue.

Drug arrest. Georgia and Eastern Avenues.

Theft. 8100 block Georgia Avenue.

Theft. 11400 block Georgia Avenue.

Theft. 12200 block Veirs Mill Road.

Drug arrest. 800 block Thayer Avenue.

Vehicle burglary. 12000 block Berry Street.

January 30

Theft. Giant Food at Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. 1200 block East-West Highway.

Theft. 11100 block Veirs Mill Road.

Theft. 5200 block Randolph Road (near Putnam Road).

Assault. 8200 block Dixon Avenue (Silver Spring).

Theft. 11200 block Georgia Avenue (Wheaton).

Theft. 8400 block Georgia Avenue (Silver Spring).

Theft. 2300 block University Boulevard (Wheaton).

WHEATON RECREATION CENTER CLOSED THIS WEEKEND

The Wheaton Community Recreation Center will be closed today, February 1, and tomorrow, Sunday, February 2. According to Montgomery County Government, heating problems are to blame for the closure. The center is located at 11711 Georgia Avenue. A weekend is probably the worst time to have to close a recreation center, from a community standpoint.