Former 2nd District commander named acting MoCo police chief

A familiar face to residents has just been named acting chief of police for Montgomery County. Assistant Chief Russell E. Hamill, III officially assumed that role at 12:00 AM this morning, according to a statement from the Montgomery County Police Department. Hamill has been a member of the force since 1986.

In August 2007, he was named Commander of the 2nd District, which includes Bethesda, Chevy Chase, most of Potomac, Kensington and a small part of Silver Spring. During that time he was often found at community and civic association meetings to brief residents on public safety issues.

Hamill is expected to remain acting Chief until a nationwide search for a new police chief is completed. He is a lifelong resident of Montgomery County.

Photo courtesy MCPD

It's baaaack: MoCo Transition Team report revives zombie ITA

Montgomery County residents stopped the County from creating an independent transit authority (ITA) twice this decade. Now the zombie body with unlimited taxing power - and a potentially County-wrecking ability to rack up unlimited debt - has been revived a third time. Hidden in County Executive Marc Elrich's Transition Team's report is a new proposal for an ITA.

The proposal summary reads:
"The Authority could have the following attributes: It could include governance for both BRT and Ride-On (and other County transit initiatives like bike trails, micro transit pilots, etc.); It would have separate bonding authority not linked to the County’s limits; It could have a 5-7 person board made up of appointees by the County (Executive and Council), the State and perhaps larger municipalities in the County; It could have authority to levy a small increase to the State gas tax or sales tax to finance County transit projects."

While you'd think it's unlikely County elected officials would dare to include the insane provision of the original ITA proposal - the inability of the elected Council to sign off on the unelected ITA's budgets, that question is not covered in the brief ITA proposal in the report.

Other major concerns were that the Council could offload massive amounts of debt from their own capital budgets to the ITA, and that the ITA would have unlimited taxing authority without any accountability to County voters. But it's no surprise that the MoCo cartel is trying to revive the ITA's corpse for a third try.

The ITA was conceived by the cartel for practical reasons foremost - specifically because it is literally the only way to fund the County's proposed $10 billion Bus Rapid Transit network, and secondarily, because the funding scheme for the Purple Line is going to drain away so much money from the future pot for transportation projects in the County. Because the ridership of BRT will be so low, there is no way to create a public-private partnership to fund it - there's no profit potential for a private partner.

Again we are seeing the overconfidence of a political cartel that thinks itself invincible after defeating their decades-old boogeyman, the Columbia Country Club. New property and trash taxes, a proposed drop in speed limits, and the creation of a monster spend-and-burn ITA that could bankrupt the County if taxpayers were held liable in the end for its debts. What will they think of next?

Trash tax: The truth about Pay-as-You-Throw Montgomery County trash scheme

Not only will Montgomery County residents be getting a property tax increase in the next fiscal year's budget, but now the Montgomery County cartel is proposing a new trash tax. That's right, from the folks who brought you a tax on the rain, and the epic 2010 energy tax hike, comes a tax on your trash. The tax is referred to by County Executive Marc Elrich's transition team as, "Pay as You Throw."

Like most Montgomery County taxes, the new trash tax is a regressive tax that will hit the poor and middle class the most. The new Pay-as-You-Throw trash tax will also hit working families and large families hard especially hard. Rich people who dine out every night, not so much. Thanks to one Bethesda citizen who stood up in recent years, the WSSC's attempt to bilk large households with illegal punitive water fees was found unconstitutional by a judge. The utility, while dragging its feet slowly and mightily, is now being forced to reduce those fees on large households.

Montgomery County's proposed trash tax is likewise unconstitutional, and targets specific residents with exorbitant fees. The more trash you generate, the higher the trash tax will be. Regular trash fees will also rise, to cover the costs of replacing residents' own trash cans with "official" trash cans. As other jurisdictions have found, the result will be a large increase in public dumping by those who either cannot afford the multiple County trash cans, fees and new trash taxes, or who find they have more trash than will fit in the number of official County cans they have. This is going to be a disaster for our streams and watersheds, which are already filled with trash thanks to the Council not making any effort to arrest those dumping and littering in large quantities.

Will residents stand up and fight the new Montgomery County trash tax? Predictably, the local media wasn't seeking out many who would after the cartel officially floated the trash tax trial balloon Thursday. A majority of taxpayers did not punish the Council after the passage of the bag tax, which utterly failed to reduce plastic bag use, and was proven to be a revenue grab only. If you don't fight the trash tax, you're going to get the trash tax.

Why is the trash tax being floated? Trapped politically, and by activist-attorney Robin Ficker's successful property tax cap approved by voters, the Council nevertheless wants to keep spending insane amounts of money on their developer sugar daddies and other cronies. As they've forced the rich to flee to lower-tax jurisdictions in our area, revenue has continued to plummet, while spending only increases annually.

They want to keep giving massive raises to County employees, as well. I strongly support honoring labor contracts; a deal is a deal. But County Executive Marc Elrich was informed soon after his victory about the bleak budget and revenue forecast. So, while I agree strongly with his positions on development, I was surprised at the size of the pay increases he agreed to with union leaders. Now those wages and benefits have to be paid, but there's little political room for a massive property tax increase. How to raise taxes massively, and disguise it as a fee?

Enter the trash tax. But, in short, the trash tax itself belongs in the trash.

American Legion Bridge shutdown paralyzes D.C. region with no alternative Potomac crossing

Total victory, 

total vindication for

new bridge advocates

The Capital Beltway Inner Loop lanes on the American Legion Bridge reopened about two hours before the start of rush hour this morning. An accident that caused a fuel tanker truck to flip over and spill fuel on the highway shut those lanes down for about 12 hours. The bridge shutdown had region-wide effects, with many Virginia-to-Maryland commuters spending up to four or more hours in traffic jams. With Montgomery County politicians having blocked the long-planned Potomac River crossing north of the Legion bridge for decades, drivers were forced to seek any short cut or workaround they could find. Problem is, there weren't any.

Already, the Legion Bridge meltdown is being ranked as one of the D.C. region's Top 5 traffic disasters of all time. But imagine if this had occurred during a terror attack or other disaster. Sadly, the local media - out of political bias or simple ignorance of history - largely did not inform their viewers, listeners and readers about exactly why they were stuck in Carmageddon 2019: The failure to complete the D.C. region's freeway system, and most-specifically, Montgomery County and Maryland's childish refusal to build the new Potomac bridge to appease radical anti-car ideologues and developer sugar daddies who need traffic congestion to justify high-density development in the suburbs.

Nobody could take a lap around the Beltway yesterday, but this morning, I'm taking a victory lap as the only Maryland candidate in the 2018 elections who was not only advocating for the new Potomac River crossing, but made it a centerpiece of my campaign.

Simply put: I told you so.

And the tens of thousands of you who voted for me for Montgomery County Council At-Large, along with more than 6000 additional Democrats who voted for me across party lines, can also take a victory lap this morning. You weren't just tired of sitting in traffic; you did your homework before voting. And this morning, like me, you can celebrate total victory and total vindication.

Just as I was the only candidate representing you, the taxpayer and commuter, in the election, now I am sadly perhaps the only journalist who is telling the truth this morning. The truth about our "leaders" failing us by blocking a bridge critical to commuting, national security and Montgomery County's economic development - including the need for direct access to Dulles International Airport. But also the truth that yesterday's fiasco produced clear winners and losers.

And as my readers and my 2018 election supporters know, sometimes it's better to lose with a winner than to win with losers.

Winners

Robert Dyer

The local media and a number of community organizations colluded with the Montgomery County cartel to prevent any coverage of my campaign and platform. But the fact is, I was the sole County Council candidate who ran on the priority of building the new Potomac crossing, and completing Montgomery County's master plan highway system. I'm looking very smart this morning.

It's safe to say there is extreme voter remorse among low-information Montgomery County voters this morning. Those voters were poorly-served by the very media that claims it informs the public, and prevents democracy from "dying in darkness." Casual voters need to know now that they must begin to take their responsibility more seriously - if the Washington Post and other local media aren't informing you about the choices on your ballot, you need to sit down for an hour and research the candidates online before voting. And that having every seat on the County Council won by a Democrat every election kept you in bumper-to-bumper traffic for hours last night. A hyperpartisan victory is ultimately an empty and Pyrrhic victory, as yesterday proved.

Robert Dyer voters

'Nuff said.

New Potomac River crossing advocates

While I've been alone as a candidate and activist on our side of the river in pushing for the new Potomac River crossing, the bridge doesn't lack for high-profile advocates. Virginia Senator Mark Warner, the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance, former Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation Chair Bob Buchanan, and former Virginia Govs. Bob McDonnell and Terry McAuliffe are among those who have supported a new crossing in recent years.

Losers

Drivers

D.C region commuters, especially those who live in Montgomery County.

Montgomery County Council

Each member of the current Montgomery County Council (and the previous Councils this decade) has openly opposed a new Potomac River crossing in their public statements. They should be facing the wrath of their constituents today via phone, social media and email, and at the ballot box in 2022. They are almost entirely to blame for yesterday's catastrophe.

Gov. Larry Hogan

Incredibly, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan - a real estate developer, no less - has come out against a new Potomac River bridge. While claiming reducing traffic congestion is a key priority for his administration, Hogan instead became the latest governor in Annapolis to let the phone go to voicemail when Virginia's top leaders have called to discuss a new crossing.

Hogan's claim that the bridge is cost-prohibitive is simply false; the bridge and required highway extension from I-370 can be built privately as a toll facility, at virtually no expense to taxpayers. Our County's structural budget deficit shows what the costs of not building it are - year after year.

Like many bridge opponents, Hogan has made the suggestion of instead "improving" the existing Legion bridge. The problem is, even a magical 16-lane American Legion bridge would have been closed for the same number of hours yesterday. We need more crossings. Period.

New Potomac crossing opponents

Developer-funded bridge opponents ranging from the Coalition for Smarter Growth to Greater Greater Washington to the Rockefeller Foundation aren't looking too "smart" this morning. I would love to have seen them walk from car-to-car in the backups of commuters desperately trying to get home to family and dinner last night, and pass out brochures opposing the new bridge. And to witness the response of drivers!

Surveillance video shows suspect breaking into Olney home

A man who Montgomery County police allege broke into an Olney home and stole property was caught on surveillance camera footage. The burglary occurred in broad daylight around 11:45 AM on March 15 at a home in the 17700 block of Chipping Court. Residents of the home were not there at the time of the incident, detectives say.

Anyone who recognizes this suspect or has information about this burglary is asked to contact the 4th District Investigative Section at 240-773-5530. To be eligible for a reward, tipsters may call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or enter a tip online. Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information provided to them that leads to an arrest and/or indictment of the suspects. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Montgomery County ends veteran homelessness? Not quite

WTOP article parrots Montgomery County Council
claim that no veteran is homeless in MoCo in 2015

"All homeless veterans have found housing in Montgomery Co.," a WTOP.com headline declared on December 15, 2015. "No veteran is homeless in Montgomery County, officials announce," a Washington Post headline blared six days later. Montgomery County had "found a home for every homeless veteran," NBC4's Jim Handly assured viewers at 5:45 PM the same day. Then-Councilmember George Leventhal was widely quoted and toasted by obsequious local media, just months after he had been condemned by homeless advocates for his attempt to criminalize panhandling by the homeless on County streets. He and the Council were understandably seeking to change the narrative.

Change it Montgomery County did - with eager help from their cheerleaders and Fellow Travelers in the local media. While actual homeless advocates working in the community would be the first to acknowledge the claim was impossible, and that it was based on a belief that there would be available housing units in the future as homeless veterans were identified, that is not how the County's elected officials and their buddies in the local news media promoted it to the public.

Montgomery County government "Paperless Airplane"
headline from January 2016

The shameful, false claim that there are no more homeless veterans in Montgomery County was trotted out again by County officials Monday. A press release boasted that "Montgomery County was one of the first communities to reach 'functional zero' for veterans’ homelessness in December 2015. Since January 2015, Montgomery County has permanently ended homelessness for 148 veterans." No one in the local media pushed back on the false claim this time, either.

I've now confirmed that there are indeed homeless veterans on the streets of Montgomery County, and ironically, I came across one due to the failure of our County Council to provide a functional master plan highway system. Last week, I spent 90 minutes traveling between Bethesda and Shady Grove due to an accident-related backup on the Beltway and I-270. Along with many other frustrated drivers, I exited to Old Georgetown Road, to begin a red-light-at-every-intersection crawl north.

Lo and behold, when I arrived at the intersection of Old Georgetown and Rockville Pike, there was a homeless man panhandling in the median. He was holding a sign that read, "Homeless Veteran." We all know he is not the only one. But the County is putting a $10 billion Bus Rapid Transit boondoggle, a $1 million-a-year Ride On Extra carrying one passenger in each direction, tax cuts for developers, and millions in kickbacks to supporters and campaign donors in the "non-profit" community ahead of our great veterans.

Fact check: Although the latest false claim easily earns a Four Pinocchio rating, the ongoing mendacity of our corrupt elected officials has required me to follow the Washington Post in adopting the new "Bottomless Pinocchio," which it describes as "a new rating for a false claim repeated over and over again."

Rating: BOTTOMLESS PINOCCHIO

Felony theft at Guitar Center in Silver Spring

A thief allegedly stole over $1000 in musical accessories from the Guitar Center store in Ellsworth Place in downtown Silver Spring, Montgomery County police say. The suspect entered the store at an undisclosed time on March 7, detectives allege, and escaped with the merchandise. They believe the same suspect has stolen other items at this Guitar Center in the past.

Anyone with information regarding this suspect is asked to call the 3rd District Patrol Investigations Unit at 240-773-6830. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest in this case.

Silver Spring construction update: Chase Bank (Photos)

Work continues at the future Chase Bank branch at 8435 Georgia Avenue in downtown Silver Spring. This is one of many Chase branches opening in the region as part of a major J.P. Morgan Chase expansion now underway. A plaque has just been attached to the building advertising the Private Client program, which is somewhat like a frequent flier program for banking - special offers and services for members. You can see the interior starting to take shape, as well.

AW Beauty Salon coming to downtown Silver Spring

AW Beauty Salon has leased the space at 908 Thayer Avenue in downtown Silver Spring. I believe this storefront used to be part of the Thai Market. This is next to Pam's Nails on Thayer. The salon's website was not yet active as of this morning.

Indecent exposure at AFI Silver Theatre

A man exposed himself inside the AFI Silver Theatre in downtown Silver Spring, Montgomery County police allege. Around 1:30 PM on March 8, 2019, a man allegedly entered the movie theater and walked to the cafe area. Detectives say he spoke to a female employee in the cafe, and then "inappropriately touched himself" as he departed the cafe area. They have released an image of the suspect taken from the theater's surveillance camera system.

Anyone who recognizes the suspect or who has information about this incident is asked to contact the 3rd District Patrol Investigations Unit at 240-773-6800.  For those who wish to remain anonymous, Crime Solvers of Montgomery County is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that leads to the arrest of the suspect. Tipsters can call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).

Hug a tree on the railroad tracks - the Purple Line strikes again

Montgomery County cartel chainsaws are getting ready to fire up again. Purple Line Partners announced Thursday that their contractors will be cutting down trees along the railroad tracks in the Lyttonsville and Woodside area starting this weekend, and lasting through April.

The trees will be cut between Stuart Avenue and 16th Street along the CSX right-of-way on weekends between the hours of 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Get some of that fresher air while you can, and hug a tree before it's gone. Nature's air cleaner and noise absorber must give way to developer profits, and put money in the pockets of the Montgomery County Council. Talk about a Green New Deal!

Ocado skips across the pond, and Montgomery County, in U.S. HQ search

Just months after Montgomery County's humiliating-but-self-inflicted defeat in the Amazon HQ 2 sweepstakes, even Amazon's enemies are passing on MoCo in favor of Northern Virginia. Ocado, a British partner of Kroger that specializes in online grocery sales systems, announced yesterday it will conduct its search for its future U.S. corporate headquarters from gleaming offices in beautiful and booming Tysons. CEO Luke Jensen said he was "delighted" with the Tysons choice, and that the office would open in April.

Ocado has a service called Prime Now, that delivers groceries you order online within 2 hours. If the order is small enough, it might be delivered by scooter. Kroger - which owns Harris Teeter and Ralph's - has partnered with Ocado to prepare for the increasingly-competitive world of online grocery shopping, where its greatest rival will be Crystal City's Amazon.

Northern Virginia is becoming a hub for so many things, it's hard for our super-low-energy Montgomery County Council to even keep track, much less compete. But grocery firms are one of the latest; Lidl chose Arlington County for its U.S. headquarters in the most recent example before this. One can reasonably predict the high-tax, low-energy grass of bedroom community Montgomery County won't exactly look greener from Ocado's offices high above the bustling streets of Tysons.

This is just the latest humiliation for Montgomery County officials this week. It follows another disastrous job growth report (there wasn't any), and Montgomery County's leading economic development official returning empty-handed from an expensive SXSW junket. What Montgomery's selling...they just don't want it. They just don't want it.

Wheaton IHOP provides $300 prize for Wheaton Arts Parade poster winner

A Montgomery County high school student has won a $300 prize in the contest to create the official poster promoting the 2019 Wheaton Arts Parade and Festival. The Wheaton IHOP restaurant is providing the cash prize to winner Daniela Shuping, a senior at Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, County executive Marc Elrich announced in a statement Wednesday.

William Moore, the owner of the IHOP, is a lifelong resident of Wheaton, and currently serves on the Wheaton Urban District Advisory Committee. “The Wheaton Arts Parade is a fantastic celebration of our artists and our community and I am proud to lend my support, especially when it can inspire our students to be so creative,” Moore said yesterday. In creating her winning poster, Shuping said her primary goal was "to create a sense of fun and whimsy, much like that of the parade itself."

The parade itself will be held at 10:00 AM on September 22, 2019. In addition, the festival will feature over 50 artist tents, and continue until 5:00 PM that day. A food court will host the cuisines of some of Wheaton's top restaurants. And a large tent will feature films and literary readings. Two stages of live entertainment will round out the event, which is free to everyone. Food will cost extra. Sponsors underwriting the cost of the event this year include the Montgomery County Recreation Department, Greenhill Properties, Westfield Wheaton, Montgomery Planning and a grant from the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County.

Moribund Montgomery iced out of ICEE HQ decision by Tennessee

Montgomery County has again been on the sidelines as dozens of major corporate headquarters have made relocation decisions in early 2019. Moribund MoCo, now at rock bottom in the D.C. region in virtually every economic development indicator, just got iced out of another one. While our corrupt elected officials were dozing at the switch, high-energy Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee closed a deal for the ICEE headquarters. The beloved frozen beverage firm is moving its California HQ to La Vergne, in Rutherford County Tennessee.

"It's such a business-friendly spot," ICEE President Dan Fachner said of La Vergne, according to the local Daily News Journal. The deal also includes a distribution center, and a requirement to create 207 additional jobs with an average salary of $60,152 within the coming five years. In exchange for a relatively-paltry $690,275 tax break, La Vergne, Rutherford County and Tennessee will get a $10.3 million project, and all of the tax revenue and collateral economic benefits.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R)

"ICEE's decision to bring its corporate headquarters to La Vergne highlights how Tennessee's low taxes, skilled workforce and quality of life continue to attract world-class businesses, said Bob Rolfe, the commissioner of the state's Department of Economic and Community Development," the Daily News Journal reported.

Once again, transportation infrastructure also played a big role in the decision. While not mentioned in media coverage of the ICEE deal, the City of La Vergne upgraded Mason Road and its utilities near Bain Drive during the year-long ICEE HQ decision process in 2018. And what do you know? That's exactly where ICEE is going to locate its HQ and distribution center.

Contrast that show of infrastructure investment and goodwill by Tennessee to the moronic decision by the Montgomery County Council to cancel the biggest infrastructure project in White Flint on the very day that Amazon executives were touring White Flint for their HQ 2 search. Along with the enablers in our obsequious and apologist local media, it couldn't be more clear why Montgomery has lost every single major corporate headquarters contest over the last two decades.

Google Maps image shows 13-minute trip to
the closest airport from the future ICEE site

The La Vergne site also sits right off of Interstate 24, and along a major rail line. Smyrna Airport is only 13 minutes away from the future ICEE property, and the major Nashville International Airport is only 18 minutes away, according to Google Maps. Meanwhile, Montgomery County officials have actively blocked any attempt to build a new Potomac River crossing that would provide direct access to Dulles International Airport, leaving all major airports a long, congested drive for busy executives - which is one reason those executives always pass over MoCo in location decisions. In fact, Montgomery lost the Discovery HQ to Knoxville, Tennessee, where Discovery chose a site with similar direct airport and interstate access.

The brain freeze of an ICEE isn't nearly
as cold as the one you'll get from the latest
Montgomery County Council tax increase
this year

While Montgomery County's corrupt, developer-controlled Council and Planning Board were busy converting MoCo's office parks to residential housing for their developer sugar daddies, Tennessee state and local officials were readying theirs for household-name tenants and success. While states like Tennessee and Virginia add highway capacity (and high-wage jobs and corporations follow), Montgomery County politicians in Rockville and Annapolis are aggressively fighting Gov. Larry Hogan's Express Lanes plan for the Beltway and I-270.

An ICEE chill settles over Montgomery County,
now the moribund bedroom community for booming
job centers elsewhere in the D.C. region

“With our top-rated school district, affordable cost of living and strong local economy, companies like The ICEE Company are choosing to relocate and put down roots in our community,” Rutherford County Mayor Bill Ketron said in a statement. Contrast that with Montgomery County's rapidly-declining public schools, high cost of living and record-high taxes, and moribund local economy. It's not a winning formula, to say the least.

The clock runs out on the
Montgomery County cartel

The ICEE victory again shows how attracting one major employer has a multiplier effect. Attracting Nissan to that same part of Tennessee decades ago fueled explosive economic growth in the area. Having traveled to Nashville many, many times as a professional musician, I've been surprised at how many people I've encountered there over the years are employed by Nissan or Nissan-related businesses. Some of them live in wonderful, new suburban neighborhoods developed as a result of the Nissan facilities. 520 new Nissan-related auto parts manufacturing jobs have been added in Smyrna in the last year alone, the Daily News Journal reported. Nashville also recently became home to the parent company of Hardee's and Carl's Jr,. another corporate HQ that MoCo didn't even compete for.

We won't attract that first breakthrough corporate headquarters with the super-low-energy, Berzerkley-inspired, anti-business "new" County Council that took office just over three months ago. They haven't acted on a single one of the major crises Montgomery County faces in the many weeks since. Their press release output in recent weeks features no Bill Lee-style announcements of new high-wage jobs, but instead highlights an "Islamophobia" resolution, an outdoor patio smoking ban, and a "Racial Equity and Social Justice Policy."

Res ipsa loquitur, indeed.

Amazon Lockers arrive at Wheaton Plaza

If you live near Wheaton Plaza, you have another option to receive your orders from Amazon. Amazon Lockers have just been installed near Dick's Sporting Goods. It was not clear if packages were being received yet, but confirmation will be clearly shown when you select your desired location on Amazon.com.

We lost very badly to Virginia in the Amazon HQ 2 race thanks to our inept and business-unfriendly Montgomery County Council - but, hey, we got some more Amazon Lockers. Heckuva job, Brownie!

Aspen Hill woman missing

Montgomery County police are searching for a missing Aspen Hill woman. Deborah Louis Bachman, 36, of Crestedge Lane hasn't been heard from since she last contacted her family by telephone on March 13, 2019. Detectives believe she may be driving her red 2004 Honda CRV with Maryland tags: 4BE8505.

Bachman is described by police as a white female, 5’8” tall and weighing 180 pounds. She has auburn hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Deborah Louis Bachman or her vehicle is asked to call the Montgomery County Police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000 (available 24 hours). Callers may remain anonymous.

Burgerim opens at Wheaton Plaza

Israeli burger chain Burgerim has finally opened its Wheaton Plaza location. A few nights ago, there appeared to be a private friends-and-family tasting being held inside the new fast casual addition to the mall. The doors opened to the public yesterday. Burgerim is one of the few chains like White Castle and Krystal that focuses on mini-burgers, a.k.a. sliders. As a fast-casual concept, they are aiming for a more upscale experience compared to quick service White Castle and Krystal.

Hug a tree on Piney Branch Road as Purple Line tree removal to begin March 18

Montgomery County cartel chainsaws will fire up on Piney Branch Road beginning "on or about" March 18, 2019 to cut down trees for the Purple Line light rail project. The trees being removed are located between Garland Avenue and Barron Street. Tree removal will take place between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM on weekdays and weekends, Purple Line Transit Partners says.

"Large and brown" Fairland dog remains at large after attacking woman

Montgomery County police are alerting the public to a dangerous, "large and brown" dog that is still at large in the Fairland area of Silver Spring after attacking a woman at an apartment complex there Monday night. Police say that a second victim near Hampton Point Drive, .2 miles from those apartments in the 3400 block of Gateshead Manor Way, reports that a "tan" dog tried but failed to attack her on Saturday.

The Gateshead Manor Way victim suffered puncture wounds on her arms and legs, but no life-threatening injuries. Nevertheless, police want to locate the dog as quickly as possible as it remains a threat to the public at large.

Animal Services Officers are asking anyone who sees this dog to call the police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000 and do not approach the dog.  Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to call the Animal Services Division at 240-773-5925.

Ennalls Avenue closure tonight, Wednesday night in Wheaton

Ennalls Avenue in Wheaton will be closed between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM tonight, and Wednesday night. The closure is due to water line repairs by the WSSC. There's no mention in the closure notice about whether the closure applies to specific blocks, or to the entire length of Ennalls.

K&I Salon coming to Wheaton Plaza

K&I Salon, a full-service hair salon and spa chain, is expanding to Wheaton. Their newest location will be inside Wheaton Plaza, next to Shoe City. The chain has several other mall locations in Montgomery County, including sister property Westfield Montgomery Mall and Lakeforest Mall.

Smiling burglar steals cash from The Daily Dish in Silver Spring

The Montgomery County Council is so soft-on-crime, they're bringing a smile to the face of criminals operating in the County. A smiling burglar was caught on camera with a wide grin as he burglarized The Daily Dish on Grubb Road in Silver Spring on March 4, just after midnight. 

After kicking in a glass panel at the front of the restaurant, the jovial burglar allegedly stole money and fled from the scene. But not before being caught on the surveillance camera. We haven't seen such a methodical theft of cash since the $7 million County government embezzlement scheme.

Anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information about this burglary is asked to contact the 2nd District Investigative Section at 240-773-6710. To be eligible for a reward, tipsters may call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or enter a tip online. Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information provided to them that leads to an arrest and/or indictment of the suspect. Tipsters will remain anonymous.

MCPS to host community meeting on safety and security at Paint Branch HS

Scandal-wracked Montgomery County Public Schools will hold a public meeting on safety and security at MCPS on March 13, 2019 at 7:00 PM at Paint Branch High School, located at 14121 Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville. MCPS students have been victims of violent assaults and rape, which have made local and national headlines, as well as sexual abuse perpetrated by MCPS teachers and staff.

MCPS even failed to execute a basic background check on a security staffer at one school, which would have shown his criminal record of assaulting a woman in his past. That staffer was arrested twice for having sex with a 17-year-old female student at the school where he was the head of security. A state audit, which was ignored by our inept, soft-on-crime County Council, showed major cybersecurity weaknesses at MCPS. To register for the meeting, RSVP online.