Armed hit-and-run carjacking in Olney

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed carjacking in Olney Thursday night, July 9, 2026. According to police, a woman was sitting in her vehicle in the 17800 block of Georgia Avenue at 8:11 PM, when a man suddenly opened a door of the car and displayed "an edged weapon." He ordered her out of the vehicle, and drove off in it, striking the woman with her own car. Police have not released a description of the suspect or stolen vehicle, and have not commented on the victim's condition.

Renovations ahead for Chick-fil-A in Olney

Chick-fil-A at 18115 Georgia Avenue in Olney will be making minor renovations to the restaurant this spring. Outdoors, a new order pick-up canopy will be installed. The dumpster enclosure will be relocated. And a new employee break room will be constructed. The restaurant is expected to remain open during the renovations.

Aggravated assault at shopping center in Olney

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an aggravated assault at a shopping center in Olney on January 24, 2026. The broad-daylight assault was reported at a retail property in the 18100 block of Town Center Drive at 4:49 PM. Fair Hill Shopping Center is located at 18100 Town Center Drive.

According to police, two suspects assaulted the adult male victim. Police describe the suspects only as a Black male and a White female of unknown age. If you have any information about this case, call police at (301) 279-8000. 

Community store to replace Rock Creek Tavern in Olney

A community store is taking over the building at 5500 Olney-Laytonsville Road in Olney. It was recently vacated by Rock Creek Tavern. The new store will also carry beer and wine. Conversion of the interior is expected to begin in early 2026.

Strong-arm robbery in residential area of Olney

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a strong-arm robbery in a residential neighborhood in Olney early yesterday afternoon, November 24, 2025. The robbery and assault were reported in broad daylight in the 18200 block of Leman Lake Drive at 12:28 PM Monday. That is in the Waterview neighborhood, across from Medstar Montgomery Medical Center.

Qdoba opening in Olney

Qdoba Mexican Eats is expanding to Olney. It will be located at 3486 Olney-Laytonsville Road, at the Olney Shopping Center. That was previously home to Eco Cleaners. Qdoba has three existing locations in Montgomery County, in Rockville, Gaithersburg, and Silver Spring.

Montgomery County Planning Board to review property acquisition for Olney Community Building

Montgomery County's Department of General Services is - theoretically (more on that later) - poised to acquire a vacant bank building at a major crossroads in Olney to serve as a community building. The bank property is located at 17831 Georgia Avenue, on the southeast corner of the intersection of Georgia and Spartan Road. DGS has been authorized by the County Council to spend up to $5 million to purchase the 15,801-square-foot site and renovate the building, which was formerly home to a Capital One bank branch. The acquisition will be reviewed by the County Planning Board at its meeting this Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 9:00 AM. However, as it is a government project, this is a Mandatory Referral application by the County. This means commissioners can only provide comments and recommendations; they cannot reject the purchase or plans for the property.

Planning staff are recommending approval of the Mandatory Referral, and transmittal of Planning Board comments to DGS. The building is in a prominent location and has a unique architectural design. DGS will renovate and convert the interior for use as a community meeting center. It will retain the option to redevelop the property at any future date, which would entail its own approval process - but again under Mandatory Referral, unless the County were to sell the property to a private developer. 

Here's the interesting part: Montgomery County already purchased the property for $2,573,700. The sale closed on May 8, 2025, according to state property records. Yet the staff report refers to "the proposed property acquisition." This doesn't quite add up in terms of accuracy and transparency by the Montgomery County Planning Department or the County, and says much about the actual relevance of input from stakeholders beyond the seller and the County this coming Thursday. 

Also interesting: Just four years ago, Capital One sold the property to a shell company called "SpartanGeorgia, LLC" for only $1,306,000. Whoever is behind the shell company made a significant profit of over $1 million, thanks to you, the taxpayer. Public notice of the purchase was published in The Washington Times, meaning very few residents would have seen it.

Angel Reese meal now available at McDonald's in Montgomery County

McDonald's' latest celebrity meal veers from the music world to the WNBA. The Angel Reese meal includes the new BBQ Bacon Quarter Pounder with Cheese. "Featuring an unapologetically bold and smoky BBQ sauce with crispy bacon, this breakout QPC® is taking it to the next level," McDonald's promises. "Each BBQ Bacon Quarter Pounder with Cheese is cooked when you order with a 100% fresh beef+ quarter pound patty, seasoned with just a pinch of salt and pepper, and sizzled on our flat iron grill. It’s smothered in smoky BBQ sauce and layered with crispy bacon, two slices of melty American cheese, slivered onions and tangy pickles all on a soft and fluffy sesame seed hamburger bun."

Reportedly, the BBQ sauce is a new recipe, and not the one used for McNuggets or the McRib. The Angel Reese Special also includes a medium fries, and Hi-C Orange is the recommended beverage pairing.(or other soft drink) round out the roster and has 1230 calories. Speaking of local basketball stars...here in Washington, we are looking forward to the Cooper Flagg Meal, if the NBA doesn't cheat us out of the #1 draft pick again.

Law firm solicits clients as it claims to be investigating Sandy Spring Bancorp

A New York City law firm is investigating Olney-based Sandy Spring Bancorp for "potential violations of the federal securities laws and/or breaches of fiduciary duties to shareholders," a press release announced last night. Halper Sadeh LLC, an investor rights law firm, says its investigation into the firm centers on its "sale to Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation for 0.900 shares of Atlantic Union common stock for each share of Sandy Spring." The press release did not detail any evidence backing up the claim of violations, but is an advertising effort to seek relief and benefits for shareholders who were allegedly victims of such actions. "Halper Sadeh LLC represents investors all over the world who have fallen victim to securities fraud and corporate misconduct," their press release states. "Our attorneys have been instrumental in implementing corporate reforms and recovering millions of dollars on behalf of defrauded investors."

Good Counsel/WVU OL Kyle Altuner enters transfer portal

West Virginia Mountaineers offensive lineman Kyle Altuner has entered the NCAA transfer portal, Sports Illustrated reported this morning. The Olney native and Our Lady of Good Counsel alumnus can now be contacted by other universities interested in recruiting him. A four-year starter for the Falcons, Altuner was a three-time Max Preps All-American, an Under Armour All-American, a three-time All-Washington Catholic Athletic Conference First Team honoree, and a two-time Washington Post All-Metro Area First-Team honoree. Sports Illustrated reports that Altuner will retain four years of eligibility if he transfers to another program.

Photo courtesy WVU

Olney Golf Park redevelopment could "shape the future of a community"

A major new development could be in the works for Georgia Avenue in Olney. The 22-acre property at 3414 Emory Church Road currently occupied by the Olney Golf Park has just hit the market for sale. A buyer could replace the expansive driving range with housing and retail. In the 1980s and 90s, that might have meant a strip mall with single-family homes behind it. Today, it's more likely to mean multifamily housing of one or more types, with retail facing Georgia Avenue.

The golf park site could expand in size, as
several adjacent property owners are
"amenable to sale"

The property is adjacent to a signaled intersection, has existing utility connections suitable for a variety of land uses, and is a half-mile from the InterCounty Connector (ICC). A Request for Proposal invites potential investment buyers to be part of a "rare chance to shape the future of a community." The property is in the Sherwood school cluster, although the RFP notes that the elite Good Counsel High School is also nearby. A new development could easily exceed the 22-acres now available for the right buyer, as the RFP states that the owners of the adjacent Barnes, Johnson, and Pathways properties are open to purchase offers.

Employees at Burtonsville, Olney cannabis dispensaries vote to unionize

Last month, employees at two cannabis dispensaries in eastern Montgomery County declared their intention to unionize. Now they have successfully voted to do so. Employees at The Apothecarium in Burtonsville voted unanimously, and workers at Sweetspot in Olney voted 9-1, to unionize with United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 400 Union last Wednesday and Friday, respectively. 

“I’m incredibly honored to be working alongside such an awesome team that believes in representation for themselves and fellow workers,” Apothecarium employee Matt Saundry said in a statement. “We’re grateful for the chance to work with Terrascend to negotiate a contract, we appreciate them working with us throughout this process and I’m looking forward to what comes next.”

“This victory is just the first step into getting what we need, want and deserve,” Sweetspot union worker Alexandra Barrett said. “By coming together and standing tall through the whole process, we are hoping for a bright future for not just our Sweetspot but for all Sweetspot locations. We are truly building a good community for our team.”

Photo courtesy UFCW Local 400

Workers at 2 East MoCo cannabis dispensaries declare intention to unionize

Workers at two cannabis dispensaries in eastern Montgomery County have announced their intention to unionize with United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 400 Union. The two businesses are The Apothecarium in Burtonsville, and Sweetspot in Olney. Another Apothecarium location in Cumberland, Maryland voted unanimously to unionize this past Friday. UFCW has found success in this new economic sector, having already organized union workplaces at dispensaries in Rockville and Germantown, and elsewhere in the state. Local 400 represents workers in grocery, retail, cannabis, health care, food processing, service and other industries in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee.

"We, the workers of The Apothecarium Burtonsville and Sweetspot Olney, have filed for union elections to join UFCW Local 400," the employees said in a joint statement this morning. "We are grateful for our community, from patients to customers alike, for their support in fair treatment and compensation of workers. We look forward to voting for our union when we receive our dates from the National Labor Relations Board and bargaining our first contracts alongside the other The Apothecarium/Terrascend and Sweetspot locations that have recently unionized across the country. We’re all in this together and we are proud to be part of the wave of unionizing workers throughout our industry."

Photos courtesy UFCW Local 400

When will Tropical Storm Debby impact eastern Montgomery County?

Tropical Storm Debby is currently 471 miles from Montgomery County, Maryland, which will feel the former hurricane's impacts over the next three days. The storm will affect the entire Washington, D.C. metro area from around 8:00 PM Thursday night to 1:00 AM on Saturday morning. Accuweather is currently forecasting a total rainfall of 4 to 8 inches, with peak wind gusts of 40 MPH. The peak of the storm is expected to be from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Friday, when the most rain will fall on the area.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has declared a State of Preparedness ahead of the storm. "The safety of Marylanders is our top priority," Moore said in a statement. "By declaring a State of Preparedness, I am directing the Department of Emergency Management to coordinate the comprehensive preparation of State government ahead of potential impacts from the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby. Residents and visitors should monitor local weather forecasts, remain vigilant, and be prepared to follow safety instructions from local emergency officials."

Remember to keep phones and devices charged ahead of the storm. Now is the time to check batteries in your flashlights, and purchase additional batteries. Have a small transistor radio to monitor emergency bulletins and weather conditions if you lose power. And make sure your gas tank is at least half-full.

Tropical Storm Debby is currently approaching the coast of South Carolina. Its maximum sustained wind speed is 60 MPH, according to the National Weather Service, and it is moving northeast at 5 MPH. The storm is blamed for the deaths of six people in the southern United States so far.

Images courtesy NOAA, Office of Gov. Wes Moore

Free donuts at Dunkin' Donuts in East MoCo this Friday, June 7

National Donut Day is this Friday, June 7, 2024. That means free donuts at your local Dunkin' Donuts in Aspen Hill, Silver Spring, Wheaton, Kensington, White Oak, Takoma Park, Burtonsville and Olney. Get a free donut with the purchase of any beverage, including the limited-time drinks of summer 2024 like the Blueberry Donut Iced Coffee or the Vanilla Frosted Donut Iced Coffee Signature Latte. 

Dunkin' Donuts has also teamed up with Scrub Daddy to create two Dunkin' Donuts-themed sponges. The Scrub Daddy and Scrub Mommy sponges come as a set for $9.98 plus shipping. They can be ordered online. 

Photos courtesy Dunkin' Donuts

Olney Library to close for one day on February 27, 2024

The Montgomery County Department of Public Libraries announced today that the Olney Library at 3500 Olney-Laytonsville Road will temporarily close for one day on February 27, 2024. An "essential exterior assessment" will be performed on the building during the closure. The library will reopen at 10:00 AM on February 28. 

If there is inclement weather on February 27, the assessment and closure will be postponed until March 1. The closest alternative library is the Aspen Hill branch at 4407 Aspen Hill Road.

"We recognize the impact of our services on your daily lives, and we regret any disruption caused by this one-day closure,” MCPL Director Anita Vassallo said in a statement. "We encourage you to access services at nearby branches and explore our digital resources during this time. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to resuming operations at the Olney branch."

Photo courtesy MCPL

Pickpocket strikes at Olney Village Center

Montgomery County police were called to the Olney Village Center yesterday, December 19, 2023, to investigate a pickpocket incident. The pocket was picked at a department store at the shopping center, located at 18330 Town Center Drive, at 5:30 PM. Watch your wallet, and avoid carrying it in your back pocket, if possible.

Son allegedly kills father in Olney

Montgomery County homicide detectives are investigating the shooting death of a Georgia man in Olney, and they have identified the alleged shooter as the man's son. Michael Wayne Stull, 57, was found dead by first responders who were called to a home in the 4500 block of Mount Olney Lane at 8:24 PM last Saturday night, October 7, 2023. But before entering the home, Montgomery County police officers and paramedics were informed that the shooter might still be inside. A SWAT team was called in. SWAT officers entered the home and arrested Stull's son, Nicholas Marquis Stull, 25, who lives there with his grandparents.

Stull has been charged with first-degree murder, first and second-degree assault and use of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime. Police say he had a non-life-threatening, self-inflicted gunshot wound and was transported to an area hospital.

Indecent exposure in Olney

Montgomery County police responded to a report of indecent exposure in Olney Saturday morning, September 16, 2023. The incident was reported in the 17800 block of Georgia Avenue at 7:51 AM Saturday.

Aspen Hill, Kensington, Wheaton, Olney among hardest hit by power outages after Saturday's storm

Pepco crews staging at the 7-Eleven store
on River Road in Bethesda this morning

Over 10,000 Pepco customers remain without power this morning in Montgomery County, but that number is down about 60,000 from the height of last evening's thunderstorm damage. The weather event, and resulting tree and power line damage, has been one of the few significant tests for Pepco since the electric utility was acquired by Exelon in 2016. Yesterday's storm appeared deceptively routine for late summer, but spawned straight line winds in areas like North Bethesda and Rockville, and had some in Northwest Washington, D.C. reporting a tornado in their community.

Southwest Bethesda neighborhoods like Springfield, Sumner, Wood Acres, Bannockburn and Spring Hill are still experiencing significant power outages. Grid resiliency issues reared their head again in the Westbard area long after skies had cleared Saturday night. Residents there who were fortunate enough to retain power after the storm last night report experiencing brownouts at 2:12 AM and 4:32 AM. The 4:32 AM brownout was an extended one, as after a split-second blackout that ravaged appliance motors, light fixtures were shimmering and flickering until all power was lost around 4:45 AM. Power was then restored around 4:48 AM. Interestingly, both brownout episodes reported seem to coincide with brand new power outages in the Westbard and Wood Acres/Searl Terrace areas, which the Pepco outage map indicates were reported at 2:15 AM (Searl Terrace) and 4:53 AM (Westbard Avenue). This morning's brownouts follow three sunny day brownouts in the Westbard area two weeks ago.

In North Bethesda, apartment building residents reported being in the dark Saturday night, and outages persist around Grosvenor, Garrett Park, Tilden Lane, Randolph Hills and the Randolph Road corridor this morning. Things aren't looking much better in the Twinbrook and Rollins Park areas of Rockville.

Aspen Hill is still smarting today with many outages. Fortunately for those without air conditioning, today's high will "only" be 85 degrees, instead of the 99 degree peak experienced last Friday. Outages also persist around Leisure World, Bel Pre Road, Wheaton, Kensington, Kemp Mill, Takoma Park, Hillandale, Colesville and Fairland. 

The storm appears to have cut a straight path across Montgomery Village, Goshen, and Laytonsville, judging from the large number of outages there. Outages remain in the Kentlands, Montgomery College-Germantown campus, Olney and Sandy Spring areas.