Shooting in Long Branch

A man was shot in the Long Branch area of Silver Spring yesterday morning. Montgomery County police say they found a 40-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his lower body outside the W Express gas station at 8550 Piney Branch Road, around 6:17 AM on Wednesday.

The victim told detectives that he was standing outside of his vehicle when the shooter approached him from behind, and pressed the muzzle of a handgun against his side. He said the gun then discharged, wounding him. The alleged shooter then fled the scene on foot. Police did not indicate what direction the suspect was headed from the gas station.

Detectives are attempting to develop a description of the suspect. Anyone with information regarding this shooting is urged to call the 3rd District Investigative Section at 240-773-6870.  For those who wish to remain anonymous, tipsters 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 provided to them that leads to the arrest and/or indictment of this suspect.  Tipsters will remain anonymous.

Patricia Fenati launches campaign for District 14 delegate

Patricia Fenati, a resident of Damascus, launched her campaign for the Maryland House of Delegates from District 14 last night at Argyle Country Club. District 14 covers the northeastern area of Montgomery County from Damascus to Burtonsville, and includes Calverton, Colesville, Cloverly, Fairland, Olney, Ashton, Sandy Spring, Brookeville and Laytonsville.

Fenati pledged to focus on ending gerrymandering of voting districts in the state and county, job creation, education, and the environment. She noted that the current district boundaries give some communities in District 14 very little say in the outcome of elections for County Council and the General Assembly. Fenati also supports the transportation plan proposed by Gov. Larry Hogan, which would greatly rely on private, rather than taxpayer, funds to accomplish.

No other Republicans have filed for the District 14 delegate race as of this morning. On the Democratic side, only three candidates have filed - Anne Kaiser, Eric Luedtke, and Pamela Queen.

Photo courtesy Patricia Fenati

Sneak peek: MetroPCS at Ellsworth Place mall in Silver Spring (Photos)

MetroPCS, the pre-paid wireless retail store owned by parent company T-Mobile, will be opening soon at Ellsworth Place mall in downtown Silver Spring. Here's a sneak peek inside the new store.

Gulf gas station closes in downtown Silver Spring (Video+Photos)

The Gulf gas station at 8600 Georgia Avenue has closed. It will be replaced by a 173-room, extended stay Residence Inn by Marriott hotel. It would have been nicer to see housing placed here closer to Metro, but a hotel does put less strain on County taxpayers, schools and services than housing.

White Oak Library reopening April 2, 2018

The White Oak Library, currently undergoing Montgomery County's "refresh" renovations, has a reopening date. County officials say the library is scheduled to reopen on April 2, 2018 at 10:00 AM. They're working on the restrooms, lighting and electrical system during this phase of the renovations. The White Oak Library is located at 11701 New Hampshire Avenue in Silver Spring.

Reedie Drive to close this Saturday morning in Wheaton

WSSC water vault under construction
at Lot 13 project site in Wheaton

Reedie Drive will close temporarily this Saturday, February 10, 2018, from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The closure is related to the Lot 13 Montgomery County government office building construction project.

Because several heavy pieces of construction equipment are needed to work in the excavated hole after the ramps are removed, a crane has to be brought in to lift them back up to the surface this weekend. Excavation on the project is now complete, County officials report, and the final dump truck load has been hauled away.

Workers are currently constructing a WSSC water vault, that is designed to capture runoff from the underground parking garage, including the oil and other toxic chemicals that tend to be found on garage floors. The vault skims out the oil, and then sends the water into the sewer system.

TTT: Tacos, Tortas & Tequila in Silver Spring to have rooftop deck

Another rooftop is coming to downtown Silver Spring. Chef-owner Ivan Iricanin had earlier applied for a liquor license for TTT: Tacos, Tortas & Tequila, a new venture he plans to open at 8407 Ramsey Avenue. Now more details about the project are coming to light.

Iricanin plans to construct a rooftop deck for the new restaurant, as well as an outdoor patio. TTT will be open Monday-Thursday from 9:00 AM-2:00 AM, Fridays from 9:00 AM-3:00 AM, Saturdays from 7:00 AM-3:00 AM, and Sundays from 7:00 AM-2:00 AM.