Fugitive spotted at Takoma Park laundromat

Takoma Park police officers went to a laundromat after a fugitive from another Maryland jurisdiction was spotted there Saturday night. The fugitive was found at a laundromat in the 8400 block of Piney Branch Road at 11:11 PM Saturday. 

Flip'd by IHOP sets opening date at Downtown Silver Spring (Photos)

There's been great progress inside of Flip'd by IHOP at 8537 Georgia Avenue at Downtown Silver Spring since my last update. The customer-facing elements of the interior are now in place. Signage guides patrons from the self-ordering screens to the order pick-up area. Most importantly, there is an opening date, according to their Google business listing: Tuesday, September 20, 2022. Here's a sneak peek inside:

Lost cat in Takoma Park

Takoma Park police are seeking the public's help in finding a lost cat. Ollie has been missing for more than a week, police say. He is neutered and microchipped, has all of his vaccinations up-to-date, and is considered to be friendly. 

Despite many listserv-sharing and flyer-posting efforts, Ollie has yet to be located. Perhaps he is hiding in your part of the city. If you see him, you are asked to call Takoma Park police at 301-270-1100.

Starbucks to open new store in downtown Silver Spring

Starbucks will be opening a new store in downtown Silver Spring. It will be at 1316 East-West Highway at The Blairs Shops, where Peet's Coffee is located today. Starbucks has already had a kiosk location inside the Giant store at the same shopping center, has a store on Ellsworth Drive, and a kiosk inside the Safeway on Thayer Avenue. The new Starbucks is anticipated to open by early 2023.

Smoothie King to open Olney location

Smoothie King is expanding to Olney. The brand will open its newest store at 18151 Village Center Drive at Olney Village Center. It is expected to open by early 2023.

Flood watch in effect until 2:00 PM today for Central Maryland, Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for all of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, including Montgomery County and Central Maryland to the border with Pennsylvania. It is in effect from 4:00 AM to 2:00 PM this afternoon, September 6, 2022. There is the possibility of rainfall of 2-3" during this time, with potential totals up to 5" in some areas, due to heavy showers and possible thunderstorms.

Expect creeks, streams, rivers and flood-prone areas to experience high water levels and overflows. If you see high water in the road ahead, do not attempt to drive through it. Turn around and find an alternate route.

Montgomery County Executive candidate Reardon Sullivan releases new campaign ad

Reardon Sullivan, the Republican nominee for Montgomery County Executive, has released a new campaign ad. "Montgomery County has changed," he says as the ad begins. "We were once the premier county in the country, but now violent crime has skyrocketed in our neighborhoods and schools. Our police are not supported, and can't do their jobs." 

Sullivan accuses the County's public school system of "pushing radical social agendas," instead of "the real lessons our children need to learn." He notes the trend of businesses leaving the county or closing, and the financial impact of that on County revenues. Alluding to the disatisfaction of a majority of Democratic primary voters with the incumbent executive, Sullivan asks, "[D]o you really want another four years of Marc Elrich?"

The ad ends with an appeal for voters to make their choice based on the areas of agreement residents have about the future of the County, as opposed to on the basis of party labels. “Now voters have a clear choice to make in the General Election," Sullivan said in a statement announcing the video this morning, "and I ask all voters for their support and their vote so together we can put Montgomery County back on the right track.”