Vape Lounge Owner Applies for Liquor License to Convert to Sports Bar

The owner of a vape and hookah lounge in Montgomery Hills has applied for a liquor license and indicated her intent to convert the space into a sports bar, according to documents filed with the county Board of License Commissioners. If granted, beer, wine and liquor could be sold on premises only from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Sunday, and Friday and Saturday to 3 a.m.

Bill Would Formalize County Community Policing Guidelines

A bill to formalize community policing guidelines for the county’s police department was introduced this week by Council President Nancy Navarro (D-District 4) and Councilmember Craig Rice (D-District 2). Bill 33-19, Police – Community Policing would address “core community policing values,” diversity on the force, engagements with the community, complaints against county officers and other issues.

Police Confirm Officer Shot This Morning Has Died

The county police officer that was shot in the Town Center garage this morning died from his wounds, Acting Police Chief Marcus Jones confirmed. Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Jones identified the victim as Officer Thomas J. Bomba, a 13-year veteran of the department.

State Gets Federal Approval for Georgia Avenue Redesign

The State Highway Administration has received federal approval to redesign the portion of Georgia Avenue from 16th Street to Forest Glen Road, officials announced. The work will include narrowing traffic lanes, adding a raised and landscaped median, sidewalks on both sides of the road and a two-way bike track on the west side of Georgia, along with a new traffic signal at Flora Lane.

Weeklong Festival Begins Tomorrow in Long Branch

The first Long Branch Festival begins Friday night, Sept. 20, for a weeklong celebration of the neighborhoods, businesses and culture of the area, according to organizers. “The purpose of the Long Branch Festival is to celebrate the dynamic neighborhood, businesses and culture of Long Branch,” according to the festival website. “Our goal is to bring communities together and celebrate our diversity, expand understanding of the crucial role of shared public spaces and highlight the value of locally owned stores.

PLNT Burger Grand Opening Set for Tomorrow

PLNT Burger, a vegan fast-casual restaurant led by local celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn, will hold the grand opening of its first location tomorrow, company officials announced. The outlet is inside the Whole Foods at 833 Wayne Ave. in downtown Silver Spring and features Beyond Burgers, a product of Beyond Meat that is a plant-based burger made without GMOs, soy, or gluten.

UPDATE: Police Identify Mother of Abandoned Baby Found Near Sligo Creek

UPDATE: Detectives from the Special Investigations Division have arrested Leticia Guzman, age 25, of the 1500 block of Korth Place in Silver Spring, and charged her with child neglect and reckless endangerment, according to a press release.
Montgomery County police have identified the mother of an abandoned newborn baby found Friday near Sligo Creek north of Dennis Avenue. The infant female was found naked in the woods after a man walking in the 10000 block of Tenbrook Drive heard a baby crying, found the child and called 911.