Montgomery County's first Wawa store begins hiring as construction continues (Photos)

Montgomery County's first Wawa convenience store has begun hiring at 405 S. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg. Applications are now being accepted in three job categories at Wawa.com/careers: Customer service associate, customer service supervisor and overnight team supervisor. Meanwhile, at the store site, the first glass panels have been installed in the storefront. Stone has also been installed on two pillars in front of the entrance, and along the lower facade of the store building.

Monique Ashton to officially launch campaign for Rockville mayor September 9

Rockville City Councilmember Monique Ashton will formally launch her campaign to be the city's next mayor tomorrow, Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 2:00 PM in the town square at Rockville Town Square. Ashton says her campaign agenda will focus on affordable and workforce housing, enhancing public safety, improving pedestrian safety through Vision Zero, and investing in infrastructure. While on the City Council, she has worked on economic development issues, public safety, climate change, and returning millions of dollars to the City through resolution of tax duplication matters with the State of Maryland.

“Serving this vibrant community has been an incredible honor, and I am eager to continue working towards making Rockville an even better place to live, work, and raise a family," Ashton said in a statement. "I am committed to working collaboratively with City, County, State, and Federal officials, community leaders, residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, faith-based leaders and other stakeholders to address the opportunities and challenges facing our city. With their support, we can continue to build a brighter future for all of Rockville's residents."

Ashton has already picked up several major endorsements from local, County and State officials. Among those now backing her mayoral campaign are County Councilmember and former Gaithersburg mayor Sid Katz, current Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman, State Delegate and former Gaithersburg City Council member Ryan Spiegel, County Councilmember and former Takoma Park mayor Kate Stewart, County Councilmember and former Gaithersburg City Council member Laurie-Anne Sayles, and current Gaithersburg City Councilmember Lisa Henderson.

"Monique has proven herself to be a tireless, compassionate leader in Rockville and Montgomery County," Stewart said in a statement Thursday. "I have seen her in action working effectively with other elected officials in Montgomery County and Annapolis to advance our communities. She shows up for the hard work of making policy, getting into the details, and bringing stakeholders together. I look forward to her continued leadership."

Mayor Ashman called Ashton "a brilliant and gifted leader. I’ve watched her bring people together to get big things done, both in Rockville and beyond. She consistently works to find the best solutions and practices to bring to bear in her community. I know that she is 100 percent dedicated to making Rockville the very best that it can be."

Ashton will face off against fellow City Council member Mark Pierzchala in the November 7, 2023 election. Full information on registering to vote, voting by mail, and all other election-related issues can be found on the City website.

Rockville burglar takes time to shave while inside home

A burglar broke into a Rockville house last week, and made himself at home, Rockville City police say. Officers found evidence that the burglar spent significant time inside the residence in the 100 block of King Farm Boulevard between August 25 and September 3, 2023. The suspect used a razor to shave, and left behind other items that suggested the suspect temporarily took up residence in the home. When finally departing, the well-groomed burglar stole electronics, gift cards, and even some food from the unwitting "host." If you have any information about this incident or suspect, call Rockville police at 240-314-8900.

Purse snatched at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a purse snatching at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda on Labor Day, September 4, 2023. The theft was reported at 10:26 PM. A good reminder to not leave purses unattended while shopping, dining or at the movies.

Moby Dick opening Rockville Pike location (Photos)

Moby Dick House of Kabob is "coming soon" to 11431-A Rockville Pike in White Flint, according to signage installed in the windows of the vacant storefront. This was previously a Verizon store, located next to 7-Eleven in the shopping center that is also home to Matreshka Russian Gourmet. Moby Dick is now hiring staff for this location. The local chain got its start in downtown Bethesda in 1989, and has an existing Rockville location at the Fallsgrove Village Center, and 21 others in the Washington, D.C. region.

Assault at Rockville apartment complex

Rockville City police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at an apartment complex Saturday night, September 2, 2023. The assault was reported in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 2000 block of Baltimore Road at 9:23 PM on Saturday.

Rockville goes purple again for opioid addiction awareness (Photos)

Rockville's Mayor and Council have proclaimed September as National Recovery Month, to bring attention to the nationwide epidemic of opioid addiction. The theme for this year's effort is “Opioids: Let’s Talk About It,” with the goal of encouraging dialogue and openness about opioid addiction, and awareness of the need to avoid stigmatizing addiction. Residents and visitors will see the most visible representation of the month-long campaign in the purple hue being projected onto City Hall, the Rockville City Police Department, and other city buildings, as well as purple light posts around Rockville Town Square.

The Rockville City Police Department will host the Rockville Goes Purple Drug Takeback, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, September 23 at the department’s headquarters parking lot at 2 W. Montgomery Ave. You can also join RCPD officers at the Rockville Senior Center from 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, September 27 to learn about opioids and drug problems in our community, and how you can help.