Christmas tree installed at Rockville Town Square ahead of lighting on Dec. 6

The Christmas tree is up at Rockville Town Square, but it's not lit yet. That will officially happen this coming Friday, December 6, 2024 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM in the town square. Mr. MoCo himself, Alex Tsironis, will be your host for the evening. King Teddy will perform live music in the square, and there will be food, drinks, activities for the whole family, and a chance for selfies with Santa Claus.

VW ID Buzz spotted in Rockville (Photos)

Volkswagen's new ID Buzz electric van was anticipated to arrive in U.S. showrooms around Thanksgiving. And sure enough, the buzz-generating homage to the iconic VW Bus is beginning to pop up in Montgomery County this weekend. One is on display at Ourisman Volkswagen of Rockville at 801-B Rockville Pike. It is an ID Buzz Pro S model in Deep Black Pearl, with "Moonlight" interior. Including destination charge, the MSRP is $62,280.

You're paying a premium for being one of the first on the road in the ID Buzz, which is likely to turn heads as you travel around the county. You're also paying for legendary German engineering and craftsmanship, as this particular ID Buzz was assembled in the great city of Hannover in Germany, not in Mexico or China. Baltimore is listed as the port-of-entry on the sticker. Black didn't seem to be a popular color on the original VW Bus; I've never seen one on the road in the U.S. But I've ridden in several of the classic version, and grew up to be a big fan.

If the ID Buzz is successful, perhaps VW will realize that the brand's appeal was its distinctive car designs and German quality. The company is going through a tough period at the moment, and has suggested it could close one or more factories in Germany for the first time in its history. It is being hammered by German and European "green new deal" policies that have slashed the advantage European automakers had in the gas-powered market, while throwing them into the fire of the electric car market, where China has built up strong advantages with equally-strong Chinese government support.

Do you recognize these alleged Rockville liquor store thieves?

Rockville City police are seeking the public's help in identifying and locating suspects who allegedly stole merchandise from a Montgomery County government-owned liquor store. The theft took place at the Montgomery County liquor store at 300 N. Washington Street, in the Rockville Town Center area. Police have released surveillance camera images of the suspects, of whom one clearly noticed the cameras, but was undeterred. If you can identify any of the suspects, you are asked to call Officer Boyd at 240-314-8955.

Black Friday 2024 at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

The biggest shopping day of the year at Westfield Montgomery Mall is tomorrow, November 29, 2024. Black Friday hours at the mall this year will be 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. In contrast to past years, the Black Friday deals are not listed on the mall's website. Westfield advises you to instead download their app from the Google Play or Apple store, which it says will display the deals available Friday. 

Assault at grocery store in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at a grocery store on Tuesday evening, November 24, 2024. The assault was reported at a supermarket in the 1800 block of Rockville Pike at 6:16 PM. There is a Safeway store on that block of Rockville Pike. An individual was also accused of shoplifting in the same incident.

Police investigate assault at busy Rockville intersection

Montgomery County police are investigating an aggravated assault that took place at one of the busiest intersections in Rockville on November 12, 2024. At 10:39 PM that evening, police say, four suspects assaulted an adult male victim at the intersection of Frederick Road (MD 355) and E. Gude Drive. The suspects are described only as three Black males of unknown age, and one Black female of unknown age. If you have any information about this incident, or can identify any of the suspects involved, call police at (301) 279-8000. 

Kokee Tea opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Kokee Tea has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The bubble tea kiosk added one novel design touch just before its debut: a giant bubble tea cup that lights up. "Kokee Tea is a cozy and modern bubble tea cafe that offers a variety of delicious and refreshing drinks," the company said in a statement. "Whether you’re looking for a classic milk tea, a fruity smoothie, or a creamy latte, we have something for you. You can also customize your drink with different toppings, such as tapioca pearls, jelly, pudding, or popping boba. Our drinks are made with high-quality ingredients and brewed fresh daily."

The bubble tea chain has added seven new locations this year, including Montgomery Mall. Ashburn, Baltimore, Centreville, Lorton, Patrick Henry Mall in Newport News, and Urbana are the others. Look for Kokee Tea on Level 1 of the mall, outside of Macy's.