Wild Custom Apparel, Ebere by Alpha open at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Two new apparel boutiques have opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Wild Custom Apparel is a custom printing business similar to the t-shirt shops you would find on the boardwalk at Ocean City. A selection of graphic designs are posted on the wall, and can be printed on shirts, pillows, and other items. Find Wild Custom Apparel on Level 1 of the mall, next to Journeys. Ebere by Alpha has also opened its first full boutique after a promising start as a kiosk at Prince George's Plaza; you'll find it on Level 2, next to BeautyBOSS.

Rockville Planet Fitness grand opening set for April 12

The new Planet Fitness gym in Rockville is scheduled to host a grand opening celebration this Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 4:00 PM at 5520 Randolph Road, in the Montrose Shopping Center. It will be hosted by Nick Gomez from Hot 99.5 FM. Enjoy a ribbon cutting ceremony, a 30-minute circuit workout with the owners and trainers, food & drinks, and a chance to win fabulous prizes (65" Smart TV, Apple Watch, Amazon Echo) and more. Planet Fitness replaces Gold's Gym at the shopping center.

Montgomery County issues hypothermia alert

The Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security has issued a Hypothermia Alert for Monday, April 10, 2023, between the hours of 2:00 AM and 10:00 AM. During that time, the wind chill is forecast to be below 32 degrees. 

A Hypothermia Alert means that conditions present a danger of hypothermia or frostbite to those outdoors for extended periods. Dress warmly and wear layers if you must spend significant time outdoors during the hours covered by the alert. If you have safety concerns about people or pets, you are asked to call 301-279-8000.

Rockville man stabbed to death outside Wheaton parking garage

A Rockville man has died after being stabbed outside a Montgomery County-owned parking garage in Wheaton this past Wednesday, April 5, 2023, around 12:20 PM. Montgomery County police officers responded to a report of a stabbing at the Amherst Garage, which is located in the 11300 block of Amherst Avenue, around 12:23. They found 28-year-old Amontae Robert Cunningham of Rockville suffering from a stab wound. Cunningham was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Detectives learned that Cunningham had been a passenger on a Metrobus, and had gotten into an argument with another passenger. When the bus stopped in front of the parking garage, both men disembarked. The suspect then allegedly stabbed Cunningham.

Detectives are asking any passengers on the bus before the stabbing to contact the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5070. Anyone with information regarding this suspect or this crime, is asked to contact Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect. Callers may remain anonymous. 

Japong Bakery moving in Rockville

Japong Bakery is relocating at the Ritchie Center in Rockville. The Asian bakery known for its specialty cream puffs will be staying at the shopping center, moving from 785-I Rockville Pike to 765-A Rockville Pike. However, the bakery will be temporarily closed from April 17, 2023 to May 9, 2023 while it makes the transition. The grand reopening of the bakery is scheduled for May 10.

Rockville, central Maryland, Northern VA, D.C. under Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 10 PM

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for central and southern Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C., effective until 10:00 PM tonight, April 6, 2023. Violent thunderstorms are expected. Isolated wind gusts up to 70 MPH and large hail are possible. It is currently 85 degrees, but temperatures tonight will plunge into the 40s after the storms pass through the area.

Make sure your phone is charged, and that you have fresh batteries in your flashlight. Keep a battery-powered radio nearby, and retrieve any objects that might be blown around by winds from your yard or balcony.

Find out how your Montgomery County business can work with Rockville City government

Jessica Lewis, Director of Procurement
for the City of Rockville

Local businesses can learn about opportunities to do business with the City of Rockville at a special event this month. Register now for the "Rockville Means Business" event, which take place from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at the Glenview Mansion at Rockville Civic Center Park, 603 Edmonston Drive. Doors will open at 8:30 AM.  

Information sessions, exhibits and strategy sessions with city employees will help you find out if your services or products are needed by the city. You'll also receive advice on how to most effectively to bid on procurement opportunities, and how to use the city's online vendor collaboration portal.

A continental breakfast will be served during the event. If you cannot attend, the event will be available online. You can register for the virtual option on the same page as the in-person registration.Minority-, female-, disabled- or veteran-owned businesses are especially encouraged to attend the event. Seating will be limited, so don't delay in registering.