Vote March 2
Polls will be open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 2, for the presidential primary and Board of Education primary, among other offices.
Residents should have received a sample ballot in the mail explaining where their polling place is and showing what candidates will appear on the ballot. To find out polling place locations, visit the election website, www.777vote.org or call 240-777-8500.
Potomac’s on The List
In a study commissioned by the American Highway User’s Alliance ranks the intersection of I-495 and I-270 as the 7th worst congested intersection in the nation.
The alliance’s Board of Directors is made up of people in the auto, trucking, asphalt, and rubber industries.
The report was funded by Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association and Portland Cement Association and Associated Equipment Distributors and Associated General Contractors of America among other groups, according to the Alliance website.
According to their study, the intersection had 243,425 cars per day in 2002 and is projected to have 382,230 by 2025. Drivers in the intersection experience an aggregate of 19,492,000 hours of delay per year, according to the study.
Also on the list in the Washington area was the 15th ranked intersection of I-95 and the Beltway in Prince George’s County. The so-called “Mixing Bowl” in Springfield was not on the list.
To view the study, visit the alliance website at www.highways.org.
Almanac Awards
The Potomac Almanac won 10 awards in the annual Maryland Delaware D.C. Press Association Editorial Contest in its grouping, mid-sized weeklies.
For the fourth consecutive year, The Almanac won first place in the “Public Service” category, this year for “Combating Depression,” by Ken Moore and Alex Scofield.
The Almanac won both first and second place for coverage of state government category, first place for coverage of the Supreme Court consideration of the dispute over use of water in the Potomac River, and second for coverage of ongoing proposals to build a new bridge across the river.
Ari Cetron, assistant editor and reporter for the Almanac won awards for continuing coverage and state government. Cetron’s stories about the County’s Annual Growth Policy won first place for continuing coverage.
Alex Scofield, sports editor won first place for sports story.
Almanac photographer Pam Brooks won an award for sports photo, and photographer Carole Dell won for photo series.
The Almanac also won awards for graphics and page design.
Residential Burglary
Boat House Court, Unit Block: Between 8:50 a.m. and 1:10 p.m. on Feb. 9. A door was pried open and checks and money were taken.
Commercial Burglary
Travilah Oak Wine and Beer, 12944 Travilah Road: At 4:35 a.m. on Feb. 17. The lock on the door was pried, and beer and money was taken.
Armed Robbery
A 21-year-old Bethesda man was the victim of an armed robbery near Westlake Drive and Westlake Terrace, say Montgomery County Police.
At 9:15 p.m. on Feb. 12, the man was walking and two suspects approached to take his coat, implying that they were armed with handguns, say police.
The victim ran, and one suspect was seen running toward Montgomery Mall, while the other fled in an unknown direction. Both suspects are described as black men, 20-25-years old, 5-feet-7 to 5-feet-9 inches, 170-190 pounds, wearing dark clothing.
High School Artists
From March 15-31, there will be the annual art competition and exhibition for high school students from Maryland's Eighth Congressional District at Strathmore Hall Arts Center.
The winning entry from congressional districts across the country will be displayed for one year in the United States Capitol. In addition, the runners-up in the district competition will have their work displayed in the offices of U.S. Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-8).
Students submitting entries must live in the Eighth Congressional District. All of Potomac and Bethesda fall into this district.
Artwork may be delivered to the Strathmore Hall Arts Center, Visual Arts on Friday, March 12 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 13 from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon.
Strathmore Hall is located at 10701 Rockville Pike in North Bethesda.
All students who wish to participate must complete a "Participating Student Information/Release Form." This form, along with additional information about the competition, can be obtained by contacting Van Hollen’s Rockville district office at 301-424-3501.
An awards ceremony and reception to honor all participants in this competition will be held at Strathmore Hall on March 15 from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Comments Sought
The Board of Education has requested community comment on a revised policy on residency, tuition, and enrollment.
The revised policy sets forth the criteria for determining residency before a student is enrolled in the Montgomery County Public Schools and establishes an enrollment process for all eligible Montgomery County school-age children. The policy stipulates that tuition rates for out-of-county students will be established annually by the Board of Education.
The policy can be viewed on-line at http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/info/pdf/DraftPolicyJED.pdf.
Individuals who wish to provide comments should respond in writing by April 20. All responses should be sent to the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, MD 20850. The responses will be shared with the Board of Education.