Good morning, Gaithersburg.

Montgomery County Department of Transportation will start its annual leaf vacuuming program on Monday, Nov.

9 with collections continuing into December. Residents in designated districts should pile leaves at yard edges to avoid clogging storm drains + causing safety hazards as MCDOT posts signs with pickup dates.

Arepa King, a Venezuelan restaurant, is scheduled for a liquor license hearing with Montgomery County ABS on Thursday, Nov.

19 at 109A Market Street in Kentlands Square. The restaurant, which is taking over the former Potomac Cookie Co. space, aims to open before year-end (owner Jorge Ramos is a Watkins Mill High School graduate).

Kentlands Jewelers/Daviko Gems at 109 Market Street announced it will permanently close after 30 years on Thursday, Dec.

24 + the retirement sale features up to 70% off on jewelry and watch services. The locally owned store is known for its diamond expertise, custom designs, and repair services.

At a county briefing today, County Exec Marc Elrich highlighted fire prevention by warning residents not to charge lithium-ion batteries in beds; Fire Chief Corey Smedley urged testing smoke alarms (and replacing units over 10 years old) and planning escape routes as clocks change on Nov. 1.

Residents met Tuesday evening at the Rockville council building to ask about Montgomery County’s aging incinerator as its contract expires in five years; officials presented options including incinerator upgrades + switching to trucked trash removal.

The council will review input in session on Tuesday, Oct. 27 before deciding by Thanksgiving.

BGE urged Montgomery County residents to ready for winter storms during a virtual meeting, advising caution with downed wires and recommending payment arrangements for rising heating bills.

The utility explained that safety is the top priority and additional storm resources will be shared via newsletters later.

Four Montgomery County-affiliated leaders were elected to the National Academy of Medicine on Oct.

19 — a top honor recognizing advancements in cancer research, neurology, gene editing and public health that underscores the region's strength in medical innovation.

Local high school football rankings show Quince Orchard dominating with a 55-0 win and Churchill securing a 14-13 victory during a weather-delayed game; teams like Paint Branch + Bethesda-Chevy Chase plan to build momentum as playoffs approach.

A preview of Week 8 high school football games details local matchups for Friday, Oct.

23, including Gaithersburg facing Magruder, predicted to lose 21 to 17, as teams across the county aim for playoff spots (predictions vary by matchup).