Good morning, Gaithersburg.

Montgomery Parks honored four Weed Warrior volunteers (Jesse Swart, Jill Fonda Allen, Jeff Schloss, and Ed Murtagh) this week for protecting parkland from non-native invasive species.

The event celebrated their commitment to environmental stewardship in Montgomery County.

Guapo’s is set to launch its new concept Mar y Tierra in Reston at 1845 Fountain Drive at The Spectrum at Reston Town Center after taking over the former Not Your Average Joe’s space; meanwhile, its Gaithersburg fast-casual Guapo’s GO already serves locals with 24-hour-marinated chicken and tacos.

Jesse and Ben’s, a growing frozen fry brand from Rockville, became famous online after launching oil free fries in 2024 and is now in more than 3,500 stores nationwide; the company recently raised $10 million to support expansion.

UMPD continues its search for 22-year-old Dilan Shaan Ashar after he was last seen on camera at Terrapin Trail Garage on Oct.

2, with nearly 50 first responders and a drone survey of wooded areas, parking garages, and Lake Artemesia — the department urges anyone with info to call 301-405-3555.

Tuesday, Oct. 6, the Montgomery County Council celebrated its 13th annual Hispanic Heritage Month with live music + dance at the council hall, featuring local food vendors and brief recognitions for three community members that reinforced unity and growing diversity among residents.

A new book titled The Noodge debuts next month with a presentation and author signing at 11 a.m. on November 7 in Germantown and documents Scotland’s story along with the Civil Rights-era effort to save the historic community, with proceeds benefiting local programs.

DC Water says expanded testing after a January 19 spill that released 240 million gallons into the Potomac confirms that bacteria, oxygen and metal levels have returned to normal—reassuring residents about the river’s health today.

Redland Road stays closed until Oct.

19 because delays in new Mill Creek bridge construction have extended utility and detour work from Briardale Drive to Overhill Road; Ride On routes 53+57 follow alternate paths through Shady Grove and Muncaster Mill Roads.

Montgomery County officials are reviewing a bill that would require high-rise apartment landlords to provide fire hoods after the Diaz family donated funds following Melanie Diaz's fatal 2023 fire in Silver Spring.

A work session on the bill is scheduled for Nov. 9 + property managers have raised cost concerns.

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general — including Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear — to oppose federal changes to Head Start that would cut essential safety, staffing and support rules.

He said removing measures like the English-only mandate risks quality care for children.