Hornets Football Stays Unbeaten, and MoCo's Police Chief Resigns

📰 TOP STORIES

Montgomery County's Police Chief Has Resigned

Chief Marc Yamada resigned Friday, September 19, at County Executive Marc Elrich's request, after a County Inspector General report found misconduct including unauthorized absences, drinking on the clock at a golf tournament, favoritism toward a relative on a work trip, and misstatements to investigators during the probe. Assistant Chief Darren Francke is serving as acting chief while the county looks for a permanent replacement. Full story here.

MCPS Is Considering Closing and Consolidating Schools

Montgomery County Public Schools says it's seeing its first enrollment decline in more than 40 years, leaving some schools with more space than students. This is the next step in the boundary study we mentioned back in July, no specific schools have been named yet, so there's nothing Damascus-specific to report, but it's worth keeping an eye on. Full story here.

🏆 HORNETS SPORTS

Hornets Roll to 3-0, Beat Clarksburg 42-14

Damascus is off to an undefeated start after Friday's 42-14 win over Clarksburg. Next up: home against Oakdale, Friday September 25 at 6:30pm. Full recap here.

📆 UPCOMING EVENTS

Mount Airy Ghost Tours, Starting Oct. 2

Tickets are up for this year's Ghost Tours from the Mount Airy Historical Society. Walking tours start at the old train station museum on Main Street, pick your night (Friday Oct. 2 or Saturdays Oct. 10, 17, 24, or 31) and your time (5 or 7pm). $20 a ticket, about an hour forty-five, not stroller or wheelchair friendly. Proceeds support the Historical Society. Get tickets here.

Mount Airy Oktoberfest, Oct. 3

The Mount Airy Main Street Association is hosting its annual Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 3, from noon to 6pm on Main Street. Expect local vendors, food, live entertainment, and of course, beer. Source: Town of Mount Airy.

A Damascus Senior Wants to Paint You a Mural

Diana Ventura, a current Damascus High senior who designed and painted last year's senior class mural, is looking for another wall to paint around town, for free, just to keep sharing her art. If you've got an idea or a spot in mind, look for her post in the Damascus Maryland Community Group.

❤️ SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Bid For Brighter Futures Silent Auction, Sept. 27

Rukundo International, a local nonprofit that runs a school and family programs in Kabale, Uganda, is holding its silent auction fundraiser Sunday, September 27, 5-8pm, at Lone Oak Brewing Company in Olney (covered pavilion, rain or shine). Proceeds go toward a new multipurpose hall at Rukundo Preparatory School that would let it host official testing days. Expect 100+ auction items, a 50/50 raffle, live music, and Ugandan cultural performers. Tickets here.