News in Review: Montgomery County Police Ramp up Enforcement and a New Bag Tax

This week in Silver Spring bag tax passes in Montgomery County, Blair High School prepares for new principal, the police department joins twitter, plant thieves strike the community and keep a tab on crime in downtown.

1. On January 2012 Silver Spring residents will be forking over an extra 5 cents for a bag tax if they don't use reusable bags. County Executive Isiah Leggett thanked  the County Council for approving it.

2. Blair High School's Principal Darryl Williams bids a farewell to the staff and the Silver Spring community of parents and teachers after four years of service.  Within the next three months, Williams will prepare to start his new position on July 1.

3. In an effort to thwart traffic violations in Montgomery County, police officials launched Operation Safe Streets Wednesday in Silver Spring. Police officers from multiple districts—including Bethesda, Gaithersburg and Rockville—stopped people for various reasons, such as pedestrian violations, speeding, running red lights, seatbelt violations, etc

4. Montgomery County officers were busy this week. Keep a tab on crime in downtown Silver Spring with the Patch crime summary map. 

5. Need to know the major construction in Silver Spring? Stay updated with Getting Around Town. Every Monday at 9 a.m. know where the streets will be blocked off every week. 

MORE ON PATCH: Don't miss the opportunity to save money in your local neighborhood with our daily feature of a Downtown Deal and Stretching the Family Budget.