Pet of the Week: “He coos like a pigeon when announcing himself.”

“Pumpernickel (a.k.a. Nicky) just wants to be in the mix. He was adopted with his brother and sister, but quickly stood out as the chocolate velvet star. He coos like a pigeon when announcing himself, has a high-pitched meow for when he’s hungry, and a deep purr when he’s properly attended to. As kitty parents we recently came to realize that often his agitated whining isn’t for food or treats, but to be held in our arms where he purrs contentedly as he looks out from high above his kingdom. He is only five months old but already seeking big adventures. We hope we can keep him on his toes, and that, even when he’s all grown, he still lets us baby him from time to time.”

Driver Charged With Hit-and-Run, Handgun Possession, Other Offenses

Officers with the county’s Holiday Alcohol Task Force arrested a hit-and-run driver Dec. 30 and charged him with several offenses, including possession of a loaded handgun. Humberto Guerra, age 26, of Bronzegate Place in Silver Spring was identified as the driver of a white Nissan Versa that hit an unoccupied, parked vehicle around Carroll Avenue and Osage Street in the Langley Park area.

Society Summoned to “Show Cause” Hearing on Liquor Violations

A representative of Society Restaurant & Lounge on Georgia Avenue has been ordered to appear at a “show cause” hearing for violations of the terms of its liquor license, according to officials with the county’s Alcohol Beverage Services. In a letter to license holder Samantha El Miskiri dated Nov. 23, operators were charged with twice violating the Dispensing of Liquor section of the rules and regulations of the Board of Liquor Commissioners, as well as the Acts Contrary to Law section.

Trio Applies for License to Open Restaurant/Bar in Former Jackie’s Location

A partnership of three individuals have applied for a liquor license to operate Shalla Restaurant and Bar at 8081 Georgia Ave., the former location of Balagger Lounge and, prior to that, Jackie’s Restaurant. The principals of Triple Brothers LLC are Belete Weletaw, Mekonnen Eshete, both of Washington, D.C., and Temesgen Gebeyehu, who lives in the Hillandale neighborhood of Silver Spring.

Business, COVID News Lead Source’s Top 10 Most Read of 2020

Unlike previous years, when the Top 10 most-read stories on the Source was dominated by business-related articles, 2020’s list is more of a mixed bag. There is still a heavy emphasis on business posts, as COVID-19 intruded into the list like it did virtually everything else from March to the present. Which is exactly what affected the most-read pieces of the year.