This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

🌱 Laurel Police Officer Shot + Local Man Sentenced to Federal Prison

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Laurel.

Alexis Goring, Neighbor
|
(Patch Media)

Good morning, neighbors! Alexis Goring here with today's Laurel Daily.

First, today's weather:

Intervals of clouds and sun. High: 66 Low: 49.

Here are the top three stories today in Laurel:

  1. U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher recently sentenced Kyle Elio Ripper of Laurel to 188 months in federal prison, followed by 25 years of supervised release, for enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, specifically, production of child pornography. Judge Gallagher also ordered Ripper to pay $36,000 in restitution to his victims. (Department of Justice)
  2. According to Patch reporter Megan VerHelst, a Laurel police officer was shot Wednesday morning while trying to serve an arrest warrant in an attempted murder case. The shooting happened shortly at a residence in the 100 block of Bryan Court. The suspect fired from inside the residence. The suspect was taken into custody. (Laurel Patch)
  3. The ethics panel that produced a controversial set of findings against members of the Prince George's County Board of Education is stepping down. The panel notified board chair Juanita D. Miller of their intention to resign as a group in a letter that was obtained by Maryland Matters. The departures will leave the board without ethics overseers. (WTOP)

Today in Laurel:

  • Laurel Dutch Country Farmers Market—Open on 9701 Fort Meade Road (9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
  • Opera al Fresco: Maryland Opera Studio—This event will not be livestreamed. Enjoy light opera in The Clarice's expansive indoor Grand Pavilion. This afternoon audience favorite offers a casual preview of the Maryland Opera Studio's scene study performances scheduled for the following week. Under the direction of Craig Kier, the Maryland Opera Studio is dedicated to the future of opera. Preparing the next generation of great singers and offering performances ranging from classic repertoire to provocative new works, it is building contemporary audiences for opera and advancing the art that sustains them. The Clarice cafe, Applause Cafe, will be open for food and beverage sales during this event. (12:30 p.m.)
  • Sounds at Silo presents Bailey and Dave—Guitar/vocal duo Bailey and Dave are delighted to be performing at the fabulous Silo Falls!Silo Falls is a Historic Mansion located in Brookeville/Olney (Md.). There is no venue quite like the Manor at Silo Falls. Bailey and Dave play singer-songwriter, pop/rock, classic soul, country, and musical theater. They emphasize vocal harmony and tasty guitar playing. (5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)
  • Spring Open House at St. Vincent Pallotti High School in Laurel (6:00 p.m.)
  • Short Trips: A Short Story Book Club—We read a selection of short stories from around the world and right here at Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library in NW D.C. Our April selection is How to Pronounce Knife by Souvankham Thammavongsa. Copies of the book are available by request at the 2nd Floor Information Desk, in the Library's catalog, or ask the organizer to send scanned copies of the stories. The meeting will be held in our Large Meeting room and on Zoom. For more information or to receive the Zoom link, contact Carol Auerbach at carol.auerbach@dc.gov or by phone at 202-727-1488. (6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.)
  • Piano Jazz at Tagliata—To complement the restaurant's menu and decor, guests will be able to hear some of Baltimore's most talented musicians play Tagliata's 1926 Steinway piano 7 nights a week in the lounge. Pasta, wine and live piano will make every night out even more memorable! (6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
  • Soca Bounce Fitness Class—Soca Bounce is a 45-minute, high-intensity, low impact cardio burn session utilizing Kangoo Jumps boots. In-studio and/or outdoor fitness classes are all choreographed to the ever growing genre of Soca and other Caribbean genres. The rebound boots are designed to absorb up to 80 percent of the pressure (impact) off your joints (hips, knees and back) while improving balance, core strength, and promoting an increase in metabolism and endurance. Current class schedule is Tuesdays at 6:15 p.m. in Upper Marlboro and Thursdays at 6:15 p.m. in Bowie. (6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.)
  • Stick Fly at Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center in College Park—This comedy drama by Lydia R. Diamond explores issues of race and class privilege through the story of the LeVays, a wealthy African American family vacationing at their home in Martha's Vineyard. Set by the beach, Stick Fly reflects the shifting sands of power dynamics as the family negotiates difficult conversations and finds the language to communicate with loved ones. (7:30 p.m.)
  • Dreamgirls at Bowie State University Fine and Performing Arts Building—BSU Theatre presents DREAMGIRLS. R&B hits the stage as three women move their way to the top as they tackle love. (7:30 p.m.)
  • Comedy as a Second Language at Busboys and Poets in NW D.C.—Join us for live stand up comedy with hilarious immigrant and first generation comedians. Tonight there will be performances by Kim Villamera, Dee Ahmed, Loc "Leo" Nguyen, Reem Seliem and Naomi Karavani. (8:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • Laurel Police Department: *Missing Person* This person is unrelated to our previous post regarding police activity. If you have any information on the whereabouts of the person pictured below please contact us. (Facebook)
  • City of Laurel - Government: If you're looking for a last minute Spring Break day trip, or maybe need an idea for some summer fun, how about visiting one of Maryland's State Parks? Here a map and list of amenities. Enjoy! (Facebook)
  • Prince George's County Police: Our Fort Washington Division VII station is hosting a "Distracted Driving & Health Event" on April 23. Join us for a day of awareness! (Instagram)
  • City of Laurel - Government: April is Earth Month! Need suggestions of what you can do? Go to mywaterpledge.com and start to conserve water and energy to win prizes like $3,000 toward your Home Utility Bills, home improvement gift cards, irrigation controllers, etc. (Facebook)
  • City of Laurel - Government: Who's planning to bike to work on May 20? (Facebook)
  • City of Laurel Department of Economic and Community Development: Webinar: Hiring & Retaining Employees for Small Businesses. This online event takes place today (April 21) from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Read the details online via https://www.eventbrite.com/e/h... (Facebook)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Bowling Brook Farms: Does anyone know anything about the man that used to sell flowers on Route 1 at the light? I haven't seen him there in a long time. (Nextdoor)
  • Communications and Outreach Team, WMATA: Metro will make masks optional on Metrorail, Metrobus and MetroAccess for its customers. Masks also will be optional for Metro employees. (Nextdoor)
  • Social Media and Digital Marketing Specialist Kevin Wegman, Prince George's County Government: In honor of National Volunteer Week, individuals who have volunteered with the Department since 2020 have been invited and we will provide reserved seating (for the volunteer and a guest) and a voucher. (Nextdoor)
  • Economic Development Corporation - Communications Specialist Jordyn Tillman, Prince George's County Government: Did you know Prince George's County has our very own Cheers-like Bar? Nestled near the train tracks of Old Town Bowie sits the Old Bowie Town Grille. It is owned and operated by Theresa Thompson. (Nextdoor)
  • Marisa Cain, Baltimore Gas and Electric: April is National Safe Digging Month, and we're joining Miss Utility 811 to remind customers to call 811 before your dig! Did you know that calling 811 or placing an online request is free of charge? (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Bowling Brook Farms: I'm looking for wooden plates, cups and bowls for the children to play with for the kitchen area in the classroom. Let me know where I can buy them. (Nextdoor)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

Events:

Job listings:

Loving the Laurel Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you around!

— Alexis Goring

About me: My name is Alexis A. Goring. I'm a Bowie area resident with a pulse for people, news and feature stories! I've worked as a freelance writer/editor/proofreader in the media industry for 15 years. I'm also a published author, experienced blogger, and founder of Writer at Heart Editorial Services. Visit my website for more details about me and my work. Here's the link: https://alexisagoring.jimdofree.com.

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Laurel