Tag: steve dresner

Who says you can’t run in high heels? DC proves you can – WTOP News

Over 200 participants gathered at the starting line, dressed in creative costumes and makeup, while the sidewalks were lined with fans waiting to see racers sprint down the street in various styles of footwear.

Participant Parker Beckley (C) of Bozeman, Montana, crosses the finish line as he wins the 38th annual 17th Street High Heel Race on October 28, 2025 in Washington, DC. The annual race, with participants dress in drag costume racing down 17th Street in high heels, is one of the most iconic LGBTQIA+ celebrations in DC.
(Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images

Men in maid outfits and colorful wigs at the annual 17th Street High Heel Race on Tuesday night.
(WTOP/Steve Dresner)
WTOP/Steve Dresner

Men dressed like Disney’s Princess Merida (left) and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem (center) at the annual 17th Street High Heel Race on Tuesday night.
(WTOP/Steve Dresner)
WTOP/Steve Dresner

A man dressed patriotically at the annual 17th Street High Heel Race on Tuesday night.
(WTOP/Steve Dresner)
WTOP/Steve Dresner

A participant poses for photographers prior to the 38th annual 17th Street High Heel Race on October 28, 2025 in DC. The annual race, with participants dress in drag costume racing down 17th Street in high heels, is one of the most iconic LGBTQIA+ celebrations in DC.
(Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images

Participants dressed in Santa Claus costumes pose for photographers prior to the 38th annual 17th Street High Heel Race on October 28, 2025 in DC. The annual race, with participants dress in drag costume racing down 17th Street in high heels, is one of the most iconic LGBTQIA+ celebrations in DC.
(Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images

Participants in costume pose for photographers prior to the 38th annual 17th Street High Heel Race on October 28, 2025 in Washington, DC. The annual race, with participants dress in drag costume racing down 17th Street in high heels, is one of the most iconic LGBTQIA+ celebrations in DC.
(Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images

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High Heel Race in DC returns with dazzling costumes, community spirit

It’s not often there’s a running competition through the streets of D.C.’s Dupont Circle, where the main objective isn’t to finish first, but rather trying not to break a heel and fall flat on your face.

That was the general consensus of some of the participants at the 38th annual High Heel Race, held along 17th Street in Northwest on Tuesday night.

Over 200 participants gathered at the starting line at 17th and R streets, dressed in creative costumes and makeup, while the sidewalks were lined with fans and outdoor foodies, all waiting to see racers sprint down the street in various styles of footwear.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser was the honorable host of the longtime neighborhood tradition that dates back to the late 80s.

The High Heel Race first began on Halloween of 1986 as a bet between two drag queens. Now, it continues to gain wide support from the D.C. area’s LGBTQ community.

At the end of the 2025 race, several racers crossed the finish line at the same time, prompting some participants to ask, “Who won?”

Ironically, many had the same answer — “Those who didn’t fall flat on their faces were the ones who won this race.”

The real winner was Parker Beckley of Bozeman, Montana, who won the race while painted head to toe in teal and gold makeup as the Statue of Liberty.

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© 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

Steve Dresner

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October 29, 2025
How air traffic controllers navigate through government shutdown – WTOP News

A 35-year veteran controller who worked at several major U.S. facilities and airport towers talked with WTOP about the challenges faced in the procession, including the government shutdown.

Among the government employees who are required to show up to work, and for now are not getting paid, are air traffic controllers.

There are more than 14,000 air traffic controllers who work for the Federal Aviation Administration. It’s work that is stressful and can be full of high-anxiety to begin with, and a shutdown and potential for massive job cuts compound the pressures of the job.

A recently retired, 35-year veteran controller who worked at several major U.S. facilities and airport towers told WTOP, “The air traffic profession is a stressful situation no matter what’s going on in the political sphere.”

It’s not the first time some controllers have expressed feeling that their jobs were being used as part of a game or tug-of-war between political parties. The former controllers’ union, PATCO, held a brief strike in 1981 during former President Ronald Reagan’s administration, protesting wages and long work hours. Thousands of those striking workers were fired.

“Sometimes the profession is used as political pawns between the different parties, and it shouldn’t be that way. But funding for the Federal Aviation Administration is discretionary rather than mandatory and many don’t know that,” said the veteran controller, who WTOP agreed to keep anonymous.

Already, there have been staffing issues at several U.S. airports where control towers have gone understaffed, such as in Burbank, California, and Nashville, Tennessee.

There’s been a growing amount of general flight delays and cancellations, including at Reagan National Airport. Those numbers continue to grow by the day as the number of shutdown days increase.

“Safety is No. 1, paramount, in every controller’s mind,” the veteran controller said. “They are a highly-skilled, technical workforce that they’re able to mostly put their problems aside and do the job safely and efficiently day in and day out.”

During the shutdown period, there hasn’t been any documented airline or airport incidents relating to a lack of safety reported by airlines or government agencies.

In the case where the control tower at Burbank Airport was not staffed, operations and airport traffic were handled by San Diego controllers, CNN reported.

WTOP was told by the veteran controller that hearing about an empty tower is disconcerting, however, takeoff and arrival routes and sequences operate much like vehicles lining up to exit and reenter a major highway.

“You still need great communication between pilots and the controllers, but it’s a manageable situation,” the veteran controller said.

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© 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

Steve Dresner

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October 9, 2025
A pizza ‘innovator’ celebrates 50 years of serving the DC area – WTOP News

Armand’s Pizza is celebrating 50 years of serving authentic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, staying true to its original recipes and community spirit.

In the 1970s, Armand’s owner, Lew Newmyer, brought a new style of pizza to D.C. This line of customers was out the door.
(Courtesy Ron Newmyer)
Courtesy Ron Newmyer

Armand’s Chicago Pizzeria on Wisconsin Avenue in Northwest D.C. in 1980.
(Courtesy Ron Newmyer)
Courtesy Ron Newmyer

Chelsea Clinton, the only child of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, celebrates a friend’s birthday party at Armand’s.
(Courtesy Ron Newmyer)
Courtesy Ron Newmyer

Former Washington player Sonny Jurgensen smokes a cigar at a party catered by Armand’s Pizzeria.
(Courtesy Ron Newmyer)
Courtesy Ron Newmyer

Armand’s Pizzeria introduced Chicago style, deep-dish pizza to the District in 1975.
(Courtesy Ron Newmyer)
Courtesy Ron Newmyer

When you think of pizza in the D.C. area, most people would say they don’t have one favorite over others. There are so many styles, with so many variations and presentations nowadays, that quality and history are often ignored.

However, one name that usually has people saying, “Ah, I remember having their pizza,” is Armand’s, which is celebrating 50 years in the business of serving Chicago-style pizza in the District.

In the 1970s, Armand’s owner, the late Lew Newmyer, had the idea of bringing a new style of pizza to D.C.

“New York or thin crust never entered into the conversation,” said Lew’s son and the business’ current co-owner, Ron Newmyer.

He his dad constantly thought ‘outside-the-pizza-box’ and was determined to bring something different to the D.C. area and he did — Chicago-style deep dish pizza.

Lew Newmyer was originally a liquor salesman, then moved into the food business selling submarine sandwiches. While on a business trip to Chicago, Lew discovered deep-dish pizza and was determined to bring the thick crust and heavy cheese recipe to upper Northwest D.C.

In 1975, Armand’s opened on Wisconsin Avenue in Tenleytown.

“It kind of took off like a rocket. It was exciting and thrilling,” Ron Newmyer said.

Popular dishes included the usual cheese and pepperoni slices, but Armand’s took a chance and succeeded at a veggie pizza and even a spinach and garlic one.

Through the years, the Tenleytown location not only became a popular hangout with area college and high school students, but Kennedy Center actors and former first families visited Armand’s as well.

With a huge smile and gleam in his eyes, Ron Newmyer told WTOP the story of how back in 2009, the restaurant line rang and the U.S. Secret Service called to ask if the Obama family could visit.

“A gentleman introduced himself as a member of the Secret Service and said that Michelle Obama and her daughters were going to be coming in with some friends for a party … and that I should be downstairs to greet them,” he said.

Other notable Tenleytown guests included late President Jimmy Carter’s daughter, Amy Carter, along with professional hockey, basketball and football athletes.

Aside from the who’s who that made Armand’s a D.C. destination, it was Lew Newmyer who was one of the first people to introduce the area to pizza delivery.

Newmyer didn’t just buy a few cars and hire area teenagers to deliver his food. Instead, he bought a fleet of specially designed mini-trucks that were customized for Armand’s and featured built-in heaters to keep the pizzas warm.

“He is a visionary in the senses of business, and he foresaw that pizza delivery was going to be a big thing,” Ron Newmyer said. “He did it in such a big way.”

Now, with a post-COVID environment of inconsistent customer traffic and out of control pricing, Armand’s is still able to stand strong and celebrate 50 years in the restaurant business.

While Armand’s has not changed its pizza or style through the years, the Tenleytown location is long gone. But Armand’s continues to serve loyal, deep-dish customers in Rockville, Maryland.

That’s where customers will find the same mural from Tenleytown featuring Lew Newmyer and his smiling face, overlooking the main dining room as he makes sure every pizza is a winner, just like his longtime business.

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© 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

Steve Dresner

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August 19, 2025
Montgomery Co. officer who lost both legs plans return to police department and football field – WTOP News

The Montgomery County police sergeant who was struck by a reckless driver in October 2023, leading to the amputation of both his legs, is eying a return to police work in the next couple months.

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Montgomery Co. officer who lost both legs hopes to make a difference in the department

The Montgomery County police sergeant who was struck by a reckless driver last year, leading to the amputation of both his legs, is eyeing a return to the police force in the next couple of months.

On the morning of Oct. 18, 2023, Patrick Kepp was trying to stop 19-year-old Raphael Mayorga, of Frederick, Maryland, who was suspected of driving drunk and trying to “provoke” officers into a chase on Interstate 270. Kepp was deploying “stop sticks” to deflate the teen’s tires when police say Mayorga intentionally struck him.

Now, eight months and 10 surgeries later, Kepp, 37, is nearly ready to rejoin the force, and make college football history as well.

On top of his job at the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD), Kepp works as a line judge in Division 1 college football. He’s on track to return for his first game in the fall for either the Coastal Athletic Association, Ivy League or Patriot League Conference, and would become the first official with prosthetic legs to officiate a Division 1 game.

Kepp credits the personnel at Baltimore’s Shock Trauma Center and rehab staff at Walter Reed Naval Medical in Bethesda with saving his life, and giving him the chance to work again — something he’s been striving for since the October crash.

“Just after the incident, I would sit with Pat in the hospital and all he spoke about was getting back to work and how he was making it back to the football field,” said Lt. Brendon Johnston with MCPD, who also officiates college football.

Kepp left Shock Trauma in December for a long-term rehab program at Walter Reed. There, Kepp’s weekday routine includes weight and motion therapy, along with various swimming exercises.

“I’m involved with a special group of people who’ve experienced similar injuries and we feed off of each other during our rehab sessions,” Kepp told WTOP.

Patrick Kepp is in long term physical rehabilitation after having both legs amputated.
(Courtesy Patrick Kepp)
Courtesy Patrick Kepp

Patrick Kepp has been working hard to learn to use prosthetics and is seen here working on his rehabilitation.
(Courtesy Patrick Kepp)
Courtesy Patrick Kepp

Patrick Kepp exercises, working on his physical rehabilitation after he had both legs amputated after a crash in October 2023.
(Courtesy Patrick Kepp)
Courtesy Patrick Kepp

Kepp is also on track to return for his first game in the fall and would become the first official with prosthetic legs to officiate a Division 1 game.
(Courtesy Patrick Kepp)
Courtesy Patrick Kepp

Patrick Kepp also works as a line judge in Division 1 college football. He is seen in the background of this football game.
(Courtesy Patrick Kepp)
Courtesy Patrick Kepp

Headshot for Sergeant Patrick Kepp, who had both legs amputated after a crash in October 2023.
(Courtesy Patrick Kepp)
Courtesy Patrick Kepp

At the end of the day, he returns back to his Walter Reed on-base residence, where he’ll cook and do additional private workouts. On the weekends, Kepp spends his time at his Frederick County home and visits with his parents while closely following the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens.

While some may not clearly remember the moments directly following a traumatic injury, Kepp said he can still recall being taken out of his vehicle surrounded by a pool of blood. He thought to himself that he’s never flown in a medevac helicopter.

Many didn’t think Kepp would survive.

“I knew things were bad when I was flying to Shock Trauma in Baltimore, but I just kept focusing on the fact I was still alive,” he said.

However, dealing with the reality of losing both legs will be a lifelong battle.

“Losing one leg is bad enough, but losing both legs has been a very difficult things to grasp,” he said.

While he doesn’t say he has three jobs, he started to play a role off the field and outside his typical duties as a police officer — inspiring others.

“I’ve met with potential police recruits and people interested in law enforcement. But most off all, it’s great to talk with people who are sometimes down in life and I’m able to bring a positive outlook for them and help them turn things around, like I’m trying to do with myself.”

Kepp’s return to MCPD will be one of the most anticipated dates on his calendar, along with taking a step on the field for his first officiating assignment of the upcoming college football season.

However, Kepp said, “like my law enforcement job, I work at a pretty high level in Division 1 football and I’m not going to go out there if I’m not ready.”

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© 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

Steve Dresner

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June 26, 2024
How a WTOP reporter almost got swindled by a scammer over the phone – WTOP News

Montgomery County Police say among the most common scams are phone calls in which the caller impersonates law enforcement or a government agency threatening the victim with arrest or fines unless they pay a fee.

Scam phone calls have become more prevalent and in some cases more convincing these days as thieves try to steal victims’ money and personal or financial information.

Montgomery County Police say among the most common scams are phone calls in which the caller impersonates law enforcement or a government agency threatening the victim with arrest or fines unless they pay a fee.

WTOP Traffic and Sports Reporter Steve Dresner said the phone call that he received Monday morning nearly fooled him.

“This was as real as it gets. He said he was from law enforcement. I even heard police radios in the background,” Dresner said. “And he simply said that we have two jury violations in your name, you need to come to Germantown to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and clear this up for a fee of just over $1,000 and he named invoice numbers and a juror number.”

“The person who called actually identified himself as a lieutenant from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department,” said Dresner.

Montgomery County Police said they received multiple complaints from residents who had received similar phone calls. Police said people should know, first and foremost, that law enforcement will never call to ask for money.

Police advise that other signs of phone scams are that callers go to great lengths to keep you on the phone. The caller makes the matter seem extremely urgent. They will sometimes say that someone will pick up the money or direct the victim to mail the money or deposit it into an unknown bank account or cash-sharing app. Sometimes victims are asked to buy Bitcoin or gift cards as untraceable payment methods.

Dresner said he was surprised at how convincing the scammer sounded, referring to senior officers, supervisors and the importance of settling the fines that had been assigned to his property address.

“The person had my name, address and phone number, [and] knew I … lived in Montgomery County,” said Dresner.

To prevent scam phone calls, Montgomery County Police recommend using call-blocking apps to screen and block unwanted calls. They also advise to never share personal or financial information in unsolicited phone calls.

Although Dresner held onto his money, Montgomery County Police said scams like this can lead to significant financial losses and compromise a victim’s personal information.

While any phone call purporting to be from police asking for money is a scam, anyone unsure of whether they are talking to a real police officer on the phone can always ask the officer for their ID number and then call the police nonemergency number to verify the call.

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© 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

Dick Uliano

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February 27, 2024