FMD

Frederick, Md. (DG) – Montgomery County Police are stepping up their search for a man accused of firing multiple shots during a domestic violence incident in Silver Spring.

Detectives are looking for 33-year-old Deondray Darnell Osborne, wanted for attempted first-degree murder. The shooting happened Sunday, July 20th, just after 4:30 p.m., in the 8000 block of 16th Street. Investigators say Osborne drove up in a Chrysler Pacifica with Maryland tags 4FC4143, got out of the vehicle, and fired several rounds at a man sitting in a parked car. Fortunately, the victim was not struck, though his car was riddled with bullet holes.

Police say Osborne left the scene and has been on the run ever since. He is considered armed and dangerous, and authorities are urging residents not to approach him if spotted. Instead, call 911 immediately.

Anyone with information about Osborne’s whereabouts or details about this shooting is encouraged to contact Crime Solvers of Montgomery County.

It’s an effort to train people in the use of Naloxone and responding to overdoses.

Frederick, Md (KM) The Frederick County Health Department is participating in “Save-A-Life” day on Thursday, September 25th.   Marisa Shields,  Harm Reduction Program Coordinator with the Health Department, says it’s an effort to train more people in the use of Naloxone—or Narcan–and how to respond when someone is having an overdose.

“‘Save-A-Life’ Day is the country’s largest  free Naloxone Day. County-level organizers coordinate events at various locations,” she says.

Participants will be trained in how to use Naloxone which is a nasal spray used to help counter the affects of an overdose, It was previously available only by prescription, but it was approved for over-the-counter sale  in 2023.

In addition to the training, participants will also get a Naloxone kit.

Shields say Naloxone can make a difference for someone who is experiencing an overdose. “Naloxone makes a difference by saving the lives of those who experience opioid overdoses by temporarily reversing the affects and restoring breathing,” she says.

And she says more people should be trained in the use of Naloxone. “The US Surgeon General also recommends anyone taking prescription opioids, using illicit drugs, their family and friends,  health care professionals, and anyone in the community to use Naloxone and keep it on hand,” says Shields.

It all began in West Virginia and has spread to the rest of the country. “They began Save-A-Life Day because West Virginia and the Appalachian states were some of the most hardest hit locations of opioid overdoes, “she says.

The Frederick County Health Department says overdose deaths began to drop nationwide in 2024. At that time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an annual 27 percent decline in fatalities across the nation. The Health Department says many factors contributed to this drop.  and Naloxone access is one reason.

The locations for Naloxone training in Frederick County on “Save-A-Life” Day are:

Frederick County Health Department (350 Montevue Lane Frederick MD, entrance A) 8am-4pm

Frederick County Health Department Golden Mile Office (1100 W. Patrick St. Frederick, MD) 8am-4pm*

Frederick Housing and Human Services (100 S Market St. Frederick MD) 9am-4pm

Walkersville Library (2 South Glade Road Walkersville, MD) 9:30am-11:30am

Thurmont Kountry Kitchen in Thurmont (17 Water St. Thurmont MD) 11am-1pm

Frederick County Courthouse (100 W. Patrick St. Frederick, MD, outside courtyard area) 12:30pm-2:30pm

Jubilee Foods (515 E. Main St. Emmitsburg MD) 2:30-4:30

Brunswick Square Corner Park (1 E Potomac St. Brunswick, MD,) 2:30-4:30pm

Mega Mart (1 Western Dr. Frederick, MD) 5pm-7pm

The Frederick Center (5 E 2nd St. Frederick MD) 5-6pm

For those who can’t make to any of these locations on Thursday, September 25th, the Health Department offers free Naloxone training every Friday at 1:00 PM  at its officer at 350 Montevue Lane in Frederick.   The Department can also schedule training for organizations or businesses in  the use of Naloxone.  Call 301-600-1777 for more information.

By Kevin McManus

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Frederick, Md (Km) Perpetrators of domestic violence are always trying to control their victims, even if the couple decides to lead separate lives. That’s according to the Director of the Domestic Violence Unit of the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office, Brett Englar.

Speaking recently on WFMD’s “Four State Focus,” Englar said while most alleged perpetrators of domestic violence do obey protective orders, not all do. “Power and control. is the basis of domestic violence. I want people to understand that point,” she said. “When the power of control is threatened by a legal piece of paper instituted by his victim—someone who thought he would control for life—it is very likely that the victim is in more danger with a protective order than when they’re actually in the relationship.”

Also appearing on the program was Kate Hanson, whose estranged  husband is serving a 93-year sentence for 1st-degree assault and the use of a firearm in a crime of violence,. He  was convicted of those charges  on December 6th, 2024, along with illegal possession of a regulated firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.

The victim, Kate Hanson, had an active protective order against David Hanson in the State of Virginia.

On November 18th, 2021, at around 8:30 AM, Frederick Police responded to reports of an armed robbery in the 400 block of East Patrick Street. They determined it was not a robbery. Kate Hanson told officers that David Hanson held a handgun at her head, and pulled the trigger, but the gun failed to discharge. At that time, she was sitting in her car talking with an acquaintance.

David Hanson fled from the scene after a another person intervened. He tossed the handgun into Carrol Creek which police recovered.   Police took him into custody.

Sentence was handed down to David Hanson on February 26th, 2025.

Kate Hanson provided a victim impact statement to the court during sentencing. “I think that’s a big part of what they want to do is to kind of give up, again more of that course of control,” she said. “Just keep at it. And part of self-advocacy is utilizing to do the victim of impact statement.”

Even though her estranged husband will be spending a long time in prison, Kate Hanson says the memory of the abuse will remain. “This cycle of abuse and control doesn’t really ever go away. I think it just takes another shape. And so it’s advocating for longer sentences for domestic violence abusers. If you and your kids are young, that’s years that you’re going to have to deal with something,” she says.

It even takes a toll on children. “When I told the children that he was going away for a very, very long time, they didn’t even know what to do,” Kate Hanson said. “One of my children had said ‘now we can finally live like happily ever after.’ Her words exactly. I was so taken aback by that,”

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

By Kevin McManus

One is a Frederick woman charged with sex abuse of minors, possession of child pornography.

Frederick, Md (KM) The Frederick County Grand Jury handed down 12 indictments on Friday. One was against Rebecca Louise Wightman, 52, of Frederick who is charged with five counts of sex abuse of a minor, possession of child pornography and other offenses.

She was arrested on Thursday, August 14th, 2025 at her home in the 6900 block of Trout Lane by Frederick County Sheriff’s Deputies who confiscated numerous electronic devices. Wightman is currently being held at the Adult Detention Center without bond.

Other indictments returned by the Grand Jury include:

*Abdullah Malik Joppy, 54, of Myersville, who is charged with 3rd degree sex offense for an offense which occurred between January 1st, 2025 and February 13th, 2025. This is a supplemental indictment.

*Hector Enrique Peraza, 59. of Glen Burnie, Md., who is charged with five counts of 3rd-degree sex offense and two child pornography offenses  for an incident   which occurred between August 12th, 2012 and July 31st, 2013.

*Gerrie Martina Johnson, 43, of Frederick, Md who is charged with 1st-degree assault, two counts of 2nd-degree assault, and child abuse by a custodian for an offense which occurred on August 21st, 2025.

Three indictments were handed down to Anthony Norman Scott, 40, of Frederick, Md. In the first one, he is charged possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine near a school; possession with intent to distribute oxycodone;  and possession with intent to distribute oxycodone  near a school  as well as possession of oxycodone. This is for an offense which occurred on August 27th, 2025.

In his second indictment, Scott is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine;  attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession of paraphernalia (a black digital scale) and altering physical evidence for an offense which occurred on August 26th. 2025.

The third indictment against Scott charges him with Possession with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine; and possession with intent to distribute and possession of oxycodone for an offense which occurred on June 22nd, 2025.

*Deshaun Noel Queen, 25, of Baltimore, Md., Dae Qwon Oden Littlejohn, 21, of Baltimore, who are both charged with possession of a large amount of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Both defendants are co-defendants.

* Jeremy Joseph Smith, 39. of Frederick, Md, who is charged with 2nd-degree child abuse by a custodian; 1st-degree assault; 2nd-degree assault, and intoxicated to endanger for an offense which occurred on August 24th, 2025.

^Logan Donald Cornish, 21, of Frederick, Md, who is charged 1st-degree assault; 2nd-degree assault; reckless endangerment; and 13 counts violation of pre-trial conditions in a crime of violence. for offenses which occurred between August 21st and August 31st, 2025.

*Carlos Alberto Reyes, 38, of Frederick, Md, who is charged with 1st-degree assault, 2nd-degree assault; and reckless endangerment for an offense which occurred on August 25th, 2025.

These indictments move these cases to the Circuit Court where trial dates will be scheduled.

The Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office says indictments are charging documents alleging criminal conduct., and all defendants are innocent until proven guilty.

By Kevin McManus

The count is scheduled to continue on Tuesday, Sept.; 16th followed by certification of results.

Frederick, Md (KM) More counting of ballots was done on Friday in the Frederick City Democratic Primary Election. and incumbent Michael O’Connor continues to hold a lead over Ron Beattie in the Mayoral contest with 57.47 percent or 3,296 votes. Beattie has 42.53 percent of 2,439 votes. . .

In the at-large City Council contest, newcomer Libby Taylor is still number one with 24.95 percent or 2,685 votes. She’s followed by incumbent Councilman Derek Shackelford with 22.52 percent of 2,423 votes.   Former Mayor Jennifer Dougherty, and incumbent Council members Kelly Russell and Donna Kuzemchak come in third, fourth and fifth respectively.

Peter Brehm continues  to lead in the District Three contest with 53.80 percent or 1,034 votes. David Schmidt has 46.20 percent or 888 votes..

In District Four, it’s Scott Lasher holding the top spot  with 66.28 percent or 1,028 votes.  He leads Fredy Ventura Garcia who has 33.72 percent or 523 votes. .

And in District Five, it’s Sarah Hempel Irani holding the number-one spot over Ryan Trout. She has taken in 51.40 percent or 515 votes. Trout has so far won 48.60 percent or 487 votes..

The Democratic candidates in Districts One and Two, incumbent Katie Nash and newcomer Cesar Diaz respectively, were unopposed in the primary.

There was no Republican Primary because the party’s  three candidates were unopposed. On the GOP ticket, Tom Trott is running for Mayor; Joe Adkins is running for the District Council Four, seat and Rob Callahan is running for the  District Council Five seat..

The Board of Supervisors of Elections says final ballot counting and certification of the results are expected on Tuesday, September 16th.

The General Election is Tuesday, November 4th. Early voting will be held on October 24th and 25th.

By Kevin McManus

Theft occurred just before 7 PM on September 6th.

Eldersburg, MD (JK) – Maryland State Police are investigating a theft at a game store in Eldersburg that resulted in the loss of nearly $19,000 in Pokémon trading card collections.

The store owner reported the theft on September 6th around 6:50 p.m. Troopers from the Westminster Barrack responded and opened an investigation. Authorities are seeking information on two male suspects, both estimated to be between 5’7” and 5’11”. One was wearing a black hoodie, gray sweatpants, and white shoes, while the other wore a black hoodie with “Crooks Castles” on the front and blue jeans.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Westminster Barrack at 410-386-3000 or email Trooper Ethan Wheeler at [email protected]. Callers may remain confidential.

By Jimmy Key

One of the students charged with possession of a dangerous weapon.

Gaithersburg, MD (JK) – Two 15-year-old boys are facing charges after a lockdown at Northwood High School in Montgomery County on Thursday.

The situation began just after 11 a.m. when police responded to a report of a person with a gun near the school on Old Georgetown Road. At that time, the school was placed in a “secure” status as officers investigated. That report turned out to involve a toy, and no arrests were made.

A second call came in about an hour later, reporting a student possibly carrying a firearm inside the school. Administrators placed the building on lockdown as police searched. Officers and school staff located two students in a classroom, where a gun magazine was found on a desk. A BB gun was recovered from one student, while a live 9mm round was found in the pocket of the other.

Police say one student is charged with possession of a dangerous weapon on school grounds. Both are charged with disrupting school operations. They were released to their parents after being processed at the 2nd District police station.

By Jimmy Key

Motorists should expect some delays, closures.

Hagerstown, Md (KM) Motorists who travel Interstate 70 in Washington County need to know about some road work scheduled for next week. The Maryland State Highway Administration says crews will be making shoulder improvements to the I-70 bridges over Saint Paul Road near Clear Spring. Drivers can expect a right shoulder and lane closure on the eastbound span between 9:00 AM Monday, September 15th and 9:00 PM on Tuesday, September 16th.

Once the eastbound work is completed, crews will start on the westbound bridge. .

The work will involve paving the shoulders to make them load bearing. SHA officials say both lanes will  remain open during construction by switching traffic to the new load bearing shoulders.

The plan, according to the SHA, is to make sure there are two lanes of traffic in each direction except for intermittent single lane closures that will be done  at night or during non-peak hours.

The contractor for the project, Triton Construction, Inc.., will use electronic sign  boards, cones, and construction barrels to guide motorists through the work zone.

SHA says it’s part of a  bridge replacement project which is expected to completed in 2027.

By Kevin McManus 

Authorities say he’s accused of shooting at another driver.

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Willie Laurence Wooten  (Photo from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office)

Hagerstown, Md (KM) A Tennessee man is behind bars in Washington County for a road rage incident. The Sheriff’s Office says Willie Laurence Wooten, 33, is charged with attempted 1st-degree murder (two counts) attempted 2nd-degree murder (two counts), 1st-degree assault (two counts), 2nd-degree assault (two counts) reckless endangerment from a motor vehicle, use of a firearm in a violent crime, carrying a loaded handgun and carrying a handgun on his person. .

On Wednesday afternoon at around 5:00 PM, deputies responded to the AC&T Fuel Center at 11560 Hopewell Road for shots fired. They learned that the driver of a tractor trailer identified as Wooten, and the operator of a pickup truck got into a confrontation on Interstate 70, which spilled over to I-81. The two vehicles got off at Hopewell Road where the driver of the tractor trailer fired shots at the pickup truck. The pickup was damaged, but no one was hurt.

Sheriff’s Deputies and Hagerstown Police Officers were able to locate Wooten and take him into custody. A handgun was found on the tractor trailer’s floorboards.

By Kevin McManus

It calls for public hearings next year in the affected counties.

Photo from PSEG website

Baltimore, Md (KM) The Maryland Public Service Commission has developed a procedural schedule for the proposed Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project. It includes public hearings in each of the affected counties during the week of September 21st through the 28th, 2026.

The MPRP is a proposed, 67-mile-long, 500-kilovolt electric transmission line extending from northern Baltimore County through central Carroll County and southern Frederick County, ending at the Doubs substation in Adamstown.   The electricity coming through the line is expected to be used by data centers in northern Virginia

It’s being built buy the Public Service Enterprise Group which had proposed a schedule that anticipated  PSC grant approval by March 31st, 2026, with an in-service date of June 1st, 2027. But the state’ Power Plant Research Program–or PPRP–argued that the application did not include field studies that PPRP needs to conducts its  analysis of the project. The PSC says following a pre-hearing conference in early June, the Commission’s Technical Staff was told to facilitate  discussions between PSEG, PPRP and the Office of People’s Council about the time needed  to produce these field studies,  and the feasibility of proceeding without them.

The project has run into strong opposition from affected property owners. a number of whom have refused to let PSEG representatives on their lands to do field studies.

The schedule as adopted:

March 2, 2026: PSEG files updated analysis (including the environmental review document), environment mapping, and field study reports for all properties in the right-of-way, except for time-of-year restricted field studies. PSEG may also file any updated analysis from PJM.

April 2, 2026: Status Update

September 2, 2026: Staff, OPC, PPRP, and Intervenor file direct testimony

Weeks of September 21 and 28, 2026: Public hearings in each county

October 16, 2026: Rebuttal testimony responding to other parties and supplemental testimony responding to public comments, and any updated recommended conditions.

November 13, 2026: Surrebuttal testimony

December 8-18, 2026: Evidentiary hearings

January 29, 2027: Parties’ post-hearing initial briefs

February 12, 2027: Parties’ post-hearing reply briefs

PSEG has urged an expedited decision, according to a news release from the Public Service Commission, saying the project is needed to avoid critical electric reliability issues in Maryland. But the PSC says it too takes the reliability of electric system very seriously. It says that this schedule has a longer time line that PSEG had requested. But the PSC says it’s confident that the PJM, the region’s  grid operator, will efficiently maintain the grid as the Commission reviews PSEG’s application.

Bu Kevin McManus

Results show Incumbent O’Connor Continues to lead in mayoral race.

Frederick, Md (KM) Some more vote counting was done on Thursday in the Frederick City Democratic Primary Elections, but this time it was the mail-in and drop box ballets.

Incumbent Michael O’Connor continues to lead Ron Beattie in the Mayoral race. He has taken in 2,181 or 57.99 percent of the vote. Ron Beattie took in 1,580 or 42.01 percent of the vote.

In the at-large City Council race, Libby Taylor continue to hold the top spot with 1,632 or 23.12 percent of the vote. She is followed by incumbent Council member Derek Shackelford who has 1,587 or 22. 49 percent of the vote. That’s less than one percent over former Mayor Jennifer Dougherty who comes in at number three. Council members Kelly Russell and Donna Kuzemchak are numbers four and five respectively.

Peter Brehm retains his lead over David Schmidt in the District Three Council race with 677 or 54.20 percent of the vote.   Schmidt  has taken in  572 or 45.80 percent of the vote

In District Four, it’s Scott Lasher in the number-one spot with 682 or 68.75 percent of the votes, leading Fredy Ventura Garcia who has 310 or 31.25 percent of the votes..

The District Five race shows Sarah Hempel Irani in the lead over Ryan Trout. Irani has taken in 342 or 50.97 percent of the votes. Trout has 329 or 49.03 percent  of the vote.

Democratic candidates for District One, Katie Nash, and Distinct Two, Cesar Diaz, are uncontested.

The Board of Supervisors of Elections say these vote counts include the in-person early voting and the votes cast on Primary Election Day  as well as the mail-in and drop box votes.

There was no Republican Primary because each of the candidates are uncontested in their party.

The counting of mail-in and drop box ballots is scheduled to resume on Friday.

General election day Is Tuesday, November 5th.

By Kevin McManus

Police in Montgomery County are warning drivers to be cautious after arresting a man accused of pretending to be one of their own

Frederick, Md. (DG) – Montgomery County Police say a 67-year-old man is facing charges for pretending to be an officer.

Investigators arrested Alejandro Zunca after learning he allegedly conducted traffic stops in a neighboring jurisdiction. Now, detectives are concerned he may have done the same in Montgomery County.

Authorities are asking anyone who may have been stopped or approached by Zunca while he was posing as law enforcement to contact police at 240-773-5958. They stress that callers can remain anonymous, and their information could help the investigation.

She says she has no plans to stop playing the Lottery.

Frederick, Md. –

A Frederick County retiree is celebrating a $100,000 win on the $5,000,000 Fortune scratch-off, a $50 game.

The winner, who has enjoyed playing Maryland Lottery games for the past 15 years, stopped by Lottery headquarters in Baltimore on Sept. 9 to claim her prize and share her story.

While she’s played on and off for years, the past two years since her retirement have given her more time to enjoy the games with her husband. Before this win, her biggest prize was $500 that came on a Ravens scratch-off.

On the day of her big win, she visited her favorite Lottery retailer, the Royal Farms at 6730 English Muffin Way in Frederick. After purchasing a few scratch-offs that didn’t yield any prizes, she said she still “felt lucky” and decided to take a chance on a $50 $5,000,000 Fortune ticket.

“When I scratched and scanned the ticket, the kiosk read ‘take to lottery,’” she recalled. Excited, she rushed back to the car to share the news with her husband.

“Overwhelmed with emotions, I began to shake and celebrate,” she said. Her husband encouraged her to sign the ticket right away and schedule an appointment to claim her prize.

Still beaming after claiming, the retiree acknowledged she was “still in shock,” but grateful for the win. She shared that she plans to use part of her windfall to celebrate her upcoming 35th wedding anniversary with a special vacation. The rest will go toward savings and investments to support a comfortable retirement for herself and her husband.

She says she has no plans to stop playing the Lottery. On her way to claim her prize, she picked up more tickets to enjoy at home with her husband.

Citizens are invited to attend, but must RSVP.

Frederick, Md (KM) The public is invited to attend a meeting on data centers later this month. It will take place on Thursday, September 25th at the church hall at Saint Joseph on Carrollton Manor at 5643 Manor Woods Road in Adamstown. It begins at 6:00 PM.

“We are approaching data center development in Frederick County–with strong regulations to limit growth and prevent that sprawl that happened in Northern Virginia,” said County Executive Jessica Fitzwater, in a statement. “This upcoming meeting is an opportunity for members of our community to learn more about how we are regulating the data center industry and to ask questions.”

In a news release announcing the meeting, the County says strong regulations will help prevent data center sprawl. They include cutting in half the number of acres available for data center uses They also include limiting data center development to less than one percent of the county’s total acreage; and  concentrating data center development to the area around the former Eastalco site north of Adamstown. That’s where the infrastructure exists and development is already taking place. The regulations also preserve five acres of farm land for every new acre turned into data centers.

County staff are expected to be at the meeting  along with representatives from Catellus, the company which is developing the Quantum Frederick data center campus at the former Eastalco site.

Registration is not required, but anyone attending is urged to RSVP.at www.PublicInput.com/DataCenters.

To learn more about data centers, and how Frederick County is limiting the development of these facilities, go online to www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/DataCenters.

By Kevin McManus

Citizens are urged to hang up on these scammers, or delete from the e-mails

Westminster, Md (KM) It’s an old story about a scam, but it bears repeating to keep others from falling victim. 

The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office says it’s become aware of scammers who claim to be law enforcement officers contacting citizens and telling them they’ve missed jury duty.   These individuals also tell residents there’s a warrant out for their arrest, but they can pay their fine through gift cards or cash apps.

The Sheriff’s Office says police agencies do not demand payment from gift cards or cash apps.   Authorities say It’s best to hang up on these people, or delete their messages from your e-mail.

If you have any doubts about these calls, contact the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office Duty Officer at 410-386-5900, or your local police department.

By Kevin McManus 

It says the need for blood is constant.

Peanuts tee-shirts being given to blood donors  (Photo from the American Red Cross website)

Frederick, Md (KM) The call is going out from the American Red Cross for  more blood donors. “Every two seconds, someone in this country needs blood. And the American Red Cross supplies  40 percent of the nation’s blood supply, including to 50 hospitals in the Washington and Baltimore area. Now that’s a lot of blood,” says Scott Marder, the Regional Communications Manager for the National Capital and Chesapeake Region of the Red Cross.

He says the Red Cross is always in need of blood throughout the year, not just during specific times of the year such as the summer season. “Right now, we’re in September which is historically the most active month  for hurricanes,” he says. “And it’s critical that more individuals make an appointment to give blood or platelets to ensure that life-saving care is not delayed.”

The blood is used by hospitals for transfusions. Marder says anyone could need a transfusion  at any time. “It could be my mother who is driving down the road and winds up in a car accident. It could be your sister who goes in for routine surgery. I had a co-worker who went in for a very minor surgical procedure and something went wrong; and he was within 15 minutes of dying if he hadn’t had a blood transfusion,” he says.

The Red Cross is trying to encourage more blood donors to come forward by offering a special gift  for those who give blood. from now until September 21st.  As a way of celebrating the 75th anniversary of the “Peanuts” comic strip, donors will receive a “Peanuts-themed” tee-shirt.

Marder says donors will receive an exclusive “Peanuts” mystery bag which contains one of four special tee-shirt designs while they last. “Donors won’t know exactly which of the iconic designs they’re going to get until they open the bag,” he says. “And then there are thousands  of golden tickets hidden in bags throughout the country. And if you happen to get one of those bags, then you can trade that in for all four of the tee-shirts.”

Anyone who wants to donate blood can call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767),  and make an appointment. They can also go on line to redcrossblood.rog

By Kevin McManus

Front door forced open at J and H Aitcheson on South Street SE; police seek tips and witnesses.

Leesburg, VA (JK) – Leesburg Police are investigating a burglary at a downtown business after property was reported stolen late on September 5, 2025. Officers responded to 315 South Street Southeast… home to J and H Aitcheson Plumbing and Heating Supplies… at approximately 11:45 p.m. and found the front door had been forced to gain entry.

Detectives continue to process the scene and are working to determine what was taken and who was responsible. No arrests have been announced and the investigation remains active.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Leesburg Police Department at 703-771-4500 or via email at [email protected].  Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 703-443-TIPS (8477).

By Jimmy Key

They say it’s a not just a childhood disease.

Frederick, Md (KM) Health officials in Maryland are raising concerns about measles. There have been three cases reported so far this year in the state. But there are concerns it could spread, particularly in counties close to the Pennsylvania border where an individual infected with the virus visited several locations in the Keystone State.

Even though it’s considered a childhood disease. Dr. Robin Motter-Mast says even adults can get measles. “If you had it as a child, you probably won’t get it. But if you’re living in an area with a high outbreak of measles–meaning that the viral load within that area is high–there is a ten percent chance you could contract measles,” she says.

Measles is a virus spread through the air from respiratory droplets from  coughing and sneezing. The symptoms, which don’t appear for ten or 14 days, include coughing, runny nose, inflamed eyes, sore threat, fever and a red and blotchy skin rash.

Dr. Motter-Mast also points out that measles is a highly contagious disease. “Measles is so contagious that once a person who has measles is in a room, and if they leave the room, that measles virus can still circulate for up to two hours once that person is out of the room,” she says.

The MMR (Mumps, Measles, Rubella) vaccines are available for adults as well as children to protect them from measles. Dr. Motter-Mast says the MMR vaccine is safe, and a study a few years ago that said  it caused autism has been debunked. “The Lancet {a medical publication} in early 2000’s debunked that study, and that study had be removed,’ she says. “It was not done in an evidence-based manner. There have been multiple studies since that study that have not found any linkages between autism and the MMR vaccine, let alone any vaccine.”

Residents who have questions about measles or where to get the MMR vaccine should speak with the primary care providers, Dr. Motter-Mast says. She also says they can contact their local health department..

Health officials say children between kindergarten and 6th grade need the recommended doses of these following vaccines. DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough {pertussis}); Polio; MMR; chickenpox {Varicella} and Hepatitis C..  Starting in 7th grade, kids need the Tdap and Meningococcal (MCV4) vaccines.

Recently, the Surgeon General In Florida called for the elimination of all vaccine mandates in the Sunshine State. . Dr. Motter-Mast calls that “a horrible recommendation.” “We know that there have been a lot of  the lives that have been saved with the onset of the use of vaccines,” she says. “In fact, in 2000, they would say that measles had been eradicated from the United States.”

But Dr. Motter-Mast says that since then, the percentage of those being vaccinated have declined. “We lose that community immunity, or what we know as herd affect. And if you don’t have that, the virus can really spread very rapidly within communities,” she says.

In a related story, Maryland’s Governor’s Office says the state is protecting vaccine access for Marylanders of all ages. In statement, it says as uncertainty continues to surround federal vaccine policy, Maryland public health officials will continue to use science-based guidance when it comes to vaccines so that residents and their families can be safe and healthy during the respiratory virus season.

The statement from the Governor’s Office says Marylanders will continue to have access to vaccines at providers’ offices and pharmacies around the state as the vaccine supply is available.

“The federal government’s rapid changes and unnecessary swirl around vaccine policy is harmful for Marylanders and all Americans, and could result in disastrous public health outcomes,” says Governor Wes Moore, in a statement.” The health, safety and well-being of Marylanders and their loved ones are our North Star, and we will do everything in our power to ensure they have access to life-saving medicines like vaccines.”

By Kevin McManus

Taylor, Shackelford are the  top two in at-large City Council race.

Frederick, Md (KM) Primary election results for the city of Frederick show incumbent Michael O’Connor in the lead in the Democratic race for Mayor over challenger Ron Beattie. O’Connor had 434 votes or 56.29 percent with Beattie gaining 337 votes, or 43.71 percent.

In the at-large race for City Council,  newcomer Libby Taylor won 368 votes or 25.45 percent; and Incumbent Councilman Derrick Shackelford came in second with 353 votes, or 24.41 percent. Jennifer Dougherty, Kelly Russell and Donna Kuzemchak came in at three, four and five respectively. .

In Council District Three,, it’s David Schmidt winning 148 votes or 50.86 percent over Peter Brehm who took in 143 votes or 49.14 percent.

In District Four.  Scott Lasher has the lead with 122 votes or 65.59 percent. over Fredy Ventura Garcia who took in 64 votes or 34.41 percent..

And Sarah Hempel Irani leads won 82 votes or 60.76 percent over Ryan Trout in District Five who took in 53 votes or 39/ 26 percent.

Democrat Katie Nash ran unopposed in District One.,, and Cesar Diaz ran unopposed in District Two.

This was a Democratic Primary. The Republican candidates ran unopposed., and will move on to the November 4th. election. Those running under the GOP ticket are Tom Trott for Mayor Joe Adkins for District Four Councilman, and Rob Callahan who is running for District Five Councilman.
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The Board of Supervisors of Elections say these figures are only for early voting and on primary election day. . The counting of the mail-in and drop box ballots will begin on Thursday.

By Kevin McManus

Highway officials say it will allow crews to replace a failing culvert pipe.

Frederick, Md (KM) The Frederick County Department of Highway Operations says the portion of Harmony Road between US Route 40 and Brethren Church Road near Myersville will be closed for about one week beginning on Monday, September 15th. The closure will take place during the daytime hours from 6:30 AM until 4:00 PM.   A signed detour will be put in place.

County highway officials say the closure will allow crews to replace a failing culvert pipe at 9404 Harmony Road.

By Kevin McManus