FMD

It encourages residents to report any disinformation or misinformation about elections.

Annapolis, Md (KM) Battling disinformation and misinformation is a constant process, particularly during an election year. The Maryland State Board of Elections has launched “Defenders of Democracy.” Jared DeMarinis,  State Administrator of Elections, says residents who come across inaccurate information can report ti to the Board of Elections website. He says the Board will then put out the correct information.

“When you see false, misleading or just plan lies about elections, election results, don’t ignore it. Please report it,” he says. “It’s vital for us to correct the record.”

The reporting portal is (https://elections.maryland.gov/press_room/Dis_Misinformation.html)

During election years, there could be false claims regarding voter registration, polling locations, mail-in ballots or election results. DeMarinis says citizens should  make https://elections.maryland.gov their number-one source for election information

“We want everyone to participate in battling mis- and disinformation,” he says.

By Kevin McManus

It will be taking over from Sheppard Pratt.

Frederick, Md (KM) The Mental Health Association of Frederick County will become the operator the Mobile Crisis Unit. Interim CEO Suzi Borg says it was operated by Sheppard Pratt, but it announced earlier this year that it will pull out of the program, citing increasing costs.   MHA is expected to formally take over the Mobile Crisis Unit  sometime in 2026.

“The County put that out for another provider to bid on,” she said. “And the Mental Health Association was very excited because this is really part of the full crisis continuum of services in the county.”

Borg says the Mobile Crisis Unit  complement the other services provided by the Mental Health Association. “We have had these 24/7 call centers for someone to call. Piece of that crisis continuum with our walk-in crisis center; we’ve had some place to go. And now we the other part which is the someone to respond,” says Borg.

The Mobile Crisis Unit sends highly trained professionals out to the scene  to help calm tense situations, and connect people with services. Borg says the Unit has worked with local law enforcement. “This is a very well developed relationship with our law enforcement and first responder community; and that will continue with MHA just as it has with Sheppard Pratt. We are excited to continue that work,” she says.

She says the individuals who are part of the Mobile Crisis Unit have been highly trained to deal with tense situations. “They’re well trained. There’s good oversight, but not necessarily at that psychiatrist  or psychologist level,,” says Borg.

While trying to calm down tense situations, sometimes it means Mobile Crisis Unit personnel dealing with individuals who want to take their lives. “A lot of time it is somebody who might be having thoughts of suicide; who might need somebody in that moment to come along side them; to help them get connected; planning for their safety; what is it that we need to prevent that suicide. That is a big piece of what this is,” she says.

In some instances, Borg says,  the person contemplating taking their own lives is crying for help.

For anyone needing help, call 211 or 866-411-6803 which is for information, referral  and crisis intervention. The numbers cover all of Frederick County and western Maryland. The Walk-In Clinic is located at 340 Montevue Lane in Frederick.

By Kevin McManus

The defendant also  pleaded to driving under the influence.

Frederick, Md (KM) A Walkersville man entered a plea Friday morning in Frederick County Circuit Court for attempting to kidnap two girls earlier this year. The State’s Attorney’s Office says Gary Lee Plummer, 55, entered an alford plea to the charges of attempted abduction of a child under 12, and driving under the influence. An alford plea is where the defendant doesn’t admit guilt, but acknowledges the prosecution has enough evidence for a conviction.

Plummer was arrested for DUI following a traffic stop in the 8700 block Woodsboro Pike on April 30th.. Later on, two girls said Plummer tried to accost them as they were walking near the area of the traffic stop. They also said he tried to pull one of the girls into his car, but was not successful.

The State’s Attorney says no sentencing date has been scheduled.

By Kevin McManus

Residents can also cast their ballots by mail or using drop boxes.

Frederick, Md (KM) Tuesday, November 4th is Election Day in the City of Frederick. Citizens will vote for Mayor, and members of the City Council. They can cast their ballots at the Trinity Recreation Center at 6040 New Design Road from 7:00 AM until 8:00 PM.

But residents can also mark the ballots they received in their mailboxes, and send it off by mail. . They must be postmarked by Tuesday, November 4th, and be received by Friday, November 7th to be counted. .

Citizens can also place their ballots inside one of six drop boxes around the city. They are located at:

*The Bourne Building, 355 Montevue Lane, Frederick, Md 21701

*Hillcrest Commons, 1150 Orchard Terrace, Frederick, Md, 216703

*Talley Recreation Center, 121 North Market Street, Frederick, Md 21701

*Housing Authority Office, 209 Madison Street, Frederick, Md, 21701

*Governor Thomas Johnson High School, 1501 North Market Street, Frederick, Md 21701

*Frederick Community College, 7932 Oppossumtown Pike, Frederick, Md 21702 .

The drop boxes will be open until Tuesday, November 4th at 8:00 PM.

By Kevin McManus

Police say suspect disguised himself as a woman to enter locker rooms; investigators believe there may be more victims.

Gaithersburg, MD (JK) – A Takoma Park man has been arrested and charged after police say he secretly recorded women inside gym locker rooms in Montgomery County.

Detectives identified 44-year-old Tshikundi Taty as the suspect following an incident at One Life Fitness in Germantown earlier this month, where a woman reported being filmed in the shower. Investigators say Taty disguised himself as a woman to gain entry into the locker room and later fled after removing the disguise.

Officers later tracked Taty to a Planet Fitness in White Oak, where he was found again in disguise and taken into custody. He’s charged with multiple counts of peeping tom and related offenses.

Police believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with information to contact the Montgomery County Department of Police or Crime Solvers of Montgomery County.

By Jimmy Key

He says it will address the economic impacts of the federal government shutdown.

Annapolis, Md (KM) Maryland Governor Wes Moore has declared a state of emergency to address the economic impacts of the federal government shutdown. In a news release from his office, the Governor says he has issued an executive order providing $10 million dollars in emergency funding to Maryland’s food security partners to address the crisis of the Trump Administration’s failure to release SNAP benefits for  November. SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program which provides food benefits to low income Americans to supplement their grocery budgets so they can provide nutritious food for their families. SNAP benefits will cease on November 1st. 2025..

“Withholding funding from food assistance is not just illegal. It’s also cruel.  680,000 Marylanders rely on SNAP to put food on the table–we’re talking about 120,000 older adults; 270,000 children; and 130,000 Marylanders  with disabilities.  The federal government is looking them in the eye and saying ‘You’re on your own,'”, says Moore, in a statement. “But in Maryland, we protect our people. It’s not the work of a single day or a single announcement. It’s an ongoing pledge–one that we refuse to abandon or abridge. We will keep taking this week after week, and work with our legislative partners to do the most we can with the resources we have. In Maryland, we take care of each other. It’s  who we are. And together, we will weather this storm and leave no one behind.”

The Governor says in past shutdowns, the State has received reimbursement from the federal government for covering costs during on the shutdown. . But he says the Trump Administration has provided no such assurance. The federal government shutdown began on October 1st. 2025

The $10 million in emergency grant funding will be used to promote food assistance across the state, the Governor’s Office statement continues. The Maryland Department of Human Services is reviewing organizations to receive funding based on data-driven disbursement to ensure equitable distribution.

The funding will be used to purchase and distribute additional food for food banks, local pantries, school pantries and mobile distribution programs, including delivery  of food to older adults or Marylanders with disabilities who do not have access to pantries.

Officials also says the actions taken by Governor Moore to address food insecurity is also in response to Marylanders facing hunger due to the federal employees impacted by the shutdown. Thousands of federal workers have been furloughed from their  jobs, and are not receiving a paycheck.

The Governor says the State of Maryland continues to call on the Trump Administration to obey the law, and release the contingency funding for SNAP.  He’s also asking Republicans in Congress to work to end the federal government shutdown.

By Kevin McManus

He is currently being held at the Adult Detention Center.

Frederick, Md (KM) A man from Canada was arrested in Frederick last week on three counts of sexual solicitation of a minor.  Police say Mark Douglas Pridgeon, 49, of Nova Scotia was taken into custody earlier this month.    He is currently being held without bond at the Frederick County  Adult Detention Center.

Authorities say Pridgeon had traveled to the United States numerous times for business purposes;  but in September, investigators say they learned of some criminal activity. He came back to Frederick on October 21st, and checked into a hotel. Police say Pridgeon had arranged to meet an individual who he thought was a minor for the purpose of sexual activity. .

He left his hotel room, Shortly after that, he was taken into custody without incident.

By Kevin McManus

Winds could gust as high as 50 miles per hour.

Washington-Frederick MD-Carroll-Central and Eastern Allegany-Hampshire-Morgan-Berkeley-Hardy-Eastern Grant-Eastern Mineral-Eastern Pendleton-412 PM EDT Thu Oct 30 2025...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM EDT FRIDAY...* WHAT...West winds 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.* WHERE...Portions of north central and western Maryland and the  eastern panhandle of West Virginia.* WHEN...From 10 AM to 5 PM EDT Friday.* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree  limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for highprofile vehicles. Use extra caution.By The National Weather Service

Event marks veterans’ graves and supports Wreaths Across America.

Frederick, MD (JK) – Mount Olivet Cemetery in Frederick will host its annual flag planting this Saturday in preparation for Veterans Day. Volunteers will place flags on more than 4,500 veterans’ graves, beginning with setup at 8:30 a.m. Registered groups are expected to arrive around 9 a.m., with additional volunteers joining shortly thereafter. Organizers aim to have all flags in place by noon.

The flags serve as visual markers for the Wreaths Across America ceremony on December 13. The cemetery currently needs more than 3,200 wreaths to ensure every veteran’s grave is honored. All wreaths provided through community sponsorships.

Mission BBQ is also supporting the effort through its annual fundraiser. From November 12 through the end of the year, two dollars from the sale of each special cup will go toward purchasing wreaths for Mount Olivet.

This event offers the community an opportunity to honor local veterans while helping ensure the Wreaths Across America ceremony can reach every grave. For more information, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org.

By Jimmy Key

Event marks veterans’ graves and supports Wreaths Across America.

Frederick, MD (JK) – Mount Olivet Cemetery in Frederick will host its annual flag planting this Saturday in preparation for Veterans Day. Volunteers will place flags on more than 4,500 veterans’ graves, beginning with setup at 8:30 a.m. Registered groups are expected to arrive around 9 a.m., with additional volunteers joining shortly thereafter. Organizers aim to have all flags in place by noon.

The flags serve as visual markers for the Wreaths Across America ceremony on December 13. The cemetery currently needs more than 3,200 wreaths to ensure every veteran’s grave is honored. All wreaths provided through community sponsorships.

Mission BBQ is also supporting the effort through its annual fundraiser. From November 12 through the end of the year, two dollars from the sale of each special cup will go toward purchasing wreaths for Mount Olivet.

This event offers the community an opportunity to honor local veterans while helping ensure the Wreaths Across America ceremony can reach every grave. For more information about these events at the cemetery, please visit the Friends of Mount Olivet website,

By Jimmy Key

He had been convicted of two previous domestic violence incidents

Gary  Michael Gouge (Photo from Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office)

Frederick, Md (KM) A Mount Airy man was sentenced on Tuesday to 44 years in prison for 1st-degree assault and a violation of probation for a previous first-degree assault conviction. . Gary Michael Gouge, 42, was convicted of those charges following a jury trial on July 31st, 2025. .

The Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office says Gouge was arrested on January 16th, 2025 following a domestic incident on 4504 Buffalo Road.. . The caller told a 911 dispatcher that her sister was being assaulted. by Gouge. A deputy who was dispatched to the scene heard a woman screaming from outside of the home. .

Inside, the woman was hysterically crying, shaking and saying the defendant became angry. cursing at her and grabbing her.   He strangled her, grabbed a pocket knife and threatened to kill the victim and her children. She was also slammed into a wall, prosecutors say.

Gouge had been released in May, 2023 for a previous domestic assault case, and was attempting to blame the victim and changed  his story several times, according to the State’s Attorney’s Office. .

Gouge was convicted of two domestic violence cases. In one in 2013 he assaulted his former wife and accused her of cheating.  Gouge was serving time for that incident when he released early in 2023. .

He also was convicted for an incident in 2017 when he  strangled his then-girlfriend. Gouge also put  a gun to her head, and threatened to kill after he accused her of cheating.

During sentencing on Tuesday, the victim in the most recent domestic violence incident addressed the court in her Victim Impact Statement. “The day I almost lost my life is the only date I now remember. On that day, the Defendant took my breath; today with my breath, I get to tell him ‘I am taking my life back.'”

“Abusers who strangle are telling the victim they can kill them, ” says State’s Attorney Charlie Smith, in a statement. “Strangulation increases the likelihood of future homicide.   Abusers who violate their probation by abusing a partner again are the worst of the worst. The Offender had two prior victims, and with this sentence, he will be appropriately behind bars-unable to hurt another woman for a very long time.”

The case was prosecuted by Brett Engler, the Chief of the Domestic Violence Unit, who was recently named by the Governor as a District Court Judge.

By Kevin McManus

State Police say one other person was taken to the hospital to be treated for her injuries.

Frederick, Md (KM)  Maryland State Police in Frederick are investigating a fatal three-vehicle crash Wednesday morning.

At around 8:03 AM, troopers responded to southbound US Route 15 at Hansonville Road for the accident.  A preliminary investigation revealed that a 93-year-old man was operating a Nissan Versa. He was attempting to cross southbound Route 15 when his vehicle was struck by a Toyota Camry operated by a 22-year-old woman. The driver of the Nissan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The impact from the crash caused the Nissan to travel off the roadway and strike a telephone pole. A Honda Pilot was struck by debris from the crash. Its driver was not injured.

The operator of the Toyota was taken to the hospital. for treatment of her injuries.

Two lanes of Route 15 were closed during the day while State Police conducted their investigation.

State troopers say they received assistance from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, personnel from the Division of Fire and Rescue Services and the Department Transportation State Highway Administration in the investigation of this crash.

By Kevin McManus

Bomb threat made over the phone to a medical office in Rockville.

Teen shooter involved in family dispute fled the residence after the shot was fired.

FREDERICK, MD – On Monday, October 27, 2025, at approximately 10:27 p.m., Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) deputies responded to the 5300 block of Henden Wood Lane in Frederick for a report of a firearm discharge.

When deputies arrived, they learned that an argument between two adults in the home escalated when a
teenage family member intervened. During the incident, the teen allegedly produced a handgun and fired
one round into a stairwell before fleeing the residence through a window and leaving in a vehicle with two
other people.

Deputies located evidence consistent with a firearm discharge inside the home. A handgun was
recovered from the suspect’s bedroom.

A description of the suspect vehicle was broadcast to responding units. Deputies soon located the vehicle
on Viceroy Court in the Ballenger Creek area and conducted a traffic stop. The suspect, Markell
Anthony Thompson, 18, of Frederick, was found in the back seat and taken into custody without
incident.

A search of the vehicle revealed a bag belonging to Thompson that contained a loaded rifle and a loaded
handgun, which was later confirmed to have been stolen out of San Bernardino County, California.

Deputies also recovered a spent .40 caliber casing from Thompson’s pants pocket.

Thompson was transported to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center and charged with multiple
firearm-related offenses, including possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of a
stolen firearm.

No injuries were reported during the incident. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Deputy Ritchey at 301-600-1046.

Detours in place as crews assess and repair bridge damage.

Frederick, MD (JK) –The Old Mill Road Bridge over Owens Creek near Thurmont is temporarily closed after sustaining damage in a recent vehicle collision. The Frederick County Department of Highway Operations is inspecting the bridge and performing necessary repairs to ensure it is safe for public use.

Motorists are advised to follow posted detour routes while the bridge remains closed. Officials say the reopening date will be announced once the repairs are complete and the bridge passes safety inspections.

For additional information, contact Mike Ramsburg, Department Head, Department of Highway Operations, at 301-600-1564 or [email protected].

By Jimmy Key

Two downtown incidents prompt request for public tips.

Frederick, MD (JK) – Frederick Police are asking for help identifying a suspect linked to two recent downtown burglaries.

The first happened October 24 on the 100 block of North East Street. Less than a day later, officers responded to a burglary in progress on the unit block of North East Street shortly after midnight on October 25.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective McPeak at [email protected] or 301-600-2102. All tips will be kept confidential.

Kinnard got 749 votes to challenger Marty Burns who received 351 votes

Frederick, Md. (DG) – Thurmont Mayor John Kinnaird will serve another term after winning reelection Tuesday night. Kinnaird defeated challenger Marty Burns. Kinnard got 749 votes and Burns’ received 351. Burns will remain on the town’s Board of Commissioners, where his term runs through 2027.

In the four-way race for two commissioner seats, Christopher Stouter and longtime board member Wayne Hooper came out on top. Stouter, who serves on the town’s Planning Commission, received 678 votes, while Hooper earned 600.

Ethan Beard finished third with 487 votes, and Planning Commission Chair Meredith Wivell followed with 286. Commissioner Bill Blakeslee chose not to seek reelection.

Officials say 1,108 ballots were cast.

She announced some initiatives during her State of the County Address on Monday.

Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater delivering the State of The County Address.

Emmitsburg, Md (KM) The state of Frederick County  is strong, according to County Executive Jessica Fitzwater who delivered the State of the County Address Monday night.

One of the topics she addressed was affordable housing, and the use of some county land for that purposed. “I’m excited to announce that we are moving forward with the development of a seven-acre site adjacent to the Prospect Center on Himes Avenue,” she said to applause from the audience. “This will bring nearly 150 affordable and deeply affordable homes to our community strategically located next to a future hub for the county’s health, aging and family services, and directly accessible to our fare-free TransIT System.”

The County Executive also talked about data centers in her remarks. There are data centers under construction at the former Eastalcoa site in Adamstown.  “We have approached this the Frederick County  Way with an inclusive workgroup which made recommendations to policy makers to consider,” Fitzwater said. “In partnership with the Council, we have adopted many of those recommendations. . In doing so, we have made data centers the most regulated industry in Frederick County.”

Fitzwater said Frederick County will not have an overabundance of data centers as is the case in Northern Virginia. She said these facilities will be located at prosperities that have the infrastructure in place  and they’re limited to only one percent of the county’s landmass.

Data centers have raised concerns in Adamstown among residents who are worried about the  impact on their well water. “In response, the Health Department will offer these residents and their immediate neighbors a free-of-charge sanitary survey of their wells,” Fitzwater said to applause from those in attendance. “The survey will evaluate water quality and the data gathered will be used to guide future decisions.”

Fitzwater said the County will also hold listening sessions in Adamstown and Frederick after the Council finishes its work on the overlay. She says the purpose is to gather ideas on what community residents want to see when comes to data center development at the Eastalcoa site.

But the County Executive said data centers can bring in tax revenue to state and local governments. She said Frederick County is seeing some of that’ “Private companies are investing billions of dollars here which is creating good-paying jobs and generating new tax revenue,” Fitzwater said. “Thanks in large part to real estate taxes at the old Eastalcoa site, we have a small fund balance in last year’s budget. This will allows us to make targeted, one-time investments which will roll out in the coming months.”

As she was ending her remarks, County Executive Fitzwater said she wanted Frederick County Government to be an employer of choice. In order to keep employees on staff, she said the County has reduced the vesting time for workers to be part of the county’s pension plan, and has expanded health care coverage. “And we are raising our minimum wage to $21 an hour for all full time employees., a critical step in recognizing that every county employee is valued,” she said. “We’re doing everything we can to show our workforce we are committed to them because we know that they are committed to honorable calling of public service.”

County  Executive Fitzwater delivered her remarks in Emmitsburg. Her speech was broadcast over the County’s Government Channel, and streamed over its website.

By Kevin McManus

Brett Engler  is the chief  of the Domestic Violence Unit.

Brett Engler, Chief of the Domestic  Violence Unit at the Frederick County  State’s Attorney’s Office.  She was recently appointed as a District Court Judge.

Annapolis, Md (KM) Governor Wes Moore has appointed Brett Engler to the District Court Bench where she will serve as a judge.

Engler is the chief of the Domestic Violence Unit with the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office. She is described by the State’s Attorney’s Office as a career prosecutor who has focused her practice on intimate partner violence, and working on preventing domestic violence homicide.

In making its announcement, the Governor’s Office says Engler has helped advocate for several legal advances including a 2020 Maryland law classifying strangulation as a felony .

She currently chairs the Frederick County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, and the County’s Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team.

“Brett is a sharp, intelligent and dedicated lawyer. She and the DV {Domestic Violence} Unit staff have saved  the lives of countless victims and advocated the County’s domestic violence response along with the our community partners,” says State’s Attorney Charlie Smith, in a statement. “Her appointment to the bench is a natural progression to her commitment to our community.  I will really miss her in my Office, but we will carry on the critical work of high-level domestic violence prosecution and community engagement as she ascends to the bench.”

Engler earned her law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law.

By Kevin McManus

He was arrested last week.

Drugs, cash and handguns confiscated  during operation against Elijah Bell

Rockville, Md (KM) A Rockville man is facing multiple charges, including possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, possession of a controlled dangerous substance and several firearms offenses. Montgomery County Police say their 4th District Community Action Team and detectives from the Special Investigations Unit took Elijah Bell, 33, into custody last Wednesday following a months–long investigation into Bell’s suspected drug distribution activities.

Police say they confiscated 2,726 grams of cocaine,  ten pounds of cannabis, two handguns and about $10,000 in cash. Police say Bell is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior convictions,. Detectives also say the two handguns had been reported stolen.

Bell is currently being held without bond at the Montgomery County  Central Processing Unit.

By Kevin McManus