FMD

Children who are out of school can get free meals through August 18th.

Frederick, Md (KM) School may be out, but there are places where children can get free lunch during the weekdays in the Summer.  The Frederick City Department of Housing and Human Services says it’s participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Lunch will be provided free of charge to children up to age 18 Monday through Friday until August 19th. The only exception is July 4th.

The City says it’s open to kids regardless of race, color,  national original, sex, age or disability.  It  says there will be no discrimination in the course of meal service.

Free meals will be available at five locations around Frederick as well as one location each in Walkersville and Brunswick. They are:

*Hill Street Park Pavilion, Hill Street, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM.

*College Estates Park, Taney Avenue, 12:15 PM to 1:00 PM

*Carrollton Park, Center Street, 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM

*WIndsor Garden Apartments, Key Parkway, 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM

*Amber Meadows Playground Pavilion, Amber Drive, 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM

Brunswick

Brunswick Library, North Maple Avenue, 12:15 PM to 1:00 PM.

Walkersville

Discovery Community Center, North Maple Avenue, 12:15 PM to 1:00 PM.

By Kevin McManus

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

Frederick, Md (KM) Five people were indicted on Friday by the Frederick County Grand Jury. One of them was Markelle Isaiyah Lewis , 19, who has no address listed. The panel has charged him with 12 counts each of 1st-degree assault and 2nd-degree assault, and and reckless endangerment. He’s also charged with several firearms offenses, including use of a firearm in felony and violent crime; possession of a regulated firearm by someone under 21; having a loaded handgun on his person; possession of a firearm without an serial number; wearing or carrying a handgun while under the influence; and discharging a firearm with the city,. This is for an offense which occurred in on April 6th, 2025.

Another person indicted by the Grand Jury was Robert Ryan Springer , 32, of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. He is charged with 1st-degree assault and 2nd-degree assault for an offense which occurred on May 25th, 2025.

Other indictments handed down by the Grand Jury include:

*Samuel Astacio, 45, of Frederick, Md. who is charged with one count of 1st-degree assault, and two counts each of 2nd-degree assault and violating a protective order for an offense which occurred on May 26th, 2025.

*Pablo Ricardo Peaz-Martinez, 23, of Frederick, Md., who is charged with two counts of both 1st-degree assault, and 2nd-degree assault, and one count of false imprisonment, intoxicated endangerment and theft between $100 and $500 for an offense which occurred on May  20th, 2025.

*Crystal Danielle Fox, 35, of Frederick, Md., who is charged with robbery, two counts 2nd-degree assault, and one count of resisting and interfering with an arrest; obstructing and hindering a police officer, disorderly conduct, and attempted theft less than $100 for an offense which occurred on May 16th, 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

He’s expected to undergo additional surgery for his injuries.

Hagerstown, Md (KM) Hagerstown Police have identified the officer who was shot on Thursday in an incident which led to an hours-long standoff. He’s K9 Officer Langley Dean, a 19-year veteran of the department. Daniel Anderson, 40, of Hagerstown. is being held at the Washington County Detention Center without bond in connection with the shooting. .

Anderson is charged with 22 offenses, according to the Maryland Judiciary case Search. They include attempted 1st-degree murder, attempted 2nd-degree murder, 1st-degree assault, 2nd-degree assault, reckless endangerment and numerous firearms offenses.

After his  arrest, Hagerstown Police say detectives and members of the Western Maryland Regional Crime Lab processed the scene, and recovered a 20-gauge shotgun. Authorities say Anderson fired the weapon at Officer Dean at close range, injuring him in the arm, and striking him the face, shoulder and head. Officer Dean will need additional surgery to repair his wounds, according to police.

He remains at Mertius Medical Center.

By Kevin McManus

It’s replaces an aging system that hasn’t worked well.

Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman

Annapolis, Md (KM) A new way of processing unclaimed property is coming to Maryland. Comptroller Brooke Lierman says beginning in the fall the state will be operating   the KAPS system, or the Kilmer Abandoned Property System. which many other states use. She says it will allow the state to contact the owner of unclaimed property and return it to them. Under the KAPS system, Lierman says citizens may not need to fill out paper work  to get their property returned.

“That’s means that we’ll be able to get people their claims more quickly. We’ll be able to pro-actively send out money to folks if it’s under a certain dollar threshold. And it will be a lot easier to claim you money,”  Lierman says.

“How it will work in the future is that we will have the ability to pro actively identify people whose  claims are under a certain dollar threshold—several thousand dollars—and send them their money,”  Lierman continues. .

The certain “dollar threshold” is less than $5,000, according to a news release from the Comptroller’s Office.

The new system is expected to go into affect in October. Lierman says it  was approved by the General Assembly.

Some examples of unclaimed property the state could be holding are unclaimed bank accounts, items found in a safe deposit box, in insurance benefits, security deposits and stock dividends.   Any entities holding those products have to turn them over to the Comptroller’s Office if they have   remained dormant for more than three years.

LIerman says the new law also lets the Comptroller’s Office process newer forms of unclaimed property. “We worked with the General Assembly this year to update the unclaimed property section of state law to collect newer forms of property, including virtual currency like cryptocurrency and certain IRA accounts as well, certain individual retirement accounts,” says Lierman.

Even if you don’t think you have any unclaimed property held by the state, Lierman says go on line and see for yourself. “Go check every once and a while. Check yourself. Check, your family members. Check a friend. And if you find anybody, let them know so they can go in and claim it,” she says.

The Comptroller’s Office  website is (www.marylandcomptroller.gov/UnclaimedProperty)

According to Lierman, during fiscal year 2024, the Comptroller’s Office handled 27,000 inquires about unclaimed property, and returned over $60 million in unclaimed property to Marylanders.

By Kevin McManus

He was apprehended on Wednesday.

Joshua Andrew Mills (Photo from Washington County Sheriff’s Office)

Hagerstown, Md (KM) The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has charged a Hagerstown man with one count of sexual solicitation of a minor. Joshua Andrew Mills, 35, was taken into custody on Wednesday. He’s being held without bond at the Washington County Detention Center.

The Sheriff’s Office says its Digital Investigations and Forensics Unit and Criminal Investigations Unit took part in an on line undercover operation looking for individuals trying to exploit minors. They posed as children, and communicated with persons who believed they were talking to kids. Authorities intervene when one of those perpetrators arranges a day and time for a meeting. The Sheriff’s Office says that’s how Mills was arrested.

In a news release, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office says this case highlights the dangers that exist on line for children. Authorities say they will continue to track down those who use the Internet to exploit vulnerable youth, and will continue to conduct these proactive operations to keep the community safe.

Anyone who has information or suspects Internet crimes involving children, should call the Sheriff’s Office at 240-313-2170.

By Kevin McManus

Police say he’ll be charged appropriately.

Daniel Matthew Anderson  (Photo from Hagerstown Police)

Hagerstown, Md (KM) Charges are expected to be filed against a Hagerstown man following a eight-hour standoff on Thursday where one police officer was shot.

Hagerstown Police say officers were dispatched to the 700 block of Forrest Drive at around 5:00 AM for a domestic assault. They met the wife of David Matthew Anderson, 40, who let them inside the home. Police say she had signs she had been assaulted. Two children in the home were not harmed. An ambulance was called to the scene to take the victim to the hospital.

Anderson locked himself in a room, and refused officers’ requests to come out. One officer said he was forcing open the door. He made his way into the room where Anderson was holding a shotgun. One officer was shot in the arm, the bullet  penetrating his biceps. He was bleeding profusely.

The two officers went to the ambulance originally called to the scene which  had not yet left the hospital. Paramedics quickly tended the wound, and the ambulance was en route to the hospital within 60 seconds.  The mother was taken to Meritus Medical Center where she was treated and released. The officer underwent surgery. He is recovering, police say. .

The Crisis Negotiation Team was brought in  and spent eight hours trying to persuade Anderson to come out. At around 4:35 PM, , he came out peacefully, and was transported to the Washington County Detention  Center. .

Hagerstown Police say they received assistance from numerous law enforcement agencies at the scene, including Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Maryland State Police and the Frederick Police Department.  Also assisting were the Hagerstown Fire Department, Department of Emergency Services,, Auxiliary Police and the Community Rescue Service.

Hagerstown Police, at the request of the injured officer,  say they will not be releasing his name at this time. But say he’s  a 19-year veteran of the Hagerstown Police Department.

By Kevin McManus

It’s part of an  efforts to develop a plan for the park.

Williamsport, Md (KM) Area residents are being asked to provide comments on the future of the Great Falls area of the C&O Canal National Historical Park.  Park Ranger Christiana Hanson says the C&O Park is looking for opinions and suggestions. “How you would like to get safety information. Or even just to find out what kind of amenities are available to the public. We want to know anything that folks are thinking about. So it’s a very broad call for information for anybody who uses Great Falls. or might be hearing about it for the first time, but is interested in learning more and how you would like us to share that information with you,” says Park Ranger Christiana Hanson.

The C&O Canal National  Historical Park is in the middle of developing a  plan on how the park can continue providing recreational and  educational opportunities, and continue to protect healthy ecosystems..

Hanson  says the Great Falls area of the park receives a lot of visitors, and a lot of them like to hike the trails. But Hanson says some people have wandered off the trails, making their own trails by hiking in areas where there are rare plants which often get trampled, causing some environmental   concerns. Hanson says the Great Falls area has a lot of rare plant species. “We’re looking at ways that we can protect those while also still providing public access to very popular hiking trails,” she says.

The C&O Canal National Historical Park runs from Great Falls through Montgomery, Frederick, Washington and Allegany Counties. Hanson was asked why the emphasis on Great Falls. “As we look at different parts of the park that need improvement, we’re always looking how to make the visitor experience excellent across the park. This just happens to be the focus right now,” she says.

The comment period runs from June 26th through July 28th. A virtual public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 26th at 6:30 PM. until 8:00 PM. You can join the meeting through PC, Mac, iPAd and Android, at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84609210743.

You can join the meeting via audio at +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC); or +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

You can submit your comments on line at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/GreatFallsMarylandDevelopmentPlan.

Comments can also be sent by mail. The address is:

Superintendent,

Attn: Great Falls (MD) Development Concept Plan
National Park Service
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
142 West Potomac Street
Williamsport, Md. 21795

Those who send in their comments are asked to provide their address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information.

By Kevin McManus

Officer is currently in surgery, injures not life-threatening

Hagerstown,  Md. (DG)  – A Hagerstown Police Officer was struck by gunfire early this morning during a domestic violence incident.

Around 5 AM on June 12th Hagerstown Police Department responded to the 700 block of Forrest Drive for a domestic violence call.

During the call, the male suspect fired at a Hagerstown Police Officer, striking him once in the arm.

Authorities say the injured officer is currently in surgery.  His injuries are not considered life threatening.

UPDATE-The officer is out of surgery and is in recovery

Hagerstown,  Md. (DG)  – A Hagerstown Police Officer was struck by gunfire early this morning during a domestic violence incident.

Around 5 AM on June 12th Hagerstown Police Department responded to the 700 block of Forrest Drive for a domestic violence call.

During the call, the male suspect fired at a Hagerstown Police Officer, striking him once in the arm.  He was rushed to the hospital and underwent surgery. His injuries are not considered life threatening.

Multiple police agencies were involved.

Westminster, Md (KM) Two people were arrested, and large quantities of narcotics were recovered during a major drug bust in Carroll County on Monday.

The Sheriff’s Office says it involved the Drug  and Firearms Trafficking Task Force, the Pro-Active Community Enforcement Team, and police departments from Westminster, Taneytown and Baltimore and Anne Arundel Counties,  working with the US Drug Enforcement Administration.

Personnel from these agencies served numerous search and seizure warrants in the Westminster and Manchester areas. Taken into custody were Antonio Alfonzo Liason, 38, and Jessica Brooke Smith, 47. both of Westminster. They’ve been charged with drug and firearms offenses, and are being held without bond at the Carroll County Detention Center.

Authorities also say they recovered 11 ounces of cocaine with an estimated street value of $22,000. along with more than 36.5 grams of fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, packaging materials, three handguns, ammunition and a substantial amount of cash.

The Sheriff’s Office says this operation followed a six-month investigation. Authorities say that investigation is continuing and additional charges are forthcoming.

By Kevin McManus

County Executive issues an executive order.

Frederick, Md (KM) A six-month hold has been placed on data centers in Frederick County. An executive order issued by County Executive Jessica Fitzwater temporarily prevents the consideration of any new applications for data centers, and that includes the electrical substations used to power these facilities.

“It would be prudent to place a six-month hold on the acceptance, consideration, and processing of applications for Critical Digital Infrastructure Facilities {data centers} and Critical Infrastructure Electrical Substations in order to allow time for the Overlay Bill to proceed through the legislative process,” the Executive Order reads.

Fitzwater says this order prevents further development of data centers until new standards become law.. The County Council recently enacted a bill on May 20th establishing stricter standards on data centers, and the substations that power them.

Another bill being considered by the Council would place an overlay on areas zoned for data centers, and limit their construction to the area around the old East Alcoa property in Adamstown. That bill was announced at a May 6th news conference where County Executive Fitzwater and all seven members of the County Council attended. That measure is expected to be formally introduced to the Council on Tuesday, June 17th.

This executive order directs the Planning and Permitting Division to temporarily discontinue accepting, considering, processing or reviewing any applications for data centers, or any electric substation which powers  them. It would not apply to data centers and electric substations which have obtained an approved Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance Letter of Understanding prior to the effective date of this Executive Order.

“Members of the County Council and the public voiced concerns about developers rushing data center applications into the process before stronger regulations can be put in place,” Fitzwater says in a statement. “The temporary pause directly addresses those concerns by giving the Council time to act and the giving the community peace of mind about  the process.”

The executive order took affect on Wednesday, June 11th, 2025, and will terminate on Tuesday, September 30th., 2025.

By Kevin McManus

It will be take place on Friday, June 27th, 2025.

Frederick, Md (KM) The Frederick County Health Department is offering free HIV testing on Friday, June 27th at the Walgreen’s store at 1595 Opposumtown Pike. It’s part of National HIV Testing Day. The hours will be from 10:00 AM until 6:30 PM..

“We are proud to partner with Walgreens every year to make HIV testing more accessible to our community,” says Rebecca Coyle, Coordinator of Special Programs for the HIV Program, in a statement. “Whether it’s your first test or part of your routine health care, we invite everyone to stop by and take this simple step toward knowing your HIV status.”

The Health Department says staff will be on hand to answer questions, provide education and connect individuals to additional prevention and care services. That will include PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and HIV medical care in the event of a positive test.

The theme for this year, the Health Department says, is “Level Up Your Self-Love: Check Your Status.” Everyone is encouraged to take charge of their health and get tested for HIV.  Officials say knowing your HIV status is an important step in prevention,  treatment, and living a healthier life.

The Frederick County Health Department offers walk-in testing for HIV on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM, and by appointment at all over times. Call 301-600-3117 for more information.

All tests are free and confidential.

By Kevin McManus

Work needs to be done to stabilize a bank along the road.

Frederick, Md (KM) A portion of Kimmel Road will be closed beginning Monday, June 16th.  Frederick County Highway Operations says the closure will take place  during the day from 6:00 AM until 2:00 PM, and will cover the area between 7420 Kimmel Road to Glissans Mill Road.

Officials says the closure will last for about two weeks, and allow crews to stabilize a bank along the road where a guardrail was damaged during an accident.

Residents along KImmel Road will have access to their driveways from Old Annapolis Road.

A signed detour will be put in place.

By Kevin McManus

He says the 287g program should be up and running by July 1st.

Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert

Frederick, Md (KM) The scammers are at it again, according to a Facebook posting by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. This time, they’re calling residents, identifying themselves as actual  uniformed personnel from the Sheriff’s Office.  They tell their potential victims that a family member is in jail, and they need to pay money to get them out. They’ve also told those on the other end of the phone line that they need to pay a fine for missing jury duty, or to settle warrants or other court orders.

During a recent appearance on WFMD”s “Morning News Express,” Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert says these scammers have even used his name when calling potential victims. “And we’re never going to call and ask for money, for a warrant over the phone. That’s just not going to happen. That’s not the way we do business,”  he says.

The Sheriff’s Office says issues involving court orders, jury duty, warrants or other court services are addressed in person at the Court House.

If you receive such a call, Albert says hang up, and then contact your local police. He says you’ll probably find out it’s a scam. “And it’s the same way with banks scams and bank fraud. Hang up; call your local branch, and you’ll fund out it’s a scam,” says Sheriff Albert.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office recently agreed to participate in the US 287g program. Sheriff Albert says he expects it to be up and running by July 1st, 2025.  “So we have a signed agreement with Immigrations and Customs, and we have our ten deputies who are trained,” he says

But Sheriff Albert points out that this is a jail-based program. “The only way that anybody would ever get screened for immigration and have a detainer if they’re arrested for a crime, and get into our jail,” he says.

He says a person who is arrested by the Sheriff’s Office, Hagerstown Police, the Maryland State Police or other law enforcement agencies in Washington County would have their immigration status checked after they are taken to the  Detention Center for processing.   Albert says these suspects can only be held for 48 hours past their local charges if they have detainer from Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Sheriff Albert says the Washington County Sheriff’s Office is waiting for its training to be certified by ICE before it can be a part of the 287g program.   In the meanwhile,  “we are cooperating with ICE now.   When  the new administration took over in the White House, they have entered ICE detainers into NCIC which is the National Crime and Incident System,” he says.

The National Criminal Information Center is a computerized database used by law enforcement and criminal justice agencies to access criminal information and records.  It’s maintained by the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services.

By Kevin McManus

He says he disagrees with some cuts put approved by the City Council.

Frederick Mayor Michael O’Connor

Frederick, Md (KM) After consultations with his staff, Frederick Mayor Michael O’Connor says he has decided on Tuesday  to veto the  proposed budget   passed last week, by the City Council. The Mayor says he’s not happy with the $3 million in cuts made by the Council. “I think there were some significant cuts that I was not willing to accept in terms of service delivery to the residents of the city of Frederick,” he said.

The Council on Thursday approved the $235 million budget which contained almost $3 million in cuts, including some positions, such as a  community planning and urban design planner.. The vote was 3-2 with Council members Katie Nash,  Donna Kuzemchak and Ben MacShane in support, and  Kelly Russell and Derek Shackleford in opposition.  These cuts followed a decision by the Council to lower the property tax rate by 2.5 cents from 73.05 cents per $100 of assessed value to 70,55 cents per $100 of assessed value.

Mayor O’Connor said one cut he not happy with would have set aside money for non-profits whose services  would be impacted by proposed federal funding reductions. “That came to the City Council back in the early spring to share what they believe the potential impacts from the Trump Administration might be on federal funding to them. We set aside funding to support those non-profit organizations through a grant process, ” he says.

Another cut would impact the Police Department. “Roughly $225,000 cut to the Police Department’s professional services budget. The line item in the Police Department’s budget which includes our speed camera and automate enforcement; our school crossing guard program; our body worn camera program amongst a number of other areas; and just believe it was too much,”  says O’Connor.

Funding was also cut for employee pay adjustments which Mayor O’Connor says would address disparities in salary based on tenure. “For the loyalty that they have given to us for many years. a ten-year based pay program that acknowledged that long service was worth supporting as well,” he says.

The City Council could  decide to override the veto, but that vote would need to be unanimous. O’Connor says the Council has to have a budget adopted by June 20th, or the original budget proposed by the Mayor will take affect on July 1st, the first day of fiscal year 2026.

Mayor O’Connor says he believes he made the right decision. “I’ve taken an action that I think is necessary to make sure that critical support and services for our residents continue to move forward. The ball, so to speak,  is in hands of the Council to determine next steps,” he says.

By Kevin McManus

Both are free and open to the public.

Frederick, Md (KM) The topic of improving broadband access into rural areas in Frederick County will be addressed at two upcoming public meetings. They will be held on Tuesday, June 24th at the Urbana Regional Library at 9020 Amelung Street; and on Tuesday, July 1st at the Middletown Branch Library at 41 East Green Street. Both meetings begin at 6:00 PM, and are open to the public; no pre-registration is required.

The meetings will address grant opportunities, service availability, costs, timelines and construction. Two Frederick County Government officials will be on hand as well as representatives from COMCAST and Shentel. (Shenandoah Telecommunications Company)

Frederick County’s Manager of IT Broadband and Enterprise Project Management, Jeff Chamberlain, will present information on the county’s role in providing broadband opportunities.  Mike Simons, the County’s Grant Manager, will provide details on specific locations covered by multiple grants The public will have an opportunities to ask questions of Chamberlain and Simons, along with representatives from COMCAST and Shentel.

“These grants aim to help Internet Service Providers to offer high speed internet to rural homes, currently underserved due to their distance from existing services lines,” Chamberlain said in a statement. “The goal of the upcoming meetings is to ensure eligible residents have the resources they need to benefit from improved broadband services.”

By Kevin McManus

Authorities he had been twice deported from the US.

Julio Alfredo Rodas-Mariona (Photo from Frederick County Sheriff’s Office)

Frederick, Md (KM) A child pornography investigation led to the arrest of a suspect who had been previously deported from the US. The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office says Julio Alfredo Rodas Mariona, 39, was arrested on Monday at a home in the 7900 block of Parkland Drive in Frederick.  He’s currently being held without bond at the Detention Center.

The Sheriff’s Office says the investigation began after the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about child sexual abuse material on a social media platform. Authorities say the material showed Rodas-Mariona engaged in sexually explicit acts, and a child between ten and 13 years of age in a sexual act on a video call..

Rodas-Mariona is charged with child pornography by filming a sex act, and possession of child pornography.

Several electronic devices were confiscated during Monday’s arrest.

Following his arrest, the Sheriff’s Office says Immigrations and Customs Enforcement issued a detainer for Rodas-Mariona. . ICE officials say the defendant had previously been deported from the US on two other
occasions.

ICE files detainers against defendants arrested for criminal offenses where there is a probable cause to believe they are removable aliens, says the Sheriff’s Office in a news release. Once he satisfies the local criminal charges filed against him, Rodas-Mariona will be placed in ICE custody.

By Kevin McManus

Per Maryland law, the State Attorney General’s Office has assumed the investigation into the shooting.

Ellicott City, MD – The Maryland Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division (IID) is investigating a fatal shooting involving Howard County police in Columbia June 9.

At approximately 7:24 p.m., Howard County police were called to the 9200 block of Wilbur Court by an adult male in his 20s who reported he had been repeatedly stabbed by a family member who fled the scene.

Two minutes later, the stabbing suspect, also an adult male in his 20s, called 911 from the intersection of Oakland Mills Road and Carters Lane indicating he was armed.

A responding officer encountered the suspect who was armed with a large spear. According to multiple witnesses, the suspect approached the officer and refused to drop the weapon. He was shot by the officer and pronounced dead at the scene. There is no additional information available at this time about the details of the injuries or shots fired.

No officers were injured. The stabbing victim remains in critical condition at Shock Trauma.

Per Maryland law, the IID has assumed the investigation into the shooting and will release any follow-up information.

It will take place on June 23rd at 6:30 PM.

Baltimore, Md (KM) The Maryland Public Service Commission is holding a virtual public hearing on Monday, June 23rd beginning at 6:30 PM on a proposed five-megawatt solar facility in Frederick County.  Public Utility Law Judge Kristin Case Lawrence will preside.

The hearing will center around the solar project proposed for 12208 Clyde Young Road in Woodsboro. Clyde Young Road Solar applied to the PSC in February for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. That will allow the construction and operation of the project which will occupy 21-acres of a 37-acre site.

The PSC says anyone who wants to testify at the hearing needs to sign up at the Calendly app on the Commission’s website at www.psc.state.md.us. . The deadline is Friday, June 20th, 2025. Once the sign up process is complete, citizens will receive a ZOOM link. The hearing can be viewed on the PSC”s YouTube channel at hpps://bit.ly/2x6wLIP.

Residents can also submit their comments by e-mail at https://www.psc.state.md./makeacomment/ They can also send their comments via  the US Postal Service. They need to be addressed to Jaime Bergin, Chief Clerk, Maryland Public Service Commission, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul Street, 16th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. Reference case number 9780.

Citizens can review a copy of the application at the Frederick County Zoning Administration at 30 North Market Street in Frederick. .

By Kevin McManus

Motorists are urged to find  alternate Routes.

Frederick, Md (KM) A hauling operation along Ballenger Creek Pike in the Point of Rocks area on Wednesday could cause some traffic delays.

The Frederick County Division of Public Works  Traffic and Permit Section says beginning at 9:00 AM, an oversized, overweight load will begin its journey from the Doubs substation on Ballenger Creek Pike which is about one-mile north of Route 464. The vehicle is expected to arrive at a construction site about 3/10’s  of a mile north of Mountville Road by about 12:00 noon..

County officials say anyone who wants to avoid potential delays in that area should take alternate routes.

By Kevin McManus