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Emmitsburg, Md. (From Town of Emmitsburg Facebook Page) – “The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration is advising motorists about potential traffic impacts and delays during the closure of US 15 (Catoctin Mountain Highway) in Pennsylvania.

Starting at 9 p.m. on Friday, April 26, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will close both northbound and southbound lanes of US 15 at Welty Road in Emmitsburg, Frederick County. The US 15 closure extends to Steinwehr Avenue, approximately two miles north of the state line. PennDOT says the closure is necessary to safely allow crews to replace an underground pipe across US 15.

The detour route uses Welty Road to Old Gettysburg Road/Emmitsburg Road to access US 15. I attached the map from PennDOT. The US 15 closure is expected to be in effect until 6 a.m. on Monday, April 29. You can learn more about the work by clicking here.”

Members are dealing with a proposal to increase the property tax rate.

Frederick County Council President Brad Young (Photo from Frederick County Government website)

Frederick, Md (KM) Several Frederick County Government agencies have been making their respective cases to the County Council during budget workshops this week. . They are making appeals for additional funding than what is allocated in the County Executive’s proposed fiscal year 2025 budget.

On Thursday, Council President Brad Young said one agency was Animal Control. “Animal Control has the position where they’re requesting a surgical coordinator. And that would be a person who would help them with coordinating all the surgeries that the animals have at the control center, and providing more time for that,” he says.

Also, the volunteer fire and rescue service is asking for paid personnel to staff the Wolfsville Fire Company during the daylight hours, Monday through Friday. “That department, unfortunately, has been having not having the ability of meeting daytime calls times because of not having enough volunteers so they requested full time staff. So that was included in there,”: says Young.

One of the biggest issues facing the County Council is whether to increase the property tax rate. County Executive Jessica Fitzwater has proposing hiking the rate from $1.06 per $100 of assessed value to $1.11 per $100 of assessed value.  It’s expected to bring in more than $21 million in additional revenue each year which will be used for school construction and renovation projects.

Council President Young declined to say where he stands on this issue. “I’d like to hear from the public first, and so I’m not going to publicly state where I’m thinking on that,” he said. “I certainly do understand the need for funds for our older school buildings. But I think I would be disingenuous if I put my position out without at least hearing from the public.”

But Young did say education is his number-one priority. “And making sure that all our students have a seat to sit in school. But also that we have equity through our county. that our older schools and our communities in county that are not growing, or have older facilities,  that they get their equitable share of new technology and new space,” he says.

A public hearing on the proposed property tax rate increase is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7th at Winchester Hall beginning at 7:00 PM.

Over the next few weeks, Young says Councilmembers will be offering amendments to the proposed budget, and the Council will take a vote on each one. Young says he expects to have a budget approved by the May 31st deadline. “I am very confident that the Council will be able to come up with a budget that we will be able to send back to the County Executive by the time frame which we’re allotted to do that,” he says.

If not, the County Executive’s proposed budget will take affect.

Fiscal year 2025 begins on July 1st, 2024.

By Kevin McManus

She is eligible for the Maryland State Teacher of the Year honor later this year.

Ivette Tabos, Frederick County Teacher of the Year for 2024  (PHotos from Frederick County Public Schools)

Frederick, Md (KM) Frederick County’s Teacher of the Year is Ivette Taboas who is a Multi-Lingual Education Program Teacher at Urbana Elementary School. Superintendent of Schools Doctor Cheryl Dyson and other school system officials were on hand for the announcement Thursday at a school assembly.

“I am thrilled to celebrate Ms. Taboas’ for the integral role she plays supporting students and families in the  Urbana Elementary community,” Dr. Dyson said in a statement. “As an elite communicator and educator, she is always finding  new and innovate ways to ensure students are successful in their learning journeys.”

Taboas has been part of the Urbana Elementary School community since 2020. She collaborates and plans with teachers, specialists and interventionists to support student learning.  Along with that, Taboas is the liaison for multi-lingual families in the community.

Frederick County Public Schools says Taboas, who is bilingual, was an itinerant  Multilingual Education teacher for four schools from August, 2018-19. She was a teacher at Centerville Elementary form 2013-18, and at Hillcrest Elementary School from 2009-13. Before becoming a part of FPCS, Tobias was an educator in Miami and Dade County Public Schools in Florida.

At Urbana Elementary,  Taboas mentors new teachers and is the school’s equity representative.   FCPS says she also servs as a Spanish language interpreter, a curriculum writer for the Multilingual Education  Program, and a Young Scholar’s Summer Program Educator.

She will represent Frederick County in the Maryland Teacher of the Year program later this year.

By Kevin McManus

She has been teaching at Linganore High since 2016.

Tessler Award presented at Linganofre High.  Recipient Patti Kolias with bouquet in hand, and wearing ‘”No Place For Hate” T-shirt.  Photo from Frederick County Public Schoosl.

Frederick, Md (KM) English teacher Patti Kolias is the 2024 winner of the Charles-E-Tressler Distinguished Teacher Award.

She leaned of the honor during a visit Thursday to her classroom at Linganore High School by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Cheryl Dyson, other School System officials and Linganore High administrators. “Ms. Kolias is an outstanding educator who selflessly devotes considerable time and effort to ensuring student voices are heard,” Dr. Dyson said, in a statement. “She is the true champion of supporting every student, every day.”

The School System says Kolias has been teaching at Linganore High since 2016. She is also the Student Voices Faculty Leader, and an Adviser for No Place for Hate.   Kolias is also the Multi-Cultural Committee Co-chair. .

In a news release, Frederick County Public Schools says Kolias is the founder of the Linganore High STEP Team, and is the organization’s adviser.

The Tressler Award is sponsored by Hood College, and is awarded each year to a Frederick County educator who stands out from the rest. It’s named after Dr Charles Tressler who taught early childhood education at Hood from 1964 to 1990. He also served as the chairman of the Education Department for 18 years.

The School System says Kolias is currently enrolled in the Hood College Education Leadership Master’s Degree program. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Arts and Communications from Youngstown State University. Kolias taught from 2006 to 2016 at high schools in Ohio.

By Kevin McManus

Saturday April 27th, 2024.

It’s not sitting well with Councilman Mason Carter.

Councilman Mason Carter

FREDERICK, MD. (LG) Frederick County Councilman Mason Carter is speaking out after County Executive Jessica Fitzwater released her proposed budget for fiscal year 2025, which she said, will include an increase in the county’s property tax rate. “Of course being a fiscal conservative, I’m very upset to see any tax or fee increase on our community that is already reeling. I don’t think it’s a surprise to anybody, people are struggling. And, so we certainly should not be adding to that burden”, said Carter.

The proposed tax rate increase from $1.06 per $100 of assessed value in fiscal year 2024 to $1.11 per $100 of assessed value in fiscal year 2025 would mark the first change in the county’s property tax rate since the charter model of government took effect in 2014, according to the Frederick News Post.

The Council will hold a hearing on the proposed property tax increase on May 7th, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Winchester Hall. “I will be voting no and I will be working diligently over the next few weeks to encourage my fellow colleagues to work with me in voting no. In the meantime, we are going to be working through this budget to find ways that we can save money, and cut money, and really compare it to this tax increase”, added Carter.

By Loretta Gaines

The money will provide some financial leverage to these organizations as they carry out their missions.

Frederick, Md (KM) The Frederick County Community Partnership Grant program has awarded $1.2 million to 33 local non-profits for fiscal year 2025.

County Executive Jessica Fitzwater says these organizations applied for these grants, and their applications were judged on certain criteria.

She says a lot can be accomplished by these non-profits when the county provides them with some financial support. “These grants make a significant difference to people in our community, allow us to leverage our efforts so together we can make a bigger difference and go a long way toward making sure that everyone can be successful and reach their full potential,” she says.

During a public information briefing on Tuesday, Fitzwater said these grants support one of five priorities: Housing Initiatives, Addressing Homelessness and Housing Insecurity; Quality of Life, Health and Human Services; and support the Arts and the Creative Economy.

She said these non-profits provide such as services as “provide food to school children who otherwise would not have meals on weekends and during school breaks; life skills for youth who are experiencing homelessness; medical and dental care and lifesaving prescription medications for people who cannot afford the care that they need; resources for families displaced by house fires.”

County Executive Fitzwater says the Community Partnership Grant program can help save tax dollars through early intervention and prevention. “For example, it costs less to prevent homelessness with rental assistance then it costs to transition a family from homelessness to permanent housing. The same is true with health care. Preventative health care is more effective than providing emergency health services,”; she says.

Local non-profits submitted 54 applications for Community Partnership Grants for fiscal year 2025. Each application was judged by review panel which offered its recommendations to the County Executive.

The organizations that received grants were Advocates for Homeless Families; Student Homelessness Initiative Partnership (SHIP) for Frederick County; The Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs; Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County, Maryland, Inc.; Interfaith Housing Alliance; the American Red Cross; Blessings in a Backpack Frederick  Chapter; Crossed Bridges, Inc,; Daybreak Adult Daycare Services, Inc; Hope Connections for Cancer Support; On Our Own of Frederick County, Inc,.: Phoenix Foundation of Maryland; Safe Ride Coalition; Second Chances Garage, Inc,; Seton Center; Spanish Speaking Community of Maryland, Inc; the Frederick Center; The Housing Authority of the City of Frederick’; Whole  Heart Grief and Loss Resource Center; Centro de Hispano de Frederick; City Youth Matrix; Federated Charities, serving as fiscal sponsor for Mobilize Frederick; Legal Aid Bureau, Inc, Frederick Legal Aid; Literacy Council of Frederick County, Inc; Mission of Mercy; The Delaplaine Arts Center; Women to Woman Mentoring (W2WM); African-American Resources-Cultural and Heritage Society; Endangered Species theatre project; Maryland Ensemble Theatre; and the Global Z Recording Project.

By Kevin McManus

She was serving in that position in an interim capacity.

Dr. Carey Wright, Md. Superintendent of Schools 

Baltimore, Md (KM)( In a unanimous vote on Wednesday, the Maryland State Board of Education chose Doctor Carey Wright as the next State Superintendent of Schools.  Doctor Wright had been serving  as Interim Superintendent since October 23rd, 2023.

She will start her four year term on July first, 2024 with a salary of $360,500 annually, according to the Maryland State Department of Education.

In her career as an educator, Doctor Wright has worked in Prince George’s, Montgomery and Howard Counties as a public school teacher, principal, director of special education and associate superintendent. Doctor Wright was Chief Academic Officer for the Washington DC Public School System.

Prior to coming to Maryland to be Interim Superintendent,. Doctor Wright served for  nine years as State Superintendent of Schools in Mississippi.

“I am honored to be selected as the State Superintendent of Schools for Maryland and I’m grateful to the State Board of Education for this amazing opportunity. Growing up in Maryland, I know how good our schools  are and how much better we can be,” says Dr. Wright,  in a statement. “I believe by advancing literacy and mathematic for every child at every level from pre-kindergarten to high school graduation, we can prepare students for the career pathway they choose and success in life. Our work will bring transformational change and elevate public education in ways that twill benefit today’s students and future generations.”

By Kevin McManus 

He’s being held without bond.

Gaithersburg, Md (KM) A Gaithersburg man is charged with numerous counts of burglary, attempted burglary and malicious destruction of property for a series of break-ins and attempted break-ins during the first week of March. Lawrence Clipper, 59, was taken into custody by Montgomery County Police on April 10th. . He’s currently incarcerated on a no-bond status.

Police say the break-ins occurred in the areas of Redland Road, Montgomery Village Avenue and Stedwick Road.

Clipper is charged in connection with these incidents:

*Exterior ATM damage at the Bank of America in the 17500 block of Redland Road.

*Forcing entry and stealing an undisclosed amount of cash at the Spice Lanka restaurant in the 17500 block of Redland Road

*Attempting to force entry into the Derwood Beer and Wine store in the 17600 block of Redland Road

*Forcing entry and stealing an undisclosed amount of money from the Vida  Hair Salon in the 19100 block of Montgomery Village Avenue

*Forcing entry into the Dollar Tree, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and stealing an undisclosed amount of money; and Ledo’s Restaurant and The Joint Chiropractic in the 19200 block of Montgomery Village Avenue

*Attempting to force entry into the Metro PCS in the 9900 block of Sedwick Road.

By Kevin McManus

Police say a suspect has been identified.

Gaithersburg, Md (KM) Montgomery County Police continue to investigate a series of bomb threats on Tuesday against county public schools.

They say the Maryland State Police   received calls about bomb threats, and forwarded them to the Montgomery County Emergency Communications Center.

The calls led Wootton High School to institute shelter -in-place;  and Einstein High School was evacuated while a search was conducted by police canines.

Through their investigation, Montgomery County Police say they were able to identify the number where the calls were originating as being associated with a psychiatric hospital in the Washington DC area. The hospital identified the patient, and is cooperating with police. Authorities say no charges have been filed at this time. .

By Kevin McManus

Sentencing is scheduled for June 20th.

Frederick, Md (KM) A Frederick man charged in a homicide three years ago,  entered a plea on Wednesday. In Frederick County Circuit Court, Tyree Ronell DeAngleo Haynes, 23, pleaded guilty to 1st-degree murder. The State’s Attorney’s Office says sentencing is scheduled for Thursday, June 20th.

Haynes was arrested for the April 16th, 2021  murder of Malaki Tyrell Cooke, 17, of Brunswick. He was found shot to death during the early morning hours outside of the Country Inn and Suites on Spectrum Drive near the FSK Mall.

A co-defendant in this incident, Edward Akwaski Dwimoh, 21, of Frederick, had his case moved to juvenile court last year because he was under 18 at the time of the shooting.

By Kevin McManus

Citizens ask that more than $50-million be restored to the FCPS funding request.

Frederick, Md (KM). About 25 people signed up to speak Tuesday night during a Frederick County Council hearing on the County Executive’s proposed fiscal year 2025 budget.  . They were asking that the Council  put back the more than $50-million funding request from the School System which  the County Executive took out of her spending plan..

Dr. Cheryl Dyson, Superintendent of Schools, said there will be consequences if this funding is not restored. “Without additional funding, our Board will likely have to look at reductions in what we offer students, including program offerings and class size,” she said. “We will also not be able to fulfill our interest in securing competitive wages for our employees.”

The School System’s Superintendent of Fiscal Services, Heather Clabuugh, had similar comments. “When schools start  in August, we project welcoming nearly 1250 more students as our total enrollment approaches 49,000,” she said. :”Without additional funding, these students may experience a vastly different educational opportunity than the FCPS class of 2024.”

The budget proposed by County Executive Fitzwater for fiscal year 2025 totals $982 million which is 10.17 percent more than fiscal year 2024, says County Budget Officer Kelly Weaver. The County Executive’s proposed spending plan sets  aside $436.7 million for the Board of Education which is $17.7 million more than the School System’s allocation for fiscal year 2024. But it’s $52.8 million short of what was requested by Superintendent Doctor Dyson.

School Board President Karen Yoho said without that funding, it will be difficult to offer competitive salaries to attract and retain employees for the local school system. “If our budget is not fully funded, we risk becoming less competitive in a county where we have a nationwide teacher shortage. We must ensure that we continue to do all we can to attract the best and brightest employees to work in this great community.”

The Council heard not only from teachers and education officials, they also  from a support employee. Karen Soul works in the School System’s Transportation Department. “We ask that you please reconsider the proposed budget by our Superintendent, and increase funding for FCPS so our staff may receive a true cost of living increase so we can continue doing what we love, and that is shaping young minds in Frederick County,” she said.

Two of the speakers called on members of the Council to show not just by words, but by actions, their support for education. “When you campaigned for election, the majority of you cited making investments in our students and public education as a priority. Now it’s time you show us that you meant it,”: said Missy Dirks, the President of the Frederick County Teachers Association.

Rodney Wade has been teaching for 13 years in Frederick County Public Schools. “I know that education is a priority for you. Prove it by not just running on promises to fund our schools, but by actually funding them. Our children are worth it,” he said.

The County Council is expected to hold workshops on this budget on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, April 24th, 25th and the 27th.

Property tax rate.

Prior to the hearing, the Council announced it will hold a hearing on the proposed property tax rate for fiscal year 2025. Budget Director Kelly Weaver told the Board the current property tax rate is $1.06 per $100 of assessed value. But the County Executive has  proposed raising it to $1.11 per $100 of assessed value. “Because the proposed fiscal year 2025 real property rate are greater than the current property tax, the county must advertise and hold a public hearing,” she said.

That public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7ths at Winchester Hall beginning at 7:00 PM. Weaver said the Council could vote on the tax rate that night, or hold it at a later date.

County Executive Executive’s proposed fiscal year 2025  tax rate of $1.11 per $100 of assessed value is expected to bring in $21.5 million in additional revenue annually which will be placed in reserve for school construction projects.

By Kevin McManus

It will take place on May 4th.

Frederick, Md (KM) Frederick County’s Spring Residential Household Hazardous Waste drop off is scheduled for Saturday, May 4th.. Residents can drop off items such as pesticides, herbicides, fluorescent bulbs (compact and tube), lithium- ion batteries, button batteries, solvents and other items at no cost.
.

The event will take place from 8:00 AM until 12:00 noon at the upper level parking lot at Nyemo Field at Harry Grove Stadium at 21 Stadium Drive in Frederick.

Anyone who’s coming should have an ID showing Frederick County residency, with an understanding of what items they wish to dispose of.

Lines can form during this event, and those who are coming with household hazardous waste should be prepared for potential wait times of longer than ten minutes. No walk-ups will be accepted.

The county says residents should   enter Stadium Drive from New Design Road as  left hand turns into the parking lot are prohibited, and could cause traffic accidents.

For more information on what is and is not accepted, go on line to https://frederickcountymd.gov/3958/Household-Hazardous-Waste.

By Kevin McManus

The Park Service says this is the first time for CWD at Harpers Ferry.

Harpers Ferrry, WV (Photo from the   National Park Service )

Harpers Ferry, WV (KM) The National Park Service says two deer recently found at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park tested positive for chronic wasting disease. These deer were located in the Jefferson County, West Virginia portion of the Park, and found during recent white-tailed deer reduction operations and disease sampling.

Park Service officials say these two deer are the first at Harpers Ferry to test positive for this disease. Some deer found recently at Antietam and Monocacy National National  Battlefields recently tested positive for chronic wasting disease.

Chronic wasting disease is a fatal neurological illness occurring in members of the deer family, including white tail deer, mule deer, elk and moose. It was first discovered in 1967, and has spread rapidly, according to the US Geological Survey.

There is no evidence this disease can infect humans, but the Park Service says venison from these deer should not be eaten. The venison from the two deer which tested positive for chronic wasting disease at Harpers Ferry has been destroyed.

The National Park Service says if visitors to national parks see dead wildlife, avoid contact with the animal and notify a park ranger. Also, visitors should keep their distance from wildlife, and avoid touching or handling dead or sick animals. Some diseased-causing organism, such as rabies, can be passed between wild animals  and humans.

Employees with the Park Service are trained in wildlife health, and use specific safety measures in dealing with a wild animal that died from a disease.

By Kevin McManus

(Photo courtesy of Frederick County Fire and Rescue Facebook page)

Frederick, Md. (BW)- A single-family home in Frederick caught fire Monday, Apr 22.

Upon the arrivial of Frederick County Fire and Rescue shortly after 6 a.m., smoke was showing from the garage and the eaves of the home in the 9000 block of Allington Manor Circle.

All occupants were out of the home and no injuries were reported. Red Cross was requested for one adult and five children.

The fire was loctaed in the garage. Smoke damage to the home was identified.

The Fire Marshal is investigating the blaze.

The individual killed was not involved in the police pursuit.

Eldersburg, Md. (BW)- One person was killed as the result of a police pursuit in Carroll County on Saturday, Apr 20.

At around 11:30 p.m. Saturday, a Carroll County Sheriff’s Deputy was patrolling the area of Liberty Road and Ridge Road, when they noticed a vehicle speeding. The deputy attempted to pull the driver over, but the driver failed to stop.

The driver, only identified as an adult male, fled on the westbound side of Liberty Road, crossed into the eastbound lanes, and struck an SUV head-on near Fallon Road. The driver of the SUV, only identified as an adult female, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The passenger in the SUV and the driver of the speeding vehicle were taken to a local hospital for serious, but non-life threatening injuries.

This incident is under investigation by the Maryland Attorney General’s Office and Maryland State Police.

Residents can safely dispose of unused, expired prescriptions, sharps.

Frederick, Md (KM) Residents have an opportunity this weekend to safely dispose of prescription drugs and sharps. The Frederick County Health Department says Drug Take Back Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 27th at the Health Department’s offices at 350 Montevue Lane, and the Maryland State Police Barrack at 119 Airport Drive East in Frederick. It will be held from 10::00 AM until 2:00 PM at both locations.

Local residents can drop off prescription drugs in pill form, prescription patches and pet medicines in pill form only. It will be in a drive through format with Health Department and law enforcement personnel collecting the drugs.

If you’re getting rid of used and unused sharps such as syringes, needles, lancets and auto injectors, please have an appropriate count of how many to be disposed, the Health Department says. Harm Reduction Program staff will be on hand to collect the sharps.

This event is part of the US Drug Enforcement Administration’s “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.”

The Health Department says according to a 2021 survey on drug use and health, 14.3 million Americans reported misusing prescription drugs in the past year. This event is an opportunity for residents to prevent dug sharing and overdose deaths through the safe disposal; of these expired, unused and unwanted medications,  the Health Department says.

By Kevin McManus

Officials say it all signs, not just campaign signs.

Baltimore, Md (KM) With the political campaign season well underway, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration reminds citizens it’s illegal under state and federal law to place signs along highway rights of way. That includes medians, shoulders, or existing traffic signs or structures.

Spokesman Charlie Gischlar says this is the time of year signs are popping up everywhere along the roads, particularly signs promoting specific candidates running for office. But it’s not just political signs. “On any given weekend on a state right of way, you can see all kinds for-sale signs, realtors’ signs, and all kinds of signs. We just ask that you don’t put ’em in our right of way which is generally between utility pole and utility pole. if you look at a typical section of road from right to left and across the road,”: he says.

Gischlar says these signs could be a distraction to drivers. ‘If you put a sign in a wrong place, you can actually obstruct someone else’s sight distance, and your create a major. ,major safety hazard,”: he says. “That’s why we reserve our property for regulated traffic control devices.”

Those signs can also interfere with traffic signal operations. “A traffic signal infrastructure which is largely underground. That’s part of an issue there. If you start poking signs in there, you could end up damaging some of our underground infrastructure,” says Gischlar.

The spring is also time of year the MDOT SHA does the mowing of grass in highway rights of ways, and any unauthorized signs  could interfere with grass-cutting operations..  “Before we do a mowing operation, we have to remove them because that become an issue all to itself,” says Gischlar. “We remove them and bring them  to the shop that’s in our area. If it’s in your area, it would be the Frederick shop.”

Those signs will be kept in storage until the owners come and retrieve them.

Gischlar says this law does not apply to private property that  abuts a state highway. He says landowners can put signs on their properties for the motoring public to see if they keep them out of the MDOT SHA rights of way.

By Kevin McManus

Police say two individuals were seriously injured.

Abner Perez-Sandoval  (Photo from Frederick Police Department)

Frederick, Md (KM) Numerous charges have been filed against a man who allegedly assaulted two people last weekend.

Frederick Police say at around 9:00 AM on Sunday, officers responded to the 900 block of West Patrick Street for a domestic violence incident. They found two persons with serious injuries which indicated they had been assaulted. They also found Abner Perez-Sandoval, 19, who was heavily intoxicated.

Further investigation by police revealed that Perez-Sandoval allegedly assaulted his girlfriend, and one person who tried to intervene. Authorities say Perez-Sandoval continued to resist, and assaulted an officer.

He was taken to Frederick Health Hospital for a medical evaluation, and then to the Adult Detention Center where he’s being held without bond.

The charges against Perez-Sandoval are:

CR 3-202- ASSAULT-FIRST DEGREE (Victim 1)

CR 3-203- ASSAULT-SEC DEGREE (Victim 1)

CR 3-204(a)(1)- RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT (Victim 1)

AB 6-320(a)(1)- INTOXICATED ENDANGER (Victim 1)

CR 3-202- ASSAULT-FIRST DEGREE (Victim 2)

CR 3-203- ASSAULT-SEC DEGREE (Victim 2)

CR 3-204(a)(1)- RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT (Victim 2)

AB 6-320(a)(1)- INTOXICATED ENDANGER (Victim 2)

CR 3-203- ASSAULT-SEC DEGREE (Police Officer)

CR 10-201(c)(3)- FAIL OBEY RENBLE/LAWFL

CR 10-201(c)(2)- DISORDERLY CONDUCT

CR 9-408(b)- RESIST/INTERFERE WITH ARREST

Frederick Police are urging anyone who is a victim of  domestic violence to go to the City of Frederick’s Victim Services website for help. It’s located at  www.cityoffrederick.gov/495/VictumServices for resources and support.

By Kevin McManus

He was released on personal recognizance.

Thurmont Town Commissioner Robert Lookingbill (Photo from Town of Thurmont Web Site)

Frederick, Md (KM) A bond hearing was held on Monday in Frederick County District Court for a Thurmont Town Commissioner who was arrested last week for the sex abuse of a minor. The State’s Attorney’s Office says Robert Lookingbill., 71, was released on personal recognizance. District Court Judge Earl Bartgis told Lookingbill to have no contact with the victim, and no unsupervised contact with anyone under 18 years of age.

The Sheriff’s Office says last Friday, April 19th, it arrested Lookingbill, who drives a bus for the Public School System, for sex abuse of a minor  for  inappropriately touching a student  on the bus he was operating.  Lookingbill is also charged with 3rd degree sex offense, 4th degree sex offense and 2nd degree assault.

Frederick County Public Schools says it placed Lookingbill  on administrative leave after hearing about this  incident.

By Kevin McManus