FMD

House Fire In Carroll County Displaces Several Occupants

House Fire In Carroll County Displaces Several Occupants

The cause is under investigation.

House at 445 E. Green St. in Westminster after it was damaged by fire.  (Photo from the Md. State Fire Marshal’s Office)

Westminster, Md (KM) Eight people were displaced following a house fire in Carroll County Monday morning.

At around 4:45 AM, fire fighters were dispatched to 445 East Green Street in Westminster for a two-story, single family home on fire. They spent 20-minutes bringing the flames under control. There were no injuries.

Damage is estimated at $100,000 to the structure, and $50,000 to the contents.

The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office says the fire originated on the front porch. The cause remains under investigation.

The displaced occupants are being assisted by the Red Cross.

By Kevin McManus

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‘Run To The Rescue’ Returns For It’s Second Year

Runners and walkers are welcome to participate.

Frederick, Md. (BW)- The second annual Run to the Rescue is being held at Frederick Community College on Saturday, April 27.

The Run to the Rescue is a 5K race throughout the campus of FCC that honors public safety professionals.

The cost to participate in the race is $50. All proceeds go to supporting public safety students at FCC through scholarships.

All participants will receive a race t-shirt and a medal. Check-in for the race begins at 9 a.m. on April 27.

Immediately following the race will be the Western Maryland Public Safety Expo.

The expo is free and open to the public and will consist of live demonstrations, kids activities and more.

Register online here to join the race.

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Injured Hiker In Frederick County Rescued By Maryland State Police

The hiker was extricated on Friday afternoon.

Thurmont, Md. (BW)- A man was rescued after becoming injured while hiking in Frederick County on Friday, Mar 15.

The 23-year-old hiker was climbing Chimey Rock at Catoctin Mountain State Park when he got a severe leg injury.

Maryland State Police was called in for an aerial rescue. The man was successfully airlifted from the ground and flown to Meritus Medical Center near Hagerstown for the treatment of his injuries.

Fire and Rescue units from the Thurmont area were the first to arrive to the scene. They determined an aerial rescue was needed.

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Germantown Man Charged With Sex Abuse Of Minors

Germantown Man Charged With Sex Abuse Of Minors

(Photo Courtesy of Montgomery County Police)

Germantown, Md. (BW)- A teacher at a church in Montgomery County has been arrested and charged on Monday, Mar 11, for sex offenses involving minors.

In May 2023, a victim reported the abuse to police, who then began in investigation. Three more victims came forward between May 2023 and January 2024. Police said they believe there may be more victims who have not contacted authorities.

All the offenses occurred between 2016 and 2018, when the victims were between six and 12 years old.

Alfaro Lopez was charged with multiple counts of sex abuse of a minor, second-degree sex offense and third-degree sex offense.

He was a teacher at Derwood church, located in the 15700 block of Crabbs Branch Way.

He is currently being held without bond.

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Maryland General Assembly  Considering Sales & Use Tax Changes

Maryland General Assembly Considering Sales & Use Tax Changes

The measure would decrease the rate by one cent, but extend it to other services currently not taxed.

Annapolis, Md (KM) A bill to decrease the sales and use tax rate, but apply it to services currently untaxed was  before the House Ways and Means Committee for a hearing  last week. The measure would lower the rate from six cents on the dollars to five cents on the dollar. But it would extend tit o other services which are currently untaxed, such as veterinary services, service dogs, legal services, manicures and pedicures, according to Frederick County  Delegate April Miller. “If that passed, it would be one of the biggest sales tax increases in history,” Miller says.

She says she will work to make sure that doesn’t’ happen.

The sponsor of the legislation is Delegate David Moon of Montgomery County. He says the additional revenue is needed to help the state with its budgetary challenges. He mentions paying for the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, an improvement plan for the state’s public schools.

Some opponents say it will hurt Maryland’s economically disadvantaged population.

No action has been taken  on this bill by the House of Delegates.

By Kevin McManus

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Operation Clean Sweep Begins This Week On Maryland’s Highways.

Operation Clean Sweep Begins This Week On Maryland’s Highways.

MDOT SHA urges motorists to look out of crews on the sides of the roads picking up litter.

Baltimore, Md (KM) The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will be tidying up the roadways this week. It’s Operation Clean Sweep which began on Monday, and will continue through this coming Friday.

“What this is is an ‘all hands on deck’ week where we have all of our maintenance crews go out and do a deep clean with litter and debris and that type of thing, and move it out of the way. We’re approaching the mowing season. The temperatures have been pretty moderate lately, so the grass is starting to grow. So we need get all of that litter out of there,” says MDOT SHA spokesman Charlie Gischlar.

He says litter is not only unsightly, but it can be harmful to the state’s highways. “It can really affect our drainage system. So that  creates a driving hazard,” he says. “If water on the roadway or snow melt is not able to adequately  drain off the highway, that  puts drivers at risk for hydroplaning. That when you have no control over your vehicle.”

When encountering crews picking up litter along the sides of the roads, Gischlar urges motorists to slow down. “Litter removal is very dangerous because it’s putting crews out on the side of the roadways,” he says.

And that’s when they can get hit by motor vehicles. “Move over, slow down and pay attention. And make sure you park the cell phone and keep your concentration on the roadway,” he continues.

For those who are driving on roadways, or are a passenger, Gischlar urges you not to throw your trash and other debris out the windows. “Remember, litter is pollution,” he says. “So we’re asking people to please pitch litter where it belongs. Our kids, our youth are watching. The future generation of Marylanders are watching. So set a good example and put it in the trashcan. And make sure that if you have a load, it’s properly secured.”

MDOT SHA says over the past four years, it spend more than $42 million removing litter and debris from state roadways. During the last fiscal year, it says 364,077 bags of trash were collected along state-maintained roadways at cost of of $15 million. That’s the cost of 45 new dump trucks, and 60 miles of resurfaced roads, according to MDOT SHA.

By Kevin McManus

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Job Hunt March 16, 2024

New jobs listed

Teacher (2044740)
This is a professional position responsible for providing classroom-based academic instruction
to juvenile students in a congregate care facility. Work will involve planning and providing
appropriate learning experiences that cover a wide-spectrum of career industries, employment sectors,
and vocational training. Instruction will be provided at the basic skills, Middle School, High School
and General Educational Development (GED) levels with application to occupational, functional
living, and employability skills.
Apply online at http://bit.ly/49TU5nT
Finance Manager (2039443)
The Finance Manager is responsible for all aspects of finance, including oversight of bookkeeping,
financial reporting, budgeting, grant fiscal management, and audit compliance. Develops, manages, and
oversees all financial activities of the agency in coordination with the Deputy Director. Supervises and
reviews the work products of bookkeeping staff to ensure accuracy, completeness and
timeliness. Reviews the work products of the Grants Fiscal Coordinator to ensure accuracy,
completeness, and timeliness; and more.
To apply, email resume to [email protected] (subject line: Finance Manager)
Youth Engagement and Prevention Manager (2039440)
The Youth Engagement and Prevention Manager is responsible for overseeing the provision of schoolbased education in the awareness and prevention of power-based violence, including sexual violence,
dating and intimate partner violence, child abuse, and human trafficking in Frederick County Public
Schools (FCPS). The Youth Engagement and Prevention Manager will collaborate with school personnel,
teachers, and parents professionally and positively to achieve the shared goals and objectives of the
project. Will also serve as the point of contact for FCPS-based work and collaborations. The position will
require an ability to communicate effectively with FCPS faculty and staff, community members, and
students.
To apply, email resume to [email protected] (subject line: Youth Engagement and
Prevention Manager)
Career Coach (13779)
The Career Coach supports the middle and high school career program. The Career Coach develops and
implements programming that provides career and college exploration for students in Grades 6-12. The
Career Coach supports high school students in connecting them to employment and apprenticeship
programs during and after high school. Starting wages: $33.80/hr.
Apply online at www.fcps.org/careers.
Drafter/Designer (2020491)
Spoint1 is looking for a drafter to work with our team of engineers to convert designs into technical
plans. Create detailed technical drawings and schematics using computer-aided design (CAD) software
such as AutoCAD, Revit, and Bluebeam.
Apply at: https://spoint1.com/job-opening/drafter-designer
Construction Superintendent (2039128)
Full-time; Monday-Friday; 8:30am-5:00pm
The Construction Superintendent’s primary responsibility is to support the Owner and Selection
Coordinator in the successful completion of assigned projects. The Superintendent participates in
Hot Jobs
wk. of 3/18/2024
overseeing job site quality, project scheduling, materials delivery, hauling of debris and communications
with the Homeowner. Engaging with the Builder Software and creating Punch-Lists daily.
To apply, send resume to [email protected] (Subject line – Superintendent)
Assistant Marketing Project Manager (2026543)
At Postern, the Assistant Marketing Project Manager oversees the needs of a project during its lifecycle
from the proposal phase through implementation, production, and on to debriefing, reporting and
billing. Our Assistant Marketing Project Manager is responsible for the planning, coordination, and
execution of projects and services for a portfolio of clients across a variety of industries. They work with
external clients, internal team members, contractors, and vendors while reporting to the Marketing
Operations Manager.
This position is full-time. Postern has a hybrid office environment (3 days in the Frederick, Maryland
based office and 2 days remote) because we meet our clients where they are. We commit to
understanding their industry, business, audience, and goals to strategically and creatively connect them
with their customers. During the first 6 months onboarding phase full-time in the office is required.
To apply, send resume to: [email protected] (Subject line – Assistant Marketing
PM)
Maintenance Manager
This person will work with the Plant Manager, Plant Supervisors, Unit Accountant and all office staff
pertaining to the maintenance of the facility and all equipment in the plant, adequately supplying parts
room, maintaining critical spare parts inventory, and maintaining mobile equipment and maintenance
subcontractor activities.
Primary Job Function(s):
• Responsible for maintaining the facility and all equipment in the plant, adequately supplying parts
room, maintaining critical spare parts inventory, and maintaining mobile equipment and
maintenance subcontractor activities
• Responsible for Safety
• Maintenance activities to include record keeping; preventive maintenance and daily review of
inspection checklists and for scheduling repairs
To apply, follow link: https://recruiting.ultipro.com/GLE1002GLEN/JobBoard/96e11aa1-a605-007f7d06-da023e8c56cc/?q=&o=postedDateDesc&f4=dXaGRsC_m1SwjO-3gTzbDA
Electrical Technician
This position requires strong electrical experience within an industrial manufacturing environment.
As the Electrical Technician, you will install, maintain, and repair electrical equipment and parts, such as,
motors, hydraulic pneumatic, be adept at installing, repairing, troubleshooting and maintaining PLC
and/or computer-controlled production equipment and controls to include Modicon and Allen Bradley
equipment.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES
• Must be able to read prints, diagrams, schematics, programs and operating instructions and
have a record of dependability and outstanding job attendance
• Assist in the maintaining of preventive maintenance schedule for all electronics/equipment
• Must be able to troubleshoot, repair, and perform preventative maintenance on a wide variety
of industrial equipment including hydraulics, pneumatics and conveyors
• Troubleshooting maintaining and installing electrical equipment.
• Provide technical assistance on the design, repair, or improvement of equipment
Hot Jobs
wk. of 3/18/2024
To apply, follow link: https://recruiting.ultipro.com/GLE1002GLEN/JobBoard/96e11aa1-a605-007f7d06-da023e8c56cc/?q=&o=postedDateDesc&f4=dXaGRsC_m1SwjO-3gTzbDA
Yard Jockey-Class A (2006985)
The duties of the Yard Jockey – Class A are to: A. Do a morning inspection for each yardtractor, (check oil,
water, transmission fluid, tires, lights and mirrors (etc.) B. Make sure the case dock has trailers loaded
with empty milk cases to unload so the plant can run continuous without any interruptions. C. Make
sure the cart dock has trailers to unload and reload. D. Start all units before loading to pre cool and
check to make sure they are working properly. E. Bring up the route trailers to be unloaded (back in to
take the cases and carts off) so they will be ready to load when load out calls for them. F. Shuttle trucks
back and forth from truck lot to Dairy for loading. G. Fuel up trailer units as needed and turn in fuel slips
to the garage. H. Shuttle supplies from warehouse to the Dairy. I. Turn in keys from loaded trucks to the
proper drawer for drivers to use in the morning.
To apply, follow link:
https://recruiting.adp.com/srccar/public/RTI.home?r=5001017662706&c=1104941&d=DFA&rb=CIRCA#
/
Customer Care Manager (2020477)
Responsibilities:
• Support the overall Customer Care contact center strategy, including staffing, resources, and
processes ensuring best-in-class customer satisfaction
• Manage high-impact programs and projects involving the implementation and ongoing
improvement of critical customer care processes and systems
• Maintain customer satisfaction and internal quality levels at, or above, stated objectives and
appropriately communicate to the team and organization
• Effectively manage strategic partners critical to our contact center success, reviewing SLAs,
quality and ensuring consistency
• Ensure productivity goals for the team are clearly understood, monitored, and achieved
• Ensure that the organization manages a quality end-to-end process while meeting the service
expectations of the customers and the organization, supporting customer retention and future
growth
• Lead the team in identifying Sales Opportunities for Direct to Consumer opportunities…and
more!
To reply, follow link: https://careers-lgamerica.icims.com/jobs/3000/customer-care-manager—e05/job
Officer Manager (2012525)
P/T to start, 30 hrs./week, can go F/T for right person. (Hagerstown office)
Office Manager Responsibilities
• Overseeing general office operation.
• Greeting visitors, answering a high-volume of incoming phone calls and delivering world-class
service to our customers.
• Coordinating appointments and meetings and managing staff calendars and schedules.
• Supervising, mentoring, training, and coaching our office staff and delegating assignments to
ensure maximum productivity.
• Purchasing office supplies and equipment and maintaining proper stock levels.
• Producing reports from monthly meetings, composing correspondence, and drafting new
contracts.
• Creating presentations and other management-level reports.
Hot Jobs
wk. of 3/18/2024
Office Manager Requirements:
• Office management experience.
• Computer skills, including a high degree of proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and
PowerPoint.
To apply, forward resume to [email protected]
Paint Protection Film (PPF) Installer (1996652)
As a PPF Installer, you would be responsible for the continued growth, quality, customer service, and
installation of our Automotive Film line.
You should possess a good work ethic and function effectively in a team environment.
Core Duties
• Install automotive film with a high level of quality
• Maintain and preserve professional relationships with local TOG customers.
• Maintain a regular and reliable level of attendance and punctuality
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned
To apply, please provide cover letter & resume or Letter of Interest to
email: [email protected]
Additional Opportunities:
• Calibration Technician (2024515)
• Fleet Maintenance Mechanic (2004870)
• Laboratory Animal Care Technician (2004784)
• Customer Service Representative (1985157)
• Contract Specialist (1936938)
• Project Engineer (2001606)
• Audio-Video Install Technician (1995468)
• Retail and Events Representative (2044584)
• HVAC Tech (1989704)
• Residential HVAC Service Technician (1989730)
• Construction Project Manager (2001611)
• Construction Manager (2001614)
• Part-time Property Manager (2004064)
• Construction Manager (2004073)
• Sr. BIM/CAD Technician (2012928)
• Civil Engineer (2012934)
• Civil Engineer Intern (2012943)
• Structural Engineering Intern (2012947)
• Structural Professional Engineer (2020493)
• Construction Administrative Assistant (2021669)
• Music Instructor (2024257)
• Shop Manager (2006595)

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Maryland House pushes higher taxes, online gambling in $1.3B plan for education and transportation

Maryland House pushes higher taxes, online gambling in $1.3B plan for education and transportation

Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones, a Baltimore County Democrat, announces a plan to raise more than $1 billion in revenue for K-12 education and transportation during a news conference with other House Democrats on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Brian Witte)

 

 

 

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — A budget showdown at the Maryland General Assembly is brewing, with top House leaders outlining on Friday a $1.3 billion plan for new state revenues to pay future education and transportation costs that Senate leaders think is too hefty now and unsuitable for the state’s current economic climate.

The House’s revenue package includes tax, fee and toll increases, as well as the legalization of internet gambling, which would make casino games available for wagering online.

House Speaker Adrienne Jones, a Baltimore County Democrat, kicked off a news conference with top Democrats who control the chamber by saying, “We can no longer rely on quick fixes or short-term approaches.”

“They will only land us right back in the same place next year,” Jones said. “At this point, we know what the solution is, and it’s finally time that we just say it. The answer is revenues.”

The plan is targeting the rising costs of the state’s K-12 education funding plan known as the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. The blueprint, approved in 2020, phases in larger amounts of money to expand early childhood education, increase teachers’ salaries, and provide aid to struggling schools.

While the budget approved by the Senate fully funds the blueprint for the next fiscal year, the state has yet to find the answer to rising costs in the years after that.

The House plan attempts to solve that with revenue from internet gambling. However, gambling expansion would require a constitutional amendment, which needs a three-fifths vote in each chamber and approval by voters in November. Corporate tax reform is also part of the plan to help fund the blueprint.

The House plan also aims to address the state’s transportation funding woes by raising the vehicle excise tax from 6% to 6.5% and adjusting a vehicle trade-in exemption to apply only when a vehicle is traded in for a zero-emissions or hybrid vehicle.

It also would raise revenues by changing vehicle registration fees, based on new weight classifications, and imposing a statewide ride-sharing fee of 75 cents.

More money from tolls also is part of the plan.

“They haven’t gone up for 10 years, and they were reduced for political reasons during the previous administration,” said Del. Marc Korman, a Montgomery County Democrat who chairs the House Environment and Transportation Committee.

So far, neither the Senate nor the governor have appeared supportive of the House’s proposal. The $63 billion spending plan submitted by the governor and approved by the Senate Thursday night balances the budget, with a large rainy day fund remaining.

“To the hardworking Marylanders out there who are feeling the challenges of stubborn inflation, we do not want you to bear additional burden,” Senate President Bill Ferguson, a Baltimore Democrat, said Friday.

Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat who submitted his budget plan in January without tax increases, remained wary of backing them now.

“Any conversation with the General Assembly around taxes is going to have a very high bar for the governor, and any of those conversations will focus on creating fiscally disciplined ways of making Maryland’s economy grow,” said Carter Elliott, the governor’s spokesman.

But Del. Ben Barnes, who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, said the state’s current budget isn’t sustainable enough to meet the needs identified as priorities by the governor, the Senate and the House.

“We are facing a high bar. We are facing shortfalls in our Transportation Trust Fund that are not sustainable, so we believe we’ve met the high bar,” Barnes, a Prince George’s County Democrat, said.

House changes to the state’s budget legislation for the next fiscal year have to be worked out with the Senate before the General Assembly adjourns April 8 at midnight.

The two chambers already appear to have near agreement on some new revenue to help pay for the rising costs of the state’s medical trauma system. Both are advancing measures to increase revenues from vehicle registration fees that support emergency services. The House and Senate also are advancing bills to tax guns and ammunition to help pay for emergency services needed for gunshot patients.

By BRIAN WITTE Associated Press

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State Police Investigate Multiple Crashes On I-70 In Frederick County Involving Horses Running Loose

State Police Investigate Multiple Crashes On I-70 In Frederick County Involving Horses Running Loose

One trooper was injured.

News Market, Md. (KM) Maryland State Police are continuing their investigation of several vehicle crashes in Frederick County early Friday Morning on Interstate 70 involving escaped horses which injured a state trooper.

Just before 3:00 AM, troopers were dispatched to westbound I-70 at Mile Marker 62 in New Market for horses in the roadway. They learned that two horses escaped from their enclosures, and were struck by multiple vehicles on I-70, including a tractor trailer and two passenger cars The horses died as a result.

Authorities say a trooper. who was assisting the driver of one of the    disabled passenger vehicles, was in his cruiser with its emergency lights flashing when it was struck by a vehicle heading westbound. The driver of the striking vehicle remained at the scene.   State Police say charges are not being filed at this time.

The trooper and the drivers of the two passenger cars who were injured were transported to Frederick Health Hospital by ambulance where they were treated for their injuries.

State Police say all lanes of I-70 were closed briefly while troopers conducted their investigation.

In addition to the Maryland State Police, personnel from the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration responded to assist with road closures.  Also responding and providing assistance were Frederick County Animal Control and the Sheriff’s Office.

By Kevin McManus

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General Assembly Considering Bill To Allow On Line Casino Gambling

General Assembly Considering Bill To Allow On Line Casino Gambling

A Frederick County legislator has some concerns, especially about problem gambling.

Delegate April Miller

Annapolis, Md (KM) Casino gambling, such as slots, poker and other table games, could be as close as your I-phone or home computer under a bill being considered by the Maryland General Assembly..   If passed, the legislation would allow customers to play these games of chance from the comfort of their own homes without entering a casino.

Online casino gambling would be operated by the state’s six casinos in partnership with  internet gambling operators. It would be regulated by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission  under this measure.

Supporters say it could bring in $300 million to the state.

But Frederick County Delegate April Miller says she has some concerns. “It’s kids having access. It’s college kids having access, and with problem gaming,” she said.

Others who are opposed say individuals could be home gambling their whole paycheck away, and it could make gambling addictions worse.

This proposal comes with a 47 percent tax imposed on online gaming revenue. The bill calls for part of that money to put into an account to help problem gamblers.

“We already have a lot of issues with the sports, with the sports gaming and with the sports betting right now. And that’s really new for us here. So I’d like to get some of those  worked on before add in I-gaming,” says Delegate Miller.

If this  legislation makes it out of the General Assembly, it would require the question of whether to permit   online casino gambling in Maryland to  go before the voters in a referendum in November, 2024.

By Kevin McManus

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Nearly $20-Million For  Western Maryland Is Contained In FY 2024 Funding Bills Passed By The US Senate

Nearly $20-Million For Western Maryland Is Contained In FY 2024 Funding Bills Passed By The US Senate

The money will go for local projects, including some in Frederick County.

       

Senator Ben Cardin                                   Senator Chris Van Hollen

Washington DC (KM) The funding packages passed by the US Senate contains $19,607,279 for projects in western Maryland, including some in Frederick County. That announcement was made by the offices of Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen.

It’s part of a six-bill package.

“Delivering these direct investments to our communities is a key way  we’re working to expand opportunity and shared prosperity across the state. These  resources will help strengthen Western Maryland by supporting public safety, enhancing water quality, improving our transportation and water infrastructure and so much more. We’re excited to see our local partners put these funds to work to benefit our communities,”: says Senate Van Hollen in a statement.

“”The bipartisan passage of these six spending bills provides continued investment in Maryland that will help fund locally driven priorities throughout Western Maryland. This congressionally directed funding supports the completion of critical infrastructure, public safety, health care and other projects that strengthen Maryland’s communities and growing economy,” says Senator Cardin, in a statement. “Team Maryland is united  in our ongoing effort to respond directly to needs of Marylanders and is committed to bringing new federal resources to the state.”

These projects in Frederick County will be funded from these spending bills:

* $2 million for Brunswick treatment plant upgrades. The Senators say it will make improvements to both drinking water and waste water treatment to increase efficiency and capacity.

*$380,00 for the reconfiguration of West Patrick Street and US 15. That’s expected to improve equitable access to downtown Frederick for disadvantaged communities.;

* The East Main Street stormwater management project for the town of Burkittsville will receive $385,000.  Senators Cardin and Van Hollen say the funds will be used for design work to address drainage and stormwater issues The town has experienced floods which have  eroded Main Street and damaged homes.

* $1,250,000 in funding to purchase land for the Hope Center to house it’s “I Believe In Me” mentorship program. It currently serves students with after school tutoring,  goal-setting and self-esteem-building activities.

*$4,616,279 to the Ausherman Family Foundation to construct a youth center in downtown Frederick that provides a safe place for young people between the ages of 14 to 24. It’s also for their families to obtain support services and educational programming.

* There’s also $1,000,000 to constrict  a new building for the John R, Webb VFW Post 3285  to continue to operate and help veterans in Frederick County, and provide community space and services.

The President signed this legislation which also  averts a government shutdown.

By Kevin McManus

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Lane Closure Scheduled For A Stretch Of Yellow Springs Road

Lane Closure Scheduled For A Stretch Of Yellow Springs Road

Frederick City officials  says road work will take place in that area.

Frederick, Md (KM) Some lane closures are planned for Yellow Springs Road.

The City of Frederick says the center lane of Yellow Springs Road between north of Old Farm Drive and 500 feet south of Turscanney Drive will close starting on April 1st. . This will allow for road widening, curb work and the installation of a traffic signal at the Yellow Springs Road and Tuscanney Drive intersection.

Motorists will follow a new traffic pattern along north and southbound Yellow Springs Road.

The work is expected to continue through October.

The City says Yellow Springs Road and Tuscanney Drive will remain open for through traffic during the duration of this work.

By Kevin McManus

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Fund Created to Preserve Historic Clock Tower at Trinity Chapel

Fund Created to Preserve Historic Clock Tower at Trinity Chapel

The clock tower is located above Trinity Chapel.

Photo courtesy of Community Foundation of Frederick County

 

FREDERICK, MD. (LG) A fund has been created with the Community Foundation of Frederick County to help preserve the historic clock tower at Trinity Chapel, located in downtown Frederick.

“Well, we always work on trying to keep all of our properties in good repair,” said church spokesman David Cooney. “In evaluating and surveying our property, we realized that the clock tower was in need of some work. It’s been maintained, but it’s old. It was put up in 1793 and some of its age has caught up with it.”

Since 1807, the clock tower has served Frederick as the official town clock. “We have been working with engineers, and at one point with the Park Service that does restoration, to see what was involved, and we realized that it needs some more significant remodeling and repairs to keep it (the tower clock) structurally sound and to keep it looking good,” Cooney continued.

The repair work is expected to cost about $1million to $1.5 million.

The Community Foundation of Frederick County is a leader in grant and scholarship funding.

 

By Loretta Gaines

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Busy Times In Annapolis As Legislators Try To Get Their Bills Passed

Busy Times In Annapolis As Legislators Try To Get Their Bills Passed

Crossover Day is coming on Monday

Delegate Jesse Pippy (Photo from Md. General Assembly)

Annapolis, Md (KM) With weeks to go before the Maryland General Assembly adjourns for the year, it’s starting to get busy at the State House in Annapolis, according to Frederick County Delegate Jesse Pippy. He says Crossover Day is this coming Monday, March 18th. That ‘s when any bill to have a chance of becoming law must pass either the House of Delegates or the Senate, and “cross over’ to the opposite chamber. “There’s kind of a mad  rush in the week leading up to crossover which is what we’re in now,” he says.

Pippy says one bill that has passed the House would allow children who are victims of sexual abuse to testify remotely in court against their accusers. They would not have to be in the court room. “When an abused child has to face their abuser in court, in many times they won’t testify. And what happens is these predators get off Scott free,” he says. “This is tool that’s been upheld by the Supreme Court that enables an abused child to testify remotely in certain cases when having to face their abusers.”

Another bill would deal with visual surveillance for prurient intent. Pippy says under Maryland law, producing child pornography is a crime with penalties. “But there’s a loophole in which if you placed cameras in like let’s say a public dressing room, and it happened to pick up inappropriate images, that would not actually be considered a production of child pornography and it’s a very minor thing,’ he says.

Pippy says this law would tighten up that loophole. “What our legislation does is that it  increases the penalties to make sure that we’re not giving these predators any loopholes,” he says.

The other sponsors of this bill are Delegates Chris Bouchat, Karen Simpson and Chris Tomlinson.

A bill covering artificial intelligence is making progress. “So that deals with individuals taking your likeness and then placing that on a fake image, whether it’s for revenge porn or a deep fake,” says Pippy. He says it has passed a subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee, and is expected to be taken up by the full committee this week.

The 2024 Maryland General Assembly Adjourns for the year on Monday, April 8th at midnight.

By Kevin McManus

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Silver Spring Woman Killed In Two-Vehicle Crash Near Rockville

Silver Spring Woman Killed In Two-Vehicle Crash Near Rockville

Montgomery County Police are investigating.

Gaithersburg, Md (KM) Detectives with the Montgomery County Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continue to investigate a fatal crash in the Rockville area on Monday afternoon.

At around 2:34 PM, officers and fire and rescue personnel responded to the intersection of Layhill Road and Bel Pre Road for the accident. Authorities say a Subaru Outback operated by Maria Perdomo, 77, was traveling northbound along Layhill Road. She was making a left turn on to Bel Pre Road when her vehicle collided with a Tesla Model Y which was traveling southbound on Layhill Road.

Perdomo was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Tesla was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

By Kevin McManus

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Juvenile Arrested For A Murder In Brunswick

Juvenile Arrested For A Murder In Brunswick

He’s being charged as an adult.

Juwaun Terry Steward (Photo from Brunswick Police Department)

Brunswick, Md (KM) A suspect has been arrested for a murder in Brunswick earlier this year. Juwaun Terry Stewart, 17, of Brunswick is charged as an adult with the January 17th death of Tammy Sue Coates, 61. Stewart had been in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Services on a separate offense since shortly after the investigation into Coates’ death began.

Police say on January 22nd, 2024, they responded to a home in the 300 block of Ninth Avenue for a cardiac arrest. Coates’ daughter told officers  she found her mother deceased inside the home. Authorities say the death appeared suspicious, and an investigation began.

The State Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy, and ruled the death a homicide. Detectives say the victim had multiple injuries,  and there was evidence of a sexual assault.

Based on DNA evidence, Brunswick Police have charged Stewart with 1st-degree murder, 1st-degree rape, 1st-degree assault, 1st-degree burglary, home invasion and felony theft.

Authorities say this is an ongoing investigation, and anyone who has additional information on this homicide is asked to contact Brunswick Police at 301-834-9101, and reference case number #2024-00770.

By Kevin McManus

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Hagerstown Police Searching For Woman Who Failed To Show Up For Her Jury  Trial

Hagerstown Police Searching For Woman Who Failed To Show Up For Her Jury Trial

She is charged with the death of her ten-month-old child.

Ashley Franklin (Photo from Hagerstown Police Department)

Hagerstown, Md (KM) Hagerstown Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a woman who failed to show up for her jury trial. Ashley Franklin, 37, is charged in a 2021 case involving the death of her ten-month=old baby.  Franklin is currently wanted on a Washington County Circuit Court bench warrant.

She is five-feet-eight inches tall, and weighs 150 pounds. Franklin was last known to have an address in Frederick.

If you see Ashley Franklin, call 911.. If you know of her whereabouts, contact Hagerstown Police. at [email protected], or [email protected].

By Kevin McManus

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Testimony Taken Tuesday Night By County Council On South Frederick Corridors Plan

Testimony Taken Tuesday Night By County Council On South Frederick Corridors Plan

A small number of people testified.

Frederick, Md (KM) Only four people testified Tuesday night before the Frederick County Council on the South Frederick Corridors  Plan.  The document covers 6.3 square miles in the Frederick city area with Interstate-70 to the north, the Monocacy River to the east and New Design Road to the west. The goal is to put a lot of residential development in the area which has infrastructure to handle it.

The Surgarloaf Treasured Landscape Management Plan was a conservation-based plan whereas the South Frederick Corridors Plan deals with infill development and redevelopment, according to County Planning officials.

One citizen who spoke was Mark Long of Emmtsburg who is a member of the Frederick County Planning Commission. But he said he was not speaking for the Commission in offering his support for this plan. “Recognizing that Frederick County will continue to grow over the next decade, the redevelopment of the South Frederick Corridors Plan presents  a unique opportunity to absorb much of that projected residential growth while preserving our farmland and our agricultural industry,” he said.

Also speaking was Kevin Sellner of Frederick who is with Citizens for Responsible Growth. “Why is it a remarkable plan,” he asked. “Because it is a vision for a very different design in the area, mixing residential, commercial. retail and industrial uses with common streetscapes.”

Holly Nelson, the Facilities Planner for Frederick County Public Schools, says the school system supports the plan, but would like one change. She noted that the plan calls for four new elementary schools, one new middle school and one new high school. “Based on the Board of Education’s policy of planning for 900-seat middle schools, and the 1300 middle school students expected to be generated by the plan, FCPS will actually need 1.4 middle schools to support this area,”: she said.

Nelson asked that the Plan call for two new middle schools.

She also called for these new communities in the plan area have walkable neighborhoods. “Due to the dense urban nature of this planning area, school sites will have limited areas for car and bus drop offs,:” Nelson said. “In order to preserve the function of the traffic system as a whole, and avoid unreasonable congestion during school arrival and dismissal times, the road network must be designed to prioritize pedestrian traffic.”

The Council is expected to vote on the plan at a later date.

By Kevin McManus

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Frederick Community College Campus Put On Lockdown Tuesday Night

Police received reports of a student with a gun on campus.

Frederick, Md (KM) The Frederick Community College campus was placed on a lockdown Tuesday night.
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Frederick Police report they received a call at 7:14 PM from a third-party of a potential threat of a student with a gun on the FCC campus. Officers were dispatched to the campus, and the school was placed on lockdown.

Students were told to remain where they were while police officers conducted a sweep of the campus using canines. . Nothing was found.

The lockdown was lifted after 8:00 PM.

Frederick Police say there was no immediate threat to the safety of the students, staff and visitors on campus.

By Kevin McManus

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Road Work Scheduled For I-70 In Washington County On Wednesday

Road Work Scheduled For I-70 In Washington County On Wednesday

Motorists are urged to find an alternate route.

Baltimore, Md (KM)  The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration plans to make repairs to eastbound Interstate 70 over White Hall Road in Washington County on Wednesday. The work is expected to take place from 10:00AM  until 3:00 PM.

Motorists who travel that stretch of I-70 may want to consider an alternate route while the work is underway. MDOT SHA suggests US Route 40 to Md. 66 and back to I-70 eastbound.

By Kevin McManus

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