FMD

Natural trees can be dropped off at several locations around the city.

Frederick, Md (KM) There is new life for your old Christmas tree once the holidays are over. The City of Frederick is holding its Christmas Tree Recycling Program from December 26th through January 31st.

Natural trees can be dropped off at:

*Harry Grove Stadium, (upper parking deck) at 21 Stadium Drive, Frederick, Md 21703

*Husky Park, 530 Highland Street, Frederick, Md 21703

*Taskers Chance Parking Lot (behind Westridge Shopping Center), 1100 Key Parkway, Frederick, Md

*Max Kehne Parking Lot, 1100 West 7th Street, Frederick, Md 21701

*Willow Brook Park, 350 McClellan Drive, Frederick, Md 21702

The City says each location will be clearly marked as a drop off area.

All lights, tinsel, ornaments, garland, plastic bags and tree stands should be removed before dropping off the trees.

These trees will be ground into mulch.

By Kevin McManus

She’s also proposing a bill to prevent sitting presidents from renaming federal assets.

The John F.  Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Washington DC (KM) One Maryland Congresswoman is seeking to overturn the renaming of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Sixth District Representative April McClain Delaney has introduced legislation to  remove President Donald Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center. “And then also a second piece of the legislation which is called the Federal Property Integrity Act would prevents future renaming of federal assets from sitting presidents,;’ she says.

McClain Delaney says Congress must stop the “Trump Branding” of national treasures and memorials. “And the President has politicized the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees,:” she says. “And I just think that this self promotion of the branding of memorials  of  presidents is kind of beyond the pale,” she says.

Recently, President Trump ordered his name placed alongside that of President John F. Kennedy. He has also taken over control of the Board of Trustees of the Kennedy Center.

McClain Delaney said this action by President Trump has raised concerns not only among Democrats, but Republicans as well. “This bill for me was a bright line of saying ‘okay, when are we going to say enough is enough,'” she said. “If you don’t see people stepping on to this legislation, I do think there will be letters and a push back definitively because where does this stop.”

Representative McClain Delaney calls this name change an “affront:” to the legacy of an assassinated President.

Two of the co-sponsors of this bill are Representatives Adelita Grijalva (D-Arizona); John Larson, (D-Connecticut) and Jahana Hayes, (D-Connecticut).

By Kevin McManus

He will also be required to register as a sex offender for 25 years after his release from prison.

Wendell Thomas (Photo from Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office)

Frederick, Md (KM) It’s off to prison for a Frederick man who pleaded guilty to four counts of the production of child pornography and 3rd-degree sex offense. The State’s Attorney’s Office says Wendell Thomas, 64, was sentenced on Monday to 50 years in behind bars; suspend all but 25 years to serve in Division of Corrections.

In January, 2025, Frederick Police responded to a missing juvenile report. The 15-year-old girl was found. Officers made contact with her and found that Thomas had provided marijuana to her, raped her and forced her to take cocaine. The victim also said Thomas sexually assaulted her on several occasions over a nine-month period at his home. He also took pictures and videos of the victim’s naked body.

Detectives obtained a warrant to search  Thomas’ home, and confiscated his cell phone. They found multiple images of child sexual abuse regarding the minor victim on his phone. . .

“This is just evil,”: says State’s Attorney Charlie Smith, in a statement. “We can only hope this young victim can heal and find a path forward after this man goes to prison his horrific crimes. Chief ASA {Lindsey} Carpenter and others in our offices will continue to seek very lengthy sentences for those who offend against our children.”

As part of his sentence. Thomas will be placed on five years of supervised probation through the Sex Offender Management Team with special conditions of no contact with the victim, no contact with minor children, internet monitoring, polygraph testing and GPS monitoring. . Thomas also must register as a sex offender for 25 years.

By Kevin McManus

41-year old Brian Francis was convicted of murder, attempted murder, and multiple firearm offenses.

Hagerstown, MD (JK) – A Washington County judge has sentenced a Hagerstown man to 100 years in prison following his conviction in a fatal apartment shooting that left one person dead and another seriously injured.

41-year old Brian Francis was convicted after a four-day jury trial in the Circuit Court for Washington County. The jury found him guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Elijah Raymond Rapheal, attempted first-degree murder of Madalina Ciobanita, and several firearm-related offenses, including using a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence and carrying a loaded handgun. Judge Joseph S. Michael imposed the sentence on December 12, 2025, with credit for 727 days Francis had already served.

The charges stem from a shooting that occurred on July 30, 2023, at an apartment on Brinker Drive in Hagerstown. Police responding to the scene found Rapheal unconscious on the sidewalk with a gunshot wound to his torso. He was taken to Meritus Medical Center, where he later died. Ciobanita was found near the front door of her apartment with multiple gunshot wounds and survived.

Investigators determined that Francis had been visiting the apartment with both victims when he produced a handgun and opened fire. Evidence in the case included cell phone data, surveillance video, and witness statements. Authorities say Francis fled the area after the shooting and was not arrested until December 27, 2023.

By Jimmy Key

Frederick, Md (KM) A South Carolina man was arrested in Frederick last weekend following a traffic stop. The Sheriff’s Office says Deputies pulled over Edward Alan Graf, 42, of Little River at Route 15 and Lohr Road on Saturday evening. . Authorities say Graf did not have a valid driver’s license, and was wanted on an outstanding warrant, .

They say suspected drug paraphernalia was found on Graf’s person, including just over one gram of suspected methamphetamine and additional, drug paraphernalia Deputies also found four handguns and an AR 15 style rifle inside the vehicle. . Because of a prior conviction, Graf is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. He was taken to the Adult Detention Center where he is charged with firearms, and drug offenses.

Graf is charged with:

Assault weapon possession/sale

Loaded handgun on person

Handgun on person

Loaded handgun in vehicle

Handgun in vehicle

Illegal possession of ammunition

Rifle/shotgun possession by disqualified person

Regulated firearm – illegal possession

CDS: possession (not cannabis)

CDS: possession of paraphernalia (three counts)

That person is charged with two counts each of attempted 1st and 2nd-degree murder.

Hagerstown, Md (KM) A third suspect has been charged in connection with a shooting in Hagerstown on Wednesday, December 17th in the 800 block of West Washington Street.

Hagerstown Police say Dontae Clifton Caldwell, 19, is charged with two counts each of attempted 1st-degree murder and attempted 2nd-degree murder; along with assault, reckless endangerment and multiple handgun related offenses.

Arrested last week and charged in this shooting are Alex Sutton, 17, and 19-year-old Kahlil Thomas, 19..

All three suspects are from Hagerstown.   They are charged with shooting two men on West Washington Strreet.

By Kevin McManus

Two are juveniles.

Frederick, Md (KM) Five people were arrested following a traffic stop over the weekend. Police say at around 12:30 AM on Saturday, a vehicle was pulled over in the 500 block of Schley Avenue for multiple traffic offenses including exceeding the speed limit. . Officers say they noticed the occupants of the vehicle were acting nervous, and the Sheriff’s  Office K-9 Unit was requested to conduct a sniff. .

A search of the vehicle netted two loaded handguns, and a loaded extended magazine. . The adults in the vehicle were charged with possession of a regulated handgun, and transporting a handgun in a vehicle. They’re identified as Joshua Matthews,  Keith Miles and Josiah Dowery, all age 19. Police say the names of the juveniles will not be not released.

By Kevin McManus

Victim critically injured after early-morning altercation outside Washington Boulevard business.

Ellicott City, MD (JK) – Howard County police have arrested a suspect in connection with a shooting early Thursday morning in Jessup that left one man seriously injured.

Officers were dispatched around 3:30 a.m. on December 19 to the 8700 block of Washington Boulevard following reports of a shooting. When police arrived, they found an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, where he is listed in critical condition.

Investigators say the victim, a 25-year-old man, had been involved in a physical altercation in a McDonald’s parking lot with a group of people that included the suspect. Police believe the shooting occurred during that confrontation. No other injuries were reported.

The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Christian Kinuthia of Windsor Mill, was taken into custody at the scene. He is facing charges of attempted second-degree murder and first-degree assault.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Howard County police at 410-313-STOP or submit a tip through [email protected].

By Jimmy Key

Police say the break-in happened before dawn in May of 2024.

Leesburg, VA (JK) – Police have made an arrest in connection with a commercial burglary at an AT&T store in Leesburg, while a second suspect remains at large.

Authorities say the burglary occurred around 4:40 a.m. on May 22, 2024, at the AT&T store located at 1604 Village Market Boulevard. Officers responded to an alarm at the business and discovered the front glass door had been broken and merchandise stolen. The suspects had already fled the scene before police arrived.

25-year old Dewayne Parham, of Washington, D.C., was arrested on November 25, 2025, by the Nottoway County Sheriff’s Office. Police say Parham is currently being held at the Nottoway Correctional Center and is awaiting transfer back to Loudoun County. He faces multiple charges, including grand larceny, destruction of property, conspiracy to commit larceny, and breaking and entering.

Investigators are also searching for a second suspect, identified as 26-year-old Deangelo Epps of Washington, D.C.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Leesburg Police Department at 703-771-4500, or submit an anonymous tip by calling 703-443-TIPS (8477).

By Jimmy Key

Investigators in Loudoun County are working to determine what led to a deadly overnight crash in Brambleton.

Leesburg, Va. (DG) – A woman is dead and a man is facing DUI charges following an overnight crash in Loudoun County.

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office says deputies were called just before midnight Saturday to a single-vehicle crash on Olympia Drive at Ringneck Place in Brambleton.

Police say 29-year-old passenger Katherine Leal was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver, 36-year-old Anvesh Hungenalli, was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and has been charged with driving under the influence.

The crash remains under investigation, and additional charges are possible. Anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to contact police.

He says that area has not been described on a map.

Frederick County Councilman Steve McKay

Frederick, Md (KM) Supporters of the overlay being considered for Frederick County regarding the location of data centers has been describes  as a way to prevent future expansion of these facilities. Councilman Steve McKay says right now, there are no specific areas in the county set aside for data centers.

“A bill was passed earlier this year. Council President {Brad} Young co-sponsored.  it It was the bill that creates the CDI overlay in code. What we’re doing right now is put it on the map, right,” he says.

McKay says the ordinance says you can’t have data center anywhere other than the overly zone which needs to be  defined on a map. “:What only matter is how big we create this zone right there in Adamstown. And we’re starting from zero in terms of the allowable acreage,” he says.

Data centers are being constructed at the former Eastalco plant in Adamstown. That site is zoned industrial and used to be an aluminum smelting plant.

The Council held two nights of hearing on the overlay bill last week. Members are scheduled to discuss this bill this Tuesday and possibly take a vote.

McKay, who was a recent guest on WFMD’s “Morning News Express,”  says the main reason for the strong support for data centers has to do with the potential revenue coming into the local government. “The revenue based on recordation fees and property taxes isn’t where the real money  is,” he says. “I proposed state legislation that would tax the business personal property of data centers and only data centers. So that’s up for our delegation’s consideration right now and then hopefully for consideration by the legislature in Annapolis because that’s where the real money is.”

In the rush to obtain potential tax revenue from data centers, McKay says those supporters often forget the cost. “It’s fixation on the revenue and ignoring the cost because we don’t know what  the risk is,”  he says

Councilman McKay says we need a detailed study on the impact of data centers in the county and the state. “We need to have a better understanding, a neutral understanding–not something put out buy the industry or their lobbyists on the Maryland Tech Council–we need a neutral study on what the true costs and actual benefits of this industry for Frederick and for the state of Maryland are. And right now, we don’t know,” says McKay.

The General Assembly last week overrode the Governor’s veto of a bill that would conduct a study on the impact of data centers in Maryland.

By Kevin McManus

They will be held in all five councilmanic districts in the county.

Frederick, Md (KM) Citizens have an opportunity to help shape Frederick County’s fiscal year 2027 budget. County Executive Jessica Fitzwater is holding five budget town hall meetings in January; one in each of the five councilmanic districts in the county.

The town halls will be held on Saturday, January 10th at 1:00 PM at the Libertytown Fire Station (District 5)

Monday, January 12th at 7:00 PM at Whittier Elementary School (District 3)

Wednesday, January 21st at 7:00 PM at Brunswick Elementary School (District 1)

Monday, January 26th at 7:00 PM at Governor Thomas Johnson High School (District 4)

Thursday, January 29th at 7:00 PM at Deer Crossing Elementary School (District 2)

“Your input is critical in ensuring that our budget reflects the priorities and needs of our community,” says County Executive Fitzwater, in a statement. “These upcoming meetings are an opportunity to share your ideas and help shape next year’s budget.”

No RSVP is needed to attend, and residents can come to any or all of the town halls even if they are not located in the districts where they live.

The meetings will recorded and played back on the Frederick County Government Channel.

If you plan to attend and need American Sign Language and/or Spanish interpreters, you can contact the ADA Coordinator at 301-600-1063 or go on line  to [email protected].

By Kevin McManus

One is against a Jefferson man facing 18 counts some connected to child pornography.

Frederick, Md (KM) Four indictments were returned on Friday by the Frederick County Grand Jury.

In one case, Gleyber  Josu Ramirez-Clemente of Jefferson, 20, is charged with 18 counts, including three counts of 2nd-degreed rape, four counts of sexual solicitation of a minor, and numerous child pornography offense. This is for an offense which occurred on October 7th, 2025.

Also indicted was Peter Andrew Nicholson, 42, of Essex, Maryland, who is charged with three cocaine possession counts  for an offense which occurred on July 24th, 2025.

The panel also returned an indictment against Kyree Ellington Morgan of Frederick who is charged with 1st- and 2nd-degree assault, two counts of reckless endangerment, and two additional counts of 2nd-degree assault for an offense which occurred on November 21st, 2025.

The fourth person indicted was Cameron Elias Delcid, 25, of Frederick who is charge with possession of a firearm with a criminal conviction; illegal possession of a regulated firearm; and illegal possession of ammunition. This is for an offense which occurred on December 5th, 2025.

These indictments moves these cases to circuit court where trial dates will be scheduled.

By Kevin McManus

Council President Brad Young says these facilities can be beneficial to residents.

Frederick, Md (KM) Strong opposition was expressed against data centers during a two days of testimony this week before the Frederick County Council. . Many were concerned that data centers could go up anywhere in the county. Council President Brad Young says the county has regulations covering the location, size and other aspects when it comes to data centers.

“We have the toughest data center regulations anywhere around . We’ve tried to do the things to protect and make sure that the neighbors aren’t impacted by them,” :says Young.

The Council is considering a bill to set up an overlay which restricts where data centers can be located in the county. “Frederick County is around 400,000 acres for the total county So this overlay would allow them 2400 acres which is  primarily right in the area of the old Eastalco industrial site where the infrastructure is,” he says.

Construction of data centers is underway at the former Eastalco site in Adamstown, and Young says local laws would restrict these facilities to that site.

The County’s ordinance allows  data centers to be located on  less than one percent of the county’s total land mass, and has restrictions to keep them away from residential areas.

There’s a proliferation of data centers in northern Virginia which are very noisy. Young says the County has provisions in its laws that help mitigate the noise. When it comes to generators, Young says the county would require data centers to use tier-four generators. “In northern Virginia, there’s using the tier-two generators which are much louder. So we did put things in place to mitigate their noise,” He says. “There are noise levels which are above the property line, they have to be taken care of.”

During testimony, some citizens said this overlay would allow for more data center to be constructed in Frederick County. Young says that’s not the case. “If we don’t change anything,, there’s 5,000 acres where they could be built including in LI and GI zoned property in the county . So we’re not adding. What we’re adding to is what the Planning Commission recommended. But we’re reducing over 50 percent the amount of area where data centers can be built from where they can be built right now,”: he sys.

The Planning Commission has proposed that a 1585-acre overlay.

LI and GI are Limited Industrial, and General Industrial. Data centers can be built on properties with these two zoning classifications.

Once this overlay is adopted, Young says the County will be work with the data center developers to provide some benefits to the Adamstown community. “We get this agreement overlay passed., then we can work with the developers to do a community agreement to do lots of benefits for the Adamstown area. But we can’t do that until this is done. So I’m looking forward to putting this to rests,” says Young.

Young was a guest recently on WFMD”s “Morning News Express.”

By Kevin McManus

Police have arrested two teenagers.

  Khalil Thomas

  Alex Sutton

Both photos from Hagerstown Police Department

Hagerstown, Md. (KM) Two men were shot Wednesday afternoon in Hagerstown.

Police say just before 4:00 PM, officers responded to the 800 block of West Washington Street for a shooting, and found both men with gunshot wounds. They were taken to Meritus Medical Center. One had non-life threatening injuries, but the other had more serious injures………and was transferred to another hospital. Both are receiving medical care.

Police say two teenagers have been charged in connection with the shooting. Alex Sutton. 17, is charged with two counts each of attempted 1st-degree murder, attempted 2nd degree murder along with a count  each of assault, reckless endangerment and multiple handgun-related offenses, Kahlil Thomas. 19, is charged with numerous handgun related offenses, Both are from Hagerstown,

Police say the incident is isolated and there’s no ongoing threat to the public.

By Kevin McManus

AAA says the busiest travel time is expected to be the weekend of December 20th and 21st.

Baltimore, Md. (KM) The highways, skyways and railways are expected to be a little crowded this holiday weekend. “Here in our region, AAA is projecting that nearly 2.4 million Marylanders will be traveling 50 miles or more from home over this busy, end of the year, holiday period,” says Ragina Ali, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA.

Ali  says that’s just over a one percent increase compared to last year, and it’s the highest  travel volume since 2019 . “The vast majority, or a little over 2.1 million, will be driving to their holiday destination,’ she says. “That was certainly typical of what we see as it relates to holiday travel.”

If you’re planning to drive, AAA says the best times to leave are after 9:00 PM. and before 11:00 AM.

The auto club projects more than eight million Americans will be traveling by airplane. Out of that, 134,000 Marylanders will be flying this holiday weekend. Ali  says “pack your patience” and make sure you conform to all TSA regulations. “You don’t want to be the one holding up the TSA line as other people are traveling for the holidays. Make sure you check with the TSA website to see what restrictions it has , what you can or cannot take on the plane as far as you items go,” says Ali.

She says that includes some gifts you may be taking for your family members and friends. “And many people do travel with gifts obviously at this time of year. But you just want to make sure you’re in tune with restrictions so that you’re not taking things that you’re not suppose to and basically holding up that line,”: she says.

Ali says it’s best to send you gifts ahead of time through the US Postal Service, Fed Ex or UPS prior to your trip.

By Kevin McManus

It involves a periodic injection as opposed to a daily pill.

Frederick, Md (KM) At one time, being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS was often a death sentence. But there have been a number of treatments developed over the years that control the virus and its impact on the body.

Kenneth Melnick, the Disease Prevention Specialist for the Frederick County Health Department, says in the past, patients took one pill each day to the control  the virus. Now they can get an injection every other month. He says it helps reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS in  patients and other individuals. “It also reduces the viral load to an undetectable level, and that makes it so they can’t  spread the disease to others, ” he says,.

Melnick says this medication is covered by insurance. “There are case management teams out there throughout the country who help people with insurance issues. Medicaid does cover it. It may be difficult to get it in some rural areas where it might not be as accessible as in big cities,” he says

In Frederick County, Melnick says there are only two infectious disease specialists in the area. . He says the Health Department doesn’t offer this treatment  against HIV/AIDS, and many patients must travel to Baltimore or Hagerstown to receive it.

Despite the injections, Melnick says you still need to be cautious when it comes to HIV/AIDS. “It’s still mainly a sexually transmitted disease. But some people might get it by sharing needles. It can be particularly spread quickly in an intravenous drug community,”  he says.

It’s still important for individuals who are sexually active or use drugs intravenously to be tested for HIV/AIDS. “A lot of STD’s {sexually transmitted diseases} may not have symptoms. So the only way to know if you have had an exposure is to get a test,”  he says “A lot of times STD’s travel in packs and when we look at the data, we see someone might be getting chlamydia or gonorrhea, we try to get them on PREP before they might contract HIV.”

PREP stands for Post-Exposure Prophylactic which is a one-a-day pill that those at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS can take  to protect themselves. Melnick says it’s 99.7 percent effective.

The Frederick County Health Department offers free walk-in testing at its facilities at 350 Montevue Lane Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Residents can also make an appointment to be tested by calling  301-600-3117.

By Kevin McManus

It’s an opportunity for high school age students to explore apprenticeships.

Frederick, Md (KM( Frederick County Public School students are invited to the Annual  Youth Apprenticeship Summit. It will take place on Thursday, December 18th at Frederick Community College from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM.

The Youth Apprenticeship Program allows sophomores and juniors to meet with employers, workforce development professionals and the FCPS Work-Based Learning Staff. The students can learn how to apply and qualify for apprenticeships; attend career development workshops; network with employers and local businesses that offer apprenticeship opportunities; and explore such professions such as manufacturing, information technology, construction, health care and other careers.

The students can also discover how apprenticeships can lead to meaningful careers. according to FCPS.

The Youth Apprenticeship Program is authorized by the Maryland Department of Labor, and allows 11th and 12th graders the opportunity to engage in structured work-place learning which is mentored by industry professionals. All of this while still enrolled in high school, according to FCPS.

By Kevin McManus

A passenger in his vehicle was not hurt.

Hagerstown, Md (KM) Hagerstown Police are investigating a one-vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon which took the life of a Pennsylvania man.

At around 2:00 PM, officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of Maryland Avenue for a vehicle crash. They found a truck with a person inside who was trapped and unresponsive. Barton Neil Risser, 46, of Waynesboro was pronouned dead at the scene. An 18-year-old passenger in the vehicle was not hurt.

Police say Risser’s next of kin has been notified of his death.

By Kevin McManus

Carroll County deputies recover stolen merchandise, pipe with suspected drug residue from vehicle

Sykesville, MD (JK) – On Sunday, December 14, 2025, at approximately 11:07 a.m., Carroll County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the Walmart Supercenter at 6400 Ridge Road in Sykesville for a report of a shoplifting in progress. Authorities say the suspects had pushed carts with merchandise out of the store without paying and left in a white Chevrolet Impala traveling eastbound on Route 26.

Deputies, with assistance from Maryland State Police troopers, located the vehicle in the 6100 block of Monroe Avenue and arrested all four occupants. Stolen merchandise was recovered, and multiple glass smoking devices and containers with suspected residue from controlled dangerous substances were found inside the car.

The suspects were identified as Milo Darren Bary-Parhjam, 35, of Baltimore; Regina Elizabeth Musa, 50, of Baltimore; Kenneth James Parham, 36, of Halethorpe; and Lauren Kimberly Thomas, 43, of Friendship. All four were charged with theft, possession of controlled dangerous substances (not cannabis), and possession of related paraphernalia.

Kenneth Parham, the driver, was also charged with obstruction and traffic violations, including driving on a suspended license and operating a vehicle without a required ignition interlock device. Parham and Thomas were released on recognizance, Musa was released on unsecured personal bond, and Barry-Parhjam remains in the custody of the Carroll County Detention Center.

All individuals are presumed innocent of the pending charges until proven guilty in a court of law.

By Jimmy Key