FMD

It will take place between Nov. 17th and Nov.21st.

Frederick, Md (KM) A prescribed burn is scheduled in the City of Frederick Watershed from November 17th through the 21st.

Officials say the purpose is to restore a stand of pitch pine off of Gambrill Park Road which is 95 years old and at the end of its life span. The burn will reduce competing vegetation, and help the seeds germinate. Pitch pine seeds are nutritious for wildlife,  and the burning will also help a new generation of seedings to take root.

The City says the fire will create smoke on Catoctin Mountain, but it will be a low, controlled flame. The fire staff from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources will be on hand to direct the fire, and there will be trucks to pull water from a nearby fire pond if necessary.

Gambrill Park Road will be closed between the Junction with Fishing Creek Road, and Gate R6. .  All trails in the northeast section of the Watershed will be closed during the prescribed burn. .

The burn will only take place if conditions are favorable on a date during the one-week window, City officials say.

By Kevin McManus

One person was found dead at the scene, cause yet to be determined.

Ashburn, VA (JK) – Loudoun County authorities are investigating a deadly explosion and fire that occurred Monday morning at an apartment complex in Ashburn.

The incident was reported just before 8 a.m. in the 21000 block of Green Stable Square. Callers to 911 reported heavy smoke in the area and a possible fire in nearby woods, according to Loudoun County Fire and Rescue.

When firefighters arrived, they found a dumpster on fire and quickly extinguished the flames. A person was later found dead at the scene. Officials have not released the individual’s identity or any additional details.

The body has been taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for autopsy. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and the Fire Marshal’s Office are conducting a joint investigation into what caused the explosion and fire.

By Jimmy Key

Officials say it’s to guide residents on what vaccines they need for the cold weather months.

Baltimore, Md (KM) The Maryland Department of Health has issued vaccine guidelines for residents when it comes to the flu, COVID-19 and RSV or Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Dr. Meg Sullivan, Deputy Secretary of Public Health, says  there are a number of reasons for these guidelines. “These three viruses–the COVID, the flu and RSV–continue to be a significant source of illness and death in the community,” says Dr. Sullivan. “The second is that vaccines continue to remain one of the most crucial and simple way that the public can protect themselves and their community from these viruses.”

The third reasons, she says ,is to remind residents who should get these vaccines. “For the flu vaccine, it continues to be recommended that anyone ages six months and older get an annual flu shot,”: she says. “We are at the beginning of flu season and really encourage people to get it now to be able to protect themselves throughout the entire flu season.

Dr. Sullivan says for COVID, anyone who is six months or older should get that vaccination. “And then for RSV, the recommendations are a little more nuanced and specific during pregnancy; infants born during the RSV season; and then older adults, particularly those over the age of 75,. and those over the age of 50 with risk factor.”  she says.

As part of its guidelines, the Health Department has issued a standing order allowing all Marylanders throughout the state to have easy access to the COVID-19 vaccine, and authorizes qualified health care providers to administer that vaccine.

Dr. Sullivan says these recommendations on immunizations and the COVID-19 vaccine are based on guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics; The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists;  and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

“There has been a lot of confusion and mixed messages about these vaccines that we really took the time to work to ensure that there was clear guidance for the public for health care providers as well as issuing a statewide standing order,” she says.

Dr. Sullivan recommends anyone who has questions about which vaccines they need to consult with their health care provider.

By Kevin McManus

It will take place in two locations.

Frederick, Md (KM) The AARP  “Safe Driver Program” is coming to Frederick County,

The organization is teaming up with the Division of Aging and Independence to offer two sessions for drivers 50 and older. They will learn about safe strategies for driving; the affects of medication on driving; and preventive measures to reduce distractions.

The sessions will be held on Wednesday, November 12th at the Brunswick Senior Center, 12 East A Street in Brunswick from 9:45 AM to 3:00 PM; and Thursday, November 13th at Bell Court Apartments Community Room at 690 Bell Court in Woodsboro from 9:45 AM until 3:00 PM. . Registration is required, The cost is 20-dollars for AARP members, and 25 dollars for non-members.

You should bring your driver’s license. A free box lunch is included.

“The AARP Smart Driver Course is an invaluable resource for drivers age 50 and older. It equips participants with research–based safe strategies, help them understand the affects of medication on driving, and teaches  preventive measures to reduce distractions,” says Nina Uzik, Driver Safety Program Director with AARP in a statement. “Our goal is to offer strategies that, when implemented, will foster better driving habits and a renewed sense of safety.”

In addition, the AARP is offering a “We Need To Talk”  seminar on Wednesday, November 12th in the evening at the Brunswick Senior Center, 12 East A Street, Brunswick.. The seminar is designed to begin a conversation about the options older adults have when it comes to driving.

A light supper will be served from 5:00 PM to 545 PM. The program will begin at 6:00 PM.

To RSVP, call 301-834-8115, or 301-600-1234.

By Kevin McManus

By Kevin McManus

They took two suspects into custody.

Gerald Antoine Cooper                                                                    Damien Tubois Gentry

(Photos  from Frederick County  Sherriff’s Off8ice)

Frederick, Md (KM) Frederick County Sheriff’s Deputies disrupted a suspected a burglary in progress, and arrested two people.  Damien  Tubois Gentry, 26, and Gerald Antoine Cooper, 34, , both of Baltimore, were taken into custody.

Gentry is charged with:

· Burglary – Third Degree

· Burglary – Fourth Degree (Dwelling)

· Burglary – Fourth Degree (Tools)

· Malicious Destruction of Property

· Failure to Obey a Reasonable and Lawful Order

· Disturbing the Peace/Disorderly Conduct

· Obstructing and Hindering

Cooper is charged with:

Burglary – Third Degree

· Burglary – Fourth Degree (Dwelling)

· Burglary – Fourth Degree (Tools)

· Malicious Destruction of Property

· Failure to Obey a Reasonable and Lawful Order

· Disturbing the Peace/Disorderly Conduct

· Obstructing and Hindering

· Fraud – Personal Identity to Avoid Prosecution

· False Statement to an Officer

They were both taken to the Adult Detention Center.

The Sheriff’s Office says at around 8:13 PM on Sunday, deputies responded to the 7000 block of Ridge Road in Frederick for individuals on the property. When they arrived, they found two masked persons hiding near the front door of a home.  The two were wearing dark clothing, gloves and face coverings. They fled into a wooded area behind the home when deputies approached.

A nearby resident reported that the two ran through his yard, causing property damage. Additional deputies were dispatched to the scene,.

With the help of a drone and the State Police helicopter, deputies were able to locate Gentry and Cooper.   Authorities also say Cooper attempted to provide a false name to deputies.

“This is a strong response and an effective follow-up by our deputes in apprehending the individuals involved,” says Sheriff Chuck Jenkins, in a statement. “Our deputies quickly recognized that a potential burglary was unfolding. There’s also a clear message for anyone coming into Frederick County with the intent to commit a crime. It likely won’t end well–just as it didn’t for these two individuals.”

By Kevin McManus

The results are scheduled to be certified on Wednesday, Nov. 12th.

Frederick, Md (KM) The counting is done for the 2025 election in the City of Frederick, and incumbent Democrat Michael O’Connor is on top in the Mayoral race with 10,453 votes or 73.85 percent. Republican Tom Trott won 3,615 votes or 25.54 percent.

In the District Four Council Race, it’s Democrat Scott Lasher out in front with 3,147 or  69.46 percent, followed by Republican Joe Adkins with 1,375 votes or 30.34 percent.

The District Five Council race has Democrat Sarah Hempel Irani with 2,115 votes or votes or 68.85 percent. Republican Rob Callahan took in 948 votes or 30.86

The Democrats running for Council Districts One, Two and Three—Katie Nash, Cesar Diaz and Peter Brehm—as well as the two campaigning for the two at-large seats–Derek Shackelford and Libby Taylor—-ran unopposed. .

The certification of the results is scheduled for Wednesday, November 12th at 9:00 AM in Conference Room C at the Municipal Annex, 140 West Patrick Street in Frederick.    It will be open to the public and streamed over the city’s Youtube Channel.

The count took three days to complete, and the Board of Supervisors of Elections say it included all in-person ballots from the general election on November 4th and early voting, as well as the mail-in and drop box ballots.

By Kevin McManus

Suspect is held without bond as detectives investigate possible further incidents.

Loudoun County, VA (JK) – The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for help in identifying additional victims connected to the arrest of Vinod Kumar, 56, of South Riding. Kumar was taken into custody on November 7, 2025, and charged with aggravated sexual battery of a minor. He is currently being held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.

The investigation began after deputies were alerted to an incident involving a juvenile in the Amberlea neighborhood on November 2. Authorities say Kumar, who lives in the neighborhood, may have targeted other minors based on his behavior. He has reportedly been referred to by children in the area as the “sus candy man” or “sus candy guy.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Czekaj at (703) 777-1021. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Loudoun County Crime Solvers at (703) 777-1919 or submit a tip through the LCSO app.

By Jimmy Key

Detectives say the victim was killed during an argument with a man known to her.

Gaithersburg, MD (JK) – Detectives with the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division are investigating the shooting death of 54-year-old Sarahi Concepcion Aragon-Cruz of Fairland. The incident occurred Thursday evening, November 6, 2025, in the 3000 block of Memory Lane.

Police say 3rd District officers and fire rescue personnel were called to the home around 5:41 p.m. for a report of a shooting. When they arrived, officers found Aragon-Cruz inside the residence suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Despite life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to investigators, a male suspect known to the victim shot her during an argument inside the home before leaving the scene. Aragon-Cruz’s body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy to determine the official cause and manner of death.

Detectives are continuing to search for the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers of Montgomery County at www.crimesolversmcmd.org or call 1-866-411-8477. Tips leading to an arrest may be eligible for a reward of up to $10,000, and callers may remain anonymous.

By Jimmy Key

One person was medivaced to a trauma center.

Frederick, Md (KM) An investigation is underway into a stabbing on Saturday afternoon in Frederick.

Police say officers were dispatched to the area of Waverly Drive and Bicton Commons Drive where they found a victim with stab wounds. That person was flown to a trauma center for treatment.

At this time, authorities say there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Anyone who has information on this incident is asked to contact Frederick Police. They can call 301-600-2102,  or contact Detective Radtke at [email protected].

By Kevin McManus

Volunteer musicians will be blowing their horns along Market and 2nd Streets.

Frederick, Md (KM) Echo Taps is taking place in Frederick on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11th.

Fred Schumacher works to put on the program, and he says musicians with brass instruments line up along Market Street from Mount Olivet Cemetery down to 2nd Street. And if all goes well, Schumacher says there will be a bugler inside the bell tower at the Cavalry United Methodist Church. “At we start playing at approximately 10:30, passing ‘Taps’ down the line so that the bugler in the belfry plays ‘Taps; at 10:59 for the ceremony to begin at Memorial Park at 11 O-Clock,” he says.

The ceremony at Memorial Park honors local military veterans.

Schumacher says he got the idea for echo taps several years ago. “23 years ago, I read that a group in New York state did an echo taps event 22 miles connecting two Veteran Administration hospitals. And i though I think we can do this in Frederick a mile and quarter from Mount Olivet to Memorial Park,” he says.

When it began, Schumacher says there only a handful of volunteer musicians taking part. “But over the years, the membership has grown. And now have musicians stationed 50 to 75 yards down Market Street,”  he says.

Anyone who wants to volunteer and plays a brass instrument needs to show up at Mount Olivet Cemetery at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, November 11th. “We have everything from a regulation G Key bugle up to Sousaphones, French horns. I play a marching baritone. There’s four other individuals who play brass baritone. As long it’s a brass instrument, we’ll have a place for you,” says Schumacher.

The Echo Taps is expected to begin at 10:30 AM, and continue until 11:00 AM when the ceremony honoring veterans begins.

By Kevin McManus

She was guest recently on WFMD.

Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater

Frederick, Md (KM) Despite their strong differences about the 287g program, both Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater and Sheriff Chuck Jenkins are very cordial when they meet face to face. That’s according to County Executive Fitzwater who was a guest recently on WFMD’s “Morning News Express.”

“So when we do sit down talk. whether it is about a local issue, whether it is about something happening at the state level, it is always productive. It’s always civil. It is,” she says.

The County Executive’s 2026 Legislative Package contains a position statement requesting the General Assembly ban the use of local “immigration enforcement agreements” such as 287g.  She says this program has led to racial profiling and discrimination.  Fitzwater says it can intimidate residents to the point where they are reluctant to call the police when they are victims of crime.

In response, Sheriff Jenkins says 287g has kept the county’s; crime rate low, and has placed certain “arrested criminals” into the custody of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.

Under 287g, staff at the Detention Center can determine the immigration status of individuals who are brought in on charges. If hey are here illegally, they’re turned over to ICE.

On another topic, the County Executive said data centers are the most regulated businesses in Frederick County. She said these facilities, which store data people save in their laptops or cell phones, have been smaller, and put in one location, the former Eastalcoa site in Adamstown.

Fitzwater said Frederick County is doing it the right way so that these facilities  don’t hurt the local quality of life. “But beyond, we’re talking about where can data centers go. Without the overlay that’s being worked on right now, they’re allowable in all of our industrial zones which is close to 5,000 acres of land where data centers could go along with many other industrial uses,” she said.

The County Executive say the goal is avoid the problems other jurisdictions have had with data centers. “By making sure we’re putting them where there’s already infrastructure and where there’s already development happening on the Eastalco site, we’re being very specific about where these should go and how they should be built, and insuring that not now nor ever will we have what we’re seeing in northern Virginia,” says Fitzwater.

She noted that as long as people use their cell  phones or laptops, there will always been a need for data centers.

Data centers are under construction at the former Eastalcoa site in Adamstown. Fitzwater had said the goal is to keep data centers on less than one percent of the land in Frederick County.

By Kevin McManus

One is charged with sex offenses against minors.

Frederick, Md (KM) The Frederick County Grand Jury returned eight indictments on Friday.

One was against John Edward Mcaleer, 22, of Frederick,  who is charged with two counts of sex abuse of a minor, 3rd-degree sex offense against a helpless or impaired individual, and two counts of 3rd -degree sex offense against a child under age 14.

Mcaleer was a Special Educational Instructional Assistant at Oakdale Middle School.

The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into Mcaleer in September after receiving reports of sexual abuse of a minor.  Authorities say Mcaleer tried to take is own life when deputies showed up at his home on Basford Road in October to arrest him.. Deputies provided first aid and Mcaleer was flown to a hospital for treatment. He was taken into custody after his release from the hospital.

Otter indictments include:

*Brook Michael Pennington, 28, of Brunswick, Md., who is charged with sex abuse of a minor; 4th degree sex offense; 2nd-degree assault; sexual solicitation of a minor; and soliciting prostitution for an offense which occurred on October 28th, 2025.

*Anderson Salguero, 23, of Frederick, Md, who is charged with armed robbery; robbery; theft less than $100; 2nd-degree assault; and reckless endangerment for an offense which occurred on August 25th,  2025.

*Ever Mauricio Gomez, 34, of Atlanta, Ga, who is charged with 1st-degree assault; four counts of 2nd-degree assault; reckless endangerment; possession of methamphetamine; possession of paraphernalia for an offense which occurred between October 23rd, and 24, 2025.

* Joshua Ortiz, 48, of Gaithersburg, Md, who is charge with 1st-degree assault and 2nd-degree assault for an offense which occurred on October 14th, 2025.

*Jed Perry, 42, of Walkersville, Md. who is charged with 1st-degree assault and 2nd-degree assault for an offense which occurred on October 19th, 2025.

*Paradigm Lex Ori Brzytwa, 44, of Frederick, Md, who is charged with 1st-degree assault; two counts of 2nd-degree assault; and two counts of reckless endangerment for an offense which occurred on October 21st, 2025.

*Darrell James Mills, Jr. 44, of Clinton, Md. who is charged with 2nd-degree general burglary; 4th-degree storehouse burglary; theft between $100 to $1500; and malicious destruction of property less $1,000 for an offense which occurred on June 10th, 2025.

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

The Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office says indictments are charging documents alleging criminal conduct, and all defendants are innocent until proven guilty.

By Kevin McManus

The canvassing continues on Monday.

Frederick, MD (KM) The counting of mail-in and drop box ballots from the City of Frederick Election continued on Friday.

The Board of Supervisors of Elections says incumbent Democrat Michael O’Connor remains on top in the race for Mayor with 9,390 votes which is  73.46 percent. Republican Tom Trott has 3,316 votes or 25.94 percent.

Democratic candidate Scott Lasher still holds the lead over Republican Joe Adkins in the District Four Councilmanic race with 2,856 or 68.89 percent.   Adkins has taken in 1,280 votes or 30.87 percent.

For the District Five Councilmanic contest, Democrat Sarah Hempel Irani remains in the lead over Republican Rob Callahan. She has 1,894 votes or 68.30 percent. Callahan has won 870 votes or 31.37 percent.

The Democratic  candidates for Districts One, Two and Three—-Katie Nash, Cesar Diaz and Peter Brehm, respectively—and the two at-large candidates—Democrats Derek Shackelford and Libby Taylor–were unopposed.

These votes count not only include the totals  from Friday November 7th, but the results from Thursday’s canvassing and the count  from early voting and general election day.

The Board says the counting will resume on Monday, November 10th at 9:00 AM at the Municipal Annex, 140 West Patrick Street  in Conference Room C. The public can come and observe the process.

The final count and certification are expected to take place on Wednesday, November 12th.

By Kevin McManus

She’s proposing funding to help local non-profits, food banks.

Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater announcing actions she is taking to deal with the federal government shutdown.

Frederick, Md (KM) Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater is taking steps to address the impacts of the federal government shutdown. During a briefing on Friday, Fitzwater said she is asking the County Council to approve $1.5 million in one-time funding to support local non-profits dealing with the affects of the shutdown. The money will provide HEART grants to local non-profits. HEART stands for Helping Empower Area Resources Together.

“HEART will provide grants of up to $50,000 to support our non-profit community,” she said. “These grants will go directly to organizations that are providing those direct services to our residents. Once the funding is approved, we will reach out to our non-profit partners to help them through the grant process.”

The County Executive says these non-profits have been hit hard by the federal government shutdown. “These critical community partners have seen a drop in revenues as federal priorities have changed and, at the same, more people need their services,  draining on   already scarce resources as a result of the shutdown.”

The federal government shutdown began on October 1st, 2025, and is going on record as the longest shutdown in US History.

Fitzwater is also proposing an additional $1 million in emergency funds  to help local food banks. “Food security is vital to our community and our food banks have been strained by the increased demand as a result of the shutdown,” she says. “We have a list of food banks across the county mapped on our website to help residents find these resources. This map can be found at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/food.”

About 12,000 Frederick County residents work for the federal government.

For more information on food banks, go to www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/food. For other resources, go on line to www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Federal.

By Kevin McManus

But takes no action on the County Executive’s Legislative Package for 2026.

Frederick, Md (KM) During Tuesday’s meeting, the Frederick County  Council voted in favor of its proposed 2026 Legislative Package.   It includes three bills: One would remove the income requirement for disabled military veterans taking part in the state’s property tax credit. Right  now, disabled veterans would need an adjusted gross income of under $100,000 to be eligible. In addition to removing this requirement, this legislation would allow local governments to determine the income limit.

A second bill would let the county impose a business personal property tax on data centers. A third piece of legislation would allow citizens to use their credit cards for gaming activities for volunteer fire companies.

But the Council took no action on the County Executive’s Legislative Package which includes bills and position statements.   It said the County Executive could formally introduce her package to the Legislative Delegation during their meeting on Saturday, December 6th.

One item that generated some strong testimony from residents is a position statement calling for a statewide ban on local government participation in federal “immigration enforcement agreements”  such as the 287g.  That program allows the Sheriff’s Office the ability to check on the immigration status of persons they bring into the Detention Center.  If they’re here illegally, they would be turned over to Immigration and  Customs Enforcement.

Jean Kavanaugh spoke out against it. “I feel  strongly that neither Maryland, local law enforcement nor state government should be complicit in this administration cruel, dehumanizing and constitutional-right breaking effort to disappear mostly people of color,” she said.

Shawn Porter spoke in favor of  287g. “We should support ICE in deporting illegal aliens that break into our country, and then steal welfare benefits,” he said. “42 million Americans are on  welfare,  SNAP assistance, whatever. I heard a statistic that half of that illegal immigrants who are not here illegally, taking advantage of our system, and mooching off of people who work for a living.”

Her staff said County Executive Fitzwater included this position statement because so many people spoke out against 287g  during a recent town hall.

A bill in the County Executive’s package would set up a task force to study education funding. “Currently, state aid to schools is determined by a foundation formula that use numbers from September 30th of the prior school year,”  says Sarah Price, the County’s State Government Relations Associate. “As Frederick County is one of the fastest growing school systems in the state, this puts us at a disadvantage for funding new students in that funding does not reach us until the following school year.”

Another bill would prohibit school resource officers from having any sexual contact with students. “Current state law prohibits school resource officers from having sexual contact with students under the age of 18. However, this has created an unintended loophole that allows for school resource officers to have sexual contact with students that are over the age of 18,” says Price. “So this legislation would close that loophole and ensure that students are able to thrive in a healthy and safe environment in Maryland schools.:”

Other bills in the County Executive’s package would call for increased workforce and senior housing, and allow the county to set special tax rates, something municipalities already do.

Other position statements call for statewide implementation of the Family Connects program,, where a nurse would visit a new mother and her child at no charge to help promote the health of the new mother and her child;  and call  for support for the Maryland Association of Counties legislative initiatives.

By Kevin McManus

The suspects were caught on surveillance video.

Holly Hills Country Club

Frederick, Md (KM) Three suspects have been charged with two separate burglaries at the Holly Hills Country Club in September.

The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office says James Loveless, 19, of Libertytown, and Michael Loveless., 36, of Ijamsville are charged with 2nd-degree burglary and theft between $1500 and $25,000 . Both were charged  after being identified in a surveillance video loading copper wire valued at $2,000 into a truck on September 16th. Investigators say they were recognized from prior incidents.

In another case, Christopher Twigg, 40 , of Ijamsville is also charged with 2nd-degree burglary and theft between $1500 and $25,000 for a  burglary at Holly Hills on September 28th.    Authorities say he was also seen on a surveillance camera stealing an electric motor, valves and a canvas tent. The items were valued at $7,400.

The Sheriff’s Office says the hard work and persistence of its patrol deputies led to charges being filed against these three suspects, who will now be held accountable for their crimes.

By Kevin McManus

The counting continues on Friday.

Frederick, Md (KM) The count of the mail-in and drop box ballots from the Frederick City elections began on Thursday.

The results show Democratic incumbent Michael O’ Connor remains  on top in the Mayor’s race  with  5,127, or 71.50 percent of the votes compared to 2,002 or 27.92 percent of the vote. for Republican Tom Trott.

In the Council District Four race, Democrat Scott Lasher remains in the lead over Republican Joe Adkins. Lasher has 1,629 or 68.08 percent of the vote compared to 767 or 31.67 percent of the vote for Adkins.

And in the District Five Council race, Democrat Sarah Hempel Irani is still out if in front with 1,040 or 66.71 percent of the vote over Republican Rob Callahan who has 515 or 33.03 percent of the vote..

The candidates for Districts One, Two and Three—-Democrats Katie Nash, Caser Diaz and Peter Brehm respectively—- along with the at-large candidates Derek Shackelford and Libby Taylor—were running unopposed. .

The Board of Supervisors of Elections says these results from Thursday also include the count from Election Day and early voting.

The Board will resume counting on Friday from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM. It say it  will continue its work until all votes are counted.

Certification of the election results is expected to take place next week.

By Kevin McManus

Maryland State Police are investigating.

Photo of police activity near where human remains were found near New Market.

New Market, Md (KM) Maryland State Police are conducting a death investigation in Frederick County.

Troopers say at around 4:00 PM on Wednesday, November 5th,  officers with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources found what looked like skeletal remains in a wooded area along Interstate 70 at Green Valley Road near New Market.

Personnel from the Frederick Barrack took over the investigation. Also dispatched to the scene were the State Police Criminal Enforcement Division and the Homicide Unit. The Forensic Sciences Division also responded to process the scene for evidence.

The remains were taken to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.

State Police say at this time, the identity and gender of the deceased are unknown.

Anyone who has information which could help in this investigation is asked to contact the State Police at 301-600-4151. They can remain anonymous.

By Kevin McManus

Nearly 200 residents evacuated and one firefighter injured after blaze at Potomac Towers.

HAGERSTOWN, MD (JK) – Authorities have arrested 33-year-old Stephen Jones following a high-rise apartment fire at Potomac Towers that prompted the evacuation of nearly 200 residents and injured one firefighter.

The Hagerstown Fire Department responded just after 3 a.m. on October 26 to an automatic fire alarm at the 14-story, 326-unit building at 11 W. Baltimore Street. Upon arrival, crews reported smoke throughout the building and upgraded the alarm to a full apartment fire, bringing additional area fire departments to the scene.

Firefighters quickly controlled the blaze on the eighth floor using the building’s standpipe system and began evacuating residents, many of whom are elderly or have limited mobility. Jones was rescued from his apartment balcony and transported to Meritus Medical Center, where he was later admitted.

Investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal determined that Jones had intentionally set multiple fires in his apartment and blocked access to firefighters by tipping over his refrigerator. On November 4, Jones was taken into custody and charged with first-degree arson, first-degree malicious burning, and reckless endangerment. He is currently being held without bond.

The fire caused an estimated $300,000 in damage. Residents displaced by the blaze were temporarily sheltered in the building’s community room with assistance from the American Red Cross. All other residents were able to return later that day.

By Jimmy Key

Frederick, Md. (DG) – A North Carolina man will spend more than a decade behind bars after being caught bringing fentanyl into Maryland.

The Frederick County States Attorneys Office is reporting on Tuesday 46-year-old Xerxus Belvin was sentenced to 16 years in prison for possessing a large amount of fentanyl and cocaine – and for importing fentanyl into the state.

The charges stem from an early-morning traffic stop on Route 15 in Frederick County back on April 25th. Deputies say Belvin was acting suspicious, prompting a search of his vehicle.

Inside, officers discovered about 1,000 grams of fentanyl, 500 grams of cocaine, and more than $3,000 in cash.