
Maryland Lottery & Gaming Urges Residents To Only Use Legal Sports Gambling Sites
It has a list of state-authorized gaming sites is available on line.
Baltimore, Md (KM) The college football season is starting up this week, and NFL players will begin playing their games on Thursday, September 4th. And that also means gambling. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency urges fans to use online gaming and sports sites authorized by the state. .
“This is a fun time of year for sports fans. Football season is something everybody looks forward and it’s also typically the busiest time of the year for sports wagering,” says Seth Elkin, a spokesman for Maryland Lottery and Gaming. “We want to remind everyone of the legal options for sports wagering in Maryland, and how to tell the difference between the legal and illegal options.”
Elkin says there are 11 online sports betting platforms and 13 fantasy sports platforms authorized in Maryland. He says there are the ones sports bettors in Maryland should use. “We have a list of all of Maryland’s authorized sports betting operators available at mdgaming.com. But there are lot of illegal sites that pose risks to consumers. So we want people to know the difference and know how to find the legal option,” he says.
“Those are the only 24 mobile platforms or online platforms where it is sate and legal in Maryland to place your wagers or to play,” Elkin continues. “Anything beyond those 24 is not licensed, is not authorized and it’s has not gone through the vetting process that the state has in place.”
Elkin says these approved platforms have to adhere to some stringent state requirements when it comes verifying their customers’ identities and protecting their personal data. The illegal sites are not are subject to this regulations. “There’s also no way to be sure that you’ll be paid if you win on an illegal platform, or to get help if you have a dispute with them,” he says.
Some of these illegal sites operate outside of the United States, and Elkin says they’re often out of reach from state and federal authorities. “You can contact us. You can contact the Consumer Protection Division of the Maryland Attorney General’s Office; and also the Federal Trade Commission looks into deceptive or fraudulent online business practices. So those are places you can go to contact somebody,. to alert someone to a problem But we don’t have the authority over them to pursue anything,” he says.
So in the end, Elkin says it’s better to deal with the 24 state-approved gaming platforms. “We know that there’s a lot of activity in sports wagering when the football season begins and want people to do it through the approved and licensed operators,” he says.
Gambling has become a part of the football season, but Elkin says don’t overdo it. “Please play responsibly no matter where you’re gambling. Any kind of gambling that you’re involved in, please play responsibly. within your means. Remember that it’s a form of entertainment. It’s not a way of generating income. Have fun with it. Keep it something fun. Keep it something social. . And please pay responsibly,” he says.
If you have a problem with gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
By Kevin McManus
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Parts Of Basford Rd To Be Closed Starting Next Week
The closures will take place during the daylight hours.
Frederick, Md (KM) A portion of Basford Road will be closed starting on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025. The Frederick County Department of Highway Operations says the closure will cover the area of 4110 to 4100 Basford Road, and will last for three days weather permitting.
The County says the closure will take place from 6:30 AM until 4:00 PM during the day. It will allow crews to replace a failing culvert pipe.
By Kevin McManus
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Brunswick Police Search for Suspect In An Assault
It occurred on August 21st at a local laundromat.
Suspect (top) and their vehicle (bottom) from an assault at the Missing Sock Laundromat (Photos from Brunswick Police)
Brunswick, Md (KM) Brunswick Police are investigating an assault at a local laundromat last week.
Authorities say on Thursday, August 21st, officers responded to the Missing Sock at 58 Souder Road. But the suspect fled prior to police arrival. However, officers were able to obtain video surveillance of the suspect and the vehicle they arrived in.
Brunswick Police are asking for the publics assistance in identifying the individual and the vehicle. If you have information on this individual, you’re asked to contact Brunswick Police at 301-600-2071. Refer to case number 2025-013040 when speaking with an officer.
By Kevin McManus
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Frederick County Council To Hold Hearing On Possible Legislation For 2026 General Assembly
One bill would cover data centers.
Frederick, Md (KM) Three initiatives that could come before the 2026 Maryland General Assembly will undergo a public hearing next week before the Frederick County Council. Board President Brad Young says one would change state law, and allow the county to impost a personal property tax on data centers.
“Data centers are a hot topic right now,” says Young. “Obviously, these are large buildings with millions of dollars of computers and other items that are inside. In other counties, tax on those is a personal property tax. That is something Councilmember {Steve} McKay has requested that the Legislature address.”
Another bill would make changes to the Disabled Veterans Property Tax Credit. “This one will ask the Legislature to allow us to set the income limit at which the person would quality for it,” says Young. “Because property prices in Frederick County have gone up so much, we want to make sure that we’re not missing out on veterans–disabled veterans–that could qualify for the credit, and we want the ability to set that locally.”
And a third piece of legislation would allow fire companies which hold gambling activities, such as bingo, to help raise money, to accept credit cards. “This is something that came about during the pandemic when much of the fund raising went on line, and they found it very problematic that folks could not use credit cards for that,” Young says.
That bill was proposed by Councilman Mason Carter.
A hearing on these three proposed bills is scheduled for Tuesday, September 2nd at Winchester Hall in Frederick beginning at 7:00 PM.
Citizens who can’t be there in person, but want to offer their input can call 1-855-925-2801, and type in meeting code 8365. Callers can press the number “2” on their phone to leave a voice mail message, or number “3” on their phone and be put in a queue to speak during the public comment portion of the meeting.
Residents can also send written comments to [email protected].
At this point, Young says there’s no date scheduled for the Council to vote on whether to move forward with these bills. “The Legislature doesn’t meet until January. And we are still at this point could have additional ones {bills} that come forth. But right now these are the only three that have been presented. So I would suspect that we will act on them in the next couple of weeks after the public hearing,” he says.
By Kevin McManus
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Frederick Man Sentenced For Serious Traffic Offenses In Montgomery County
His car struck a Montgomery County Police Officer. badly injuring him.
Rockville, Md (KM) Sentence was handed down on Wednesday to a Frederick man for an incident on Interstate 270 almost two years ago. Raphael Mayorga, 21, was given 22 years and 60 days in prison.
On October 18th, 2023, the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office says Mayorga was driving a Dodge Challenger at speeds in excess of 160 miles, per hour on I-270. . Sergeant Patrick Kepp and other police officers attempted to stop the vehicle by setting up stop sticks which would deflate the tires. When approaching, Mayorga veered to the left and struck Sergeant Kepp.
Sergeant Kepp taken to the hospital and ended up losing both of his legs. He underwent ten surgeries over an eight-month period following the crash, but he was able to return to work as a Montgomery County Police Officer.
During a news conference following sentencing, Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy praised the work of other officers for providing aid to Sergeant Kepp that day. “It was not only the work that they did on behalf of us trying to keep our road safe. The training they received as officers, they saved Patrick’s life,” he said. “Patrick, without the immediate, the immediate assistance he received from fellow officers, he would have bled to death on that street.”
Also speaking to reporters after the sentencing was Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada. “Sergeants Kepp, Seymour and Smith all gave meaningful and courageous statements to the court. And we are extremely pleased that Judge {Harry} Storm reminded the defendant that actions do have consequences,” he said.
District Court Judge Harry Storm said the sentence he imposed was above sentencing guidelines. He said the reasons were that the level of harm was excessive; special consequences of the victim being a police officer who previously warned the defendant about his conduct; a recommendation from the state; and the heinous nature of the defendant’s conduct.
Mayoga was convicted on April 11th, 2025 of 2nd-degree assault, failure to return to and remain at the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury, failure to stop as close as possible to the scene of accident resulting in serious bodily injury, and multiple counts of fleeing and eluding a uniformed police officer and a marked police vehicle.
“Trial was not the exact outcome that we wanted to say the least,” said Sergeant Kepp, who spoke during the news conference. “Today gives those of us that are are standing beside me and next to me, those that aren’t here–my family, my friends–some sense of closure.”
By Kevin McManus
... Continue ReadingTransIT Of Frederick County To Offer Stops At Cunningham Falls State Park
It will be a pilot program through Sept. 20th.
Frederick, Md (KM) If you regularly use TransIT of Frederick County, you can now take the bus to Cunningham Falls State Park. The county has included that stop on its Emmitsburg/ Thurmont Shuttle. It includes three weekday stops and two weekend stops.
“Access to parks and recreation should be available for everyone,” says Roman Streichen, Director of TransIT Services, in a statement. “TransIT Services is proud to make it easier for our community to enjoy places like Cunningham Falls. Our system already connects riders to the C&O Canal at Point of Rocks and Brunswick, as well as many other local and county parks.”
The stop at Cunningham Falls State Park is a pilot program that will remain in affect until Saturday, September 20th.
The county says this pilot supports the Livable Frederick vision of creating a more connected community where land use, transportation and public spaces work together to improve the quality of life.
Cunningham Falls is one of Frederick County’s most visited outdoor destinations. It’s known for hiking trails, fishing, boating, swimming and Maryland’s highest cascading waterfall. In a statement, the county says by expanding TransIT to Cunningham Falls, it says it’s making progress toward improving mobility and making sure everyone, no matter whether drive, bike or take public transportation, can explore Frederick County’s natural treasures.
Taking the TransIT bus is free for passengers, but visitors to Cunningham Falls State Park will still need to pay the admission fee.
By Kevin McManus
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Frederick County Students Scored Well On State Assessments In 2025
They were tested on math and English Language Arts.
Frederick, Md (KM) The Maryland State Department of Education has released the Comprehensive Assessment Program results for Frederick County Public Schools for 2025; and local public schools came in 4th in overall math and 5th in English Language Arts.
FCPS says students outperformed the state average by 11 to 14 percentage points in math, and 11 to 16 percentage points in English Language Arts.
“Once again, the achievement of our students continues to improve at all levels on the state’s various assessments,” says Dr. Frank Vetter, Director of Assessment, Data Reporting and Strategic Improvement, in a statement.
“We also know that we have an opportunity for growth this year with many students close to earning a proficient score.”
The MSDE Comprehensive Assessment Program has found that 63 percent of test-takers achieved a proficient or distinguished score to the English Language Assessment, which is a five-percentage point increase from the 2022-2023 baseline.
Also, the Assessment Program found that 65 percent of Third Grade students were proficient or higher in English Language Arts, a one-year gain of over 6 percentage points. The Assessment program considers Grade Three reading an important target in the State Education Department’s Comprehensive Pre-K Literacy Policy.
For middle school students, the Comprehensive Assessment Program found that 62 percent of students scored a proficient or distinguished score in English Language Arts which is a 4.5 percentage point increase from the 2022–2023 baseline. The proficiency rate for middle school math increased by 3.5 percentage points in one year
The Assessment also says 71 percent of first-time high school test takers scored proficient or distinguished on the English 10 Assessment,. The proficiency rate among high school Algebra I students increased by 5.4 percentage points.
“We are seeing evidence of progress in this metric; school and system improvement is a multi-year endeavor,” says Dr. Jaime Aliveto, the School System’s Chief of Schools and Accountability, in a statement. “While we are certainly pleased for our students who scored at proficient and distinguished performance levels, we’re also ready to support all of our students. Students scoring in the ‘developing learner’ performance level are partially proficient and require additional reinforcement and practice in the standards. Through the work of System Improvement Teams, we’re excited to have embedded tutoring opportunities built into our schedules for every FCPS school for the 2025-26 school year.”
In a statement, Frederick County Public Schools says each school has been reviewing multiple measures of student achievement throughout the summer to make sure that student needs and gaps in performance are being identified and addressed in the school’s improvement plan for the year.
Compared with the other school districts in the state, Frederick County Public Schools says it continues to remain among the top performers in Maryland..
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Frederick County Council Hears Testimony On Amended Data Centers Bill
A number of citizens urged elected to go slow on expanding data centers.
Frederick, Md (KM) A large number of people attended a public hearing before the Frederick County Council Tuesday night on an amended bill to set up an overlay on land designed for data centers. This would be for properties outside the former Eastalco site in Adamstown where data centers are already under construction.
Many of those who spoke, such as Johanna Springston, urged the Council to slow down on any data center legislation. “Why hasn’t the county obtained a cost-benefit analysis,” she asked. :”The SAGE report paid for by the Maryland Tech Council is biased in favor of the industry It just focuses on all the benefits and none of the costs that we are seeing the data industry bring to communities all over the country.”
Elizabeth Bauer with Envision Frederick Count said the latest Joint City and County Climate and Energy Action Plan calls data centers the largest source of projected greenhouse gas emissions in the county. “We simply do not know how expansion of the data center industry is going to impact the county’s ability to achieve its climate and renewable energy goals, to preserve its water resources, its air quality, its agricultural sector,” she said.
Data centers use a lot of water and electricity.
Like many citizens who spoke, Bauer urged the Council to slow down when it comes to data centers. “Why are rushing? We’ve not had a cost-benefit analysis of this. We don’t know what the expenses are going to be as we move forward with this. We hear about all the jobs; we hear about all the revenue. But where the facts to support that,” she asked.
Under this bill, for every one acre lost to agriculture for data centers five acres would be preserved. Also, data centers are expected to take up about one percent of the land in Frederick County.
During the hearing, Rick Weldon, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, said data centers are here to stay. “It’s going to happen. It’s going to continue to happen as long as we live a life dependent on information, artificial intelligence. the management and storage of that information” he said. “It will strengthen Frederick County’s future competitiveness from an economic standpoint; from an employment standpoint.”
Opponents of data centers point to Northern Virginia where there were few restrictions on data centers and they were allowed to proliferate. “This overlay., had something like that been adopted in Loudon County., we would not see the digital alley we all see and complain about,” Weldon said.
A vote on this bill by the Council is expected at a later date.
By Kevin McManus
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Teenager Arrested For Armed Robbery In Clarksburg
Police say he stabbed one of his victims.
Clarksburg, Md (KM) A Silver Spring teenager was arrested on Monday for an armed robbery in Clarksburg.. Alexis Alfaro, 16, was taken into custody following the incident in the 22700 block of Clarksburg Road.
Montgomery County Police say on Monday at around 8:50 PM, officers were dispatched for a report of a stabbing. They learned that two teenage boys were walking along Clarksburg Road when another teen approached from behind and tried to forcibly take the victim’s property. The youth and his friend fought back. The suspect pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim. He was transported do a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The other teenager was not hurt.
A search of was conducted, with the assistance of a drone. Alfaro was located and transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit without incident.
By Kevin McManus
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Teen Charged After Cascade Crime Spree Ends With Truck Fire
Frederick, MD (DG) – A dangerous crime spree in Cascade, Maryland ended with a 16-year-old facing charges Sunday afternoon.
Investigators say the juvenile broke into multiple vehicles before setting a 1995 Ford F-350 on fire along Lake Wastler Drive. Firefighters quickly arrived and contained the flames, but the truck was heavily damaged, with losses estimated at $7,500.
The teen fled the scene but was tracked down a short time later at a nearby gas station by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities say surveillance video clearly showed him breaking into the vehicles and sparking the fire with an open flame.
After consultation with the Department of Juvenile Services, the teen was charged and later released to his guardians.
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Montgomery County Police Seek Suspect in Shooting
Montgomery County detectives are asking for the public’s help after a shooting late Monday night.
Frederick, MD (DG) – Montgomery County Police are investigating a shooting that injured a juvenile late Monday night.
Officers were called to the area of Tanglewood Park around 11:50 p.m. and found the victim with a gunshot wound. Detectives say the shooting stemmed from a verbal dispute between the suspect and the teen. During the argument, the suspect pulled out a handgun and fired.
The victim’s condition has not been released. Police are now urging anyone with information to come forward. A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for tips that lead to an arrest. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Solvers of Montgomery County.
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Celebration In September To Mark The 50th Anniversary Of Elizabeth Ann Seton Being Declared A Saint
She’s the first American to be recognized as a Saint by the Roman Catholic Church.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (Picture from the Seton Shrine website)
Emmitsburg, Md (KM) A celebration is planned for mid-September for the 50th anniversary of the canonization of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.
Ron Judge, the Executive Director of the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, , says Seton was born in 1774, and lived in New York City. He says she was a socialite who married at age 19, and gave birth to five children. But she lost all of her money, and her husband died.
Seton was originally an Episcopalian who converted to Catholicism, and eventually came to Emmitsburg. “She came here in 1809. and lived here till her death inn 1821. And sent sisters out all over the country. They founded orphanages, schools and hospitals for over 200 years. And it all came right here from northern Frederick County. Pretty Cool,” says Judge.
She was canonized as a saint in 1975.
Judge says there is some significance in being a saint in the Catholic Church. “Essentially, the Catholic Church will look into the lives of people who lived remarkable lives,” he says. “They were following God’s commandments. They were kind to other people. They did what the Church would say are heroic acts of charity. And they study their life.”
Part of the canonization process involves miracles. “If favors are granted; if there are miracles that can be documented as having no physical explanation. There are three of those that are required through that lengthy process, and there are various steps. But eventually if all that checks out, the Church will declare someone as a saint.” Judge says.
“They’re in heaven. They had an exemplary life. We could all look them as a model and we can make our way to heaven,” Judge continues.
The celebration of the 50th anniversary of Elizabeth Ann Seton’s sainthood will take place from Friday, September 12th through Sunday, September 14th.
Judge says on Friday night, there will be a concert on the grounds of the Seton Shrine. “And we have classically-trained musicians coming up from the Peabody Institute the Juilliard School of Music in Baltimore. And they will be playing with their classical instruments hits from the 1970’s. Kind of a light, fun way to kick of the weekend,” he says.
Anyone who wants to attend this concert will need to purchase a ticket.
On Sunday, a mass will held at the Shrine. “William Lori, the Archbishop of Baltimore, will be saying the primary mass at 11-o’clock. We’ll have priests and bishops from around the country; sisters from around the country. And then all afternoon, we’ll have festive entertainment on the grounds of the Seton Shrine,” says Judge.
During the celebration, visitors can explore historic homes, visit museum exhibits and hear from people who are working to honor more than 20 other Americans who are on the path to sainthood. There will be musicians available, and there will be food trucks for those who get hungry, Judge says.
For more information., go on line to https://settonshrien.org/celebration/
By Kevin McManus
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Sobriety Checkpoint To Be Set Up In Carroll County This Weekend
Authorities say it will help reduce the number of impaired drivers.
Westminster, Md (KM) Some law enforcement agencies are setting up a sobriety checkpoint in Carroll County this weekend, August, 30th, 2025.. The Sheriff’s Office says the purpose is promote awareness and reduce the number of impaired drivers with the goal of keeping county roads safe for residents and travelers.
The location of the checkpoint is not being disclosed, but authorities say it will be marked with lights, signs and uniformed police officers.
The Sheriff’s Office is participating in this effort along with the Maryland State Police, and the Hampstead, Sykesville, Mount Airy and Westminster Police Departments.
These traffic checkpoints conducted by the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office are part of the Checkpoint Strikeforce campaign, and are funded in part by a grant from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office.,
According to the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, traffic crashes continue to be the leading cause of death for Maryland residents. Authorities urge motorists to drive sober, obey the speed limit, wear a seatbelt and eliminate distractions. If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 911.
By Kevin McManus
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Frederick County Health Department Looking For Dog Who Bit A Child On Wormans Mill Rd.
Animal Control needs to determine the animal’s health.
Frederick, Md (KM) A dog who bit a child along Wormans Mill Road at Market Square near Ibis Alley on is being sought by the Frederick County Health Department.
Officials say the dog, which is described as a medium size animal with white and fluffy fur, bit the child on Sunday evening as she was riding her bicycle past two dogs. The second canine who was with the biting dog is described as a black and fluffy medium size dog. A woman walking the two dogs is a young adult with brown hair.
The Health Department says it needs to contact the owner to determine the health of the canine ten days after the child was bitten. If Frederick County Animal Control determines dog’s health is good, the child will not need to undergo expensive rabies treatment. If not, the child will be advised to seek treatment for rabies.
Anyone who knows the owner of this dog, can contact Frederick County Animal Control at 301-600-1544, Try and get the owner’s address and phone number.
If the animal which interacted with your pet is wildlife, you’re urged to contact your veterinarian, if applicable, and call the Environmental Health Services at 301-600-1717.
For those who have been exposed to rabies call 301-600-3342.
Citizens who want general information about rabies should call 301-600-1717. They can also go on line to health.frederickcountyumd.gov/258/Rabies.
By Kevin McManus
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Leesburg Teacher Arrested In Solicitation Of Minor Investigation

Frederick, Md. (DG) – Leesburg police have arrested a local elementary school teacher in connection with a solicitation of a minor investigation.
The case began in March 2025 when authorities in Florida notified Leesburg Police that a suspect believed to reside in the area was under investigation.
Detectives launched a thorough investigation, executing multiple search warrants, and identified 28-year-old Antonio Ford as the suspect.
On Wednesday, August 20, an arrest warrant was issued, and Ford was taken into custody at Lovettsville Elementary School, where he is employed. He is now being held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with additional information to contact the Leesburg Police Department at 703-771-4500.
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Man Arrested In Leesburg For Secretly Filming Multiple Victims At Stores

Leesburg, VA (DG) – A Virginia man is facing multiple charges after police say he secretly filmed people at several stores across the state. Leesburg authorities say 36-year-old Tate Dietrich filmed an individual at the Target on Edwards Ferry Road on June 28 without their knowledge or consent, leaving the store before officers arrived.
Through their investigation, detectives identified four victims connected to the incident and discovered Dietrich had carried out similar acts in stores in Bedford and Roanoke County. On August 11, police executed a search warrant at his Bedford residence, arresting him and seizing evidence for analysis.
By August 21, authorities had obtained four warrants charging Dietrich with unlawful filming. He is now being held at Blue Ridge Regional Jail in Lynchburg. Police say the case remains under investigation, and they are continuing to look into the full extent of his actions across the region.
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Four People Shot Outside Hagerstown Bar, One Seriously Injured
Four people had been shot-three suffered non-life-threatening injuries, while one remains in serious condition
Hagerstown, Md. (DG) – Gunfire outside a Hagerstown bar left four people injured early Sunday morning.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office says the shooting happened just after 2:15 a.m. at The Chop Bar on John F. Kennedy Drive. When deputies arrived, they were met with a large crowd gathered outside and immediately began working to control the scene and search for victims.
Investigators later confirmed that four people had been shot-three suffered non-life-threatening injuries, while one remains in serious condition. Detectives are continuing to piece together what led up to the violence.
Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information, to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 240-313-2186. Anonymous tips will also be accepted.
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Loudoun County Crash Claims Life Of 20-Year-Old Driver
Authorities in Loudoun County are investigating a deadly crash that claimed the life of a 20-year-old man Saturday night.
Frederick, Md. (DG) – Authorities in Loudoun County are investigating a deadly crash that left a young man dead Saturday night.
Deputies say it happened just after 7:30 on Hidden Hills Lane, when a car went off the road and slammed into a tree. The driver, 20-year-old Daniel Rivera of Berryville, was pulled from the wreckage by bystanders before emergency crews arrived. He was rushed to the hospital but did not survive.
The Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit is now handling the investigation, and officials are asking anyone who witnessed the crash to call 703-777-1021.
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Carroll County Sheriff Expresses Opposition To MPRP
But he says he will continue to enforce the law, and keep the peace in Carroll County.
Carroll County Sheriff Jim Dewees
Frederick, Md (KM) There’s strong opposition in the region to the proposed Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project, and one of those opposed is Carroll County Sheriff Jim Dewees.
MPRP is a proposed 500-kilovolt electric transmission line which will travel through northern Baltimore County, central Carroll County and southern Frederick County, ending at the Doubs substation in Adamstown.
“And the Piedmont Reliability Group: their messaging was horrible,” Sheriff Dewees said. “One of the first things they came out and said was eminent domain. If you don’t like it, we’re going to take it. I’m not a fan of it at all. I’m doing everything I can to stop it.”
But Sheriff Dewees says he will continue to enforce the law in Carroll County, and keep the peace. “Understand, that I won’t allow any civil unrest or any crime to take place while they’re navigating. Certainly, I’m going to protect—regardless of whether it’s the Piedmont Group or the landowners themselves–but I’m pushing this through the courts with everybody else to try and influence it so that it stops this project in its tracks.”
Dewees was a guest recently on WFMD’s “Morning News Express.”
Representatives from Public Service Enterprise Group, a New Jersey utility charged with building the line, say they need to enter the affected properties to do environmental surveys as part of the approval process for MPRP. But they say the property owners have refused to let them on their lands, and have even threatened them with violence. The property owners deny that.
Sheriff Dewees says land owners have a right to deny PSEG representatives from entering their properties. “The Stop MPRP group has been able to advise the landowners on how to approach the surveyors. I certainly don’t want surveyors to be assaulted, harmed or anything like that. And they will notify you they’re coming on to your property. And you have a right to say ‘you’re coming on to my property.’ And then they’ve got to take that to the courts,” he says
If this project is approved by the Maryland Public Service Commission and is eventually constructed, Dewees say it’s won’t be around very long. “They can get their eminent domain and they can throw up these towers. I promise you five, ten years down the road, those towers are going to be obsolete. They’re going to waste everybody’s time because there’s going to be another energy source in order to get energy to those data centers. They’re going to plow through some really nice properties,” Sheriff Dewees says.
The electricity traveling through these transmission lines is expected to power data centers in northern Virginia.
By Kevin McManus
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Man Arrested By Frederick Police On Weapons, Drug Charges
Police say he had a manufactured handgun without a serial number.
Frederick, Md (KM) A traffic stop Wednesday evening in Frederick led to the arrest of a man on weapons and drug charges.
At around 8:30 PM, police say officers patrolling in the area of Hamilton Street stopped a white Chevrolet Malibu leaving the area at a high rate of speed. Because of reports of drug activity in that area, officers asked that a drug canine be brought to the scene to do a sniff. The dog indicated the presence of drugs in the vehicle.
A search was conducted, and officers say they found suspected crack cocaine, and a Glock-style nine millimeter handgun. It was equipped with a Glock Conversion Device which would allows the weapon to be fired in full automatic.
Malkin Kevin Martin, 21, is charged with having a loaded handgun in a vehicle, having a handgun in a vehicle, possession of a firearm without a serial number and possession of drugs.
He was taken to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center.
By Kevin McManus
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