FMD

The County Council approved the change on Tuesday.

Frederick, Md (KM) Some changes were approved on where cannabis dispensaries can be placed in Frederick County, In a 4-3 vote on Tuesday, the County Council agreed to reduce distance requirements for those shops from 1500 feet to 500 feet away from existing public and private schools, parks, libraries, playgrounds recreation centers, childcare centers and family child care homes.  The bill also removes distance requirements from properties which are planned for such uses.

The legislation also updates distance requirements for cannabis dispensaries to 100 feet from  residential zones and near Places of worship.

Thee changes follow actions by the General Assembly.

Councilman Steve McKay says he understands that these changes are needed so that the county is in compliance with state law. “However, personally, because I disagree with all of the changes made. I think we have reasonable language in our zoning ordinance. I cannot in good conscience approve this. So I won’t,” he said,

Councilman Mason Carter said he “echoed” Councilman McKay comments.

Also voting in opposition was Council President Brad Young. “When this originally came up, they gave some pretty strict numbers that they wanted to us to make sure that we weren’t being overly restrictive on where they could go. And I think we did a reasonable job of coming up with numbers that were well within those limits and practical. I just cannot support so I will be voting no,” he said.

Council members Jerry Donald, Kavonte Duckett, M.C. Keegan-Ayer and Renee Knapp voted in favor of the ordinance. Donald said the county needs to comply with the changes in state law regarding the location of  cannabis dispensaries. “I understand the idea of this. I understand personally not liking this. I get that. But in the end, I think we have to comply with this as our responsibility to the taxpayers in Frederick County,” he said.

The 2025 Maryland General Assembly approved Senate Bill 213 that reduces the distance requirements a county may place on cannabis dispensaries. They can be 500 feet or less from existing public and private schools, parks, libraries, playgrounds, recreation centers, childcare centers, and Places of Worship   It also removes the County’s authority to place distance requirements on properties planned for these uses. .

By Kevin McManus

AAA says this year’s forecast is ‘essentially flat’ compared to last year.

Baltimore, Md (KM) The roads could be a little crowded next week as travelers head out to enjoy Thanksgiving.   AAA says .1.5 million Marylanders will be traveling for the upcoming holiday weekend. Ragina Ali, Manager of Government and Public Affairs for the Auto Club, says it’s a slight increase from last year, but it’s essentially flat. “Some of the minus factors may be in play, recognizing factors like economic uncertainty. Maryland actually has lost probably more federal jobs than any other state in the country this year. So that could certainly be a factor as well,”; she says,.

AAA says 1.37 million Marylanders will be traveling by car this year. Ali says if you are driving to your destination, make sure your vehicle is “road ready.” “Last Thanksgiving holiday, nationally AAA came to the rescue of more than 600,000 drivers who had vehicle issues. So make sure that your car is ready for the trip whether you’re going around the corner or traveling out of state. That’s very important. Check your tire pressure, your tire depth. Check your battery, things of that nature,”  says Ali.

And when you  leave  is just as important if you want to avoid heavy traffic. “Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to be very busy days on the roadway, particularly in the middle part of the day into the early evening. So if you’re planning on traveling Tuesday or Wednesday, you want to travel really early in the morning or late at night,” says Ali.

The heaviest travel times next week are projected to be Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day, November 27th, and all day on Sunday as travelers head back home, says AAA.

The national average gas price for this year, according to AAA, is $3.09 per gallon, although prices in Maryland have been trending upward.

Th Auto Club says 104,000 Marylanders are expected to fly to their destinations this year for Thanksgiving. Ali says there could be some lingering affects from the now-ended  government shutdown when there were not enough air traffic controllers. “With the Federal Aviation Administration lifting commercial flight restrictions earlier this week, those taking to the skies this holiday should have a little less anxiety as the holiday approaches,” she says.

But anyone who is flying to their holiday destination should arrive at the airport early. “There may certainly still be some residual affects from whist we saw earlier with the Federal Aviation Administration and the air travel industry. So make sure you’re giving yourself plenty and plenty of time to get through the airport; to get through TSA security checkpoints,”: says Ali

She also says download the APP from  the airline you are using to keep up to date on information such as late arrivals and canceled flights.

AAA also says 29,000 Marylanders are expected to travel by other modes of transportation such as by bus, train or cruise for the holiday weekend.

By Kevin McManus

He pleaded guilty to that charge in October.

Matthew Sidney Watley.  (Photo from Frederick County State’s Attoreny’s; Office)

Frederick, Md. (KM) A Sicklerville, New Jersey man was sentenced Thursday in Frederick County Circuit Court for 2nd-degree murder.  Matthew Sidney Watley, 48, was given the maximum of 40 years for the murder of Candice Thompson, 46, also of Sicklerville. Watley pleaded guilty to 2nd-degree murder on October 21st, 2025.  . He is getting credit for time served since September 24th, 2023.

The Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office says at around 1:31 AM on September 24th, 2023, Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the Costco warehouse at 5236 Intercoastal Drive in New Market for a welfare check. Costco Security says a man was yelling and screaming at his truck, punching its window.

Deputies tried to make contact with the man, who was operating his vehicle. But he refused their demands to  shut off the engine. Additional deputies arrived at the scene as the man was driving toward the gate house.
They were able to stop the man from leaving by using stop sticks on the truck, deflating the tires.   He was told to get out the vehicle and was placed in handcuffs.

A search of the vehicle was conducted and Thompson’s body was found lying face down on the floor. She appeared to have multiple stab wounds on her back, according to the State’s Attorney’s Office. Medics arriving at the scene pronounced her deceased.

Thompson’s body was taken to the State Medical Examiner’s Office where an autopsy determined Thompson died from blunt and sharp force trauma. .

Watley was charged with 1st- and 2nd-degree murder for Thompson’s death. .  He was taken to Frederick Health Hospital where he remained for medical and mental health treatment.

Detectives investigating the incident say the two were in a dating relationship in New Jersey where they had a history of domestic violence.

“What a tragic loss of life, ” says State’s Attorney Charlie Smith, in a statement. “My heart goes out to the family. Domestic violence homicides are becoming more epidemic in the our country. These violent offenders need to be treated harshly at the onset before they go on to take the life of their intimate partner.”

Thompson’s mother addressed the court on Thursday during sentencing. “I don’t want to live after what this monster did to my daughter; he destroyed my family,”  she said.

By Kevin McManus

Loudoun County Sheriff says investigation began after chief reported suspicious charges.

Loudoun County, VA (JK) – The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office has charged the chief of the Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department with embezzling station funds following an investigation into questioned purchases made on a department credit card.

Detectives arrested 66-year-old William Graham II of Ashburn after he reported what he claimed were fraudulent charges totaling about $2,000 on his AVFRD-issued card. Investigators say the case instead pointed to the misuse of station funds, leading to a charge of Embezzlement by a Public Officer.

Graham was taken to the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center and later released on an unsecured bond.

The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information related to the case to contact Detective Butterfield at 703-777-1021. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Loudoun County Crime Solvers at 703-777-1919 or through the sheriff’s office mobile app.

One change would provide discounts to senior citizens who own pets.

Frederick, Md (KM) Legislation to update regulations covering pet ownership is expected to come before the Frederick County  Council. The bill being proposed by County Executive Jessica Fitzwater would establish a new fee schedule for pet licenses. It would also allow lifetime licenses for dogs and cats who are spayed or neutered. “This bill will also offer a senior discount for pet licensing. We feel this is very important because we know that older adults benefit from the companionship of animals, and we want to make sure that licensing is not a barrier to them,” says Fitzwater

Other changes would update the definition of “dangerous dogs,” and require owners of potentially dangerous dogs to update their addresses. “The revisions to our definitions of dangerous dog and potentially dangerous dog will better align with the broadly accepted standards that are set by what’s called the Dunbar  Dog Bite Scale. This is something that is used in Animal Control Divisions across the nation,” she says.,

The proposed legislation would also clarify leash requirements, and update the “proper standards” definition.

Fitzwater says these changes are recommendations from Frederick County Animal Control, and will improve animal welfare and enhance publics   safety. “We believe that our community is always going to support efforts that benefit public health and safety,” she says. “We think that all of the amendments we are proposing in this bill all lead us to that greater public health and public safety. So we feel like there’s going to be plenty of support for this bill.”

The County Council is scheduled to hold a workshop on this legislation on Tuesday, November 25th beginning at 5:30 PM.

By Kevin McManus

The fire generated a lot of smoke.

Photos from the building fire, 6000 block of Baltimore National Pike (Photos from Frederick County Fire & Rescue Services)

Frederick, Md (KM) A building fire on the Golden Mile in Frederick Wednesday afternoon generated a lot of smoke.

Just after 2:15,PM, fire fighters were dispatched to the 6900 block of Baltimore National Pike between Old Camp Road and Bowers Road.  Fire officials say  personnel saw a two-story commercial building with fire going through the roof, and heavy fire on the first two stories in the front and one story in the rear..

Fire fighters were able to bring the flames under control by around 2:45 PM. . Crews continued to check for hot spots. Officials say the fire was declared out just before 3:30 PM.

Fire Marshals were called to the scene to investigate.

Two people were evaluated at the scene, and taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation.

By Kevin McManus

The money will be in the form of grants for non-profits, and to alleviate food insecurity.

Frederick, Md (KM) In a 6-1 vote on Tuesday, the Frederick County Council agreed to appropriate $.2.5 million to assist those in the community who are still being impacted by the federal government shutdown which ended last week.

Even though it’s over, county officials say people are still hurting, especially those who lost their jobs, were laid off, or were without paychecks for more than a month, and had to rely on food banks for help.

Chief Financial Officer Dan Lewis said $1.5 million of the appropriation will be used to provide HEART grants to non-profits organizations. HEART stands for Helping Empower Area Resources Together. “This initiative continues our commitment to mitigate the impacts of the longest federal shutdown in US History on our non-profit partners,:” he said. “HEART is designed to stabilize and strengthen essential services, particularly those who experienced financial hardship due to the shutdown.”

Non-profits can apply for HEART grants of up to $50,000. “So the grant will be open to 501C3 non-profit organizations with a physical presence in Frederick County and serving a majority of Frederick County residents. And they have to have a demonstrated impact due to the federal government shutdown,:” Lewis says.

The remaining $1 million will go to food banks and other food support organizations. “The program is a direct response to the increased food insecurity caused by recent federal actions, including the delays in the SNAP benefits program and federal layoffs,”  says John Peterson, the County’s Chief Administrative Officer. “This initiative reflects our administration’s commitment to addressing hunger and food access by partnering with the Community Foundation of Frederick County to distribute food to eligible organizations.”

Councilman Mason Carter cast the lone “no: vote against appropriating these funds. While acknowledging it to be a worthy cause, Cater said the county could be facing an impact from the state’s financial problems. :”I’m so uncertain about the budget that’s coming down from our state with the deficit that we’re in that I wouldn’t be surprised if yet again, we’ll be on the hook for more funds that are historically funded by the state,” he said.

Council Vice President Kavonte Duckett voted in favor of the appropriation. “Many in our community were facing challenges before the government shutdown that were very real and transparent, and this event has done nothing but heighten that urgency and make the need ever more present,” he said.

Noting that people are still hurting, Councilman Jerry Donald voted for the appropriation. “It bothers me that it takes so long for us to begin the process to the end of the process,” he said. “The next government shutdown is probably going to be the end of January unless the government gets its act together–don’t everybody hold their breath at once. So the timing may be perfect.”

The continuing resolution passed by Congress to reopen the federal government expires in late January.

By Kevin McManus

Aftermath of a house fire at 13800 block of Old National Pike, east of Clear Spring,

(Photo  from Md. State Fire Marshal’s Office)

Clear Spring, Md (KM) The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a fatal house fire in Washington County Tuesday morning.

Fire officials say personnel were dispatched at around 4:30 AM to the 13800 block of Old National Pike east of Clear Spring for a house fire. When they arrived, they found the building well involved, and requested additional units as well as a tanker task force.

During a primary search of the home, fire fighters located one man and two women. All three were pronounced dead at the scene. Their names have not been released.

Two family dogs were safely rescued, and turned over to the SPCA.

In addition to the Fire Marshal’s Office, the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement and Forensic Science Divisions are investigating this fire.

By Kevin McManus

Discussion will be about the city’s; budget.

Frederick, Md (KM) The City of Frederick is holding five town halls over the next few weeks on the municipal budget. Officials say they will discuss updates on the city’s budget. Citizens can come to these  town halls to engage in conservations about the city’s financial plans.

The town halls will begin next week. Here is the schedule:

First Meeting
Date and Time: Monday, November 24, 2025, 6:00 to 7:00 PM.
Location: First Missionary Baptist Church – Sanctuary Room, 6430. Jefferson Pike, Frederick, MD 21702.
District 2. Neighborhood Advisory Councils (NACs) 8 and 10.

Second Meeting
Date and Time: Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.
Location: Daybreak Adult Day Services Inc., 7819 Rocky Springs Road, Frederick, MD 21702.
District 1. NACs 1 and 5.

Third Meeting
Date and Time: Monday, December 8, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.
Location: Worman’s Mill Clubhouse, 2470 Stoney Creek Road, Frederick, MD. 21701.
District 4. NACs 3, 4, and 7.

Fourth Meeting:
Date and Time: Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.
Location: Municipal Annex, Conference Room C, 140 West Patrick Street, Frederick, MD. 21701.
District 3. NACs 6, 9, 10, 11 and 12.

Fifth Meeting:
Date and Time: Monday, December 15, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.
Location: Whitaker Commons at Hood College, 401 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick, MD 21701.
District 5. NACs 1, 2, 4 and 6.

City officials urge residents to come to these town hall meetings, and contribute their input which is so vital in making sure the budget reflects the needs of a diverse community, according to a news release from the City of Frederick.

By Kevin McManus

It would require businesses that expand and provide new jobs to pay ‘family sustaining’ wages.

Frederick, Md (KM) Some changes are being proposed to Frederick County’s tax credit for businesses that expand and create new jobs.  County Executive Jessica Fitzwater says companies which benefit from the tax credit would have to create new jobs that have family-sustaining wages.

“Frederick County’s economic development tools should reflect our community values. By aligning the New Jobs Tax Credit with regional livable wages, we are ensuring that public incentives  support the creation of quality jobs—ones that allow residents to thrive, not just get by. This legislation is a meaningful step toward a more equitable and sustainable local economy,” says Fitzwater, in a statement.

Currently, businesses that expand in Frederick County may be eligible for the tax credit if they expand in priority funding areas, and create at least 25 full time jobs over a two-year period.   In order to be eligible, businesses are currently required to pay employees 150 percent of the federal minimum wage which is about $10.86 per hour Under this proposed legislation, the businesses that expand and create new jobs would be required to pay the “average wage” for the Frederick region which is approximately $30 per hour, according to the county.

The County Executive says this bill will be presented during a County Council workshop on Tuesday, November 25th.

By Kevin McManus

Suspect faces multiple charges after retrieving a handgun outside a downtown establishment and driving away.

LEESBURG, Va. (JK) — A Florida man was arrested early Saturday morning in Leesburg after authorities say he displayed a firearm while intoxicated outside a local business.

According to Leesburg Police, officers responded at approximately 12:53 a.m. on November 15 to the 500 block of East Market Street following reports of an intoxicated man who had been escorted from an establishment. Investigators say the man, later identified as 42-year-old Jon E. Holland of Orlando, Florida, returned to his vehicle, retrieved a handgun, and displayed it in front of the business before driving away.

Police located Holland in a nearby parking lot and conducted a traffic stop. He was arrested and charged with brandishing a firearm, carrying a handgun while intoxicated, and driving while intoxicated. Authorities recovered a loaded and unsecured firearm inside his vehicle.

Holland is being held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center without bond. Anyone with additional information about the incident is asked to contact the Leesburg Police Department at 703-771-4500.

By Jimmy Key

He says a lot of the opposition is based on ‘politics.’

Frederick, Md (KM). Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins continues to strongly support his agency’s affiliation with the 287g program. That’s where the staff at the County Detention Center determine the immigration status of individuals brought into the jail facing charges.

During a recent appearance on WFMD’s “Morning News Express,”  Jenkins said he will fight efforts by some elected officials in the General Assembly to end the programs. “And I will do everything I can at the state level to fight that legislation. I will mobilize sheriffs, police chiefs,  every resource I can,” he says.

Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater has put a position statement in her 2026 Legislative Package calling for banning local police cooperation with federal immigration efforts. In a recent appearance on the “Morning News Express,.” she said many residents feel less safe with 287g. But Jenkins says the program has made the county more safe. “Listen, I don’t how many people come to her and say ‘I don’t feel safe.’ I can tell you how many people come to me and say, ‘Sheriff, keep doing what you’re doing because we do feel safe,'” he said. “As a matter of fact, I’ve had people to come to me and say ‘listen, I moved into Frederick County because it’s a safe place because of this program.'”

He also says there’s another benefit. “The reason we’re not seeing ICE raids in Frederick County like you do in Chicago, Baltimore it’s because what we’ve been doing here for 17 and 18 years is so effective is we don’t have the priority criminal targets. That’s why you’re not seeing the ICE raids,” Jenkins says.

He also takes issue with critics who say deputies pull over divers because of their race. “You know what. I’ve been policing in the county 36 years, and I’ve never witnessed or never experienced in our agency, or any agency, any officers taking any action based on race. I’ve just never seen it,” he says. “Does it happen occasionally? Maybe it does in other jurisdictions. I just do not believe right here it does. I really don’t.”

He says a lot of the debate over 287g and other federals immigration  enforcement programs is based on politics, not public safety. “Personally, I think anybody who doesn’t view this program as beneficial it’s political. The Democrats don’t like it; the Republicans do,” he says.

Senator Karen Lewis Young says she plans to introduce a bill to limit how law enforcement can participate in immigration enforcement. “They’ll go down there this year. again, and they’ll force legislation to try to end this program. again  led by Karen Lewis Young,”  he says. “I don’t think she cares about public safety. It’s all about politics.”

By Kevin McManus

She was  named Executive Director of the Md. State’s Attorney’s Association.

Frederick, Md (KM) A long time prosecutor with the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office is moving on to a new position. Deputy State’s Attorney Kristen Brown was named to and  has accepted the position of Executive Director of the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Association.

In this new position, Brown will support elected State’s Attorneys across Maryland, distribute statistics involving prosecution, evaluate and approve Victim Protection and Relocation Program funding, testify before Maryland legislative committees in Annapolis,   and prosecute conflict cases.

Since 1999, Brown has been with the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office where she worked in the District Courts, as a prosecutor with the Special Victims Unit,  Chief of Violent Crimes, and as Deputy State’s Attorney.  As result of her new position, Brown will retire from the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office where she has worked for 26 years.

“This is a tremendous personal and professional loss for me and my office,” says State’s Attorney Charlie Smith, in a statement. “Kirsten has been an outstanding prosecutor and a  leader who has done countless good for the citizens of Frederick County. The silver lining that she will   continue her good work on the state level with the MSAA.”

By Kevin McManus

It will be held on Wed,. Nov. 19th.

Frederick, Md (KM) An Open House and Resource Fair will be held on Wednesday, November `19th at the Veterans Services Center at Goodwill  at 1750 Monocacy Boulevard. Suite A in Frederick.

The event will take place from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and it will feature more than 20 of the best veteran and first responder service providers in Frederick such as Reforge, the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, Warrior Canine Connection and Guitars for Vets.

The Fair honors the three-year anniversary of the Veterans Services Center at Goodwill.

The event is open to the public.

By Kevin McManus

She will officially take over on Nov. 21st.

Beth Woodring, Acting Director, Division  of Economic Opportunity.  (Photo from Frederick County, Md Government)

Frederick, Md (KM) Beth Woodring has been named Acting Director of the Frederick County Division of Economic Opportunity. Her appointment becomes effective Friday, November 21st.

Woodring brings more than two decades of economic development, financial operations and public service experience to the job, according to a news release from the County Executive’s Office.

“We are home to one of Maryland’s fastest growing and most diversified economies, and Beth Woodring will continue our work to retain  and grow local business,” says County Executive Jessica Fitzwater, in a statement. “She shares our commitment to collaboration and will be an active partner to our business community and resource for companies who want to invest and  grow here.”

Woodring joined the Frederick County Office of Economic Development in 2019, and serves as  the Division of Economic Opportunity’s Director of Financial Operations.

She replaces Lara Fritts who was recently named President and CEO of the Greater Green Bay Chamber in Wisconsin.

In a news release, the County says it will advertise this position this month, and conduct “an open and complete process” to locate a new permanent Director for the Division of Economic Opportunity.

By Kevin McManus

New jobs listed

Lrg Animal Caretaker II (2163156)

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Feeding and housing of laboratory animals including nonhuman primates (NHP)
General laboratory animal housekeeping
Cage cleaning, changing and sanitation
Providing occupational, structure, social and edible enrichment to ensure animal well-being
Cleaning tasks associated with the upkeep of a research animal facility
Wage range: $38,700.00 – $66,500.00

Protocol Navigator II (2163146)

As part of the Protocol Navigation/Protocol Development Program (PN/PDP), the Protocol Navigator II:

Provides protocol development and implementation support for NIAID intramural research protocols conducted domestically and internationally.
Serves as the point-of-contact and project manager for an assigned portfolio of projects.
Orchestrates meetings with Principal Investigators (PIs) and other key research staff to identify the level of support needed, creating timelines and managing protocol start-up logistics.
Works directly with PIs and Medical Writers (MWs) on the design, plan, production, and revision of study documents, including applying clinical and regulatory knowledge to the review of protocol and informed consent documents.
Ensures activities are conducted in a logical and timely manner and in accordance with policies and guidelines…and much more!
Wage range: $ 90,500.00 – $155,625.00

Project Manager V, CONNECT, CGR (2163155)

Cancer Genomics Research Labs (CGR) is recruiting a Project Manager V that will be responsible for oversight of the entire lifecycle of baseline and follow-up Connect biospecimens. As part of the Connect Biospecimen Team, oversight will include biospecimen collection, handling, shipment, processing, and sample use for scientific purposes across Connect partnering recruitment sites, processing laboratories, biorepositories, CGR and DCEG. There are additional responsibilities and limited travel required.

Wage range: $124,300.00 – $213,625.00

Administrative Assistant (2162986)

The Administrative Assistant provides essential support across multiple service areas, including tax preparation, planning, bookkeeping, payroll, and business setup. The role requires phone and in person communication and coordination on behalf of tax professionals acting as a liaison between clients and agency partners to include with, but not limited to, tax preparation support, tax planning assistance, payroll, and IT assistance; also schedules appointments and manages the office calendar, collects and gathers tax documents and information, and prepares and maintains essential reports and spreadsheets. Seasonal position with opportunity for permanent role.

Starting wage: $15/hr.

Executive Director of Camps (313003)

Responsible for overseeing the development of all operational areas of Association Camps Programming and Camp West Mar. This position will be responsible for recruitment, training and support of all assigned staff delivering the highest level of programming to YMCA members, guests and program participants through experienced, quality, efficient and courteous delivery of services. Application deadline: November 24th.

Salary: $62-65K/yr

Business Operations Manager (2163407)

seeking an experienced and dynamic Business Operations Manager to oversee and optimize operations for Commercial, Federal Contracts, and other Public Sector projects. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of strategic vision, financial acumen, and operational expertise to drive efficiency and innovation across MTC’s IT services and office lease management offerings. This role requires a strong leader who can navigate complex regulatory environments, manage cross-functional teams, and foster relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Wages: $90-120K/yr

Landscape Porter (2163633)

Join Ruppert Landscape as a Landscape Porter in Frederick, MD, where you’ll help maintain a high-visibility commercial site with tasks like trash removal, light cleaning, and debris control. This full-time role offers steady hours, and year-round employment with a supportive, family-oriented company that values growth, training, and work-life balance. Enjoy competitive benefits, a company-issued phone, and the chance to be part of a team that takes pride in its people, customers, and community.

Wage Range: $18-$20/hour

Assistant Field Manager (2163634)

Join Ruppert Landscape as an Assistant Field Manager – Landscape Maintenance, where you’ll lead daily operations, mentor crew members, and ensure high-quality service on commercial contracts. This hands-on role offers full-time hours, and the chance to grow within a supportive, employee-owned company that values training, customer care, and environmental stewardship. Enjoy competitive benefits, flexible work-life balance, and a family-oriented culture with year-round opportunities.

Wage Range: $18-$20/hour

Crew Leader – Landscape Maintenance (2163636)

Join Ruppert Landscape as a Crew Leader – Landscape Maintenance, where you’ll lead crews, manage materials, and build strong client relationships to ensure high-quality service on commercial contracts. This leadership role offers the opportunity to mentor team members, oversee daily operations, and contribute to a company that values growth, training, and environmental stewardship. Enjoy a supportive, family-oriented culture with competitive benefits, year-round stability, and room to grow in an employee-owned organization.

Wage Range: $45,000 – $53,000

Still Recruiting:

Automotive Care & Detailing Technician (2162089)

Community Coordinator (2163128)

Office Manager (2163254)

Digital Designer (2163262)

Enterprise Account Executive (2162540)

Field Technician (2161238)

Construction Material Field Technician (2162482)

Medical Assistant (2163365)

Youth Development Specialist (2163366)

Facilities Services (2163368)

Maryland State Police say 53-year-old David Comer of Westminster was struck and killed around 9:45 last night on westbound Route 140 near Gorsuch Road.

Westminster, Md. (DG) – Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash in Carroll County.

Troopers say 53-year-old David Comer of Westminster was struck and killed just before 9:45 Friday night along westbound Route 140 near Gorsuch Road. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say Comer and another pedestrian were running from the grassy median when they tried to cross the westbound lanes. That’s when Comer entered the roadway and was hit by a Kia Optima.

The driver, 18-year-old Bridget Dautermann, and her passenger, 18-year-old Edgar Herrera, were not injured in the crash. But police say immediately afterward, the second pedestrian – 24-year-old Zachary Comer, David’s son – assaulted Herrera. Both were taken to the hospital. Charges against Zachary Comer are pending.

All lanes of Route 140 were shut down for about three hours.

The Maryland State Police Crash Team is leading the ongoing investigation.

PSEG plans to build the Md. Piedmont Reliability Project.

Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater

Frederick, Md (KM) Frederick County has joined other local governments and other parties in asking the Public Service Commission to dismiss the application from Public Service Enterprise Group to construct the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project. “We are joining a motion to actually dismiss the case due to the fact the schedule that the Public Service Commission has put out is really not going to allow this project to move in the time frame that they have to,” says Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater, who was a guest recently on WFMD’s “Morning News Express.”

PSEG has asked for approval by the PSC by March, 2026, with the line up and running by June, 2027   PJM, which manages the regional grid, says the region could be subject to potential power blackouts and voltage collapse by June, 2027  if nothing’s done. . The PSC’s schedule pushes final briefs to February, 2027.

MPRP is a proposed 67-mile electric transmission line beginning in northern Baltimore County, continuing through central Carroll County and into southern Frederick County, ending at the Doubs substation in Adamstown. Opponents say Maryland won’t be seeing any of that electricity transmitting through those wires. Instead, it will be going to northern Virginia to power data centers.

Fitzwater says these electric lines will pass over a number of agricultural properties. “The route is proposed to go through land that is under agricultural easements.; land preservation easements, in some cases. floodplains or other natural sensitive areas,” she says. “These are in some cases farms where property owners have spent generations working this land, and putting their own investments into preserving this land.”

Even though local governments have no say in whether utility projects  like MPRP, are approved or denied, Fitzwater says she and other officials and citizens can  let the PSC know how they feel. “What we are doing is really amplifying the voice of our residents, especially the property owners that are being impacted by the proposed route,” she says.

In her comments on WFMD,  County Executive Fitzwater says PSEG has done everything  wrong when it comes to public outreach for the project. “From the beginning, this company—this New Jersey based company, PSEG—is just done really a poster child for how not to do community engagement, No communication with folks in the community that are going to be impacted by this; complete lack of transparency,” she says.

Despite the controversy about MPRP, Fitzwater says Maryland has some energy problems. “Pretty common knowledge that Maryland is an importer of energy and not a generator of energy,” she says. “And so this question is coming up. But we can’t let the need for change to impact these lands that we’re seeing happen with this proposed project.”

By Kevin McManus

The project is currently the design phase.

Frederick, Md (KM) Citizens are invited to a community meeting on Thursday, November 20th on the proposed westside community center in Frederick.  It will be held at Butterfly Ridge Elementary School starting at 6:30 PM.

The project is in the design stage, and residents will get an update on where it stands. They will also get the chance to offer their ideas on what they want in a community center in their neighborhood.

Butterfly Ridge Elementary School is located at 601 Contender Drive. Those attending the meeting need to use the Recreation Center entrance at the rear of the school building.

By Kevin McManus

The county says crews will replace pip in the area, repair pavement.

Frederick, Md (KM) The Frederick County Department of Highway Operations says a section of Horine Road in the Jefferson area will be closed for three days starting on Wednesday, November 19th. This will allow crews to replace a pipe and repair the pavement.

The closure is expected to last through the overnight hours.

By Kevin McManus