FMD

Shrapnel Injuries Reported After Pressurized Water Tank Blast.

(photos courtesy Halfway Volunteer Fire Company)

HALFWAY, MD (JK) — Two adult men were hospitalized at R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore following an explosion involving a pressurized water tank on a concrete truck at the Thomas, Bennett & Hunter Cement Plant on Hopewell Road in Washington County.

According to Halfway Fire Chief Jamie Drawbaugh, both victims suffered shrapnel injuries to the face but did not have burn injuries. Maryland State Police Troopers transported the patients to Baltimore for treatment.

The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m., prompting multiple emergency responders to the scene, including at least two Maryland State Police Trooper helicopters. Maryland Occupational Safety and Health is investigating the cause of the explosion.

First responders are expected to remain on site, and authorities are continuing the investigation.

By Jimmy Key

Local programs and assistance aim to help residents, workers, and small businesses affected by delayed federal paychecks.

Frederick, MD (JK) – As the federal government shutdown enters its third week, the City of Frederick has announced a range of measures to support those affected.

Key resources and programs:

• Employee Stability: City employees funded by federal grants will continue to be paid.

• Emergency Rental Assistance: Furloughed federal workers and contractors can apply for rental help through the city’s partnership with Beyond Shelter. More details at bsfred.org/need-help/homeless-prevention.

• Payment Deferrals: Residential water, sewer, and parking payments can be deferred with no late fees or penalties. Full information at frederickmd.gov/payments.

• Food and Resource Fairs: Two “Supporting Those Who Serve” events offering food and resources are scheduled for October 21 and November 3, 3–6 p.m., at the Trinity Recreation Center, 6040 New Design Road. More details at frederickmd.gov/supportingthosewhoserve.

• Small Business Assistance: Businesses affected by delayed federal payments or contracts can access guidance and one-on-one support. More information at frederickmd.gov/bizresources.

For a full list of resources and contact information for residents impacted by the shutdown, visit frederickmd.gov/shutdownresources.

By Jimmy Key

Montgomery County Police say a North Bethesda woman is facing charges after a false 9-1-1 report sparked a major police response.

Frederick, Md. (DG) – A prank involving artificial intelligence has landed a North Bethesda woman in legal trouble after a fake home invasion report triggered a major police response.

Montgomery County Police say 27-year-old Moesha Gardener sent her husband texts claiming an unknown man had broken into their McGrath Boulevard home on October 8th. She even shared a computer-generated image showing a supposed intruder on the couch. Her husband called 9-1-1, sending eight police cruisers speeding through traffic to the home.

When officers arrived, Gardener was alone and admitted the report was a hoax. Police say a cell phone on a tripod had been used to stage the scene. Gardener was arrested two days later and charged with making false statements to authorities.

Authorities warn that false emergency reports, often referred to as “swatting,” can endanger lives and carry serious legal consequences

In Pennsylvania, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has been suspended for the month of November due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Frederick, Md. (DG) – Thousands of Pennsylvanians who depend on food assistance are facing new uncertainty as SNAP payments are temporarily halted amid the federal government shutdown. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services says the suspension affects benefits for November and will remain in place until Congress restores federal funding. State officials are reminding families to keep their information up to date so payments can resume quickly once the budget impasse ends. The pause could impact thousands of low-income households who rely on SNAP to help put food on the table. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to reach out to community food banks and local support organizations for help during the shutdown.

Frederick, Md. (DG) A stone wall near Devil’s Den at Gettysburg National Military Park was toppled on October 14, 2025, in what officials describe as an act of vandalism.

The wall, located along a parking area, was found destroyed by park staff. The Gettysburg Foundation confirmed the damage and is working with the National Park Service to investigate the incident. This marks the third reported case of vandalism at the park in recent months, following earlier incidents involving graffiti and an attempted theft of a dinosaur fossil.

Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that could assist in identifying those responsible.

It will help local prosecutors fight financial crimes.

Frederick, Md (KM) There’s a partnership between the Frederick  County State’s Attorney’s Office at the University of Maryland Smith  School Business. Signed last week, it’s called Justice for Fraud Victims.

State’s Attorney Charlie Smith says in the past, many police departments and local prosecutors didn’t have the resources to deal with financial crimes, and couldn’t do anything about citizen complaints. “What was common was our response and that is ‘we can’t really help you until you figure out exactly where the money went because we don’t know whether it was a crime just yet,'” he says.

But he says that’s expected to change now that the State’s Attorneys’ Office is working with the University of Maryland. “We have to prove that someone stole it or embezzled it that we can prosecute this case and find them guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. And that just wasn’t happening,” he said. “So we’re hoping that it will happen now with this collaboration we have   with the University of Maryland.”

Smith says the University is using student volunteers who will investigate these financial crimes, and prepare a report. “These are a bunch of sharp kids and they’re really looking for this opportunity to kind of dig into these documents, open the books so to speak, and help these people find who it is who stole from them, embezzled from them, so that we as prosecutors can hold them accountable,” he says.,

These student volunteers will be mentored by financial experts, and in some cases, retired FBI agents.

This partnership  is expected to make a difference, especially for victims of financial crimes. “Oh, it’s going to make a huge difference! It really is,” says Smith. “We’re going to be able to directly put these people in touch with somebody who’s going to help them do forensic examinations. And that’s really the first step in holding somebody accountable.”

This partnership with the University of Maryland Smith School of Business is similar to one with the Prince George’s County State’s Attorneys’ Office.

The Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office has an Economic Crimes  Unit which is expected to be working with the University.

By Kevin McManus

A jury has set an amount the county needs to pay for the needed property.

Westminster, Md (KM) Carroll County government says the land acquisition case regarding the expansion of the Regional Airport is over.   In a statement, officials say the almost two-decade case involved obtaining property from nearby landowners to expand the runway from 5100 feet to 5500 feet.

Following a trial earlier this month, a jury ruled that the county must pay the two landowners $3.5 million for the property needed for the runway .which was much more than the $700,000 offered by the county.

County officials say the Federal Aviation Administration supports the county’s acquisition of the land.

The County Commissioners hope the FAA will reimburse the county 90 percent of the cost. with the Maryland Aviation Administration picking up five percent. That will leave the county with $175,000 to pay for the land.

The County says both sides agreed that the property was needed to expand the runway, but disagreed on reimbursement.

“While the Board fully supports and upholds the rights of property owners, the acquisition of this property was necessary to ensure the airport meets required safety standards,” says Commissioners  President Kenny Kiler, in a statement.. “Although we did not anticipate the jury awarding compensation for the full value of the property when only a portion was required, we understand the reasoning that the remaining land would have limited potential once improvements were completed.  The Board is pleased this matter has been resolved and looks forward to the successful completion of the enhancement project.”

By Kevin McManus

The scammers say they are from the Brunswick Police and are selling insurance.

Brunswick, Md (KM) There’s a report about a scam  possibly  targeting senior citizens.

Brunswick Police say they heard from a community member that some individuals are calling seniors attempting to sell insurance. They say they’re employees of the Brunswick Police Department, who may try to pressure and confuse the person on the other end of the phone line. .

Brunswick Police say their employees do not sell insurance or solicit financial information.

Authorities say if you or someone you know receives a call like this, hang up immediately.

Younger people should check on their older relatives to make sure they are aware of this scam.

If you have any questions or want to report a scam, call the Brunswick Police Department at 301-600-2071.

By Kevin McManus

Gov. Moore made the announcement on Friday.

Gov Wes Moore (R)

Annapolis, Md (KM) Maryland Governor Wes Moore says federal employees  who must report to work will be allowed to use MARC and Commuter Bus service free of charge during the government shutdown. The state’s chief executive made that announcement on Friday in Howard County while attending a resource fair.

“This is what Maryland does in times of crisis. We band together and we help each other out,” the Governor said in a statement. “But while Maryland is mobilizing  to ease the shutdown’s burden on our people, let’s be clear: no state can fill the gap created by the federal government. The longer this shutdown lasts, the more pain we will feel. So it’s time for Donald Trump to come to the negotiating table on health care and open the government.”

Moore said this service will remain in affect for federal government employees who must come to work during the shutdown.. Those employees need to show their federal government-issued badges to the operator before being allowed to ride for free.

The federal government is the largest employer in the State of Maryland, according to a news release from the Governor’s; Office. Prior to this year’s workforce cuts, 269,000 Maryland residents were employed by the federal government, and 160,000 federal jobs were located in Maryland. Since the Trump Administration has taken office, Maryland has lost more than 15,000 federal jobs—the largest in number in the nation, according to a news release from the Governor’s Office.

By Kevin McManus

A long-running murder investigation in Washington, D.C. has led to a third arrest in connection with the 2019 stabbing death of a Frederick teenager.

Frederick, Md. (DG) – Six years after a brutal killing of a Frederick teenager in Northwest D.C., another suspect is behind bars.

The Metropolitan Police Department says 23-year-old Selvin Hernandez was arrested Wednesday in Falls Church, Virginia, by U.S. Marshals. Hernandez is the third person charged in the 2019 murder of 16-year-old Eberson Guerra-Sanchez of Frederick, Maryland. Officials say Hernandez was a juvenile at the time of the crime but is now being prosecuted as an adult, facing a first-degree murder while armed charge.

The investigation began on April 27, 2019, when police responded to a wooded area near the 5200 block of Canal Road Northwest for a report of an unconscious person. When they arrived, officers discovered Guerra-Sanchez suffering from multiple stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

After years of investigative work, police arrested 25-year-old Pedro Argueta in 2024, followed by 26-year-old Erick Argueta in September of this year. Both men are also from Frederick and face first-degree murder charges.

The case remains under investigation.

They were picked up in separate operations in Carroll County.

Taneytown, Md (KM) The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office says three Taneytown residents suspected of transporting and distributing illegal drugs were recently arrested.

On Thursday evening, October 9th, Justin Thomas Parke was taken into custody following a traffic stop. A Canine unit responded to the scene to provide additional support. The dog did an open air sniff and indicated a positive alert for drugs. Authorities say 25 grams of suspected fentanyl were located inside of Parke’s vehicle following a search. He was taken into custody, and transported to the Carroll County Detention Center.

The other two suspects were apprehended following the execution of a search and seizure warrant at an apartment at 50 East Baltimore Street in Taneytown.. . With support from the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Response Team, David Wayne Creager and Lauren Marie Stroup were arrested.

Detectives recovered 36 grams of cocaine and an additional four grams of suspected fentanyl.   Also confiscated were scales, packing material and paraphernalia. A total of 65 illicit narcotics were recovered during this operation.

All three suspects are charged with drug offenses. Parke is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of fentanyl.   He was released on $15,000 unsecured bond.

Creager is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He was released on personal recognizance.

Stroup is charged with possession of cocaine. She has also  been released on personal recognizance.

Prior to their arrests, they were under investigation by the Carroll County Drug and Firearms Task Force, and the Pro-Active Community Enforcement Team (PACE) with assistance from the Taneytown Police.

By Kevin McManus

It asks citizens to send a fee by wire transfer.

Frederick, Md (KM) The City of Frederick is reminding residents, business people and artists about a “phishing” scam.

E-mails posing as being from the City’s Public Arts Commission are saying that a mural proposal has been approved, and they request payment of an “Application Review and Approval Fee” to be sent by wire transfer.   Frederick City officials say they do not request payment for public art applications through e-mail,. and no fees are processed through wire transfers.

If you receive this type of e-mail, officials do not reply, click links or send money; and do not share any personal information.

You can report it to the Frederick Police Department which is investigating this matter. Call 301-600-2102.

By Kevin McManus

The raccoon was wrapped in a fleece blanket.

Frederick, Md (KM) The public’s  help is needed in locating a man who had direct contact with a rabid raccoon.

The Frederick County Health Department says on Monday, October 13th at around midnight, a man brought a raccoon wrapped in a fleece blanket to the Care Vet Clinic at 1080 West Patrick Street.  He left without leaving any information.  The raccoon was unhealthy and later tested positive for rabies.

If you are that young man, or you know that young man, the Health Department says you need to call 240-313-9515 between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.  After 5:00 PM, call 301-600-0312. If that young man calls the Health Department, he will need to speak with a Communicable Disease Program nurse who will provide guidance on what medical steps are needed based on their conversation.

The man is described as Caucasian, in his late 20’s or early 30’s, with curly brown hair and no facial hair. He was wearing a dark blue sweatshirt that may have been plaid. He had on either dark cargo shorts or jean shorts  His shoes were black and white sneakers.

The Health Department says a person exposed to rabies can die so officials say it’s important for this young man to reach out.

By Kevin McManus

Closure allows for pavement improvements between MD 64 and railroad tracks.

Hagerstown, MD (JK) – Washington County officials have announced a temporary closure of Trovinger Mill Road to allow for mill and overlay pavement improvements. The closure will take place on Thursday, October 16, and Friday, October 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. each day.

The affected section extends from MD 64, also known as Jefferson Boulevard, to the railroad tracks. During the closure, no traffic will be permitted through the work zone.

Motorists are advised to plan alternate routes and expect delays in the area while the work is completed. Washington County thanks the public for their patience and cooperation during the project.

For additional information, residents can contact Washington County’s Public Relations and Marketing Department at [email protected].

By Jimmy Key

Authorities say the mother recorded the act and sent it to the child’s father during an argument.

Franklin County, PA (JK) – A Shippensburg woman has been charged with attempted homicide after police say she allegedly held a pillow over her 4-year-old child’s head while recording the act.

According to court documents, 30-year-old Julissa Sierra-Rivera sent a text to the child’s father in July threatening to kill their son during an argument. Police said she then recorded a video showing her pressing a cushion over the sleeping child’s head for 10 to 12 seconds. The child appears to move before crying out, and that’s when the video ends.

The father reportedly told police he did not believe the child was injured but was concerned that his breathing may have been affected. A Cumberland County Children and Youth Services caseworker visited Sierra-Rivera’s home in September, at which time she admitted to recording the video and sending the texts. She told the caseworker she acted on impulse and did not intend to harm the child.

Police say Sierra-Rivera also apologized to the father on the day she sent the text. Following the investigation, she was charged with attempted homicide, strangulation, and endangering the welfare of children.

By Jimmy Key

Rescue crews respond to challenging section of trail as U.S. Park Police investigate fatal incident.

(photos courtesy NPS-C&O Canal NHP)

Montgomery County, MD (JK) – A hiker from West Virginia died Monday after falling on the Billy Goat Trail near Great Falls in Montgomery County, Maryland. U.S. Park Police identified the victim as 53-year-old Todd Kenneth Funkhouser, who worked in Virginia.

Officials say witnesses saw Funkhouser attempt to leap between rocks along a particularly difficult section of the trail known as “the traverse.” Emergency crews responded by land and water, with boat crews, medics, and a Park Police helicopter assisting in the rescue. Despite their efforts, Funkhouser was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Billy Goat A Trail, part of the C&O Canal National Historical Park, is known for its steep and rocky terrain, making it one of the region’s most strenuous hiking routes. U.S. Park Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fall.

Park officials remind hikers to carry a charged phone, be aware of trail conditions, and start early to avoid emergencies in difficult sections.

By Jimmy Key

Doctors say it’s preferable to stop this cancer in its early stages.

Frederick, Md (KM) Frederick County  residents have some of the highest risks for lung cancer in the country, but there is a way to stop it in its early stages. Dr. Maurice Smith, a Thoracic Surgeon and Medical Director for Chest Surgery with Frederick Health Medical Group, says the local hospital has a new, 3D, technology that can detect a cancerous lesion in the lungs the size of an apple seed. That can help  the surgeon in trying to remove it.

“We have the ability to actually to see our tools in the lesion itself because of something called 3D coloscopy. So it makes it real time  No virtual imaging. And we’re getting diagnosis rates as high as 98 percent so we’re incredibly happy with that,” says Dr. Smith.

In the past, he says, patients had to undergo a biopsy through their ribs while they were awake, and the size of the lesion had to be big enough so that surgeons cold get at it. “We have a way where patients are asleep. They’re comfortable They don’t feel anything. But this technology allows is to navigate anywhere in the lung, anywhere the spot is. And we’re getting to spots as little a Cherrio size and some ever smaller to get a diagnosis from these patients,” says Dr. Smith.

If the lesion is removed and it’s early stage lung cancer, Dr. Smith  says there’s no chemotherapy and no radiation for the patient after surgery;  just follow up.

In past years, cancer patients in Frederick County had to travel out of the area to get these medical services. But Dr. Smith says they’re now available locally. “Beautiful part of Frederick is we have all the technology that all the big centers have. But people are allowed to get day care at home,” he says. “So we are able to get these biopsies early with the ION and the coloscopies. Then once we get cancer, we give patients these small incisions quickly covering operations and no need for chemo or radiation.”

Frederick Health Hospital says Frederick County residents face some of highest risks for lung cancer, and not all of it is due to smoking. “What we’re also realizing is that at least the newest data is 20 percent of the new cancers are patients that are not smokers,” says Dr. Smith. “Especially, in this area, even a bit higher. And the reason that is we know radon is a big exposure in term of cancer, and, unfortunately, we sit on a radon hot bed.”

FHH says  lung  cancer  is the  leading cause of  cancer deaths with more than 130,000  deaths  expected by the end of 2025.   Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US, and the leading cause for non-smokers.

The hospital says it’s a good idea to get a periodic screening for lung cancer. “Lung cancer screening is paid for by all insurance for patients who are considered higher risk,”: says Dr. Smith “Those patients who are age 50 to 80. They have a 20-pack year smoking. What that means is you multiply how man packs a day you smoke, and how many years you smoked.,”

“For those who don’t quality, I tell people pay attention to your senses,” he says.. “If you’re having a cold that isn’t going away like it should;  if you’re having a cough or just not feeling well, definitely tying into your provider who will more than likely get a CT that will help them identify these things early.”

By Kevin McManus

He says he tired to stop someone from stealing items outside of a house.

Rockville, Md (KM) The investigation continues into a shooting on Monday night in Rockville which sent one man to the hospital.

Police say just after 10:00 PM, officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of Highwood Road for shots-fired. They found a man identified as Joel Alberto Cubias, 20,  trying  to stop someone who was stealing property from outside of the home. Over a dozen rounds were fired from a handgun, striking the individual    He had fled the scene before police arrived. and was later located at a nearby hospital in stable condition with non-life threatening injuries.

Cubias was taken into custody, charged with attempted murder, 1st-degree assault, 2nd-degree assault,. reckless endangerment, and firearms offenses,    Cubias was also charged with theft after police say he was in possession of a stolen motorcycle. police say.

Anyone who has additional information on this incident is urged to contact the Rockville City Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Unit at 240-314-8938. Tips can also be summitted by e-mail to [email protected]. Police say witnesses can remain anonymous.

By Kevin McManus

Washington County Sheriff’s Office says he has four active arrest warrants.

Wayde Andrew Smith  (Photo from Washington County, Md, Sheriff’s Office)

Hagerstown, Md (KM) A suspect in a robbery of the Sheetz store at 17803 Venture Drive in Hagerstown Wednesday morning at 7:00 was apprehended a little over an hour after the incident occurred.  Wayde Andrew Smith, Junior, 35, of Hagerstown was taken into custody in the vicinity of 1681 Wesel Boulevard in Hagerstown. .

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office says Smith has four active warrants for other offenses.

Deputies say they received assistance from Hagerstown Police and the Maryland State Police in locating Smith, and taking him into custody.

By Kevin McManus

He’s currently being held without bond.

John McAleer,  (Photo from Frederick County Sheriff’s Office)

Frederick, Md (KM) The investigation continues into alleged sexual abuse by a Frederick County School System employee. The Sheriff’s Office says John McAleer, 22, from Frederick is charged with two counts of sex abuse of a minor; two counts of 3rd-degree sex offense with victims under 14,; and two counts of 3rd-degree sex offense with a cognitively impaired victim. .

He’s currently being held without bond at the Adult Detention Center.

On September 19th, 2025, the Sheriff’s Office says it began its investigation after receiving a report of sexual abuse of a minor by a Special Educational Instructional Assistant at Oakdale Middle School.   He was placed on administrative leave by the School System. .

Authorities say they heard from several minor students who reported sexual abuse by McAleer-.

Search warrants were obtained for McAleer’s vehicle, his person and his home.

The SWAT team showed up at McAleer’s home in the 3000 block Basford Road on Sunday morning, October 5th at 8:15.   Even though deputies tried to persuade him to surrender without incident, McAleer refused to come out and barricaded himself in a bedroom. . Deputies noticed blood in the bedroom, and made an emergency entrance into the home. They found McAleer bleeding from self-inflicted injuries from an apparent suicide attempt with a knife. Deputies provided first-aid, and McAleer was medivaced to a hospital for treatment.

After his release, McAleer was turned over to the Metropolitan Police Department (Washington DC) on the Sheriff’s Office warrant.   He was taken into custody by  the Sheriff’s Office on October 15th.

This investigation is active and ongoing, and anyone  who has additional information which could help is asked to contact Detective Lawson at 301-600-2817, or send an e-mail to [email protected].

By Kevin McManus