FMD

The bill would take part of the county’s recordation tax revenue to pay for free fares on TransIT.

(L-R)  County  Councilwoman Renee Knapp; County Executive Jessica Fitzwater;  City Councilmember Kelly Russell; and County Council Vice President Kavonte Duckett.

Frederick, Md (KM) A plan to keep TransIT Services of Frederick County fare free was unveiled on Tuesday afternoon during a news conference held by County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. She says the county has been  using money from the federal CARES Act passed by Congress in March, 2020, as part of a COVID relief package.

She says offering bus service fare free has led to a boost in ridership as more people are using the bus to get to work, go to medical appointments, and to go shopping. “For the second year in a row, fiscal year 2025 saw record-breaking ridership at 928,650 riders. That’s a 20 percent increase in ridership in just one year,” says Fitzwater.

But the CARES Act is set to expired in June, 2026.

Council Vice President Kavonte Duckett has proposed legislation to use some of the county’s revenue from the recordation tax on property sales to help fund free rides  on TransIT. “Reallocating a portion of Frederick County’s recordation tax to create a dedicated TransIT service fund is a smart, forward-looking investment in our county’s mobility, economy and equity,” he says.

Another sponsor of this bill is Councilwoman Renee Knapp. “Fare free TransIt supports transportation equity in the largest county in the state. It takes cars off local roads which reduces our carbon emissions; and it also provides a life line to growing senior population and residents with disabilities,” she said.

Both say this legislation, if it passes, will not increase taxes or require additional expenses.

The County Council is expected to hold a workshop on this legislation on January 13th.  It’s  scheduled to be formally introduced with a first reading on February 3rd. A public hearing is expected to take place on February 24th. A final vote on the bill is scheduled by the Council on March 17th.

Also on hand Tuesday’s news conference was Frederick City Council member Kelly Russell, who said the recordation tax has been paid in the city over  the years on property transactions with very little coming back. “Yet, those city transactions generate a substantial share of this revenue, the direct benefits returned to the city residents have not really matched their contribution,” she said. “So for several years I’ve advocated for fairer ways to reinvest these dollars into the communities that generate them. But no consensus had formed until now.”

By Kevin McManus

Non-profits which provide food to the needy are eligible to apply.

Frederick, Md (KM) The application process for Frederick’s FEED Grant Program is now open. Under FEED, which stands for Food Equity and Emergency Distribution, the county will be working with the Community Foundation of Frederick County to strengthen food distribution efforts in the community.

The $1 million provided for this program came from the County Council.

Non-profits such as existing food banks, pantries, religious organizations and groups that provide food, groceries, backpack food programs or hot meals within Frederick County are eligible to apply. Organizations which apply must demonstrate a need for funding, and submit a project description,  budget and organizational documentation.

The county says grants can be used to expand food distribution efforts, general operating support for food related initiatives administrative overhead directly   tied to food service delivery, and capital purchases such as refrigerators, freezers and food storage.

Grants will be awarded on a competitive process managed by the Community Foundation of Frederick County.

The application deadline for this first round of grants is December 21st.

A second round of funding is expected to open in  early 2026.

For more information, go on line to www.FrederickCountyMD.govFEED

By Kevin McManus

Authorities investigating possible alcohol involvement in fatal crash.

DAMASCUS, MD (JK) – A 27-year-old Germantown man died early Sunday morning in a single-vehicle crash.

At approximately 4:05 a.m. on November 30, Montgomery County Police and Fire and Rescue personnel responded to reports of a crash at the intersection of Ridge Road and Kings Valley Road. First responders found a gray 2013 Honda Civic coupe that had left the roadway, struck a fire hydrant, and overturned after hitting an embankment.

The driver, Bilcher Ronaldino Huinil Lopez, was the only occupant of the vehicle. He had been ejected from the car and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Preliminary investigation suggests the Honda was traveling southbound when the driver lost control. Authorities noted evidence indicating alcohol may have played a role.

The Montgomery County Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is leading the investigation, which could take several weeks or longer to complete. Anyone with information is asked to contact the unit at 240-773-6620.

By Jimmy Key

It’s the first time this has happened in over four years.

Washington DC (KM) As the nation gets ready for another travel period later this month, . AAA says nationally, the average price of self-serve, unleaded regular gasoline stands at $3.00 per gallon. Spokeswoman Ragina Ali says the last time that happened was on May 12th, 2021.

The current average of  $3.00 per gallon is down by seven cents compared to last year; a three-cent decline from a month ago; and a five-cent  drop from the same time last year.

Ali says currently in Maryland, the average price $2.99 per gallon. In Frederick, it’s $2.93 cents per gallon. “So those are so about six or seven cents less then what we were paying in Frederick this time last year,” she says.

And she says the average price of gasoline at $3.00 per gallons isn’t typical throughout the country. “More than 31 states, including, Maryland and Virginia, are under that $.3.00 a gallon mark,” she says.

In Maryland AAA numbers show the average prices hovering at about $3.00 per gallon, and a few cents under.

Ali says a number of factors play into the price of gallon of gas such as the cost of crude oil,  and the impact of bad weather on refinery operations.

While AAA doesn’t predict the coast of a gasoline, Ali says barring a any unforeseen weather or geopolitical events, gasoline prices should remain stable through later this month.

For those who want to save on the cost of filling up, you can go to Fuel Price Finder at http://www.AAA.com/fuelfinder, and locate the lowest fuel prices in your area. You can also use the AAA Gas Cost Calculator at http:gasprices.aaa.com/aaa-gas-cost-calculator, and budget your travel expenses. And you can  use Trip Tik Mobile at http://aaa.com/mobile to plot fuel prices during your travel route..

By Kevin McManus

He was also sentenced to 18 months incarceration.

Frederick, Md (KM) A Thurmont man who was charged with three counts of sexual solicitation of a minor entered a guilty plea on Monday to one of those counts. The State’s Attorney’s Office says Travis Peters. 28, was sentenced to ten years in prison with all but 18 months suspended.  He also has 116 days of credit.

After he’s released, Peters will be placed on five years of supervised probation under COMET, which stand for Collaborative Offender Management/Enforced Treatment. He must undergo psycho-sexual-evaluation and sex offender treatment. He also must comply with offender specific treatment, medication, polygraph testing, computer monitoring, electronic tracking and curfew restrictions, the State’s Attorney’s Office says.

Along with that, Peters must register as a Tier 3 sex offender and cannot have any unsupervised contact with minor children.

Peters was arrested in August. 2025. by the Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force following an investigation into an online sexual solicitation of minors. The tip which led to the investigation came from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Monday’s proceedings took place at the Frederick County Court House, and were presided over by Circuit Court Judge Joannie  Raymond Brubaker.

By Kevin McManus

Some winter precipitation in the forecast.

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 1 PM ESTTUESDAY...* WHAT...Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet  accumulations of 1 to 2 inches, with locally higher amounts  upwards of 4 inches possible near the Mason-Dixon Line and higher  elevations such as Parr`s Ridge. Ice accumulations up to one tenth  of an inch.* WHERE...Portions of north central and northern Maryland and  panhandle West Virginia.* WHEN...From 3 AM to 1 PM EST Tuesday.* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous  conditions could impact the Tuesday morning commute.* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Precipitation is expected to overspread the  area after midnight tonight. Precipitation is expected to start as  snow before mixing with sleet and freezing rain. Should  precipitation stay all snow or snow for a longer period of time,  locally higher snowfall amounts would be possible.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest roadconditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained bycalling 5 1 1.By The National Weather Service, Sterling, Va.

New jobs listed

Technical Sales Director (2164046)

The Technical Sales Director will lead aggressive business development efforts with a strong focus on identifying, pursuing, and closing new business opportunities. This role requires a self-driven individual with a deep technical background and an ownership mindset—someone who takes initiative, drives results, and is accountable for revenue growth through strategic customer engagement and solution-oriented selling…and more!

Wage range: $100K-$130K

Business Development Director (2164053)

Essential Functions

Lead, mentor, and manage a multidisciplinary engineering team to drive innovation and company growth.
Develop and implement business development strategies that align technical capabilities with business development goals to generate new revenue.
Identify and pursue new business opportunities through consultative selling and technical solutions.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, suppliers, and partners…and much more!
Wage range: $100K-$130K

Service Worker (Eligible for Sign-On Bonus) (2163771)

KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform a variety of cleaning duties in laboratory and office areas
Clean and wash windows, woodwork, furniture, floor coverings, fixtures stairwells, fire doors, bath-and restrooms
Vacuum, dust and wet mop floors, spray buff, strip and refinish floors, clean carpets
Operate autoclaves
Operate industrial power equipment for cleaning
This Service Worker will work a full-time shift Monday through Friday, 6:30 am – 3:15 pm.

Wage range: $32,700.00 – $56,250.00

Human Resources Business Partner (2164079)

The Human Resources Business Partner supports employees and managers as they navigate through the employee journey within the organization. The role manages the day-to-day execution of activities of human relation activities, in addition to learning about and assisting in the longer-term focus of the Human Resources directorate, and the organization. By aligning the people strategy with the overall organizational goals, the Human Resources Business Partner can actively influence the culture and employee experience. Click link to see details of responsibilities.

Wage range: $95,900-$141,133.00

Accounting Coordinator (2164038)

Looking for a part-time opportunity that fits your schedule while keeping your accounting skills sharp? We’re seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Accounting Coordinator to join our team and help manage the day-to-day accounting operations without committing to full-time hours.

Wage: $25/HR

Swim Instructor (2164075)

Serenity Swimming, a woman-owned private swim school in Frederick, MD, is seeking experienced and enthusiastic instructors to join their new indoor facility starting in January, with some substitute hours available in December. Candidates should have a background in teaching swim lessons to children or adults, strong reliability, and weekend or evening availability, with training opportunities offered for those from teaching or special needs backgrounds. This role offers a supportive, family-focused environment where instructors can make a meaningful impact while enjoying flexible scheduling and professional growth.

Wage: $20/HR

Logistics Coordinator (2164080)

Do you have experience setting delivery and production schedules? Do you thrive in dynamic environments, balancing multiple priorities and tackling new challenges head-on? This role is all about optimizing production and delivery schedules to ensure efficiency and customer satisfaction. You’ll collaborate with a diverse group of teams and external vendors to keep everything moving forward, from the plant to the customer’s door.

Wage Range: $54,000 – $64,000

Certified Pharmacy Technician (2164071)

Maintains and tracks medication inventory by sorting placing and storing freight in appropriate locations restocking and replenishing medication in appropriate location reporting low stock levels ensuring stock rotation on a first in first out basis to assist in shrinkage control performing inventory cycle counts assisting with physical counts for inventories creating reports using inventory information systems and monitoring prescription inventory for expired pharmaceuticals.

Supports facility with reporting and paperwork to ensure productivity and pharmaceutical integrity.

Wages: $21-25/hr

Shipping & Receiving Coordinator (2164064)

Maintains sorter operation by removing full totes from the sorter tote location; replenishing empty totes at the sorter locations; scanning tote and location with a hand-held scanner; and rearranging individual units in totes to ensure proper fill rates. Manages product deliveries by preparing, reviewing, and verifying receiving documentation and reports; processing, counting, separating, and scanning product; operating computer software and basic applications to track and identify product; unloading product from trailer manually or with powered equipment; organizing inventory and transferring them to production stations; and maintaining records, logs, and forms.

Wages: $18-21.80/hr

Home Care Aide/Caregiver (2150070)

The Home Care Aide performs services for the client as necessary to maintain the personal care and comfort of the client. This position offers part-time, temporary employment dependent on the needs of the clients. Understand, perform and adhere to the information and precautions contained in the client Home Plan of Care. Assist the client with personal care activities including: bathing, skin care, back rub, hair care, nail care, dressing and undressing, feeding, oral hygiene, shaving, grooming and bedtime preparation. Assist the client with personal communication skills, as needed… and much more.

Starting wages: $18/hr

Still Recruiting:

Assistant General Manager (2163798)

Resident Advisor Trainee (2163736)

Esthetician (2163684)

Office Manager (2163254)

Digital Designer (2163262)

Enterprise Account Executive (2162540)

Director of Customer Support and Field Services (2163902)

Warehouse Foreman (2163900)

Assembler (2163901)

Automotive Care & Detailing Technician (2162089)

The two-vehicle collision happened just after 1:30 in the 3000 block of Littlestown Pike, involving a dump truck and a Dodge Ram pickup.

Westminster, Md. (DG) – A Sunday afternoon crash on Littlestown Pike turned deadly in Carroll County, claiming the life of a 73-year-old woman.

Maryland State Police say the two-vehicle collision happened just after 1:30 in the 3000 block of Littlestown Pike, involving a dump truck and a Dodge Ram pickup. Investigators believe the dump truck crossed the double yellow center line and struck the pickup head-on.

The pickup driver, Sandra Stigler of Littlestown, was pronounced dead at the scene. The dump truck driver, 52-year-old Matthew Dell of Manchester, was not hurt. The roadway remained closed for several hours as crews and investigators worked.

The crash remains under investigation.

State Police say more arrests are expected.

House at 13,000 block of National Pike in Clear Spring where a fatal fire occurred on Nov. 18th, 2025

(Photo from the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office)

Clear Spring, Md (KM) Four people have been arrested in connection with a fatal house fire in Washington County in November. . They’re identified as Darnell (aka Donnell) Hawkins, 47 of Baltimore;  Tony Smith, 43, of Hagerstown,; Maurice Mouzon, 46, of Baltimore;  and Kierra White, 35, of Glen Burnie.

State Police say Hawkins and Smith are charged with three counts of 1st-degree murder and one count of 1st-degree arson. Mouzon is charged with conspiracy to commit armed robbery, distribution of narcotics and a handgun violation. White is charged with being an accessory after the fact for murder. All four are incarcerated without bond,

The fire occurred on Tuesday, November 18th at a home in the 13000 block of National Pike in Clear Spring. . Deputies with the State Marshal’s Office say the deaths of the three victims, identified as Brittany Ray, 31, Harold Fliechman,, 36, and Brianna Mae Weishaar , 25, of Clear Spring, . were not consistent with fire injuries in that their bodies showed signs of trauma and there were accelerants in the home.

The State Police Homicide Unit responded to the scene. A preliminary investigation determined it was a not a random act of violence.

The investigation into this incident is continuing, and State Police say more arrests are expected. Anyone who has pertinent information about this case is asked to contact the State Police Barrack in Hagerstown at 301-768-3800. Callers can remain anonymous.

By Kevin McManus

Frederick, Md. (DG) – The Frederick Police Department says a 37-year-old cold case is now officially closed. Investigators have identified the person responsible for the 1988 homicide of Delores Marie Thompson.

Thompson was found dead inside her apartment in the 100 block of South Market Street on February first, 1988. An autopsy later determined she had been strangled with a ligature and that evidence of a sexual assault was present.

At the time, DNA testing was still in its early stages, and no suspect could be scientifically identified. Earlier this year, detectives and crime scene specialists re-examined the physical evidence and discovered a small area of bedding that had never been tested.

Modern forensic analysis produced a DNA profile that matched convicted offender Calvin Ziegler through state and national databases. Ziegler, who was known to the victim, died in 2010.

The State’s Attorney’s Office confirms the evidence supports his responsibility, bringing long-awaited closure to Thompson’s family.

One would set up lifetime licenses for dogs and cats who are spayed and neutered.

Frederick, Md (KM) A number of changes are being proposed to Frederick County’s Animal Control Law, especially when it comes to licensing. “What we want to do with this is encourage spay-neuter,”: says Dave Luckenbaugh, the Director of Frederick County Animal Control. “If we can reduce unwanted litters, we believe we can eventually reduce the number that come into the shelter.”

Luckenbaugh, who spoke to the County Council on Tuesday, November 25th, said a new fee schedule for licenses is being proposed which would set up a lifetime license for those pet owners who get their dogs and cats spayed or neutered. “It makes it easier for the pet owner. So it’s not a yearly chore or requirement to update your pet. You can do it once. If you’ve owned that pet for a lifetime, it’s good for the rest of its life,” he says.

The new fee  for a lifetime license for a dog or cat which is altered would be $25 under the proposed new fee schedule.

Luckenabaugh says another part of these proposed changes would encourage pet owners to keep their pets up to date on their vaccinations. “In Frederick County, we have a very high number of positive rabies specimens. We believe that is in part due to our vigilant surveillance program and the work of our Health Department. We test a lot of animals to make sure that our animals and our people in the  county are safe,” he says.

Other changes would provide a discount for dog or cat licenses for citizens 65 over. It would be $10 for a dog or cat which is not spayed or neutered; $3 for a dog or cat that is spayed or neutered.

It would also change the definition of “dangerous dog” and “potentially dangerous dogs.” Luckenbaugh says dogs would be classified as “dangerous” if they bite one person multiple times, or bite multiple people. “Currently if all these injuries are less than severe. it stays a potentially dangerous,” he says. “But if we have a case where somebody is bitten and on the leg and on the arm and on the hip,  on the stomach, we have multiple bites. it shows a lack of bite inhibition in the dog, and we would like the ability to deem that dog dangerous to show the seriousness of that incident.”

Changes to the law also would require those who own dogs classified as “dangerous”  be required to notify the Animal Control within 48 hours after they change their address.

These changes were proposed by County Executive Jessica Fitzwater.

By Kevin McManus 

The Mayor says it will be a national search.

Mayor Michael O’Connor

Frederick,. Md (KM) The search for a new Frederick Police Chief is expected to get underway after December 5th. That’s when Mayor Michael O’Connor is expected to convene a search committee to develop a transparent and inclusive process.

But before that: “The first step in that process is to evaluate our existing job description, and make sure over the last five years as Chief {Jason} Lando has occupied the position, that we feel good that the job description accurately reflects where the department is today with the work that he’s done. From there, that position gets posted,”: he says.

Chief Lando has held the  position of Frederick P:olice Chief for the past five years. He will be leaving  to return to his native Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. where he will be chief of their police department.

Mayor O’Connor says there will be a national search for a new Frederick Police Chief. “That doesn’t mean that there aren’t good candidates potentially within the department. But we think the best approach is to insure that we’re casting a wide a net as possible,” he says

“If we do end up selecting someone internally, they’ll know that they’ve competed against the best candidates possible in winning that position,”  Mayor O’Connor continues.

With the national search for a new chief, the Mayor says there will some local input in determining the best person for the job. “I want to rely on the expertise of both internal folks in the city of Frederick as well as community partners and others who have a vested interest in the future of the Frederick Police Department. And so we’ll put together some of kind of community search entity to assist in identifying who the best candidates are,” :says the Mayor.

He provided no time line when this search process will be completed.

Captain Kevin Meyer was named Acting Chief until a permanent Chief is picked. His appointment is effective December 6th, 2025.

By Kevin McManus

Blood donors get too busy to set aside time to give blood.

Frederick, Md (KM) The need is always constant for blood, and the Red Cross says regular blood donors sometimes forget to roll up their sleeves during the holidays.

Bethany Patterson, the Communications Director for the National Capitol and Greater Chesapeake Region of the Red Cross, says too many regular donors get busy during the holidays. “Also, school schedules are changing. Schools are off and things like that. We encourage people to come out and donate because it’s a critical time right now,” she says.,

Patterson says currently, the blood supply in the region is stable, but that could change. “When flood supplies fall to low levels, unfortunately, in the past, we’ve have had to decrease the amount that we give out when supplies run low. But that’s something that we never want to face. That’s a decision we never want to make. And so the need for blood donors is constant,” she says.

It’s takes a period of time for the  blood to reach the hospitals after it’s collected from donors by the Red Cross. “We have a very large processing facility in Baltimore. So all of the blood collected here in our region goes to Baltimore. It’s get packaged and sent for testing. So each unit of blood is tested according to FDA standards,” Patterson says.

But with this being a busy time of the year, Patterson says it’s still possible to make time to give blood. “We often are gathering with friends and family this time of year. And so why not think about donating blood with a friend or a family member. It can be a fun thing to do,” she says.

Right now, the Red Cross says the need is greatest for those with O-Type blood, or B-Negative, but Patterson says all  blood types are  welcome.

To schedule an appointment go on line to redcrossblood.org, or call 1-800–RED-CROSS.

By Kevin McManus

The state recently recorded its first cold weather-related death for 2025-26.

Baltimore, Md (KM) When the weather gets cold, it’s always important to dress in layers if you are outside, and limit your time out of doors. And take precautions if you work outside, says Dr. Clifford Mitchell,. the Director of the Environmental Health Bureau of the Maryland Department of Health.

“It’s cold out, and it doesn’t have to be that cold to cause problems with your extremities because they get cold the first and fastest: your fingers, your toes,” he says.   And always wear a hat and gloves.

Dr. Mitchell says it’s also important to dress in layers, especially if you work outside during the cold weather. “You’ll see a lot of outdoor workers., and the truth is they always are bundled up. They’ve always got multiple layers on. As they’re working, one of the things that happens is they can take off that outer layer, but still preserve the heat,” he says.

When they are outside, Dr, Mitchell says these workers should occasionally come inside and warm up. They should also be aware of early signs of cold-related injuries, such as a little bit of tingling or warmth that can be felt in the fingers, toes, ears and nose. “If you start to get sleepy, especially if you’ve been out in the cold for a long time, or you sort of have that tingling feeling, those are signs to get inside and get rewarmed as quickly as possible,” he says.

If you’re spending most of your time indoors during the cold, Dr Mitchell says be cautions especially how you heat your house. “Also, make sure that you check all those heaters and kerosene heaters to make sure they work properly,” he says.

Some of those hearing sources could cause fire, electrical injures, burns or carbon monoxide poisoning, the Department of Health says.

Recently, the State of Maryland recorded its first cold weather-related death for the 2025-2026 cold weather season. It was a man between the ages of 30 and 40. The death occurred n Frederick County.

By Kevin McManus

“Coffee with Comrades” and “Fellowship Fridays” Offer Connection, Conversation, and Community in Frederick

Frederick, MD (JK) -The Veteran Service Center (VSC) of Goodwill Industries is strengthening its outreach to area Veterans and First Responders with two weekly programs designed to promote connection and support among those who serve.

Coffee with Comrades is held every Monday morning, offering a relaxed space for Veterans, Active Duty members, and First Responders to gather, share experiences, and enjoy a warm cup of coffee with others who understand the challenges of service. The informal setting encourages conversation and camaraderie with no schedule or agenda – just community.

Fellowship Fridays closes out the week with a full hot breakfast served fresh and free of charge. After the meal, participants are invited to join an optional Bible study focused on encouragement, faith, and shared discussion. The VSC says the goal is to provide spiritual support for those who seek it while continuing to build strong relationships.

Both programs are free, open to service members, Veterans, First Responders, and their families, and require no advance registration. Anyone interested can simply attend.

“These gatherings are about more than food or coffee,” VSC leadership said. “They’re about restoring connection, honoring shared experience, and giving our heroes a place where they are seen, supported, and welcomed.”

All events take place at the Veteran Service Center, located at 1750 Monocacy Blvd., Suite A, Frederick, Maryland.

By Jimmie Key

Sheriff’s Office reports both situations were resolved peacefully, with no injuries

Carroll County, MD (JK) – The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office along with Maryland State Police responded to two separate, unrelated incidents that temporarily closed roads in the county.

Both situations involved individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, and authorities reported that both had access to weapons. While neither person made threats to the public, the potential presence of weapons required a larger law enforcement response to ensure safety.

Fortunately, both incidents were resolved without injury to the individuals involved or to law enforcement personnel. Route 482 was temporarily closed between Old Manchester Road and Leisters Church Road, as was the 1200 block of Arnold Road. Both roads were reopened once it was deemed safe.

The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office reminds residents that mental health crises can escalate quickly and that law enforcement may need to take additional precautions to protect both the community and those in crisis.

Bty Jimmie  Key

It was an effort by the Frederick Police, the Sheriff’s Office and the State’s Attorney’s Office.

Axel Angula Llactas  (Photo from Frederick, Police)

Frederick, Md (KM) A man described by Frederick Police as actively engaged in illegal trafficking and distribution of drugs was arrested on Tuesday. Axel Angula Llactas, 28, was taken into custody after Frederick Police and the Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at his home in the 5000 block of Partners Court.

Authorities say they located more than 1,225.9 grams of cocaine, $2,599 in cash and various pieces of high end jewelry. Police say the cocaine carries a street value exceeding $100,000 .

Llactas was taken into custody, charged with possession of a large amount of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of crack cocaine.

This operation was a coordinated effort conducted by the Frederick Police, the Sheriff’s Office and the State’s Attorney’s Office. under the Maryland Criminal Intelligence network.

The investigation into Llactas began in January, 2025 with the Frederick Police Departments’ Tactical Investigation Unit working with the Baltimore/Washington High Intensity Drug  Trafficking Task Force (HIDTA)

By Kevin McManus

Capt. Kevin Meyer will take over on Dec. 6th, 2025.

Frederick, Md (KM) An acting chief has been chosen for the Frederick Police Department. Mayor Michael O’Connor on Tuesday picked Captain Kevin Meyer who currently serves as Deputy Chief of Operations. and has been with the Frederick Police for nearly two decades.

“Captain Meyer is an experienced, respected and thoughtful leader,” says Mayor O’Connor in a news release announcing the appointment. “He understands both the operational and human sides of policing—=the need to keep our city safe while continuing to build trust between our officers and the community. . I have every confidence that under his leadership, the department will continue its forward momentum during this transition period.”

Captain Meyer will take over as Acting Chief on Saturday, December 6th. He currently oversees the Department’s Patrol and Special Operations Division.

Captain Meyer has earned recognition throughout his career for his commitment to community engagement, officer training, and the data-driving policing strategies that enhance public safety and accountability, according to the news release from the city announcing Captain Meyer’s appointment. “I’m honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as Acting Chief of Police,”: says Captain Meyer, in the news release. “The Frederick Police Department is full of dedicated professionals who come to work each day ready to make a difference. I’m grateful to Mayor O’Connor and Chief Lando for their confidence and support, and I look forward to continuing our mission of service,  safety and community partnership.”

Current Chief Jason Lando is leaving, returning his home town of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to take over as its chief of police. His last day on the job in Frederick is December 5th.   Lando  has been Frederick Police Chief since 2020.

“Captain Meyer is a steady and principled leader who has earned the respect of this department at every level,” says Chief Lando, in the news release. “”His professionalism and commitment to both our officers and our community makes him a great fit to guide the department through this transition. I have full confidence not only in Kevin, but in our entire command staff—-Captain Lapp, our lieutenants, sergeants, civilian staff—to continue advancing the important work we’ve done together.”

The City of Frederick is expected to begin the search for a new chief following Lando’s last day which is December 5th.

By Kevin McManus

He’s being held without bond.

Cory Thomas Burkhardt (Photo from Frederick County Sheriff’s Office)

Frederick, Md (KM) An Idelwyde, Maryland man is being held without bond at the Frederick County Adult Detention Center for a vehicle pursuit which went the wrong way down Interstate 270 last week. The Sheriff’s Office says  Cory Thomas Burkhardt, 37,  was released from the hospital and transported to the Adult Detention Center.

Burkhardt faces a long list of charges following the chase which began on Route 15 in Frederick. They are:

* Two counts of First-Degree Assault

* Four counts of Second-Degree Assault

*-Disarming a Law Enforcement Officer

*-Attempt by Driver to Elude a Uniformed Police Officer by Failing to Stop

*-Attempt by Driver to Elude Police in an Official Police Vehicle by Failing to Stop

*-Reckless Driving

*-Negligent Driving a Vehicle in a Careless and Imprudent Manner Endangering Property, Life, and Person

*-Failure to Drive on the Right-Hand Roadway of a Divided Highway

*-Driving on the Median Strip of a Divided Highway

*-Failing to Secure a Child Under Two Years Old in a Rear-Facing Child Safety Seat that Complies with Federal Regulations

*-Willfully Disobeying the Lawful Order or Direction of a Police Officer

Authorities say Burkhardt drove southbound in the northbound lanes of I-270 before being stopped near the Clarksburg exit. He got of his vehicle carrying a two-year-old child. But deputies used a taser to help secure the child, and take Burkhardt into custody.

Two other children in the vehicle got out safely.

Burkhardt was taken to Frederick Health Hospital for an emergency evaluation.

While at FHH, the Sheriff’s Office says Burkhardt forced his way out of the building.  . But he was apprehended by Frederick Police and returned to the hospital.

By Kevin McManus

Nancy Allen has resigned.

Fredeick County Board of Education Memer Nancy Allen.  She has submitted her resignation effective Dec. 1st.

Frederick, Md (KM) There is a vacancy on the Frederick County Board of Education. Nancy Allen has submitted her resignation which is effective on December 1st. Allen was  elected to the Board of Education in 2022.

Under state, law, when there is a vacancy on the School Board, the County Executive is responsible for appointing someone to fill that position. That appointment needs to be confirmed by the County Council.

Persons who want to serve on the Board of Ed should be residents of Frederick County, and registered voters,

Applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 PM on Wednesday, December 10th.

The one chosen  for the Board will serve out the remainder of  Allen’s term which ends in December 2026

To apply, go on line to [email protected]. Individuals can also sent a letter of interest by mail to the Office of the County Executive, 12 East Church Street, Frederick Md. 21701.

By Kevin McManus