FMD

The suspect implied he had a knife.

Walkersville, Md (KM) The Safeway store in Walkersville was robbed Friday morning.

State Police say troopers responded to the store in the 100 block of Walkers Village Way just after 8:00 AM. They learned that a suspect entered the store, went through a check out aisle and implied to a cashier that he had a knife. . The cashier gave him the money, and the suspect fled.

State troopers and the K9 Unit from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search of the area for the suspect, but he was not located.

The individual is described as an African-American man, 6’1″ who was wearing a brown mask, a black hooded sweatshirt, black shoes and brown gloves .

The Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division is leading the investigation.

Anyone who has information on this incident is asked to call the Frederick State Police Barrack 301-600-4151.

By Kevin McManus

Victim was an elderly man.

Kyler Beard.  (Photo from Frederick Police Department)

Fredeick, Md (KM) A man has been charged with attempted murder for an incident in Frederick on Friday morning..

Police say just after 6:30 AM, officers were sent to the 600 block of Wyngate Drive for a report of a stabbing. When they arrived, they found the victim was a man in his 60’s. First aid was administered, and he was medivaced to an area trauma center  with life-threatening injuries.

Authorities also located and identified the suspect, Kyler Philip Beard, 35. . They learned that the stabbing resulted from a domestic incident in which the suspect intended to harm other people the house.

Beard is charged with two counts of attempted 1st-degree murder, and other charges including assault, burglary, home invasion and violating a protective order.

He’s currently being held without bond.

By Kevin McManus

In this segment…

The MVAA Baseball Program is part of the Frederick County Cal Ripken Baseball League and plays games at fields throughout Frederick County, MD. Ryan Hedrick was joined by Kristin Bohn, Baseball Director on the Morning News Express. 

Learn more about the organization by visiting its website.

In this segment…

Check out the latest news and business headlines with Ryan Hedrick and Chris Murray! Stay informed and up-to-date on the latest developments by following their insights and analysis on social media. #NewsHeadlines #BusinessNews #StayInformed

Biblical Application

The Faith Debate continues its examination of the 1986 Chicago Statement on Biblical Application. This episode shares thoughts about the early portions of the document (Articles IV though VII: “The Church and It’s Mission”, “Sanctity of Human Life”, “Marriage and the Family”, “Divorce and Remarriage”).

The full discussion of multiple shows is available as one long video on the Rumble channel for Household of Faith in Christ. https://rumble.com/v2c8cfu-video-dd-biblical-application.html

The panel:

Troy Skinner. Pastor of Household of Faith in Christ.  www.HouseholdOfFaithInChrist.com

Daniel Razvi. Pastor serving The Church That Meets at Imran’s House.

Imran Razvi. Pastor & Founder of Conquered by Love Ministries.  www.ConqueredByLove.org

The 2023 Session adjourns on Monday, April 10th at midnight.

Annapolis, MD (KM) Time is growing short for the Maryland General Assembly to complete its work before adjourning for the year on Monday, April 10th at midnight. Frederick County Delegate Jesse Pippy says both the House of Delegates and the State Senate have passed legislation and they entered their opposite chambers. But he says many committee chairmen have not brought these measures forward for a hearing and a vote.

“You have hundreds and hundreds of bills that have passed the House that have been sitting on the Senate side. The Senate chairs have been literally sitting on these bills. I don’t know if it’s to hold the House hostage,.” he says.

“They’re still negotiating on the budget. There’s been no kind of consensus among the House and Senate,” Pippy continues. “They’ve haven’t released the capital bond projects yet. So I think there’s a little bit of a stalemate at the moment.”

Earlier this year, Pippy was elected to chair the Frederick County Legislative Delegation. He was also picked at the Minority Whip in the House by the Republican Caucus. Because of that, Pippy says he has the duty of shepparding the local Delegation’s bills through the General Assembly as well as those of the 39 members of the GOP Caucus.

But he did manage to introduce two bills. One would prohibit a person from conducting visual surveillance with prurient interest in residence or private accommodation without the consent of the individual. . It would also alter the penalties for the offense of visual surveillance with a prurient interest with a camera if the victim was a minor at the time of the offense, and is at least four years younger than the offender. A violation could lead to five-years imprisonment or a fine of $2500, or both.

The second bill deals with indecent exposure. An individual committing the common law offense of indecent exposure would face a penalty of three years incarceration and/or a fine of up to $1,000. It would also prohibit persons from committing the common law offense of indecent exposure within sight of a minor who is at least two years old and at least than four years younger than the offender. The penalty would be five year imprisonment and/or at fine of up to $10,000.

“Both of those bills passed the House committee unanimously. Both passed the House floor unanimously, and have been over on the Senate side,” Pippy says. “From what I’ve heard is that they’re supposed to be scheduled for a hearing and a possible vote soon. So we’ll have to see.”

These two pieces of legislation were sent to the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee.

Pippy hopes activity begins to pick up over the next several days. “They’re gonna have to because there’s a tremendous amount of work that’s not completed and we are running out of time,” he says.

Federal officials says he robbed two banks, an armored car and a convenience store.

Greenbelt, Md (KM) A 17-year sentence in federal prison was handed down Thursday to a Burtonsville man for several armed robberies. Israel Ramirez, 29. will be placed on five years of supervised release after he gets out of prison. .

The US Attorney’s Office for Maryland says Ramirez was charged for the armed robbery of an armored truck, two banks and a convenience store. During those times, he fired his weapon.

According to his guilty plea, Ramirez robbed a convenience store in Laurel twice. During a July 4th robbery at the store, he fired his gun at a cigarette display when the clerks had trouble opening the register. Ramirez robbed the same store on July 12th. He kept his hand in his pocket as if he had a gun and demanded cash from the register. . The clerk recognized him from the earlier robbery, and handed him the money from the register before Ramirez fled. .

He robbed the armored truck on July 12th, 2021 by brandishing a gun on the driver following a pickup at a business. He got that money, but Ramirez demanded the cash from the other pickups. The driver told Ramirez he couldn’t get into the truck and retrieve the money. As he was returning to his car, Ramirez fired one shot at the armored car driver as he attempted to get inside of the armored truck.

He robbed two banks in Silver Spring on November 4th  and December 3rd. 2021. During  both robberies, Ramirez brandished a gun, according to his plea agreement, and demanded the employees give  him $10,000. In the first robbery, Ramirez fired his gun into a wall as he was leaving. During the second holdup, Ramirez fired multiple shots into the ceiling of the bank before demanding money.

Law enforcement officers served a search warrant at Ramirez residence on the day of the second bank robbery, and recovered a black 9mm handgun that matched the description of the weapon used  by Ramirez during the robberies. . Shell casings recovered from the seine of each robbery matched those coming from Ramirez’s weapon.

By Kevin McManus

The victim who was injured was part of a fight, but no knife was used.

Frederick, Md (KM) It was originally reported as a stabbing, but Frederick Police now say it’s evident there was no stabbing Thursday afternoon near Frederick High School. .

Authorities say further investigation determined that the student who was a victim was in a fight at Baker Park involving a knife. But at no time did the offender attempt to use a knife on the victim, and the victim did not attempt to the use a knife during the assault.

An earlier report said the student who was injured was sent to the school’s health room for treatment and medics were called to the scene. .

Frederick Police Officers were dispatched to Frederick High just after 2:30 PM for a report of a stabbing.

There was an increased police presence at Frederick High, West Frederick Middle and Parkway Elementary Schools, but classes were dismissed on schedule at all three schools. Police believe this is an isolated incident.

The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information which could help is asked to contact Detective Jones at KJones@frederickmdpolice.org. Citizens can also call the Frederick Police Tip Line at 301-600-TIPS {8477}. Callers can remain anonymous.

By Kevin McManus

The incident took place off of school property.

Frederick, Md (KM) Frederick Police are continuing to investigate a stabbing which occurred near Frederick High Thursday afternoon, but it was off of school property.

At around 2:30 PM, officers responded to the school for reports of a fight. A student involved in that fight came into the school from Baker Park with stab wounds. The youth was taken to the health room for treatment until medics arrived. The emergency medical services supervisor was put back in service after evaluating the student, according to the Frederick Scanner Facebook page.

Sources told WFMD’s Ryan Hetrick that a group of individuals got into a knife fight at Baker Park.. The person was who was injured was bleeding and tried to get on a bus. The youth was taken to the school health room. He was stabbed in the face and hand, sources tell WFMD.

Frederick High School administration was alerted to the incident, and a staff member promptly responded to the scene, Frederick Police say.   A collaborated effort was conducted by the Frederick Police and the County Sheriff’s Office.

There was an increased police presence near Frederick High, West Frederick Middle and Parkway Elementary Schools, but afternoon dismissals took place as scheduled. .

Frederick Police say this an isolated incident. Anyone who has information which could help in the investigation is asked to contact Frederick Police. They can call 301-600-2102. Citizens can also call the tip line at 301-600-TIPS {8477}. They can remain anonymous. Information can be sent by e-mail to fpdcrimetip@frederickmdpolice.org, or send a text to 240-674-TIPS {8477}.

By Kevin McManus

Authorities say  there’s no danger to students.

Frederick, Md (KM) Frederick Police are investigating a stabbing near Frederick High.

Fire and rescue were dispatched to the school’s health room at about 2:34 PM. The Frederick Scanner Facebook page says the emergency medical supervisor was put back in service after evaluating the victim.

Authorities say there is no threat to students at Frederick High, and that Police know the address of the suspect.

Sources tell WFMD’s Ryan Hedrick that the stabbing took place off of school property when a group of individuals got into a knife fight at Baker Park.  One person ran to a school bus bleeding.  That individual was taken off the bus and to the school health room.  The victim  was stabbed in the face and hand, according to sources.

Keep it here at WFMD and WFMD.com for the latest as we get it.

By Kevin McManus

John Peterson will take over April 10th.

John Peterson, new Frederick County Chief Administrative Officer (Photo from Frederick County Government)

Frederick, Md (KM) A long time county government administrator has been named Frederick County’s new Chief Administrative Officer. John Peterson will taking over April 10th. .

He comes from Howard County where he has served as Assistant Chief Administrative Officer since 2019. During that time, Peterson managed Howard County government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic which included drafting remote work and telework policies,. ensuring that work sites were safe for  employees to return on site, establishing COVID protocols, preparing communications for employees and monitoring COVID cases in the work place.

He’s also held management positions with Howard County Public Schools, the Anne Arundel County Government, and the Maryland’s State Retirement and Pension System. Along with that, Peterson has managed labor relations, negotiated collective bargaining contracts with eight unions and advised departments on County policies and employee relations issues.

When he comes on board locally, Peterson will be working alongside Chief Financial Officer Lori Depies who has been serving as acting Chief Administrative Officer since Rick Harcum retired in January, 2023.. Depies will be retiring in May. after working for 20 years in Frederick County Government.

“John has held senior roles in larger charter governments which will benefit Frederick County as we build on the first eight years of our own charter government,” says County Executive Jessica Fitzwater,  in a statement. “His deep experience in other local governments will help us as we align all facets of County Government with the Livable Frederick Master Plan and our transition priorities.”

Peterson will serve in an acting capacity as Chief Administrative Officer until the County Council votes on his appointment.

By Kevin McManus

The theft occurred at the Wal Mart on Guilford Drive.

Suspect in Wal Mart Theft  (Photo from Frederick County Sheriff’s Office)

Frederick, Md (KM) A suspect is being sought in connection with a theft at a local store. The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office has released this photo of a man who is suspected of stealing nearly $3,000 in merchandise from the Wal Mart store at 7400 n Guilford Drive on March 24th.

If you know who this man is, you’re asked to contact the Sheriffs Office. You can call the Tips Line at 301-600-4131, or call the front desk at 301-600-1046. Reference case # 33-035038

By Kevin McManus

In this segment…

Ryan Hedrick delves into train derailments, focusing on a recent incident in Minnesota that occurred early on Thursday. Additionally, the podcast explores the impact of inflation on individuals’ finances, highlighting how it affects people’s wallets.

In this segment…

WFMD General Manager Mike Banks joins Ryan Hedrick to discuss providing police officers with the necessary resources to maximize their capacity and ensure safety. 

In this segment…

Check out the latest news and business headlines with Ryan Hedrick and Chris Murray! Stay informed and up-to-date on the latest developments by following their insights and analysis on social media. #NewsHeadlines #BusinessNews #StayInformed

The 2023 Maryland General Assembly’s session ends on April 10th.

Annapolis, MD – (MO) Frederick County Delegate Ken Kerr is pretty busy with less than 2 weeks to go in the 2023 Maryland General Assembly Session.

Kerr says that he’s hoping to pass an extension of a health insurance pilot program that helps young people afford health care. “We extended the pilot on the youth health care subsidies, this has seen 47,000 Marylanders take advantage of these health care subsidies and 17,000 of them to be able to afford health care for the first time,” Kerr said.

The pilot program focuses on young people as a demographic in need of financial assistance.

“These are people, aged 18 to 34, making up to about $54,000 a year,” Kerr said.

Delegate Kerr has another bill he sponsored that crossed over from the House into the Senate and would affect the construction industry.

“A Buy Clean Maryland Construction Bill specifically dealing with cement and concrete, there’s a new technology that allows for concrete to be made with one third fewer hydrocarbons so its less of a carbon footprint,” Kerr said.

The Maryland General Assembly ends on April 10th.

They’re providing assistance to the residents hit hard by a recent tornado.

(Photo from the Red Cross National Capital and Greater Chesapeake Region)

Silver Spring, Md (KM) Volunteers with the American Red Cross are heading to Mississippi to assist residents following last weekend’s powerful tornado. The twister classified as an EF-4 with top winds of 166 to 200 miles per hour went through the Magnolia State, leaving more than 20 people dead.

“We have a 140 people that are on the ground as of a couple of days ago and another 150 plus that were carrying trailers, and relief supplies including tarps, clean  up kits and first aid that are all en route to that area,”: says Kurt Luthye, the Executive Director of the Red Cross Chapter for Frederick, Montgomery and Howard Counties.

“And that includes four people from Maryland who have gone out from our region,” he continues. “And they are primarily working and focusing on sheltering, feeding–making sure that people have a warm meal–and replacing any kind of medical equipment they may have lost in the disaster.”

The tornado flattened the small town of Rolling Fork, reducing homes to piles of rubble. It also flipped cars over on their sides, and brought down the town’s water towner, according to a report from The Associated Press.

Luthye says many of these volunteers are trained to provide many types of assistance to those who have lost everything due to this powerful twister. “They do rigorous training around how to manage an emergency shelter. That goes from the logistics of setting up cots, ordering food, the right number of meals to some of the psychological first aid and interacting with people who have had a traumatic event happen,” he says.

And that includes emotional support for victims who have lost their homes. “We also provide disaster spiritual care,” he says. “So this would be faith leaders from a number of different traditions who are available for people who might request that service as well,:” he says Luthye.

Even though they see a lot of the aftermath of tornadoes, hurricanes and other calamities, Luthye, who has been sent to the scene of several disasters as a Red Cross volunteer,. says there’s a certain satisfaction in providing assistance to those who have gone through mass destruction. “Part of the motivating factor is if you can be there to give care and comfort to somebody who’s having a terrible day, there is some mysterious thing that happens where you’re doing good for them, and it makes you feel like you’ve accomplished something,” he says.

The Red Cross National Capital and Greater Chesapeake Region says the best way for citizens to help is to make financial donations. That money helps the Red Cross purchase food and other supplies to assist those who have been hit hard by last weekend’s tornado in Mississippi. Call `1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for more information, or go on line to redcross.org. Residents can also text  the word TORNADO to 90999 and make a $10.00 donation.

By Kevin McManus

The 2023 Sessions adjourns on Monday, April 10th at midnight.

Frederick County Delegate Jesse Pippy (Photo From Md. General Assembly)

Annapolis, Md (KM) Time is growing short for the Maryland General Assembly to complete its work before adjourning for the year on Monday, April 10th at midnight. Frederick County Delegate Jesse Pippy says both the House of Delegates and the State Senate have passed legislation and they entered their opposite chambers. But he says many committee chairmen have not brought these measures forward for a hearing and a vote.

“You have hundreds and hundreds of bills that have passed the House that have been sitting on the Senate side. The Senate chairs have been literally sitting on these bills. I don’t know if it’s to hold the House hostage,.” he says.

“They’re still negotiating on the budget. There’s been no kind of consensus among the House and Senate,” Pippy continues. “They’ve haven’t released the capital bond projects yet. So I think there’s a little bit of a stalemate at the moment.”

Earlier this year, Pippy was elected to chair the Frederick County Legislative Delegation. He was also picked at the Minority Whip in the House by the Republican Caucus. Because of that, Pippy says he has the duty of getting  the local Delegation’s bills through the General Assembly as well as those of the 39 members of the GOP Caucus.

But he did manage to introduce two bills. One would prohibit a person from conducting visual surveillance with prurient interest in residence or private accommodation without the consent of the individual. . It would also alter the penalties for the offense of visual surveillance with a prurient interest with a camera if the victim was a minor at the time of the offense, and is at least four years younger than the offender. A violation could lead to five-years imprisonment or a fine of $2,500, or both.

The second bill deals with indecent exposure. An individual committing the common law offense of indecent exposure would face a penalty of three years incarceration and/or a fine of up to $1,000. It would also prohibit persons from committing indecent exposure within sight of a minor who is at least two years old and at least than four years younger than the offender. The penalty would be up to five years imprisonment and/or at fine of up to $10,000.

“Both of those bills passed the House committee unanimously. Both passed the House floor unanimously, and have been over on the Senate side,” Pippy says. “From what I’ve heard is that they’re supposed to be scheduled for a hearing and a possible vote soon. So we’ll have to see.”

These two pieces of legislation were sent to the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee.

Pippy hopes activity begins to pick up over the next several days. “They’re gonna have to because there’s a tremendous amount of work that’s not completed and we are running out of time,” he says.

By Kevin McManus

It provides salary increases for IAFF members.

Frederick County Agreement With IAFF after it’s signed.  (Photo from Frederick County)

Frederick, Md (KM) There’s a new contract between Frederick County and the International Association of Fire Fighters. County Executive Jessica Fitzwater and IAFF Local 3666 President, Stephan Jones, signed the two-year agreement on Wednesday.

“I want to thank the members of our bargaining team for their work throughout this process,” says County Executive Jessica Fitzwater, in a statement. “I appreciate that the parties came to the negotiating table in good faith. The agreement signed today shows that process established by the County Council in 2020 works.”

“On behalf of more than 550 professional fire fighters who serve Frederick County every day, we are thrilled to celebrate this shared accomplishment of the County Executive and our union,” Jones says in a statement. “Collective bargaining is a process–and the process worked. The contract paves the way for a safer Frederick County and invests in our fire fighters that put their lives on the line every day.”

The contract contains an 8.5-percent pay raise for fiscal year 2024, and six percent in fiscal year 2025. Employees with certifications in specialized positions such as paramedics, hazardous materials technicians, technical rescue technicians and water rescue technicians will receive additional compensation. There’s also a new procedure for grievances and terms for how the arbitration process is handled.

The County says these negotiations were a first for fire fighters to include working conditions. This follows a change supported by voters in 2018 to expand the items fire fighters can negotiate with the County. It became law in 2020 through a bill introduced by then County Councilmember Fitzwater.

It also has increased leave for fire fighters who are members of the Armed Services Reserves, and sets up a leave bank dedicated to training for peer support members.

This new agreement takes affect July 1st, 2023. .

By Kevin McManus

Check out this week’s adorable featured pet, Monopoly! He’s a 7-month-old male Terrier Mix looking for his forever home. Interested in adopting? Please get in touch with Frederick Animal Control at 301-600-1546. Let’s find Monopoly, his new loving family! #adoptdontshop#rescuepet#terriermix#monopoly#frederickanimalcontrol