FMD

It’s taking place near Lock 34.

Raccoon (Stock Photo)

Knoxville, Md (KM) Visitors to the C&O Canal National Historical Park have reported seeing raccoons acting unusual near Lock 34, which is at mile 61.5 in Maryland across the Potomac River from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. “We heard a couple different visitors report  either aggressive raccoons or lethargic raccoons. And both of these behaviors in wildlife could be a symptom or rabies, ” says Christiana Hanson, a spokeswoman for the park.

She says other signs of rabies in wild animals include excessive drooling, biting at imaginary or real objects, or showing no fear of humans. “No one has been bitten,” Hanson says.

Raccoons in particular are nocturnal animals who usually come out at night, and it’s not common to see them out during the daytime. “They come out in the daytime if they are willing to get close to people,” she says. “Most wildlife is not comfortable being around human beings, even in very developed areas like we have.”

Human can contract rabies from infected animals through the animal’s saliva through a bite wound or a scratch. “If you do come in contact with an animal that you suspect is potentially affected by rabies, we encourage you to go see your doctor as quickly as possible to get treatment. Rabies is treatable, but you want to get treatment very, very quickly.”

If you visit the C&O Canal National Historical Park, or any national park, you’re strongly encouraged to watch animals from a safe distance. “Raccoons, skunks, deer, they all have ways of defending themselves. So just leave wildlife along. Enjoy from a distance. Never approach. You never know what’s going to happen,” says Hanson.

She also says if you bring your pets to a national park where they’re allowed, make sure they have had their rabies vaccinations, and are kept on a leash. And don’t take what you feel is a rabid animal to a veterinarian as you will put yourself and others in danger.

Visitors who notice a wild animal acting unusually in the parks can  call the National Park Service, 24-hour, Emergency Dispatch Center at 877-677-6677.

By Kevin McManus

He is charged with child abuse, assault.

Dfc Allan Mandujano (Photo from Frederick County Sheriff’s Office)

Frederick, Md (KM) A Frederick County Sheriff’s Deputy charged with 2nd-degree child abuse and 2nd-degree assault has been released on personal recognizance. Deputy 1st Class Allan Mandujano, 29, of Jefferson, was arrested on Wednesday, March 22nd. The alleged assault occurred on Tuesday, March 21st, at a daycare center. The victim is six years old, according to the Sheriff’s Office. .

Sheriff Chuck Jenkins spoke about Deputy Mandujano during an appearance Thursday on WFMD’s “Morning News Express.” “He’s done a great job for us. Good young man by all standards that I knew of,” he said. “Factually, I don’t know much about what happened in the investigation. But he’s done a great job for us to this point.”

Dfc Mandujano, who joined the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office on June 7th, 2021, was a Patrol Operations unit team member assigned to Patrol Team 3.

He has been suspended from the Sheriff’s Office without pay.

Jenkins says the investigation into this case has been turned over to the Maryland State Police. “It was reported by the daycare to Child Protective Services that apparently there were injuries on the child,” he says. “I immediately said ‘Listen, this is going to be a conflict for us. We have to go out of the house for the investigation.’ So we immediately contacted the Maryland State Police who assigned criminal investigators.”

Following an investigation, and in consultation with the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office, the State Police filed charges  against Deputy Mandujano.

He is not the first county employee facing criminal charges. Chelsea Kadish, who is the Chief of Staff to County Executive Jessica Fitzwater, faces child abuse and assault charges. The victims in this case were her two stepchildren. The complaint was filed last summer by her husband’s ex-wife. Kadish was also indicted on two counts of 2nd-degree child abuse, one count of 1st-degree assault and three counts of 2nd-degree assault. She is scheduled to go on trial on April 24th, according to the Maryland Judiciary Case Search website.

Kadish is still listed as chief of staff in the County Executive’s office. .

By Kevin McManus

State Police say driver veered into work zone, killing six.

Emergency personnel work at the scene of a fatal crash along Interstate 695 on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, near Woodlawn, Md. Multiple people were killed when a passenger vehicle pulled into a work zone along the Baltimore beltway and struck construction workers there, Maryland State Police said Wednesday. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

By The Associated Press 

In this segment…

Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins joined Bob and Ryan to talk about Allan Mandujano, a 29-year-old deputy charged with second-degree child abuse. Mandujano was allegedly involved in an assault on a five-year-old child on March 21.

In this segment…

According to the Maryland State Police, a passenger vehicle entered a work zone on the Baltimore beltway and hit construction workers, killing six people.

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 child was 5-years-old

Frederick, Md. (DG) – A Frederick County Sheriff’s Office Deputy has been arrested for assault involving a child.

Maryland State Police are handling the investigation. According to a press release, investigators say the assault involved a five year old child and happened on March 21.

The deputy was arrested and charged with second-degree child abuse and second-degree assault. He was identified as 29-year-old Allan Mandujano.

Mandujano was transported to Frederick County Adult Detention Center for booking

“The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office is made up of highly trained professionals in law enforcement and corrections,” said FCSO Sheriff Chuck Jenkins. “The actions of one deputy should not reflect on the entire agency.”

Legislation to that effect was sponsored by Frederick County Delegate April Miller.

Delegate April Miller (Photo from Md. General Assembly)

Annapolis, Md (KM) Legislation to expand the state’s open meeting law to cover citizen committees and task forces formed by local boards of education in Maryland won’t go forward this year. That’s according to Frederick County Delegate April Miller who is sponsoring the bill. “It did not make it out of the House. It has not made to the other side. As I didn’t have a cross file on it, so that means it pretty much won’t go anywhere after the next couple of days,” she says.

Miller introduced the legislation after the Frederick County Board of Education set up a citizens committee to review 35 books that a group of citizens say  are inappropriate, and should be removed from public school library shelves. The committee decided to meet behind closed doors with no members  of the public present.

“I do plan on introducing it next year,”: Miller  says. “I think that a lot of my colleagues know where I’m coming from as far as the transparency, and how I feel about parent rights.”

Miller, who is a former member of the Frederick County Board of Education, says it’s important for citizens to watch these meetings either in person,  or live-streamed over the internet.

But she  says another one of her bills which covers  rear passengers on motorcycles has a good chance of passing the legislature. “The rear passenger should at least be able to reach those rear foot pegs,” she says. Right  now Miller says Maryland has no law covering motorcycle passengers.

She also pointed out that she is not a motorcyclist. “But it was very important to some families here. So I brought that bill forward for them, and hopefully it goes though the Senate side all right, and we get a bill passed about that,” says Miller.

This bill covering motorcycle rear  passengers has passed the House of Delegates, and is scheduled for a hearing before the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee for Wednesday, March 29th at 1:00 PM.

By Kevin McManus

The legislation to repeal the law was sponsored by Delegate Karen Simpson.

Delegate Karen Simpson  (Photo from Md. General Assembly)

Annapolis, Md (KM) Frederick County Delegate Karen Simpson says she will bring back her bill next year which would repeal a more than 100-year-old law in Frederick city. The ordinance in question, which has been in affect since 1917, allows a District Court judge to assign vagrants to area roads. “Apparently, it’s not used. Hopefully, no one comes along in the future that decides ‘Hey, let’s put this back in affect,'” she says. “I think it makes a statement that it’s no longer our values.”

Simpson calls it a “Jim Crow Law” enacted during a time of legal racial segregation. She says this law would allow police to pick up anyone they deem a vagrant, even if that person is not committing a crime. “This was during a segregated time. It was legal to be able to pick up anyone who  was standing, leaning, sitting, whatever,” says Simpson.

“I think it’s kind of an embarrassment to be still on the record, especially given how broad it is,” she continues.

The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on this bill on Tuesday, February 28th, but took no vote was taken.  . “I think some folks were confused that like ”who’s going to clean your roads, now,”’ Simpson says. “We have folks who do that. We’re good.”

The 2023 Maryland General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn for the year on Monday, April 10th at midnight.

Frederick County Delegates Kris Fair and Ken Kerr were co-sponsors of this bill.

By Kevin McManus

She has been appointed by the County Executive.

Lara Fritts (Photo Frederick County Executive’s Office)  m

Frederick, Md (KM) There’s a new director for the Frederick County Office of Economic Development. Lara Fritts has been appointed to the position. She will take over on April 3rd from Jodie Bollinger, who has served as Acting Director of Economic Development since Helen Propheter retired in 2022.

The County Executive’s Office, in a statement,  says Fritts has 25 years of experience in economic development, management and technology, and served as the Economic Development Director for Salt Lake City. In that position, she helped bring in more than 30 companies over a three-year period.

Fritts has also held positions in Wisconsin, Maryland, Washington DC and Virginia.  Fritts is known as a  community and economic development expert, with experience in economic recovery, affordable housing, tax credits, strategic planning,  incentives and organizational development, according to the County Executive’s Office.

“I am excited Lara will be leading our economic development team,” says County Executive Jessica Fitzwater, in a statement. “She brings a wealth of experience, having worked with small and large jurisdictions, public/private partnerships, arts councils, and so much more. I am confident with Lara in this role, Frederick County’s diverse and growing economy will continue to flourish and thrive.”

Fritts resigned from her post as CEO of the Annapolis-based Community Redevelopment, Inc. to work as Frederick County’s Director of the Office of Economic Development.

By Kevin McManus

In this segment…

A state delegate from Frederick County intends to reintroduce a bill to eliminate a Jim Crow-era law in the upcoming legislative session. 

In this segment…

Lisa Coblentz, Franchise President of Manpower in Frederick, joined the show to discuss workforce challenges, including labor participation and our local workforce’s future. 

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

Similar bills  have   passed both chambers of the Legislature

State Senator Karen Lewis Young

Annapolis, Md (KM) A bill to assist victims of sexual assault could be passed this year by the Maryland General Assembly. The legislation would require state’s attorneys who are not pursuing charges against suspects in sexual assault cases to explain the reasons for their decisions.

The measure, sponsored by Frederick County State Senator Karen Lewis Young, has passed both chambers of the Maryland Legislature. “Both versions will cross the street. There’s a good chance they’ll both get approve because they’re both in the same posture But only one has to be approved by the opposite side in order for it to be sent to the governor,” she says.

Lewis Young says the bill had passed the House of Delegates in two previous sessions, but never made it out of the Senate. “I feel very confident. There was no opposition. There wasn’t any debate. It moved fairly quickly. I think the third time was the charmer,”: she said.

Similar legislation in the House of Delegates was sponsored by Frederick County Delegate Karen Simpson.

Senator Lewis Young said the legislation came about after she heard from a constituent who was sexually assaulted. The victim reported it, but nothing happened. “If the constituent who brought that idea to me is listening, thank you for your patience. Finally, we’re going to get it done,”; she said.

The 2023 Maryland General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn for the year on Monday, April 10th at midnight.

By Kevin McManus

The legislation would enhance these credits for senior citizens and military veterans.

Frederick, Md (KM) Two bills which would enhance property tax credits for Frederick County’s senior citizens and retired military will once again undergo public hearings. The Council on Tuesday approved amendments to these measures which would reduce the amount of credits being provided.

These bills were proposed by Councilman Steve McKay. “In this instance, rather than trying reduce everybody’s property tax bills, I’m trying to focus in on the people who need it the most, and that’s our senior citizens,”: he said.

But Councilwoman Renee Knapp said enacting targeted property tax credits means everyone else has to make up the revenue the county collects. “The county aiding anybody–seniors, as a hedge against inflation–that revenue will have to be made up by other  taxpayers in the county,” she said.

One of the pieces of legislation would grant the credit on a home on taxes from the first $500,000 for the senior citizens supplement to the state’s homeowners property tax credit. . Councilwoman MC Keegan-Ayer introduced an amendments reducing the valuation to $350,000. She said the average price of a home in Frederick County doesn’t come close to that $500,000 amount. “Given the fact that the average home price is about $410,000. That’s average sales price in Frederick County. Taking it up to $500,000 takes it way above the average sales price in Frederick County,” she said.

But Councilman McKay said many of the current property tax credits were enacted five years ago, ago, and houses have gone up since then. “And what happens then is that the value of the tax credit declines relative to the home’s value as the home value increases,”: he says.

Another bill that was amended  would keep the combined gross income of $80,000 instead of increasing it to $100,000  for those who are 65 and older, and have lived in their homes for at least 40 years.  For elderly individuals and uniformed service members, the property tax credits of 20 percent of the county property tax, and credit will be assessed at the lesser of $350,000, or another amount.

No date has been scheduled for a  hearing on these revised ordinances.

In other action, the Council also approved an ordinance which eliminates the five-year time period  for  when a surviving spouse of a disabled veteran who has not remarried can apply for a property tax credit program.

By Kevin McManus

FILE – West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice delivers his annual State of the State address in the House Chambers at the state capitol in Charleston, W.Va., on Jan. 11, 2023. Justice signed a bill Monday, March 13, 2023, that makes interfering with a police officer and causing their death a felony punishable by up to life in prison. (AP Photo/Chris Jackson, File)  (AP Photo)

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A man who died after struggling with law enforcement on a West Virginia interstate was hit by a trooper’s Taser, a police official said Tuesday in disclosing new details of one of a series of incidents that prompted Gov. Jim Justice to order a sweeping investigation of State Police.

State Police Capt. Eric Burnett in Charles Town confirmed a Taser was used on Edmond Exline, 45, of Hagerstown, Maryland, who died at a hospital after the Feb. 12 incident near Martinsburg.

A State Police news release cited by news outlets at the time said Exline was walking along the interstate when he got in a “struggle” with troopers, became unresponsive and later was pronounced dead at a hospital.

“He ran into traffic and wouldn’t listen to any commands from the trooper,” Burnett said Tuesday. “That’s something I probably don’t want to get into right now. I don’t want to get too far into this because we’re still doing a full investigation into it and I don’t want to taint anything.”

Exline’s cause of death hasn’t been released. It’s unclear whether he was having a medical or other type of episode, and Burnett said his office has not received the results of an autopsy and blood analysis. Three troopers remain on paid administrative leave as investigations continue, he said.

The Republican governor on Monday called the death alarming and cited that and two separate incidents involving State Police in announcing the investigation. The same day, Justice accepted the resignation of State Police Superintendent Jan Cahill.

Justice said he watched the police video of the Exline encounter and that it was “very, very concerning.”

Still unanswered was why Exline was on the interstate, including whether he had been in a vehicle.

“I guess the best thing for me to say is I don’t want to cast judgment on this guy,” Burnett said. “The best thing for someone to do once it comes out, and it’s going to come out, is to view the video and people can make their own determination as to how he was acting. I don’t want to speculate on anything.”

State Police on Tuesday denied a request by The Associated Press to review the video, citing the ongoing investigation.

Justice announced the investigation of State Police on Monday. He said after appointing Jack Chambers, deputy director of the Capitol police, as the interim State Police superintendent in place of Cahill that Exline’s death would be part of the overall review.

Troopers from the same Eastern Panhandle county where Exline died were involved in a November 2018 incident that Justice previously said “cast a dark shadow” on law enforcement.

A police dashcam video showed an officer kicking and punching a handcuffed teenage boy on the ground and kneeling on his shoulder during a traffic stop. State Police said the teen was involved in a crash with a sheriff’s cruiser before a pursuit ensued, his vehicle crashing again before he was apprehended. Two troopers were fired before one of them won his job back. Two sheriff’s deputies also were fired and later reinstated.

The governor said that besides Exline’s death, Chambers also will look into allegations that a State Police employee hid a video camera in the women’s locker room at a State Police facility in Kanawha County and that money was stolen by a trooper from a man at a casino in a Charleston suburb.

“We need to clean up our own houses when we have a problem,” Justice said. “It’s a bad day. It’s been a bad day ever since people started coming out with allegations. And the more we dug, the worse it stunk.”

Justice did not specify when the lockerroom situation occurred but indicated it was several years ago, perhaps before Cahill took over, and that the employee involved has since died.

Justice said three troopers eventually found a thumb drive “and from that they found the video.” At least one of the troopers “jerked the thumb drive out, threw it to the floor and started stomping on it,” destroying the evidence.

Justice acknowledged that “maybe we won’t be able to recover much information. Maybe many troopers are long gone. Maybe there’s no way to recover evidence. But we ought to try, because we’re better than this.”

In the casino incident, a man was playing a video machine with a trooper close by, Justice said. As the man got up to go to the restroom, an envelope with him fell out of his seat. The trooper picked up the envelope and kept the money inside.

The governor said State Police should have immediately begun a investigation, but “we didn’t do that.” The governor did not specify whether the trooper was discipline

By The Associated Press

In this segment…

Dan Cox, a former candidate for Maryland Governor, appears on the Morning News Express to discuss the potential indictment of former President Donald Trump.

In this segment…

Bob Miller and Ryan Hedrick talk about We are talking about the potential arrest of former President Donald Trump. Frederick County politics and the Transition Team’s conclusive report released Monday by County Executive Jessica Fitzwater includes 64 explicit suggestions to direct the activities of Frederick County.

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

Check out the latest “Pet of the Week” from Frederick Animal Control! Meet Jazzie, a 3-year-old female Rottweiler mix looking for a loving home. If you or someone you know is interested in adopting a furry companion, consider giving Jazzie a chance. Let’s help spread the word and find her a forever family!

Special thanks to Jay Day and The Day Home Team, LLCFrey Agricultural ProductsJohnson & Johnson Heating and Air Conditioning