Frederick faces budget challenges from shake-up of federal workforce, contracts in limbo
FREDERICK, Md. () — A new fiscal year approaches for Frederick County, and an unsettled federal government landscape is presenting challenges to County Executive Jessica Fitzwater.
The county executive's budget comes in at $981,919,496, but sudden turmoil from the new administration in Washington, D.C. may shift priorities for her fiscal strategists.
Hagerstown hosts 2025 State of the City event
'So many of the decisions affecting federal agencies right now impact decisions we make right here in Frederick County,' Fitzwater said.
In just the past month, Fitzwater said jobless claims have jumped five-fold.
'We're seeing an increase in workforce service who were either federal employees or federal contractors,' Fitzwater said during a press conference. 'They either lost their job or anticipate losing their job.'
With that as a backdrop, the county executive is still managing a fast-growing region and proposes a new elementary school to accommodate close to 900 students.
She also proposes renovations to Brunswick High School.
According to Frederick County Schools' chief operation officer, Paul Lebo, there is a 'significant need' to address the schools' 'aging infrastructure.'
Fighting climate change brings activists to Hood College conference
Fitzwater has scheduled a public hearing on her proposed budget for Saturday.
The County Council will hold a hearing on the spending plan on Wednesday, March 19, at 7 p.m. at Winchester Hall, 12 E. Church St.
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Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Yahoo
City of Rome growing, looking toward future with new opportunities, new legacy
Though Rome has had a tough year after a tornado ripped through its heart, its future is looking bright as new projects and strong foundations are being laid for the future. From a successful cleanup and continued work on damaged or destroyed properties, to the reveal of the Michael E. Jensen Recreation and Civic Center, Rome Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan went over all the strides and future projects at the 2025 State of the City, held at the Griffiss Institute and livestreamed. 'Just a year ago, our city was tested by an EF2 tornado,' Lanigan said on the livestream. 'It could have broken our spirit, but it didn't. We came together. We rebuilt. And today, we look forward with hope, with confidence, and with purpose.' On July 16, 2024, an EF2 tornado struck the city of Rome, carving a path of destruction that irrevocably damaged many lives in an instant. Lanigan said over 400 properties were damaged and 82 were deemed unsafe or unfit to live in. Some people were trying to clean up the day after, with trees still lodged in their homes. 'To date, 31 properties were unable to be saved and have now been demolished, either publicly or privately,' Lanigan said. 'And, unfortunately, there are still another 13 to come down.' City officials estimated damages to city property, the loss of infrastructure, and the loss of trees totaled around $23.6 million. County damages were estimated at approximately $8 million, just short of the FEMA threshold. Clean up was quick and efficient, with the city spending over $800,000 in payroll and just over $500,000 in other expenses. The cost was offset by a $1 million New York State emergency operating expenses grant. 'Our emergency crews were truly the unsung heroes in this disaster. They worked tirelessly, logging over 17,000 hours to clear nearly 30,000 cubic yards of debris- much of it downed trees,' Lanigan said. 'Our city streets were clear in just under five days, which is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our DPW crews, working alongside multiple agencies who came to assist. We cannot thank them enough for their efforts.' The Rome Victim Recovery Fund, in partnership with Oneida County and the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, provided $1.3 million in emergency assistance to 500 residents. Additionally, Rome, Oneida County, and the Rome Chamber of Commerce partnered to create the Rome Emergency Business Fund, assisting 50 local businesses in their recovery, totaling $231,301.76. And through all the municipal work distributing funds and assistance, Lanigan said the most powerful force was the people of Rome. 'We can never fully recognize the number of people, businesses, and organizations that stepped up to help this community,' Lanigan said. 'It was difficult, and it was emotional. But Rome was strong. Rome is strong, and we proved it together. And I'd like to thank the residents for their patience during a very difficult time.' Animal Deaths: Fire in Rome claims life of two dogs, two cats; fire department investigating Corrections: 2 inmates have been killed in Oneida County prisons in past year. Where the cases stand Shooting Investigation: Man grazed by bullet while in his home in Utica. What we know Thanks to a $1 million grant in emergency funding from the New York State Assembly, Lanigan said the city of Rome is launching a recovery strategy at the site where the tornado first touched down. Step one is the Erie Boulevard Brownfield Opportunity Plan, which extends from south Rome to Erie Boulevard. A comprehensive flood and drainage strategy will be implemented for South Rome and a new streetscape project is in the works on South Madison Street. Trees are also expected to be removed and replaced to create a new 'urban canopy' as the city starts its sidewalk repairs and expansion. 'This will be a significant targeted investment to improve and transform that corridor into a vibrant and walkable neighborhood,' Lanigan said. Oneida County has provided $500,000 of recovery funds to the project. And this is only one part of the major plans the city has in store. 'For industrial recovery, we applied for a $3.5 million New York State RESTORE grant to help rehabilitate the buildings at 220 South Madison Street and 522 Henry Street, both tornado-damaged properties,' Lanigan said. "We are very happy that we just received notice last week that our application for funding was approved.' Once rehabilitated, 220 South Madison will be, according to the mayor, the largest available industrial property in the Utica-Rome area at 180,000 square feet. Among the new announcements was what would happen to the YMCA property on Floyd Avenue. Lanigan said the new facility was 'abandoned' and its absence left a major gap in services and opportunities for residents. And so, Lanigan has revealed that the city is moving forward with The Legacy Center, the Michael E. Jensen Recreation and Civic Center.' 'Named in honor of Michael E. Jensen, a Rome native and heroic Syracuse Police Officer who gave his life in the line of duty, the Legacy Center will serve as a lasting tribute to those who have shaped and served our city," Lanigan said. "At its heart will be Legacy Hall, where community members will have the opportunity to honor individuals whose knowledge, talent, and service have left an enduring mark on the city of Rome.' Lanigan said the Legacy Center will feature the region's largest single indoor turf field — capable of supporting 11x11 soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, and other field sports in all four seasons. 'The Legacy Center will feature many amenities requested by residents, including an indoor walking track, fitness center, and community space for public use,' the mayor said. At the end of April, the Greek yogurt company Chobani announced its intention to build a $1 billion facility at the Griffiss Triangle Site in Rome. 'A few weeks ago, I had the incredible honor, alongside my good friend County Executive Picente, of officially welcoming Chobani to our great city,' Lanigan said. 'What an amazing time to be a Roman.' The mayor said this will bring jobs, growth, and new opportunities for families, Rome's workforce, and local businesses. 'This is more than a single investment — it's a spark. A transformational force that has the power to shape the future of Rome for the next 50 years,' Lanigan said. The city of Rome is working closely with Chobani's engineering team to ensure infrastructure is ready and in place to support operations. 'With an aggressive construction timeline already in motion, we anticipate seeing shovels in the ground within months and the completion of this significant project in 2026,' Lanigan said. On a dark day in July last year, Rome's skyline was changed forever as the EF2 tornado tore down buildings and broke many a spirit. But now, Lanigan said the city isn't just imagining a better future, it's building it. 'This is a proud moment, but it is also a defining responsibility. We understand that this project will reshape Rome's economy, our skyline, and our story. And we are more than ready to lead that transformation,' he said. 'Here at City Hall, we're energized by what's ahead. We're focused. We're united. We're determined.' This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Rome, New York, looks to future with new projects, new legacy
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
In new run for school board, Fletcher focuses on fiscal responsibility
After an unsuccessful run for school board last year, Frederick County Board of Education candidate Heather Fletcher said she needs 'every minute' of campaign time before 2026. Fletcher, a former air traffic controller at Joint Base Andrews, said she pulled her children out of Frederick County Public Schools in 2021 because 'I didn't feel like it was a safe place.' 'They weren't listening to the parents,' she said. 'They had no concern over the parents.' Fletcher ran for a seat on the school board in 2022, but lost in the primary. She ran as a write-in candidate in 2024 and lost again. She received 21,185 votes, or 6.42% of all votes cast for school board candidates in the election. Fletcher said after the COVID pandemic, she made it her full-time job 'to inform the public about what's really happening in the schools.' 'I feel like if they know, and they still choose to elect these candidates, and they are informed voters, then that's their choice,' she said. 'But I feel like there's been so many lies and so much deceit that the regular person might not be researching these policies and the curriculum and have no idea what's going on in these schools.' Fletcher said her biggest priorities for the school system were school safety, fiscal responsibility, academic excellence and parental rights. She explains her priorities on her website, She said it was not fair to students or staff members at Brunswick High School, who deal with 'asbestos tiles crumbling on their heads and a roof leaking,' because the school board's room in the FCPS central office underwent construction last year. The Frederick News-Post reported in 2023 that community members advocated to the Frederick County Council about asbestos in Brunswick High School. In 2024, the school board met virtually from late February to early May, with one in-person meeting in April. The construction was for 'modernization ... including the installation of new audio and video equipment, to replace dated infrastructure utilized since the building opened in 2010,' according to an FCPS Facebook post. Fletcher said the construction was 'just a humongous waste of our taxpayer money.' She said she would 'cut absolutely everything that wasn't down to bare basics' in the budget if she were elected. 'Get rid of everything that is not absolutely necessary to improve our test scores, to help our teachers out,' she said. Fletcher said she volunteers as a teacher's assistant and a substitute at her children's school. FCPS said in 2023, 17 out of 42 elementary schools, excluding charter schools, had more students than state-rated capacity, according to the 2024 Educational Facilities Master Plan. 'I would much rather pay to have assistants' helping with teachers and class sizes than pay administrator salaries, she said. She said teacher's assistants could help with overcrowded classrooms. Fletcher has been outspoken against a districtwide transgender and gender nonconforming affirmation policy. Policy 443 was created to 'prevent discrimination, stigmatization, harassment, and bullying of students who are transgender or gender nonconforming' and to 'create school cultures that are safe, welcoming, and affirming for all students.' The policy compels students, staff members and teachers to refer to students by their preferred names and pronouns. Fletcher said that part of the policy is unconstitutional. 'They cannot force speech,' she said. 'In Policy 443, it says that whatever pronouns somebody wants to use, that the staff and teachers have to use it. You are violating our constitution.' The policy also allows students to use bathrooms and locker rooms that align with a student's gender identity, and allows students to bunk with students of the same gender identity for overnight field trips. She said if a student does not feel comfortable using the girls' or boys' bathrooms, they can use a private bathroom. 'If they're LGBTQIA, they identify as whatever. ... I don't want any person harmed,' she said. 'Nobody should be bullied.' In 2022, Fletcher checked out around 20 LGBTQ books from a pride month display at the Brunswick Library, saying she was 'disturbed' and worried it would prompt 'age-inappropriate' questions from young children. She returned the books a few days later. For the 2026 election, four seats are on the ballot. Casey Day, Jess Douglass, Chad King Wilson Sr. and David Migdal have filed as school board candidates. Current school board members Karen Yoho and Nancy Allen have said they are not running again. Board President Rae Gallagher and Vice President Dean Rose have said they are unsure if they will run again. The deadline to file to run is 9 p.m. on Feb. 24, 2026. The primary election is on June 30, 2026, and the general election is on Nov. 3, 2026.
USA Today
17-05-2025
- USA Today
Southwest Airlines to pay 1 cent in lawsuit over Hispanic scholarship program
Southwest Airlines to pay 1 cent in lawsuit over Hispanic scholarship program Show Caption Hide Caption The companies standing up to Trump on DEI Companies like Costco and Levi's are rejecting the White House's position on diversity, equity and inclusion. A U.S. judge signaled he will order Southwest Airlines LUV.N to pay 1 cent to end a lawsuit by a conservative group alleging that a now-defunct program awarding free flights to Hispanic college students was discriminatory. U.S. District Judge Sidney Fitzwater on Wednesday rejected a request by Edward Blum's American Alliance for Equal Rights to address the merits of its case, after Southwest "unconditionally surrendered" by scrapping its ¡Lánzate! program. Blum has tried for decades to remove racial considerations from parts of American life, including a successful push to essentially end affirmative action in college admissions. U.S. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has made removing diversity, equity and inclusion policies from society a hallmark of his second White House term. Southwest's ¡Lánzate! program had since 2004 provided assistance to 1,500 Hispanic undergraduate and graduate students who lived at least 200 miles (322 km) from campus. Workplace diversity: What is DEI and why is it so divisive? What you need to know. Fitzwater said it would waste time and money to keep litigating whether the program violated a Civil War-era law barring racial bias in contracting, because the plaintiff achieved "total victory" after Southwest effectively gave up. "Granting an obstinate plaintiff total victory upon the defendant's unconditional surrender is a reasonable response to the problems and needs confronting the court's fair administration of justice," the Dallas-based judge wrote. Fitzwater gave both sides until May 28 to object. Southwest, based in Dallas, had no immediate comment on Thursday. Lawyers for the plaintiff did not immediately respond to requests for comment. While the plaintiff had sought 1 cent in damages, its lawyers said the case's merits should be addressed because it concerned "issues of substantial public importance" regarding intentional ethnic discrimination by a major company. "Southwest cannot avoid liability by paying the Alliance via a judgment that's not really a judgment, any more than it could avoid liability by paying the Alliance via no judgment," the lawyers wrote. The case is American Alliance for Equal Rights v Southwest Airlines Co, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas, No. 24-01209. Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Bill Berkrot
