Frederick Uncut - FNP Podcasts

Dr. Randall Culpepper, deputy health officer for Frederick County, joins host Heather Mongilio to discuss the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, including how public health officials determine if the state hit a peak, what needs to be done for the state to think about reopening and what people should know about the data being put out by health departments.

On March 23 Frederick resident Barbara Barry was diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-Cov-2 virus. Fighting the illness in isolation at home, Barry thought she might die. Barry Joined health reporter and host Heather Mongilio on the phone to discuss what the experience was like and how she feels after being cleared by medical professionals.

Gov. Larry Hogan announced Monday morning that he would enact a stay-at-home order, effective at 8 p.m.Outside of essential activities, such as going to an essential job, grocery shopping or going to the pharmacy, people are to stay at their homes. They may go for walks, runs or bike rides outside, although they are to practice social distancing.Frederick Uncut producer Heather Mongilio recaps the latest COVID-19 news, as well as news the past week in Frederick County.

On the same day Governor Larry Hogan announced an executive order to close all non-essential businesses to curb the spread of COVID-19, Frederick County confirmed its first two cases of community spread of the virus SARS-CoV-2. Host Heather Mongilio discusses what this means for the fight to contain the virus in Frederick and what we can expect with the shutdown of so many businesses.

With all the COVID-19 news, two questions are on the tops of people’s minds. Will schools actually reopen and what should I do with my kids until then? Frederick Uncut host Heather Mongilio spoke with Frederick County Public Schools Superintendent Terry Alban, by phone, for an update on schools. Alban does not know if schools will reopen, but teachers and the school system are preparing for online instruction if necessary.

A Frederick County resident tested positive for COVID-19. Minutes later, Gov. Larry Hogan announced a statewide closure of bars, restaurants, gyms and movie theaters. Host Heather Mongilio speaks with city editor Allen Etzler about the changes in Frederick County under the COVID-19 pandemic. Then Mongilio speaks with food and education reporter Katryna Perera about school closures. Perera also talks about her most recent food review and how that will change with restaurants closing. With COVID-19, Frederick Uncut may be dropping more episodes in addition to the weekly episode.

Dr. John Dye, chief of viral immunology at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases at Fort Detrick, joins host Heather Mongilio to discuss what researchers have learned so far about the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the disease it causes, COVID-19. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts & Google Play

County Executive Jan Garnder, along with several county officials, held a briefing Monday afternoon to discuss the county's preparation for if or when the county sees a case of the new coronavirus disease, officially called COVID-19. There are six cases of COVID-19 in Maryland, as of March 9, with four in neighboring Montgomery County, one in Prince George's County and one in Harford. Producer Heather Mongilio spoke with Gardner after her briefing to speak more about how Frederick County is preparing for COVID-19. Then food and education reporter Katryna Perera joins Mongilio to first talk about how the public school system and colleges are handling the coronavirus news. Perera then tells Mongilio about her latest food review. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts & Google Play

The new coronavirus, which first appeared in December in Wuhan, China, has been on many minds, especially as cases in the United States rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are at least 90 cases in the United States and six deaths in Washington state. Globally, the disease has infected nearly 90,000 people and killed approximately 3,000. There are a lot of questions and unknowns about the disease. To answer some, Frederick County Health Officer Dr. Barbara Brookmyer joined Frederick Uncut producer Heather Mongilio to talk about COVID-19. Then, food and education reporter Katryna Perera joined Mongilio to speak about her latest food review.

The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is a massive education reform proposal currently before members of the Maryland General Assembly. There are two questions many are asking about the education reform, also known as the Kirwan bills. The first is, what will the bills do for Frederick County? The second is, how will Frederick County pay for the reform? To answer some of these questions, producer Heather Mongilio met with County Executive Jan Gardner and Joy Schaefer, government affairs director with the county executive’s office. Schaefer sat on the Kirwan Commission. Mongilio then met with statehouse and county reporter Steve Bohnel, followed by food and education reporter Katryna Perera about different aspects of Kirwan. Perera also spoke with Mongilio about her latest review. This week she looks at restaurants across the county participating in Restaurant Week.

Meghan King remembers buying heroin that came with a warning that the batch was strong. She remembers preparing it and using it. Then she remembers coming to after her boyfriend gave her Narcan. King joined producer Heather Mongilio to discuss being in recovery and her 15-year struggle to stay sober. King is just shy of four months sober. King spoke to Mongilio as part of a story on the number of opioid overdoses in 2019. Crime and courts reporter Jeremy Arias, who wrote the story with Mongilio, also joined her to discuss their reporting. Then, food and education reporter Katryna Perera joins Mongilio to talk about her latest review. Music in this episode was used under a creative commons license and can be found at the link below. Relaxing Piano Music by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4273-relaxing-piano-music/License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Members of the deaf community in Frederick County have come together with a singular goal.  They want to create a Maryland Deaf Community Center, a centralized location for services and that would also serve as a community meeting place.  The group met Feb. 3 to talk about the creation of the center. President Linda Stoltz and Vice President Lori Bonheyo joined Frederick Uncut producer Heather Mongilio to discuss the creation of a center.  Then, education and food reporter Katryna Perera joined Mongilio to talk about a Nazi flag that was hanging in a window at Gov. Thomas Johnson High School over the weekend.  The flag is used as part of a specific history class, Perera told Mongilio. Perera also talks to Mongilio about a pop-up cocktail bar in Buckeystown that brings Valentine's Day to patrons in the form of cocktails and small bites.

More and more, homelessness in downtown Frederick has become a topic of discussion over how to address the problem. To do a comparison of how the city of Frederick approaches homelessness, The News-Post sent city reporter Colin McGuire to two cities in the South to see how other governments address it. City editor Allen Etzler joins producer Heather Mongilio to discuss the three-part series, which ran last week. Etzler also previews the upcoming week of news in Frederick County. Then food and education reporter Katryna Perera joins Mongilio to discuss her latest review of a Japanese restaurant in Hagerstown.

While much of the conversation about diseases right now is focused on the coronavirus from China, the flu has been in Maryland for several weeks. In Maryland alone, there have been 16,766 confirmed cases of the flu with 15 deaths, as of Jan. 18. In Frederick County, there is at least one flu-related death. On Jan. 20, 5-year-old Lochlin DeSantis died from flu-related sepsis. Lochlin was a happy, giving child who was always running and always had a smile on his face. City editor Allen Etzler temporarily takes over hosting duties to interview producer Heather Mongilio about her story on Lochlin. She spoke about how his parents invited her and editor Graham Cullen into their homes around 48 hours before Lochlin's funeral so that they could spread the message about flu-related sepsis. Then Etzler tells Mongilio about other stories coming up in Frederick County this week before food and education reporter Katryna Perera joins Mongilio for her latest food review. Finally, Mongilio accompanied crime and courts reporter Jeremy Arias and transportation reporter Ryan Marshall as they donated blood. Arias joins Mongilio in the studio to discuss why the two donated blood.

At the animal shelter at Frederick County Animal Control, a fair number of cages are empty. It is surprising considering how many articles talk about pets coming to shelters after people decide they no longer want the Christmas puppy or kitten. Fortunately, the Frederick County shelter does not see that many returned Christmas animals, division director Linda Shea told producer Heather Mongilio. Shea spoke with Mongilio about adopting an animal and gave her a tour of the shelter. Then, crime and courts reporter Jeremy Arias joins Mongilio to talk about two boys who read to dogs at the shelter to help them calm down. City editor Allen Etzler also joins to talk about the upcoming news of the week and recap what happened last week. Finally, food and education reporter Katryna Perera stops by with pizza to talk about her latest review.

For comic book store owners, the popularity of Marvel Studios films and DC Comics films and television shows has not necessarily translated into more sales. Instead, the two comic book stores in Frederick County have found new ways to encourage customers to come into their stores. Business reporter Erika Riley joined producer Heather Mongilio in the studio to talk about her story. For Riley, looking at the comic book industry is a little personal since she grew up with parents who own a comic book store. Local comic book store owners John Frazier, of Brainstorm Comics & Gaming, and Jon Cohen, of Beyond Comics, joined Mongilio individually in the studio to talk about their different ways of encouraging customers to come into their stores. Then city editor Allen Etzler joins Mongilio to preview the rest of the week, including a big announcement for the Frederick County Board of Education. Then, food and education reporter Katryna Perera comes to the studio to talk about her latest food review.

The Maryland legislative session kicks off Wednesday. Each year, delegates and senators from jurisdictions throughout Maryland introduce bills that could potentially become law. Already, the Maryland General Assembly members have pre-filed some bills, including ones on contraceptives, the Public Information Act, and definitions of crimes, to name a few. To discuss the upcoming session, The Frederick News-Post's county and statehouse reporter, Steve Bohnel, and city editor Allen Etzler joined producer Heather Mongilio in the studio. The three previewed the legislation that could come this session before diving into how The News-Post will cover this session. While Frederick Uncut might discuss some politics during the session, for weekly political news and updates on legislation, subscribe to FNP Politics to listen to In Session. Food and education reporter Katryna Perera and Mongilio closed out the episode by discussing Italian food and Perera's latest review.

Goodbye, 2019. Hello, 2020. To usher in 2020, producer Heather Mongilio and city editor Allen Etzler look back on the top stories of 2019 and the big themes of the last decade. It was a busy year for Frederick with the city of Frederick and the county facing growing pains, two high-profile killings, a pediatrician charged with many sexual offenses, including 98 additional counts announced Monday. There were flood damage repairs, a conman, and multiple high school football champions. Then Etzler talks about the future of The News-Post and what stories reporters will be working on in the coming year. Food and education reporter Katryna Perera then joins Mongilio for her weekly restaurant review.

Star Wars wrapped up its third trilogy last week with "Rise of Skywalker." The film had mixed reviews, but for local super fan Rob Cross, it was a great ending to a movie series he first started as a child. Cross is part of the 501st Legion Old Line Garrison, where he cosplays as Darth Vader. The legion is a nonprofit that sends Star Wars villains to hospitals and other events to greet people and brighten their mood. Cross joined producer Heather Mongilio to talk about the last Star Wars movie and how he becomes Vader. Then business reporter Erika Riley joins Mongilio to talk about financial troubles facing marijuana businesses because of banking restrictions. To cap the episode off, city editor Allen Etzler discusses what stories Uncut missed and what is to come this week.

Recycling. It's something many Frederick County residents do. As County Councilman Phil Dacey, who joined Frederick Uncut producer Heather Mongilio, said, recycling has been ingrained in people as the right thing to do. But recycling is costing the county around $6 million this year. And because of how recycled materials are sold on the market, the county is not recouping the money. County government reporter Steve Bohnel joined Mongilio to talk about recycling in Frederick County, as well as how the different council members, including Dacey, are reacting. He also explains some of the options being discussed by the county government. Later, city editor Allen Etzler joins Mongilio to recap the last week and look forward to news to come this week. Then, food and education reporter Katryna Perera comes into the studio to talk about her latest food review.

Beer and trivia. Music with dinner. Yoga and a cocktail. It will now be easier for breweries, distilleries and restaurants under 10,000 square feet to provide entertainment. The City of Frederick Board of Alderman unanimously approved an ordinance that would allow entertainment as long as it was inside, at least 500 feet away from residential properties — if not in a few specific zones — and was between a set time period, depending on the day. Local establishment owners hailed the passing of the ordinance as a way of staying competitive with the Baltimore and D.C. markets. For musicians, especially, the ordinance means more venues in a city that lost three in a span of a couple months. Business reporter Erika Riley spoke with Andrew Bromhal, of Silent Old Mtns., about the ordinance, as well as a bartender at Olde Mother, where the band was playing. Then editor Allen Etzler joins producer Heather Mongilio for a quick recap of the rest of the week in news. And food and education reporter Katryna Perera joins Mongilio to talk about her latest food review. This time, she went to Foster's on the Point in Hagerstown.

Paul Foss stood in the what will be a double-wide trailer home. Right now, it looks more like a construction zone. Walls and floors are planks. People, who are volunteers, were using construction equipment to continue the necessary work. If Foss has his way, the mobile home construction site will be a mobile home ready for a family. In eyesight of the site is the reason so many people are volunteering to ready the mobile home. It is another mobile home. One that is blackened and charred, with about a third missing, the results of a Nov. 18 fire. The family who lived there lost everything, Foss told producer Heather Mongilio. So his organization, Waterboyz for Jesus, stepped up to help rehome the family by the winter holidays. Mongilio met Foss at the mobile home construction site to hear more about what happened to the family and what needs to happen to ready the trailer. Then, food and education reporter Katryna Perera joins Mongilio to talk about her latest food review. She reviews a bar in Walkersville that ranges from sandwiches to filet mignon.

Frederick, like most other counties in Maryland, is facing an opioid crisis that does not discriminate based on age. So, Sean Nicholson and the Phoenix Foundation want to bring a recovery high school to the downtown area as another way to tackle substance use disorder. The high school is slated to open in September 2020 at 117 E. Church St., the current home of Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County. Nicholson joined producer Heather Mongilio to talk about the recovery high school. Then, city editor Allen Etzler and Mongilio give a quick recap of other news in the week before food and education reporter Katryna Perera talks about her latest review. Perera gives out a five-star review to a local Italian market and offers advice for getting one of its signature sandwiches.

For students, snow days can be a blessing. After all, there is a reason there are many superstitions aimed at making it snow enough for school to be canceled.  But the Frederick County Board of Education might make a change to snow days that makes them less fun for students.  The board recently discussed the idea of virtual classes on snow days, where students have assignments that can be completed while at home.  There are complications and questions unanswered about how virtual classes would work that the board will consider before making a decision.  Education and food reporter Katryna Perera joins producer Heather Mongilio to talk about the possible schedule for next school year overall. Then the two discuss some of the benefits and challenges virtual classes would present.  City editor Allen Etzler, who attended Frederick County Public Schools, joins Mongilio later to also discuss the classes.  Etzler also offers a look ahead to some of the stories in The Frederick News-Post.  Finally, Perera joins Mongilio once again, this time to discuss the different food, often pork, a lot of pork, that she tried while vacationing in the Philippines. 

Around 10:30 a.m. Monday, taps began playing. Musician after musician lifted their instruments to their mouth in order to "pass the call" from Mount Olivet Cemetery to Memorial Park. After taps finished, local officials and residents to honor veterans at a ceremony around the monuments dedicated to wars. Producer Heather Mongilio spoke with Ron Moss, who played taps on Monday, as well as some other veterans, about the holiday and issues facing veterans. Then Shaun Butcher, the coordinator of the Brunswick Veterans Day Parade, joined Mongilio in the studio to talk about one of the oldest parades honoring veterans. After, food and education reporter Katryna Perera talks to Mongilio about her latest food review.

The Washington Nationals made history with their 6-2 win Oct. 30, bringing home the team’s first World Series win.The World Series was even more special for Dennis Hetrick, who was one of the official scorers during the Nationals’ home games.Hetrick, who served as a long-time Keys scorer, joins producer Heather Mongilio and sports reporter Greg Swatek in the studio to first explain what a scorer is and talk about his World Series experience.Then food reporter Katryna Perera also joins Mongilio to talk about her latest food review. She got to experience high quality dining in a bit of a surprising place.

Before Keitchia Morris was diagnosed with breast cancer, she had a job, a house, a car. But two years later, after several months of chemotherapy and surgeries, Morris is homeless. Morris spoke with Frederick Uncut producer Heather Mongilio at Faith House, a women's shelter where Morris stayed for several months while recovering from surgery related to her breast cancer. She spoke about her treatment and some of the financial struggles she has faced since her breast cancer diagnosis. Then Mongilio spoke with Irene Hollis, oncology financial counselor, and Jodi Gerber, a clinical social worker, at the James M. Stockman Cancer Institute. Hollis and Gerber spoke about how the cancer institute helps patients understand the costs associated with their cancer treatment, including those that are not medical. Finally, education and food reporter Katryna Perera steps into the studio to talk about her latest food review.

A witch lives in the woods of Burkittsville. Well, not actually. But 20 years ago, after the release of “The Blair Witch Project,” concerned viewers and people thought the students, who were really actors, were missing. That was in part due to marketing techniques by Eduardo Sánchez and Daniel Myrick, who created a website and flyers that made it appear that the students had disappeared. That meant calls to the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, which was listed on promotional materials. Even to The Frederick News-Post. And the filming did not even take place in woods near Burkittsville. That was in Seneca Creek State Park. There are still call-backs to Burkittsville in the movie, and features reporter Crystal Schelle and producer Heather Mongilio met at a cemetery in Burkitsville to talk about the movie. Schelle also spoke with Sánchez about the movie’s lasting effects on the town. Then food and education reporter Katryna Perera goes back to school with her food review. Perera tried lunches at elementary, middle and high schools, and she was pleasantly surprised with what she found.

Among common tips for staying friends with people or avoiding uncomfortable family dinners is to stay away from discussions about politics. But Jim Carpenter and Natalie Abbas want to talk politics in a respectful and empathetic way. And the two — a Democrat from Frederick and a Republican from Myersville — want to help others in Frederick County have these discussions. The two are part of Better Angels, an organization founded in 2016, to teach people how to talk politics. Carpenter and Abbas join City Editor Allen Etzler to talk about having politically-charged conversations and give suggestions for how to handle some hot-button topics. Then food and education reporter Katryna Perera joins producer Heather Mongilio to talk about her latest review at Cinco de Mayo, which has locations in Urbana and Middletown.

Horse-drawn carriages are a common site in downtown Frederick around the holidays. So are the protests that accompany them. The Frederick Board of Aldermen recently took up the issue of horse-drawn carriages again, this time looking at how often horses need to take a break. City reporter Colin McGuire joins producer Heather Mongilio to talk about the history behind the horse-drawn carriages and the aldermen’s latest decision. Then, food reporter Katryna Perera joins the show to talk about her latest food review.

The city of Frederick is beginning to create its comprehensive plan, and city officials want public feedback. There's a questionnaire on the city's website, but the city has offered a new tool as well in the form of an interactive map. Now, people can select an area on the map, such as a particular road, and submit a comment. Those comments are then sent to the planning department for review. Comments are then made public, so anyone, including producer Heather Mongilio, can look at them. Mongilio invited Frederick Mayor Michael O'Connor to talk more about the comprehensive plan and the interactive map. Then Mongilio goes to Brunswick, where she spoke with Councilman Nathan Brown about the movement to create a conservation district for its downtown. Finally, food and education reporter Katryna Perera comes into the studio to talk about her latest food review.

The past few years have been rough on farmers. Changing economics, weather and other factors have caused family-run farms — especially those in the dairy industry, — to sell land or the complete farm to make ends meet. Even in Frederick County, the number of dairy farms are dwindling. In 1950, there were 1,369. As of Aug. 7, there were 60, according to the story reported by Kate Masters and Allen Etzler. Masters and Etzler spoke to the next generation of farmers. The ones who are taking over the farms left in the county. Etzler joined producer Heather Mongilio to talk about reporting the story and what he took away. Then, Ben Sowers, co-owner of South Mountain Creamery, talks to Mongilio about taking over his family farm with his sister and his hopes for his children and his sister’s children. Mongilio and county reporter Steve Bohnel also recap the latest on the two teenage brothers charged in the assault and death of a 59-year-old Mount Airy man at The Great Frederick Fair. And finally, education and new food reporter Katryna Perera stops by to talk about a restaurant she described as an “Indian Chipotle”.

It's the middle of September, the pumpkin spice latte has returned to Starbucks, and Maryland is experiencing the second coming of summer. But in Frederick County, the middle of September means one thing: the return of The Great Frederick Fair.  And the fair is great, in size alone. But to break it down a bit more, Frederick Uncut brings the guide to The Great Frederick Fair.  First, crime and courts reporter Jeremy Arias joins producer Heather Mongilio to discuss ride safety. The rides at the fair are inspected leading up to the beginning of the fair, and, as Arias explained, possibly during as well.  Then Mongilio and county reporter Steve Bohnel take on The fair. Together, the two discuss everything fairgoers might need to know, from parking to food. At its core, The Great Frederick Fair is an agriculture event, and Bohnel and Mongilio, admittedly two city-bred reporters, witnessed the birth of Buttercup, a calf. 

Desiree Tucker came to Frederick County for the opportunity to send her children to a better public school system. She and her husband moved from Prince George's County. He worried about their children attending school in a largely white county, but Tucker said it was similar to how she grew up. Her child went through kindergarten, and Tucker told producer Heather Mongilio there were some eye-opening moments when it came to the lack of diversity in the school's curriculum. Then education reporter Katryna Perera spoke with Board of Education member Michael Bunitsky about the Racial Equity Committee and ways that FCPS does and does not include diversity in the curriculum. Perera joins Mongilio to talk about reporting the story after speaking with Bunitsky.

[Editor’s Note: Frederick County Public Schools was invited to take part in this podcast discussion, but no representative was made available. A request for written comment went unanswered.] School has yet to start for the students at Parkway Elementary School, but it is the parents, and some kids, that have butterflies over the upcoming school year.  Due to low teacher staffing, Frederick County Public Schools had to choose between classrooms with one teacher to approximately 30 kids or multi-grade classrooms. The schools went with the latter.  At Parkway, there are only nine teachers this year, down from 12 the previous one.  Producer Heather Mongilio spoke with education reporter Katryna Perera about what multi-grade classrooms are and why parents feel uneasy about the decision.  Then three parents of Parkway students join Mongilio to talk about how the decision will affect them.  Representatives from Frederick County Public Schools were unable to comment by deadline Monday. Finally, features reporter Kate Masters joins Mongilio to speak about TLC's "90 Day Fiancé," which features a Frederick resident. Masters and Mongilio also speak about Burger King's Impossible Whopper and whether people can tell the difference between a beef and a plant-based burger.

Tristan Poffenberger's "American Ninja Warrior" dream ended not with a bang but a splash during the Baltimore city finals.  The 19-year-old finished 14th in the qualifying round, also in Baltimore, but the third obstacle in the city final proved too challenging. Poffenberger is one of the handful of Frederick County residents to take on the obstacle courses over the years.  And he told Frederick Uncut producer Heather Mongilio and Sports Editor Josh Smith that he hopes to come back next year.  Poffenberger spoke with Mongilio and Smith about his two runs and what it took to get on the show. Poffenberger also shares his story about growing up with parents who had trouble with substance use and how that led to "American Ninja Warrior." Later, features reporter Kate Masters joins Mongilio to discuss how Frederick's city ordinance makes it difficult for breweries and distilleries to have entertainment. 

Connie Ray, program manager of the Frederick Food Security Network, and Hood College student Heidi Gonzalez Ramirez spent Monday morning digging holes. The two were helping to build a greenhouse that will be used as part of the Frederick Food Security Network. The network uses produce from community gardens around the city, including those at The Frederick News-Post, to help provide fresh fruit and vegetables to those living in food deserts. Ray and Ramirez joined Frederick Uncut producer Heather Mongilio to talk about the Frederick Food Security Network, community gardens and a new cold storage room through a grant from the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek. Later, features reporter Kate Masters joins Mongilio to talk about her two-part series on statues in Frederick. Masters wrote about fashion designer Claire McCardell, whom people can thank for ballet flats and pockets on dresses. A statue honoring McCardell is planned. This week in 72 Hours, Masters looks at other well-known statues around the area, including trying to figure out what the statue outside Frederick City Hall is called.

When Trudy Suggs, her husband and four children go to the movies, they have three options.  They can use glasses that provide captions, use a screen that reflects captions projected from the back of the theater or go to an open captioned screening, where captions are part of the film.  Suggs and her family are part of Frederick County's deaf community, and she spoke with producer Heather Mongilio about the how the local movie theater works to be accessible to the deaf community.  While the movie theater does try to be accommodating, there are still room for improvement, Suggs said. Then News-Post reporter Becky Duke Wiesenberg, who wrote the story, spoke with Mongilio about why she wanted to report on the deaf community and how she found the Frederick Deaf Moviegoers on Facebook. Later, Mongilio discussed the latest with the research halt at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases.  Then, Mongilio and News-Post reporter Hannah Himes traveled to Urbana where they spoke with the O'Hopp family about two giant pumpkins they are growing. 

Walking in downtown Frederick, vacant buildings are likely on only a few people's minds.  People stop at the local restaurants, peruse merchandise in store windows or grab a drink at one of the bars.  But people stop their downtown stroll at 3rd Street, where a patch of vacant storefronts discourages people from continuing down Market Street, city Alderman Ben MacShane said.  MacShane and Frederick Uncut producer Heather Mongilio walked around downtown Frederick looking at buildings that quickly gained new tenants and those that have sat empty for a year or longer.  During the tour, MacShane talked about a proposed ordinance that would create a registry for vacant buildings.  Later in the episode, features reporter Kate Masters joins Mongilio to talk about the upcoming edition of 72 Hours. 

The city of Frederick unveiled its logo over the past month and a half. When the city posted it to its Facebook page July 2, backlash was swift. Commenters described the logo as looking like a wounded duck or something their children did in kindergarten. Others questioned the money the new design cost and why the city chose an out-of-state firm. New-Post reporter Jeremy Arias joins Frederick Uncut producer Heather Mongilio in the studio to talk about the new logo, the backlash and steps moving forward. Then Frederick Alderman Roger Wilson speaks with Mongilio about the process and lack of public input into the new logo. Later in the episode, Mongilio speaks with Go Team Therapy Dogs handlers about bringing their trained therapy dogs to the Frederick County Courthouse.

Man landed on the moon nearly 50 years ago. Mike Menzel, then 9, watch as Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong walked on the moon's surface. He was a child of the Space Age, he told reporter Hannah Himes, and the moon landing helped inspire him to go into a space-related career."As I said, I was a child of the space program," he said. "I wanted to be, when I was growing up, I knew I wanted to be an astronomer or an astronaut or some kind of engineer that designed spacecraft[s]."Menzel now works for NASA. Himes spoke with Frederick Uncut producer Heather Mongilio about interviewing Menzel. Her story will come out later this week. Later in the episode, Mongilio toured the new Mission of Mercy mobile dental clinic and spoke with Dental Director Roslyn Kellum. Then, sports reporter Greg Swatek joins Mongilio to speak about the late Don Boyer, longtime track and field coach at Middletown High School. Swatek will talk more about Boyer on The Frederick News-Post's podcast, The Final Score. Features reporter Kate Masters then joins Mongilio in the studio to talk about 72 Hours. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Google Play

A physician on the Golden Mile wants to bring a shuttle to the area to help people get better access to health care and to basic needs. The Golden Mile circulator, yet to be named, will be paid for by Dr. Julio Menocal, who owns a practice on Baughmans Lane. The shuttle will likely start in November and run twice a day. Menocal first started thinking about a shuttle system about five years ago. He will meeting with members of the Golden Mile Alliance and county staff this month about his plans. Menocal spoke with producer Heather Mongilio about bringing a shuttle to the area, why it is needed and what gave him the idea. Later in the episode, features reporter Kate Masters joins Mongilio to talk about the upcoming issue of 72 Hours. Masters spoke about a cat cafe coming to Frederick, as well as new legal changes that allow distilleries to sell cocktails.

Depending on whom you ask, the nine Supreme Court justices dealt Maryland a blow Thursday when they decided that the federal court did not have jurisdiction over gerrymandering. The Supreme Court decided Thursday, in a 5-4 vote, that they could not decide if the map of the 6th Congressional District in Maryland or a map in North Carolina was unfairly drawn to give an advantage to one political party over the other. Walter Olson, a Frederick County resident who served as co-chair of Gov. Larry Hogan’s Redistricting Reform Commission, was in Washington, D.C., for the decision and called it “disappointing.” “I’m going to say that we are all losers because a fairer system benefits both parties,” Olson said. Olson spoke with Frederick Uncut producers Heather Mongilio and Allen Etzler about the Supreme Court’s decision and what it means for the state. “If it weren’t for the states behaving so badly on this, we wouldn’t be here talking about remedies,” Olson said. “So really, even though Congress is where I would like to point, the real ultimate failing is that of state legislatures who are being self-serving, both when they draw their own legislative districts, as plain a conflict of interest as they can be stepping into, and also when they devise districts in the U.S. House of Representatives in order to pursue politics as they do.” Later in the episode, Etzler and Mongilio speak with Paul Milton, the new editor of The Frederick News-Post. Milton reflects on the importance of journalism and the role of community newspapers. Then, features editor Mallory Panuska joins the producers to talk about the upcoming issue of 72 Hours, including a preview of an article by county government reporter Steve Bohnel on some of the local dive bars.

A large crowd filled Carroll Creek Linear Park on Saturday, with many on hand dressed in rainbow colors as they celebrated Frederick Pride.Frederick Pride, an annual event, celebrates acceptance and inclusivity for those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. This year was also the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots in New York City’s Greenwich Village.Frederick Pride is a day of celebration, but the LGBTQ+ community in Frederick continues to face issues. Kris Fair, chair at The Frederick Center, joined Frederick Uncut producer Heather Mongilio and city editor Allen Etzler to discuss how attitudes toward those in the LGBTQ+ community have changed since the first Frederick Pride, then called Picnic in the Park to protect those who attended.Although there have been great strides, Fair said the Frederick community still has more work to do.“I would argue that nobody in this country, no city in this country, no matter how diverse, is there yet as far as truly protecting LGBTQ people,” Fair said. “So it’s our job to go out and find better and more affirming ways of doing it.”Later in the episode, features reporter Kate Masters speaks with Mongilio about a burlesque studio in Boonsboro and whether that would be possible in Frederick.You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Google Play

A fire broke out in seven town houses in the 500 block of Carrollton Drive in Frederick shortly before 9 a.m. June 7. Eighteen people were displaced, and the town houses considered a total loss. The Red Cross, as well as a local church, is assisting the displaced residents. News-Post reporter Rebecca Duke Wiesenberg joins producers Heather Mongilio and Allen Etzler to talk about the fire. Mongilio also spoke with Sarah Davis, disaster program manager with the Western Maryland chapter of the Red Cross. Davis discussed how Red Cross is helping those displaced by the fire. Later, Mongilio and Etzler discuss Mongilio’s story with News-Post reporter Jeremy Arias on how doctors and police officers give death notifications before talking about Etzler’s upcoming cover story for 72 Hours’ Pride edition.

Linking Youth with New Experiences (LYNX) at Frederick High School connects students with opportunities, such as internships or learning new skills that they might not have with traditional high school education.  LYNX celebrated its second year, and education reporter Katryna Perera attended both the ceremony and a classroom experience where she spoke with students, Frederick County Public Schools Superintendent Terry Alban and the chef leading students through how to cook a three-course meal.  Frederick Uncut host Heather Mongilio and Perera welcomed LYNX advocate Beth Sands into the studio to hear more about the program. "Every student at Frederick High School is a LYNX student," Sands said. "They don't have to apply to be a LYNX student. The minute they walk into those doors as freshmen, they're LYNX students." Later in the episode, Mongilio speaks with features reporter Kate Masters about her story on a guitar shop in downtown Frederick, as well as what is coming up in the latest edition of 72 Hours.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing the second-largest outbreak of Ebola. As of June 1, the World Health Organization confirmed 1,900 cases with 1,245 confirmed deaths. An international response team from Battelle’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases’ Integrated Research Facility traveled to the DRC to help train local responders on testing Ebola samples. The team also goes to Liberia to work on ongoing clinical trials. Bonnie Dighero-Kemp and Gregory Kocher join producer Heather Mongilio in the podcast studio to speak about their work with Ebola. Fort Detrick’s connection to Ebola extends back to the late 1970s, when Ebola was discovered. Later in the episode, Dr. John Dye, with the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, joins Mongilio to talk about the hemorrhagic fever and the advances USAMRIID has made. Finally, Cols. Nancy and Jerry Jaax, who worked for USAMRIID in the 1980s and were featured in Richard Preston’s “The Hot Zone,” now a National Geographic Channel show, will speak with Mongilio.

Friends and family described Heather Williams as a kind-hearted person who would help anyone. On May 2, Williams, of Jefferson, was found deceased at her boyfriend’s home. Her boyfriend, Chris Lee Myers, 39, of Jefferson, was arrested and charged in her death. Producers Heather Mongilio and Allen Etzler spoke with reporter CJ Fairfield about a vigil she attended for Williams. At the vigil, Fairfield spoke with Williams’ parents. Her father encouraged people to donate to Heartly House in Williams’ memory. Williams’ friend Jordan Abel spoke about her own abusive relationship and how Williams helped her leave it. Later in the episode, Abel speaks with Mongilio and Etzler about her experience with domestic violence and ways people can help survivors.

The Frederick News-Post’s arts and culture publication, 72 Hours, is undergoing a redesign. The layout will incorporate a cleaner look with more white space and art. There will be new columns, including an advice column and a music section, and the food review section is getting a new name. Features editor Mallory Panuska, features reporter Kate Masters and page designer Katlynn Almansor join Frederick Uncut producer Heather Mongilio in the studio where they discussed the new design of the publication. Masters also spoke about the first piece in a series looking at the arts scene in Frederick and some of the obstacles local artists face in creating art downtown. Her story will be the cover of the edition coming out Thursday. Later, city editor Allen Etzler joins Mongilio in the studio to recap some of the news of the week, including a look at flood coverage, an partnership with local law enforcement and the FBI to catch sexual predators and the results of a point-in-time survey on homelessness.

A downpour in mid-May 2018 left stormwater drains overflowing, cars submerged and millions of dollars in damage to local infrastructure. Frederick County experienced a half-foot of rain during the storms. On the first day of rain, May 15, 911 received more than 300 calls and local fire and rescue services performed more than 60 rescues. Riders of the MARC train heading for Brunswick were stalled on the tracks for hours. The damage to the infrastructure was about $6 million, with an additional $16 million of damage to businesses and residents. As Wednesday marks the first anniversary of the flooding, Frederick Uncut producers Heather Mongilio and Wyatt Massey review what happened in May 2018 and how the rising waters affected the community. Later in the episode, environmental, agriculture and statehouse reporter Samantha Hogan joins to talk about the anniversary story she worked on with city reporter Jeremy Arias.

After an unannounced lockdown drill at Middletown High School in mid-April, questions about how safety drills are handled in local schools revealed the fine line school leaders walk between traumatizing students and preparing them for this reality. Unannounced drills to prepare for active shooters are becoming increasingly common as schools have been the scene of high-profile shootings, such as the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida that left 17 people dead. This week, Frederick Uncut producers Heather Mongilio and Wyatt Massey discuss how Frederick County Public Schools handles unannounced drills. Later, students Laurelle Maubert, a 15-year-old at Saint James School, and Navian Scarlett, a 17-year-old senior at Frederick High School us to talk about their experiences with the drills and how it affects students.