Frederick County will mark its 275th anniversary with a year full of events to mark the community’s rich history. County Executive Jan Gardner unveiled a special logo to commemorate the occasion. The distinct key-shaped image will appear on road signs promoting the year’s theme, "Explore, Connect and Thrive." Executive Gardner announced that the celebration will kick off with a New Year’s Eve Key Drop along Carroll Creek, in partnership with Civitan Club of Frederick. Special events are being coordinated by the 275th Anniversary Planning Committee, comprising local historians, public engagement specialists, business representatives, tourism and recreation experts.

"Frederick County loves its rich history, and we want people to get keyed up about our 275th anniversary," Executive Gardner said. "Our local history has helped to shape our nation. I am confident we will continue to shape a bright future during our next 275 years."

On June 10, 1748, the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation to create Frederick County from a portion of Prince George’s County. The legislation took effect in early December of that same year. To mark the passing of the legislation, there will be a family-friendly event on June 10, 2023, at Utica Park. The annual Museums by Candlelight Tour is being timed to coincide with the December enactment of the legislation. Many of the year’s events are still in the planning stages, and there are opportunities for community groups and businesses to partner with the 275th Anniversary Planning Committee. A special commemorative book is being published, and other branded merchandise will be available.

To learn more, people can visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/275, which includes a calendar of events, a short promotional video, and information on how organizations can apply to become community partners. People can also stay up to date via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or by texting "FC275" to 888777. Contact Planning Committee Co-Chairs Heidi Keeney and Kari Saavedra at 275@FrederickCountyMD.gov.

Broadband Access to Expand in Frederick County

Access to broadband service will soon be expanded to several rural areas as Frederick County Government partners with telecommunications company Shentel Corp. to implement an integral piece of the County’s multi-year rural broadband strategy. Shentel has received a $10 million grant from the Maryland Office of Statewide Broadband to install broadband internet for areas in the north, northeast, and southern portions of Frederick County. Funding for the grants came from the federal American Rescue Plan Act. Bringing broadband to these unserved regions was identified as a priority in the 2020 Rural Broadband Study commissioned by Frederick County Government.

"Reliable internet access is a necessity in today’s world," Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner said. "Building out a system to serve all pockets of our community will take time and money, so I welcome news of this grant to help reach many of our rural areas. I want to thank our federal partners, particularly Senator Chris Van Hollen and Congressman David Trone, for making broadband a priority. Frederick County’s broadband study helped to lay the groundwork for the project announced today, and we will continue to look for opportunities to encourage private companies to invest in rural areas."

"As the last few years have shown, high-quality and affordable internet access is critical for education, telehealth, and most importantly — jobs," said Congressman David Trone. "This funding, provided by the federal American Rescue Plan, is a win for investing in Frederick County’s way of life while maintaining access to the essential services and economic benefits that broadband provides. By working with our state and local leaders, I remain committed to delivering the tools our communities need to thrive in the 21st century."

The project Shentel will undertake targets three distinct areas identified as being unserved in the County’s Rural Broadband Study. (See map.) There are an estimated 3,000 properties in these areas without wired infrastructure to provide high-speed internet access. The project is able to move forward thanks to the newly established Office of Broadband and Enterprise Projects within the County’s Division of Interagency Information Technology. Staff in the broadband office are charged with identifying potential projects and grants that could increase access to reliable broadband for residents and businesses. Frederick County Government does not intend to become a broadband provider.

Frederick County’s Rural Broadband Study can be found at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/broadband. Questions about the study or the Shentel project can be sent to broadband@frederickcountymd.gov.

Bollinger Named Acting Director of Economic and Workforce Development

Longtime economic development professional Jodie Bollinger has been named Acting Director of Economic and Workforce Development. Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner named Ms. Bollinger to the position following the retirement of Helen Propheter. As part of the transition, the Office of Economic Development has been restructured to focus on key areas. Ms. Bollinger will continue to lead the Business Retention, Expansion and Marketing efforts. Her leadership team includes Beth Woodring, Director of Business Attraction and Finance; Katie Stevens, Director of Workforce Development and Agriculture Business; and Michelle Day, Director of Workforce Services.

"Jodie’s has an excellent track record of helping Frederick County’s economy to grow even during difficult times," Executive Gardner said. "I am confident she will continue to serve our business community well as Acting Director of the Office of Economic Development."

In the more than 25 years that Ms. Bollinger has worked for the Office of Economic Development, she has proven to be a leader in connecting businesses with the resources they need to succeed. She is well known in the business community and has visited approximately 1,750 Frederick County businesses over the years. Since 2019, she has served as Director of Business Retention and Expansion. During her tenure, she assisted numerous businesses with their expansions, including COSTCO, Wilcoxon Sensing Technologies, Indivumed, Modavar Pharmaceuticals and many others.

Stitt Appointed Director of Public Works

Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner announced the promotion and appointment of Jason M. Stitt as Director of the Division of Public Works. In his new position, Mr. Stitt will oversee six departments: Highway Operations, Facility Maintenance, Engineering and Construction Management, Fleet Services, Professional Services, and Fiscal Services. The County Council confirmed his appointment today.

"Jason brings a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience to his new role," Executive Gardner said. "He is well respected by staff throughout the division and is an exemplary leader. I am pleased to appoint Jason to lead the Division of Public Works."

An employee of Frederick County Government since 2003, Mr. Stitt has held progressively higher positions within the Division of Public Works. Most recently, he has been Department Head for the Department of Engineering and Construction Management, which is responsible for the construction of roads, bridges, highways, facilities, parks, stormwater retrofits, and stream restorations. Mr. Stitt previously served as Chief of the Office of Transportation Engineering, and as an Engineer III. Before joining Frederick County Government, he was a transportation engineer for the Maryland State Highway Administration’s Office of Bridge Development.

Mr. Stitt holds multiple bachelor’s degrees. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Saint Vincent College, with a minor in Physics. He has been a Registered Professional Engineer in Maryland since 2002 and certified as a Project Management Profession. Mr. Still also serves on the Board of Directors of the County Engineers Association of Maryland. He holds memberships in the American Society of Civil Engineers and the National Covered Bridge Society.

His appointment is effective August 1.