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Methane explosion blamed for costly fire
SHAFT -- A methane gas explosion is being blamed for the Jan. 10 fire that caused $1.2 million in damage to Coddington Lumber Co. in the Allegany County community of Shaft, the state fire marshal's office said.
Deputy State Fire Marshal Steven Wendling said fire investigators still don't know where the gas originated. They also don't know whether there is a buildup of methane gas, a naturally occurring gas produced from decaying material, under Shaft or the dozens of other mining communities in the area.
"I'm told that years ago there were swamps in the area. There are mining areas, septic systems in the area. All of these are sources of methane gas," Mr. Wendling said.
Carl Mazer, president of Coddington Lumber, said he wonders whether it's safe to rebuild on the site.
"I can't afford this fire and I sure can't afford another one," Mr. Mazer said. "If it was methane gas, what's to say it wouldn't happen again?"
School official charged in theft of medications
OAKLAND
OAKLAND -- A guidance counselor at Dennett Road Elementary School in Garrett County has been arrested in the theft of students' prescription drugs locked in a cabinet.
Frank Leslie McDaniel, 44, of Oakland has been placed on paid administrative leave after his arrest by the Garrett County Narcotics Task Force.
He is charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and theft after his arrest Jan. 26.
Maryland State Police accused Mr. McDaniel of stealing two stimulants -- Dexedrine and Ritalin, a commonly prescribed drug for hyperactive children.
"When we discovered the pills missing, we sent out letters to parents and offered to reimburse them," said Albert Coviello, assistant superintendent of the school. "We're shocked, upset and disappointed."