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Homicide Investigation in Clear Spring Leads to Arrest

On Friday, May 16, 2025, at approximately 8:30 a.m., deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to the unit block of North Mill Street in Clear Spring for a reported death.

Deputies located a deceased female, identified as 30-year-old Paige Grove. The death was determined to be a homicide.

At 9:12 a.m., a suspect was apprehended in the Clear Spring area. Taylor Andrew Rowles, 32, has been charged with First-Degree Murder, Second-Degree Murder, First-Degree Assault, and Second-Degree Assault. He is currently being held without bond at the Washington County Detention Center.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is requesting that anyone in the Clear Spring area who has surveillance footage of a suspicious male walking through town between 3:40 p.m. on May 15 and 9:00 a.m. on May 16 contact Detective Sergeant Glines at 240-313-2886 or by email at bglines@washco-md.net.

All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Photo credits to Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland

Runaway Juvenile

On 11/05/26 at 0725 hours, Spencer Newman ran away from his residence. Newman is 5’9, 125 pounds, white male, brown eyes, brown hair and was last seen wearing a brown

Fred Allen Blocher 1943-2026

Fred Allen Blocher, 83, of Gardners, PA passed away Saturday, October 24 2026 at his home. Born October 19, 1943 in Gettysburg, he was the son of the late Fred

Frank Charles Henry 1945-2026

Born January 4, 1945 in Washington, D.C., Frank was an avid Civil War enthusiast who loved to share his knowledge with others.

Who We Are

The Franklin County Free Press, established by Vicky Taylor in 2019, emerged as a beacon of local journalism for the residents of Franklin County. Under Vicky's leadership, it quickly became an essential source of news, particularly at a time when major newspaper publications were increasingly overlooking local coverage.

On January 1, 2022, the torch was passed to Nathan Neil and his firm, Neil Publishing, LLC. Neil, a local entrepreneur with multiple thriving businesses in Chambersburg, shares Vicky's fervent commitment to both the community and the world of local journalism.

Rooted in the heart of Franklin County and powered by its residents, the Franklin County Free Press continues to bridge the gap, ensuring that the local stories, events, and issues that matter most to the community remain in the spotlight.

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