CCSO detectives assume investigation into missing person case: The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is currently seeking information leading to the location of a missing person, Jamell LeeHeung II, 25, of Indian Head. LeeHeung was initially reported missing on November 25 to the U.S. Navy Police at the Indian Head Base where he lived. On November 27, investigators from the Naval Criminal Investigation Service (NCIS) contacted the Charles County Sheriff’s Office for assistance in checking Mattawoman Creek near Slavin’s Dock in Indian Head to try to locate LeeHeung after developing information his car might be in that area. The Charles County Dive Team responded and located LeeHeung’s vehicle submerged in the water; however, LeeHeung was not located. LeeHeung is 6’2” and weighs about 162 pounds. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office has assumed the investigation and anyone with information is asked to call Det. Bringley at 301-609-6499.

Through a joint investigation conducted by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division and the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit, a search and seizure warrant was executed Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at an apartment in the 46000 block of Hilton Drive, Lexington Park, MD; the resident of the apartment was previously identified as 21-year-old Adam Joseph Holland.

During the search, detectives found a loaded privately made AR-15 pistol and a loaded Glock 29 semi-automatic handgun with obliterated serial numbers. Additionally, a large quantity of cannabis and US currency, and multiple items indicative of drug distribution, were found.

Just before the execution of the residential search warrant by detectives, the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, who previously obtained a search and seizure warrant for Mr. Holland’s person and vehicle, initiated a traffic stop on Holland in Calvert County. During the search of Mr. Holland and his vehicle, additional suspected cannabis was found. Holland was then released to the custody of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.

Holland, who is prohibited from possessing regulated firearms due to a previous disqualifying conviction, was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center, where he was charged with the following:

-         CDS - Possession of Firearm

-         Regulated Firearm Illegal Possession

-         Illegal Possession of Ammunition

-         Knowingly Alter Firearm ID Number 

-         CDS Possession Intent to Distribute Cannabis

-         CDS Possession Cannabis over Civil Use

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office extends appreciation to the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office for its collaborative work on this case.

The Calvert County Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management will conduct a full-cycle test of the alert and notification sirens throughout Calvert, St. Mary’s and Dorchester counties Monday, Dec. 4, 2023, at noon.

The full-cycle test includes a three-minute activation of all sirens within the 10-mile area around Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant. Citizens are encouraged to be aware of the testing and relay this information to friends, family and neighbors.

The testing is conducted to check siren operation and increase public awareness of the alert and notification siren system. If the sirens sound at any other time outside of scheduled testing, residents should tune to one of the listed local radio stations for information and instructions.

Emergency Alert System stations include:

·         WKIK FM 102.9 MHz - California

·         WPRS FM 104.1 MHz - La Plata

·         WTOP FM 103.5 MHz - Frederick and Washington, D.C.

·         WMDM FM 97.7 MHz - Lexington Park

·         WPTX AM 1690 kHz - Lexington Park

·         WSMD FM 98.3 MHz - Mechanicsville

·         WRAR FM 105.5 MHz - Tappahannock

·         WNNT FM 107.5 MHz - Warsaw

·         WCEI FM 96.7 MHz - Easton

·         WKHZ AM 1460 kHz – Easton

·         WGOP AM 540 kHz - Pocomoke

·         WCEM FM 106.3 MHz - Cambridge

·         WCEM AM 1240 kHz – Cambridge

Visit www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/AlertNotificationSystem to learn more about the Calvert County siren alert system and to find other emergency planning and mitigation information from the Department of Public Safety, Emergency Management Division.

Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date with Calvert County Government on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd and YouTube at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.

PRINCE FREDERICK, MD—Two Calvert County Public Schools’ (CCPS) students will serve as student pages during the 2024 Legislative Session of the Maryland General Assembly (MGA), which runs from January to early April.

Congratulations

 to Northern High School students Margaret Rathgeb and Paige Plater who were selected to represent Calvert County in the 2024 MGA Page Program, and to Patuxent High School student James Oster who was selected as the alternate. Students were selected through an application process held in the fall.

The MGA Page Program is designed to build student interest in state government and broaden student leadership skills. Selected pages serve two nonconsecutive weeks during the thirteen weeks of session.

“This is a great opportunity for our students to learn first-hand about the legislative process and engage with Maryland’s senators and representatives,” shared CCPS Supervisor of Student Services Molly Wanamaker.

Maryland’s page program began in 1970 by House Speaker Thomas Hunter Lowe with the approval of the Maryland State Board of Education. Each year, 105 pages and 36 alternates are selected from across the State to represent their schools and counties in Annapolis. For more information about the Maryland General Assembly Student Page Program, visit https://dls.maryland.gov/careers/student-page-program/.

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today announced that the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development issued the largest mortgage revenue bond in the agency's history. The $400 million bond from the department’s Community Development Administration through the Residential Revenue Bond program generated tax-exempt and taxable bond proceeds that may be used to finance affordable, sustainable mortgage loans to first-time homebuyers through the Maryland Mortgage Program.

“This record-setting bond reaffirms our commitment to providing pathways to homeownership, helping to create a brighter future for all Marylanders,” said Gov. Moore. “By opening the door for more families to create generational wealth, we are fostering a more equitable and competitive economy.”

The Maryland Mortgage Program has been the state’s flagship homeownership program for more than 40 years, providing fixed-rate mortgages primarily to first-time homebuyers. The program offers an array of mortgage products, including Maryland SmartBuy, the first government mortgage program in the nation designed to eliminate student loan debt as part of the homebuying process. 

In part due to the Community Development Administration’s solid credit rating and the high level of expertise provided by the department’s bond portfolio management team, this historic issuance received a strong response from bond investors. The strategic combination of tax-exempt and taxable interest rates achieved through the bond sale will enable the department to continue to offer Maryland Mortgage Program loans at competitive interest rates, providing annual savings to Maryland homebuyers. 

All bonds in the issuance were designated as social bonds, indicating that the bonds will raise funds for programs and projects that seek to achieve positive social outcomes. The use of the proceeds from the bond sale to finance mortgage loans for low- and moderate-income families meets sustainable development goals outlined by the International Capital Market Association.

“Homeownership is an important foundation for resilient, sustainable communities, providing opportunities for Maryland families to achieve economic independence and build generational wealth, opportunities that must be equitable and accessible for all,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “The resources for the Maryland Mortgage Program come primarily from the sale of these types of bonds, and supported with a small State budget appropriation for down payment and settlement expense assistance, making the American dream of owning a home affordable and attainable for thousands of low to moderate-income households annually at virtually no cost to Maryland’s taxpayers.”

Maryland Mortgage Program borrowers can receive additional down payment and closing cost assistance, helping to address one of the biggest barriers for many homebuyers. The program also routinely partners with local jurisdictions, combining state and local resources to further reduce costs and incentivize homeownership in targeted areas.

Empowered by a variety of successful products and consistent, effective marketing, the Maryland Mortgage Program has issued on average $1 billion in mortgage loans annually over the past four years. 

For more information, visit mmp.maryland.gov.

The County Administrator wishes to remind residents of changes to operating schedules for the month of December: 

Friday, Dec. 8

• The Department of Planning and Growth Management will close at 11:30 a.m.
• The Charles County Senior Centers will close at noon.

Thursday, Dec. 14

• The Charles County Landfill and Recycling Center, the Pisgah Recycling Center, and the Piney Church Road Mulch Facility will close at 11 a.m.

Friday, Dec. 15

• The Charles County Treasurer’s Office (Waldorf and La Plata branches) closes at noon.

Thursday, Dec. 21

• The Economic Development Department will close at noon.

Friday, Dec. 22

• All Charles County Government offices and the Charles County Animal Care Center in Hughesville are closed.
• All indoor pools, and all senior centers are closed.
• Waldorf Senior and Recreational Center is open for scheduled recreational activities and programs.

Saturday, Dec. 23

• The Charles County Animal Care Center in Hughesville is closed.
• The Charles County Landfill, the Piney Church Road Mulch Facility, and all recycling centers are closed.
• All indoor pools, Nanjemoy Community Center, all senior centers, and all school-based community centers are closed.
• Waldorf Senior and Recreational Center is open for scheduled recreational activities and programs.

Sunday, Dec. 24

• The Crain Memorial Welcome Center is closed.
• All indoor pools, Nanjemoy Community Center, all school-based community centers, Elite Gymnastics and Recreation Center, and the Waldorf Senior and Recreational Center are closed.

Monday, Dec. 25 (Christmas Day)

• All Charles County Government offices and the Charles County Animal Care Center in Hughesville are closed.
• VanGO is not operating.
• The Crain Memorial Welcome Center is closed.
• The Charles County Landfill, the Piney Church Road Mulch Facility, and all recycling centers will be closed.
• Curbside collection of recycling and yard waste will be delayed one day this week. For example, Monday’s collection will occur on Tuesday.
• White Plains Golf Course, and White Plains Skatepark are closed.
• All indoor pools, Nanjemoy Community Center, all senior centers, all school-based community centers, Elite Gymnastics and Recreation Center, Waldorf Senior and Recreational Center, and the Port Tobacco Recreation Center are closed.

Tuesday, Dec. 26

• All Charles County Government offices and the Charles County Animal Care Center in Hughesville are closed.

• All indoor pools, Nanjemoy Community Center, all senior centers, and all school-based community centers are closed.
• Waldorf Senior and Recreational Center is closed.

Saturday, Dec. 30

• The Charles County Landfill and Recycling Center, the Pisgah Recycling Center, and the Piney Church Road Mulch Facility will close at 1 p.m.
• All indoor pools, and all school-based community centers, are closed.

Operating status for other County affiliated agencies:

• Charles County Parks and Tourism Facilities: www.CharlesCountyParks.com/about-us/operating-status
• Charles County Public Library: www.ccplonline.org
• Charles County Public Schools: www.ccboe.com

• Charles County Health Department: www.CharlesCountyHealth.org

For questions about County Government holiday closures, contact the Public Information Office at 301-885-2779 or PressRoom@CharlesCountyMD.gov.  Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.

On Tuesday, Nov. 28, Commissioners held a discussion with leaders from the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism regarding aquatics use of the College of Southern Maryland’s (CSM) swimming pool at the La Plata campus. Director Kelli Beavers and Deputy Director Sam Drury provided an overview of current aquatics facilities in Charles County, an assessment of future aquatics needs, and the costs associated with renovating and operating CSM’s swimming pool. The proposed use does not meet the community’s needs and the cost does not fit within the current Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget.

Staff proposed that the Commissioners consider during the FY25-FY29 CIP budget process for funding to be moved up to construct a multi-generational recreation facility that includes aquatics, with initial funding to be allocated in fiscal year 2025. Commissioners directed staff to prepare a letter to the state delegation summarizing the challenges associated with renovating and operating the CSM pool, and stating a preference for construction of a multi-generational recreational facility that includes aquatics into the project.

Briefings

• Planning and Growth Management staff provided a briefing to Commissioners on a zoning text amendment in the watershed conservation district zone for the addition of an independent living senior housing complex as a permitted use. Commissioners approved a request to introduce Bill 2023-13 and Zoning Text Amendment 22-73. and scheduled a public hearing on Tuesday, January 9, 2023, at 6 p.m.
• Staff presented a draft bill that would clarify the definition of appointed positions in the Sheriff’s Office to exclude them from the merit system. A fiscal note from the Sheriff’s Office was provided to confirm that this change would have no impact on the budget or operations of the Sheriff’s Office. Commissioners approved a request to introduce Bill 2023-14, and scheduled a public hearing on Tuesday, January 9, 2023, at 6 p.m.
• Members of the Civitan club presented a briefing on their organization, which provides assistance to vulnerable populations in the community. They provided an overview of its history, its national support for individuals with developmental disabilities, and the local service projects they have hosted.

Public Hearings

Commissioners held a public hearing and voted to approve a zoning map amendment (Bill 2023-11) for Dash-In Food Stores, Inc., located at 3620 Mattawoman-Beantown Road in Waldorf. The amendment rezones 1.748 acres of a split zoned 3.02-acre property, identified as Parcel 50-R, from Rural Conservation (RC) to Community Commercial (CC) for zoning consistency on the entirety of the parcel.

Commissioners also held a public hearing on draft legislation (Bill 2023-12) for the removal of an elected county commissioner. The draft legislation requires a sustained finding, by a state or federal court, of workplace misconduct and a violation of the code of ethics. Prior to any vote for removal, a public hearing must be held on the matter. If there is a unanimous vote to remove by all the Commissioners who are not subject to the finding of workplace misconduct, it shall take effect immediately and be followed by the appointment by the Governor to fill the vacancy according to the local government article of the annotated code of Maryland. Commissioners voted 3-1 to keep the record open for 90 days, after which Commissioners will schedule a work session on the draft legislation. 

Approval Items
Commissioners approved:

• A budget amendment increase of $264,286 to set up an overtime budget in a special revenue fund for the Charles County Sheriff’s Office to provide enhanced security at Charles County Public Schools. 
• Two Charles County Board of Education requests. An inter-category transfer of $605,000 to pay for various needs and a budget amendment increase of $22.4 million to fund open purchase orders from the previous fiscal year that will be paid in the current fiscal year.
• The allocation of $1,000 from the Community Support Fund to sponsor the 29^th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast.
• A letter of commitment to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and a letter of commitment to the Chesapeake Bay Trust to support the Charles County Resilience Authority’s grant proposal to design a living shoreline at the County owned property that is being developed as Pope’s Creek Waterfront Park.
• A letter of commitment to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and a letter of commitment to the Chesapeake Bay Trust to support the Charles County Resilience Authority’s grant proposal for the “Concrete to Green Stormwater Pocket Park Project” at the Elite Gymnastics Recreational Center.
• A letter of commitment to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and a letter of commitment to the Chesapeake Bay Trust to support the Charles County Resilience Authority’s grant proposal to design green infrastructure stormwater drainage improvements for the East Waldorf Residential Neighborhood.

Action on Boards and Commissions

Commissioners took the following actions on appointments to Boards and Commissions:

• Reappointed Semia Hackett as a member to the Planning Commission
• Reappointed Marian Ashton and Zebenoise Knapp and appoint Kathryn Young, Eliecer Olivares, Jacqueline Marshall, and Tenisha Magee as members to the Board of Social Services
• Appointed Dennis Tomlinson as a Citizen Member to the Board of Fire and Rescue
• Appointed William Jackson as the retiree member to the Sheriff’s Office Retirement Plan Committee (SORP)
• Appointed Sarah Hazeltine as a member of Ethics Commission

Commissioners also took action on Commissioner Committee assignment for 2024, which can be viewed in the agenda packet.

Recognitions
Commissioners recognized employees who achieved milestones in years of service to the county and announced the Top Performer awards for the second and third quarter of 2023. You can view the photos of these recognitions here.

Viewing option of the meeting and the Commissioner Listening Session: Click Here

Next Commissioners Session: Dec. 5-6, 2023

Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258. 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, which has direct oversight for the Social Security Administration (SSA), joined his colleagues today in approving the nomination of former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley to be the next Social Security Commissioner. The Social Security Administration is headquartered in Woodlawn, Maryland.

“Martin O’Malley showed his strengths as a dedicated public servant and data-driven manager at his confirmation hearing. I am confident that he will lead the Social Security Administration with respect and support for the 66 million Americans who receive some benefit from SSA annually, as well as its strong union workforce. With today’s bipartisan committee vote, I am optimistic that we can have Martin on the job in Woodlawn swiftly.”

The SSA administers the Social Security programs (retirement and disability) and the Supplemental Security Income program (SSI – income support, not based on prior work experience, for low-income, elderly or disabled individuals). The agency has roughly 60,000 employees in Maryland and nationwide across the headquarters and 10 regional offices, six processing centers, 164 hearing offices and approximately 1,230 field offices.

Water monitoring data collected by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Old Dominion University show that dissolved oxygen conditions in the Chesapeake Bay mainstem of Maryland and Virginia were much better than average for May-October 2023.

The hypoxic water volume — waters with less than 2 milligrams per liter (mg/l) oxygen — averaged 0.52 cubic miles during May-October 2023, compared to the historical average (1985-2022) of 0.97 cubic miles. This year had the lowest average hypoxic volume since monitoring began 39 years ago.

“This year’s Chesapeake Bay dissolved oxygen conditions are the best on record, and it is encouraging news,” said Mark Trice, program chief of water quality informatics with Maryland DNR’s Resource Assessment Service. “These results illustrate that nutrient input reductions can produce a significant improvement for fish, crab and oyster habitats, and that we need to continue and advance our management efforts throughout the watershed.”

Dissolved oxygen was better than average in May through August, with early August having the lowest volume of hypoxia ever measured during that time period. Hypoxia remained into September with worse than average conditions of 0.84 cubic miles observed versus a September historical average of 0.45. No hypoxia was observed in October, even though Maryland’s cruise data was collected in the first week of the month.

Seasonal hypoxia in the Chesapeake Bay mainstem can be forecasted based on freshwater flow into the Bay from January through May. Freshwater flow is an indicator of how much nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) runoff may be entering the Bay. However, conditions such as wind, temperature, and precipitation, can provide some influence over the variability of observed hypoxic volumes in the summer. 

Chesapeake Bay annual mean freshwater inflows, as estimated by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), were near the historical lowest 25th percentile for the 2023 water year, which spans from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023. Inflows were mostly below average January through June 2023, and above average July – September 2023. Summer (June – August 2023) precipitation data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NOAA – NCEI) was near average in Maryland, while Pennsylvania experienced rainfall 3.4 inches above the 129-year state average, with most of the excess occurring in July and August to account for the higher summer inflows.

The NOAA-NCEI also reported that Maryland monthly average air temperatures were above average from June through September 2023 ranking as the 29th hottest in 129 years. Winds were near average during the summer with no major tropical storms or hurricanes. Warmer air leads to warmer Bay waters, which in turn hold less oxygen and support higher rates of oxygen consumption by microorganisms. These higher temperatures and lack of major wind events that aid mixing of oxygen into deeper waters, could have prevented even better dissolved oxygen conditions.

Maryland and Virginia combined results are presented for the mainstem Bay to be more comparable to the yearly seasonal forecast by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay Program, USGS, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, and University of Michigan.

The 2023 forecast, released in late June, predicted Chesapeake Bay mainstem hypoxic volume to be 33% lower than the 38-year average due to reduced riverine nutrient loading from January through May 2023. The decreased amount of nutrients entering the Bay can be attributed to lower than average spring precipitation, as well as nutrient management efforts. Maryland and Virginia’s 2023 monitoring results closely matched the forecast of better-than-average conditions. The monitoring and seasonal forecast results also closely matched the better-than-average conditions predicted from computer modeling conducted at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.

Crabs, fish, oysters, and other creatures in the Chesapeake Bay require oxygen to survive. Scientists and natural resource managers study the volume and duration of Bay hypoxia to determine possible impacts to bay life, and track improvements due to nutrient management efforts.

Each year, DNR computes hypoxia volumes from the water quality data collected by DNR and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Water quality data collection occurs year round, and is funded by these states and the Chesapeake Bay Program. Bay hypoxia reporting will resume in May 2023. Additional Maryland water quality data and information, including DNR’s hypoxic volume calculation methods, can be found at DNR’s Eyes on the Bay website.

Marylanders are invited to celebrate the life and legacy of the late Maryland Veterans Affairs Secretary George Owings on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, from 1-4 p.m. The celebration, open to the public, will be held at the American Legion Stallings-Williams Post 206, at 3330 Chesapeake Beach Road in Chesapeake Beach. Community members are invited to join either in person or watch the live stream at www.youtube.com/calvertcountygov/live to remember Owings's service to veterans and the community.

Owings, a lifelong resident of Calvert County, served as Secretary for the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs from 2004-2007 and again from 2015-2023. He also represented District 29A and District 27B in the Maryland House of Delegates between 1988 and 2004.

Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date with Calvert County Government on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd and YouTube at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Commissioners of St. Mary's County (CSMC) began their business meeting with an invocation and the pledge, followed by approval of the consent agenda.

For their main agenda item, the CSMC discussed the proposed Ordinance to establish the St. Mary's County School Zone Speed Camera Safety Program.

During County Administrator time, the Commissioners took the following action:

• Approved the Option Contracts with the Roulhac Family and Velocity Capital Investment Group, LLC for easement acquisitions to construct FDR Boulevard.
• Approved the St. Mary’s Transit System’s (STS) annual Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
• Approved the FY2024 Maryland Department of Transportation/Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT/MTA) operating grant agreement for the STS program; approved the Capital Grant Agreement; and approved the requested budget amendment.
• Approved the Railroad Right-of-way Easement Agreement with 22757 Three Notch Road, LLC (doing business as) Nissan of Lexington Park, for underground gas utilities.

Later that day, the CSMC held their first Budget Work Session (BWS) of fiscal year (FY) 2025. The FY2025 Approved Budget Calendar, and other budget documents are available online for the public at: stmaryscountymd.gov/Finance.

The next CSMC business meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at 9 a.m. CSMC business meetings and BWS are held in the CSMC Meeting Room, on the 1^st floor of the Chesapeake Building, located at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. CSMC decisions and related public documents are available on the county government website in BoardDocs. Meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live on St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) Channel 95 or on-demand via the St. Mary's County Government YouTube Channel.

For more information on SMCG, please visit: stmaryscountymd.gov.

Suspected cannabis recovered from a student at Thomas Stone High School: On November 28, a school administrator at Thomas Stone High School discovered suspected cannabis inside a student’s book bag that was left inside a classroom. The school resource officer recovered the cannabis. In accordance with Maryland law, the student will be charged on a civil citation with possession of cannabis. The student also faces disciplinary consequences from the CCPS. Anyone with information is asked to call PFC Payne at 301-609-3282 ext. 0452. 

The Department of Planning & Zoning advises residents that the Encompass online portal will be temporarily down for maintenance beginning Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, at 3 p.m., through Sunday, Dec. 3. During this time, staff will perform upgrades on the system to improve the electronic permitting process. We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience.

For additional information, contact the Calvert County Department of Planning & Zoning, Office of Inspections & Permits at 410-535-2155 or by email at inspections.permits@calvertcountymd.gov.

Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date with Calvert County Government on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd and YouTube at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (November 28, 2023) – The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office handled 1,479 calls for service from 11/13/23 through 11/19/23, and 1524 Calls for Service (CFS) from 11/20/23 through 11/26/23.

ARRESTS:
11/17/23 – Jeffrey Glenn Burch, 48, of Great Mills, MD, by Deputy Austin Welch, for Felony CDS Possession with Intent to Distribute, Felony CDS: Possession with Intent to Distribute Near a School or in a School Vehicle, CDS: Possession – Not Marijuana, CDS: Manufacture – Not Cannabis X 2.

11/20/23 – Michael Wade Blackistone, 41, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Bradley Kirscht, for CDS: Possession Not Cannabis, CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

11/21/23 Lanecia Monet Ford, 24, of Lexington Park, MD, by DFC Daniel Sidorowicz, for Felony Assault First Degree, Assault Second Degree, and Firearm Use in the Commission of a Crime of Violence.

11/26/23 Job St Sauveur, 32, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Austin Welch, for Felony Rifle/Shotgun Possession with Felony Conviction, Felony Illegal Possession of Ammunition, Rifle/Shotgun Possession by a Person Disqualified from Owning.

DUIs:
11/16/23 – Ryan William Eglinton, 39, of Leonardtown, MD, by Deputy Bradley Kirscht, for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, Driving Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, Failure to Display Registration Card Upon Demand by Police Officer, Driver Failure to Obey properly Placed Traffic Control Device Instructions, Driver Changing Lanes When Unsafe, Negligent Driving Vehicle in Wanton and Willful Disregard for Safety of Persons and Property.

11/17/23 – David Cary Meinhardt, 60, of Mechanicsville, MD, by Deputy Taylor-Lynn Kril, for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While So Far Impaired by Drugs & Alcohol Cannot Drive Safely, Negligent Driving in a Careless and Imprudent Manner Endangering Property, Life and Person, Reckless Driving Vehicle in Wanton and Willful Disregard for Safety of Persons and Property, Standing Vehicle in Front of Private Driveway Without Owners Consent, and Standing Vehicle on Private Property without Permission.

11/17/23 – Jil Carrie Howard, 55, of Drayden, MD, by Deputy Zachary Wolfe, for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol and Driving While Impaired by Alcohol.

SUMMONSES:
Nicolas Aron Gagnon, 27, of Waldorf, MD, by DFC Michael Myers, for Malicious Destruction of Property Valued $1000+.

WARRANTS:
11/14/23 – Arlan Llave Knowlton, 46, of Lexington Park, MD, by DFC Michael Walker, for Arson/Threaten.

11/18/23 – Doris Elizabeth Thomas, 58, of Lexington Park, MD, by DFC Michael Walker, for Felony Assault First Degree and Theft Less than $100.

11/20/23 – Jermaine Cornelius Dorsey, 41, of Waldorf, MD, by Deputy Patrick Hudson, for Escape Second Degree – Condition of Release.

11/22/23 – Joshua Terrell Trippett, 27, of Lusby, MD, by DFC Michael Rycyzyn, for Felony Kidnapping, Motor Vehicle Unlawful Taking, and False Imprisonment.

TRAFFIC UPDATE: The Goose Creek Bridge closure originally scheduled for Nov. 29 and 30 has been rescheduled to Wednesday, Dec. 6 and Thursday, Dec. 7 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The bridge is in the vicinity of Atlantic Test Ranges and the Goose Creek Campgrounds. Drivers will need to use alternate routes during this time.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – There will be a full-cycle test of the alert and notification sirens throughout St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Dorchester counties on December 4, 2023, at noon.

This includes a three-minute activation of all sirens within the 10-mile area around Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant. All citizens should be aware of this scheduled testing and relay the information to friends, family, and neighbors.

The testing is conducted to check siren operation and increase public awareness of the alert and notification siren system. If the sirens sound at any other time, residents should tune in to one of the local radio stations for information and instructions.

Knowing what to do before, during, and after an emergency is a critical part of being prepared and may make all the difference, when seconds count.

To learn more about how you can be prepared and stay informed, please visit:

• stmaryscountymd.gov/em
• calvertcountymd.gov/101/Emergency-Management
• dorchestercountymd.com/emergency-management-division

The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) congratulates Patricia A. Smith upon her retirement after a remarkable 50+ years of public service at the agency. Ms. Smith received a Commendation from the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, as well as an Official Citation from the St. Mary’s County House Delegation.
 
After graduating from Great Mills High School, Ms. Smith began her career with SMCHD as Executive Assistant to the Health Officer with Dr. William Marek. She continued in the position for over fifty years, working closely with four health officers during that time.
 
“Ms. Smith's faithful public service and dedication to this community have been outstanding,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “Her career has been distinguished by her grace, patience, and fortitude. We will all miss her very much and wish her the best in her retirement.”
 
For more information about SMCHD, visit smchd.org.

Sports Illustrated is being accused of publishing AI-generated writing, using headshots of fake authors, and creating bogus profiles. The magazine was called out for the content - which was allegedly written by nonexistent authors. Sports Illustrated said that the work came from a third party who assured their articles were written by humans. An investigation conducted by Futurism found that multiple “authors” with biography pages on the Sports Illustrated website were fake - including made-up interests, hobbies, and even an AI created headshot. As well as the authors, some of the writing on the website's review page was accused of sounding like it was written by an “alien” - with bizarre descriptions and formatting discrepancies.

Mark Cuban is leaving ABC’s “Shark Tank.” In a recent interview with the Showtime podcast All The Smoke, Cuban told hosts Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson that season 16 of the ABC series will be his last. The reality show from Mark Burnett is currently in its 15th season. “It’s time,” said Cuban. “I love it because it sends the message the American dream is alive and well,” Cuban said. “I feel like in doing Shark Tank all these years, we’ve trained multiple generations of entrepreneurs that if somebody can come from Iowa or Sacramento or wherever, and show up on the carpet of Shark Tank and show their business and get a deal, it’s going to inspire generations of kids. That’s what happens, right? Now we’ve got people coming on saying I watched you when I was 10 years old. I’m like, f—. But we’re helping them right? I’ve invested in, I don’t know how many hundreds of companies. On a cash basis, I’m down a little bit, but on mark to market meeting, the companies are still in operation. I’m way up.”

The Late Show won’t air this week on CBS after Stephen Colbert had another medical emergency. He is recovering from surgery for a ruptured appendix. There was no show planned for last night but there were shows planned for tonight, tomorrow and Thursday.

Lusby, MD (Nov. 27, 2023) – Constellation will conduct its semi-annual, full-volume test of the emergency warning sirens surrounding Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant on Monday, Dec. 4, at approximately noon. This is one of two semi-annual tests performed each year.

The warning siren system consists of sirens located in the 10-mile radius around the station. The sirens are not a signal to evacuate, but a warning to tune to a local Emergency Alert Broadcast television or radio station. County emergency management authorities activate the sirens.

Located in Lusby, Maryland, Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant includes two nuclear reactors that can produce up to 1,790 megawatts (MW) of zero-emissions energy, enough carbon-free electricity to power the equivalent of more than 1.3 million homes. 

NAS Patuxent River will close Goose Creek Bridge to all traffic Wednesday, Nov. 29 and Thursday, Nov. 30 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. for sewage line maintenance. The bridge is in the vicinity of Atlantic Test Ranges and the Goose Creek Campgrounds. Drivers will need to use alternate routes during this time.  

LEONARDTOWN, MD November25, 2023) – Update November 25, 2023: As a result of continued investigative efforts by detectives with the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division, on Monday, November 20, 2023, 19-year-old James Jerome Adams Jr., a juvenile from Great Mills, Maryland, and an adult, who at the time of the incident was a juvenile from Bushwood, Maryland, were indicted for their involvement in the murder of 26-year-old Marcus Anthony Day on April 4, 2023. Both the juvenile from Great Mills, Maryland and the adult from Bushwood, Maryland, were charged as adults.

 At the time of the indictments, all three individuals were incarcerated on unrelated matters. Adams and the juvenile were served with their indictments by Detective Forinash, W. #344, on 11/22/2023 at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center. A detainer was lodged against the third incarcerated individual, who is currently in a corrections facility outside of St. Mary’s County.  

Original release: April 5, 2023: On Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 10:37 pm, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the parking lot of the Great Mills Sheetz at the 20700 block of Old Great Mills Road for a report of shots fired. A short time later, deputies also responded to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital in Leonardtown for a report of a victim who arrived with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim, identified as Marcus Anthony Day, age 26 of Leonardtown, was pronounced deceased. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office’s Criminal Investigations Division is continuing the investigation. Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Andrew Burgess at 301-475-4200, ext. 78041 or email andrew.burgess@stmaryscountymd.gov.Anyone with cellphone video or images who was present at the scene is urged to visit the Sheriff’s Office’s Citizen Upload Video Evidence Portal at https://www.firstsheriff.com/uploadevidence/. Videos and photos can be provided anonymously through the portal. Citizens may remain anonymous and contact Crime Solvers at 301-475-3333, or text a tip to “TIP239” plus their message to “CRIMES” (274637). Through the Crime Solvers Program tipsters are eligible for an award of up to $1,000 for information about a crime in St. Mary’s County that leads to an arrest or indictment.

May 5, 2023 update: Detectives with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office’s Criminal Investigations Division have arrested a 15-year-old male juvenile of Lexington Park for the murder of 26-year-old Marcus Anthony Day in Great Mills on April 4, 2023. The 15-year-old

juvenile was located and arrested in King George County, VA on Friday, May 5, 2023. The juvenile will be charged via warrant as an adult with First-Degree Murder, Second-Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm in a Violent Crime, First-Degree Assault, Second-Degree Assault and Possession of a Firearm by a Minor. Due to a recent change in Maryland law, the juvenile will not be identified by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and no booking photo will be released until a waiver hearing is conducted to determine the jurisdiction of this case. St. Mary’s County Sheriff Steve Hall wishes to thank the King George County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Christopher Giles for their cooperation and assistance in the investigation.

(Waldorf, Maryland) – On Friday, November 24, 2023, at approximately 1948 hours, Troopers from the Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack responded for a report of a motor vehicle collision on United States Route 301 (Crain Hwy) south of Acton Lane in Waldorf, Maryland. Due to the seriousness of the collision, the Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack requested a Collision Reconstruction Specialist (CRS) to assume the investigation.

Trooper First Class J. Engleman of the Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack responded as requested. A preliminary investigation conducted by Troopers indicates a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox operated by David Moore (28 yoa) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland was attempting to make a left turn from southbound United States Route 301 to the Berkley Square Shopping Center. At the same time, a 2001 Harley Davidson XL1200 operated by Kevin Thompson (33 yoa) of Brandywine, Maryland was traveling on northbound United States Route 301 south of Acton Lane. The operator of the Chevrolet failed to yield to oncoming traffic on a left turn and pulled into the travel path of the Harley Davidson. The Harley Davidson subsequently collided with the Chevrolet. Mr. Thompson sustained injuries that were not compatible with life and was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Anyone who may have witnessed this crash is asked to contact the Duty Officer at the Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack at (301) 392-1200. The investigation is continuing and being investigated by TFC Engleman and Trooper S. Tripp (23-MSP-041677).

State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that Wayne Carroll Key, Jr., 44, of Lexington Park, Maryland, was sentenced to Life without parole consecutive to Life in prison for the double homicide of a six-year-old child and her mother, which took place on November 20, 2021.

Following an eight-day jury trial in April 2023, Key was convicted by a St. Mary’s County jury of two counts of first-degree murder; two counts of second-degree murder; and two counts of first-degree assault. During the sentencing hearing, the presiding judge, the Honorable Joseph M. Stanalonis, cited that the case was “a circumstantial evidence case in its entirety” that was “very compelling and substantial,” which was comprised of more than 200 pieces of evidence and testimony from over forty witnesses.

“Deliberately stealing an innocent child’s life simply to cover up the initial murder where the child was sadly the only eyewitness, is especially callous. The defendant viciously and senselessly murdered the child’s mother and when he realized the child witnessed his heinous crime, he consciously and maliciously killed again. I pray the victims’ family may gain peace knowing the defendant will be in prison for the rest of his life,” said Sterling. 

Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Sarah Proctor, Chief of the Special Victims Unit, represented the State during the sentencing proceedings on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.

Detective Tyler Payne of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office was the lead investigator.

The Honorable Joseph M. Stanalonis presided over the case.

The Town of Leonardtown is holding their “Christmas on the Square and Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony” on November 24, 2023 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This event will cause road closures around the Town of Leonardtown. The following is a list of road closures: ? Downtown Leonardtown Square – including Washington Street and Fenwick Street – will be closed to through traffic from 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM ? Courthouse Drive, Guyther Drive, Camalier Drive, and portions of Park Avenue, Shadrick Street, Pope Street, and Church Street will also have restricted access before and during the event. The following are parking options for those attending the event: ? Parking will be available at St. Mary’s Ryken High School, and the Blackbelt Academy lot on Gregory Drive. ? Parking will be available at the College of Southern Maryland, the Governmental Center and the Leonardtown Library/Garvey Senior Center Lots. ? The auxiliary lots noted above offer a free shuttle bus service, which will be operating from 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM. ? Handicap parking will be available at the Mattingley Gardiner Funeral Home parking lot and in the public lot next to the Hair Company. ? Please obey all posted No Parking and Reserved Parking signs as well as police and volunteer instructions. Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to seeing you at this magical event. 

The Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation advises citizens that the Northeast Community Center will temporarily close Saturday, Nov. 25, and Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, for floor maintenance. Normal hours of operation will resume Monday, Nov. 27.

The Northeast Community Center is located at 4075 Gordon Stinnett Avenue in Chesapeake Beach.

For updates on Parks & Recreation services, park availability, field closures and more visit Parks & Recreation at www.Facebook.com/CalvertCountyParks and follow @CalvertCountyParksandRec on Instagram. Learn more about the department online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/parksandrec.

Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date with Calvert County Government on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd and YouTube at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.

PRINCE FREDERICK, MD—Calvert County Public Schools’ (CCPS) high schools have been recognized as recipients of the College Board’s AP^® School Honor Roll for 2023. Only 4,570 schools across the nation, which represent 30% of eligible high schools, received this distinction this year.

Huntington High School (HHS) received the Silver Level AP School Honor Roll designation. Calvert High School (CHS), Northern High School (NHS), and Patuxent High School (PHS) received the Bronze Level AP School Honor Roll designation. In addition, CHS, HHS, and NHS received the AP Access Award, which only 39% of the AP School Honor Roll recipients received.

The AP^® School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.

“Receiving the AP Honor Roll designation validates the deliberate work our high school administrators, counselors, and teachers are undertaking to ensure opportunities and support are available to help prepare students to be career and college ready,” shared CCPS Chief Academic Officer Dr. Susan Johnson. “The benefits gained from AP courses are more than college credits…the increased confidence and time management skills our students develop through the coursework provides valuable workforce skills too,” continued Johnson.

For more information about the AP^® School Honor Roll, visit www.collegeboard.org/apawards.

As the holiday season fast approaches, the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) has launched an expanded series of resources, guidelines, and information in response to the growing number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries that power micromobility devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters, smaller electronics such as cell phones and laptops, and electric vehicles. As the use of these items has increased in recent years, so, too, has the number of fires associated with them.

“Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly found in the many devices and systems we use every day,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “With this greater use, however, we are seeing an increase in dangerous related fires. As the holidays near and consumers are purchasing devices that use lithium-ion batteries, NFPA is helping to educate the public about the risks associated with these batteries and ways to prevent them.”

The new online resources from NFPA feature more detailed information about how lithium-ion batteries catch fire, the proper disposal methods for these batteries, and what tips people can follow to stay safe when buying, charging, storing, and using lithium-ion batteries. Resources for safety educators and consumers, including a 10-minute lesson plan, social media cards, and safety tip sheets, are all free and downloadable.

NFPA recommends these tips when buying, charging, storing, and using lithium-ion batteries to help prevent fires:

• Only purchase and use devices, batteries, and charging equipment that are listed by a nationally recognized testing lab and labeled accordingly.

• Use charging equipment that is only compatible with your device. To be safe, use only the charging equipment that is supplied with your device.

• Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged.

• Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash. Recycling is always the best option. Take the batteries to a battery recycling location or contact your local waste department for disposal instructions.

• Stop using your device if the battery shows signs of damage, such as an unusual odor, excessive heat, popping sounds, swelling, or change in color.

• Only have device repairs performed by a qualified professional.

Learn more about lithium-ion battery safety, find training information, and download free safety tip sheets at nfpa.org/lithiumionsafety.

For this release and other announcements about NFPA initiatives, research, and resources, please visit the NFPA press room.

About the National Fire Protection Association^® (NFPA^®)

Founded in 1896, NFPA® is a global self-funded nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. The association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission. For more information, visit www.nfpa.org. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed online for free at www.nfpa.org/freeaccess.

NAS Pax River Thanksgiving Gate Hours   

NAS Pax River will operate with the following Gate Hours during the Thanksgiving Holiday:

Thursday, Nov. 23: Gate 1 open 24-hours, Gates 2 and 3 closed. Visitor Control Center/Pass and ID Office Closed. 

Friday, Nov. 24: Gate 1 open 24-hours, Gate 2 open 6 a.m.-6 p.m., Gate 3 open 6 a.m.-9 a.m. Visitor Control Center/Pass and ID Office Closed. 

COPS officers recover drugs and firearm during traffic stop: On November 14 at 1:40 p.m., officers assigned to the COPS Unit were conducting traffic operations in the area of Glymont Road at Circle Avenue in Indian Head when they stopped a car for speeding. Officers observed drugs inside the vehicle and further investigation revealed the driver, Robert Alexander Aguilar, 18, of Bryans Road, had a loaded firearm magazine in his pocket. A polymer gun with no serial number was recovered from inside the car. Aguilar was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm in a vehicle, illegal possession of a firearm, possession of drugs, and other related charges. He is currently being held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center. Cpl. Walls is investigating.

Patrol officers investigating reports of unconscious driver recover drugs: On November 19 at 5:28 a.m., patrol officers responded to the area of Crain Highway and Mattawoman Beantown Road for the report of a car stopped in the roadway. When officers arrived, they observed the driver was unresponsive, the car was in drive and the driver’s foot was on the brake. Officer Karopchinsky placed his vehicle in front of the car in case the driver became responsive. Further, officers observed a quantity of cannabis and cocaine in plain view. The driver became responsive but refused to exit his car. The driver was removed from the vehicle and taken into custody. Jorton Alexis, 31, of Takoma Park, was arrested and charged with possession with the intent to distribute drugs. He was also issued several traffic citations. Alexis was released from the Charles County Detention Center by a district court commissioner. Officer Karopchinsky is investigating.

Patrol officers apprehend juvenile armed with a firearm and making threats: On November 16 at 5:54 p.m., officers responded to the area of Post Office Road and Macclesfield Court in Waldorf for the report of a teenager who pointed a firearm toward occupants of a car. A preliminary investigation showed the victims were turning onto Macclesfield Court when the suspect walked in front of their vehicle. The victims honked the car horn to alert the teen at which point the teen pulled out a firearm and pointed it at the victims. Responding officers observed the suspect in the area and were able to safely take him into custody. A loaded firearm, with no serial number, was recovered from the suspect’s waistband. The suspect, age 16, was charged as an adult with first-degree assault, illegal possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm on a person, and other related charges. Cpl. Saunders and Officer Heishman are investigating.

Charles County Crime Solvers offering cash reward in attempted robbery case: On November 15 at 6 p.m., patrol officers responded to the 3800 block of Huntington Woods Drive for the report of an attempted armed robbery. A preliminary investigation showed two males were riding dirt bikes in the area when three males approached, pointed firearms, and demanded the dirt bikes. One of the victims was able to flee. The other victim complied and the suspects fled in a vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Beach at 301-609-6513. Tipsters who want to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app. Crime Solvers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) has opened the nonprofit funding utility for the fiscal year (FY) 2025 budget cycle, as awarded by the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC). 

The Notice of Funding Availability is available online at: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/nonprofit. Please read the notice thoroughly and use the provided links; the application process is completely electronic and must be submitted online.

Applicants must be organizations with nonprofit status serving St. Mary’s County, Maryland. The deadline to submit applications is January 12, 2024. For additional details, read the full notice. Applicants are urged not to delay beginning the online application process. The system will allow you to save your progress and go back to edit your submission up until the January 12^th deadline. Please submit any questions via email to: nonprofithelp@stmaryscountymd.gov. 

SMCG’s Finance Department will offer a one-hour training on how to navigate the online application process on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at 3 p.m. Please contact Shelly Bean to sign-up at (301) 475 4200 ext. 1211 or via email to nonprofithelp@stmaryscountymd.gov.

The Commissioners will host their first Budget Work Session (BWS) of the upcoming fiscal year on November 28, 2023, at 1 p.m. BWS are held in the CSMC Meeting Room, on the 1^st floor of the Chesapeake Building, located at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. Final adoption of the SMCG FY2025 Budget will be on May 21, 2024.

CSMC decisions and related public documents are available on the county government website in BoardDocs. Meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live on St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) Channel 95. Meetings are also available for on-demand viewing on the St. Mary's County Government YouTube Channel.

For more information on SMCG please visit: stmaryscountymd.gov or follow St. Mary’s County Government on Facebook or Twitter (X) for regular updates.

LA PLATA, MD— The State’s Attorney’s Office for Charles County (SAO) is back for its third year of its “Drive Sober” initiative, which aims to bring awareness to the grave dangers of driving impaired, as well as help the public take preventative measures. The “Drive Sober” initiative will run during the holiday season – November 20, 2023, through January 1, 2024 – which is one of the deadliest times on the roadways due to drunk driving.

In prior years, the SAO distributed Uber gift cards to the community. This year, the SAO remains committed to offering the community safe rides home through rideshare; however, the SAO is making it easier for community members to participate. On Wednesday, November 22, 2023 (Thanksgiving Eve) from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Thursday, November 23, 2023, drivers 21+ years of age can download the Uber app and use the SAO’s code for up to $15 off a ride in Charles County to prevent impaired driving. The code will be released on our official Drive Sober webpage (www.ccsao.us/DriveSober) at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22, 2023. Limited quantities are available.

The SAO will continue to distribute rideshare gift cards throughout the duration of the initiative and has partnered with Colonial Liquors of La Plata, Maryland to be a pickup location for Uber gift cards, while supplies last. Exclusions will apply.

In addition to the free Uber rides, the SAO will distribute nonalcoholic drink vouchers to designated drivers and over 300 keychain breathalyzers.

The SAO will also redisplay two powerful billboards to remind motorists of the grave dangers of driving impaired. The first billboard features victim Ethan Ruefly, a 3-month-old infant killed by a drunk driver in Charles County. The second billboard features Taylor Halbleib (21 years old), Autumn Jenkins (20 years old), and Destanee Lyles (18 years old) – all victims of impaired drivers. Their stories can be viewed on the SAO website, www.ccsao.us/DriveSober.

Citizens of Charles County will be able to pick up preventative measures including keychain breathalyzers on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at the “Shop La Plata” event in the Town of La Plata for Small Business Saturday.

Further information on the effects of impaired driving and the “Drive Sober” initiative can be found on the SAO’s website, www.ccsao.us/DriveSober.

(PIKESVILLE, MD) – Maryland State Police beginning Wednesday are increasing patrols through Thanksgiving weekend as millions of Marylanders are expected to hit the highways.

State troopers from all 23 barracks will focus on impaired, aggressive and distracted driving while conducting saturation patrols on roads with high DUI incidents. Enforcement is bolstered by funds from the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office.

The State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort (SPIDRE) team, a specialized unit of trained troopers who are focused on identifying impaired drivers, will also work this weekend. SPIDRE is funded by a grant from MDOT MVA Highway Safety Office and aims to reduce alcohol-related injuries and fatalities in Maryland.

The initiative includes partnering with allied law enforcement and other state agencies to both enforce the law and offer outreach to the community through social media and electronic billboards.

Among the planned initiatives:

• Anne Arundel County: The Annapolis and Glen Burnie barracks will focus enforcement efforts on Route 50.
• Baltimore County: The Golden Ring Barrack will boost patrols on interstates 695 and 83.
• Cecil and Harford counties: The JFK Memorial Highway, Bel Air and North East barracks will focus efforts on Interstate 95 and major county routes.
• Garrett County: Troopers at the McHenry Barrack will conduct crash reduction and DUI enforcement efforts on Route 219 and Interstate 68.
• Frederick County: The Frederick Barrack will increase enforcement on major county roads including Interstate 70.
• Kent and Queen Anne’s counties: The Centreville Barrack will conduct aggressive enforcement operations for DUI and traffic violations on routes 301, 20 and 50.
• Prince George’s County: The College Park and Forestville barracks will bolster patrol on Interstate 495 and the southern parts of the county.
• Washington County: The Hagerstown Barrack will conduct DUI saturation patrols on interstates 70, 68 and 81.
• Wicomico County: The Salisbury Barrack will focus enforcement on routes 50 and 13.
• Worcester County: The Berlin Barrack will conduct proactive DUI enforcement throughout the county, with an emphasis on West Ocean City.

Police urge motorists to plan for a safe drive by avoiding impaired, aggressive and distracted driving. Adhere to Maryland’s Move Over laws, which require motorists to safely make a lane change or slow down when approaching a vehicle displaying warning signals.

From the Maryland State Police, we hope you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

###

The Charles County Department of Health has been alerted by the Maryland Department of Health, Office of the State Veterinarian of the possibility of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) infection in dead geese collected in Waldorf. CDC considers the current risk to the general public from the H5N1 bird flu outbreak in wild birds and poultry to be low. 

Due to the die-off of wild geese in our area, we are reminding our residents and visitors to do the following:

-As a general precaution, whenever possible people should avoid direct contact with wild birds and observe them only from a distance.

-Wild birds can be infected with avian (bird) influenza (flu) A viruses even if they don’t look sick.  

-Avoid unprotected contact with domestic birds (poultry) that look sick or have died.

-Do not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with saliva, mucous, or feces from wild or domestic birds. 

-If you do come into contact with contaminated surfaces, birds or bird fecal material, wash your hands immediately and thoroughly. 

The best way to prevent avian (bird) influenza (flu) is to avoid sources of exposure whenever possible. Infected birds shed bird flu virus in their saliva, mucous, and feces. People rarely get bird flu; however, human infections with bird flu viruses can happen when enough virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled. This can happen when virus is in the air (in droplets or possibly dust) and a person breathes it in, or when a person touches something that has virus on it and then touches their mouth, eyes or nose. Bird flu virus infections in people happen most often after close, prolonged and unprotected (no gloves or other protective wear) contact with infected birds and then the person touches their mouth, eyes, or nose.

To learn more about highly pathogenic avian influenza, please click on the following link:

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/prevention.htm#:~:text=Avoid%20touching%20your%20mouth%2C%20nose,and%20after%20handling%20wild%20birds.

Leonardtown, MD -The Town of Leonardtown is ringing in the holiday season on Friday, November 24th from 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM with the traditional "Christmas on the Square and Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony". Event activities start at 4:30 PM and include live entertainment, rides, balloon art, a living nativity, a holiday light maze, food and much more! Come early so you have time to park and make your way to the Square to enjoy all the exciting activities, and don’t miss Santa’s arrival and the lighting of the Town Christmas Tree at 7:00 PM by the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department!

Thanks to the cooperative efforts of Town officials, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Mary’s County Emergency Management Division, Maryland State Police, Maryland State Highway, St. Mary’s County Public Works, Fire and Rescue Chiefs, the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department and other local volunteer fire departments and rescue squads, plans are in place for increased safety and security. Please note the following measures that will be in effect for this year’s event:

Closures and Restrictions:

Ø Downtown Leonardtown Square – including Washington Street and Fenwick Street – will be closed to through traffic from 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Ø Courthouse Drive, Guyther Drive, Camalier Drive, and portions of Park Avenue, Shadrick Street, Pope Street, and Church Street will also have extremely restricted access before and during the event.

Ø Residents living around Tudor Hall should enter Town via Lawrence Avenue to access their neigh-borhood, as access to Courthouse Drive will be restricted.

Parking/Shuttles:

Ø Parking can be found at St. Mary’s Ryken High School, the Blackbelt Academy lot on Gregory Drive, and the grass lots on either side of Courthouse Drive near Fenwick Street. Once the parking lots are full, spectators will be directed to park at the auxiliary lots at CSM, the Governmental Center or the Leonardtown Library/Garvey Senior Center Lots.

Ø Spectators are encouraged to park at the auxiliary lots noted above and take advantage of the free shuttle bus service which runs between CSM, the Governmental Center, the Leonardtown Li-brary/Garvey Senior Center and the Olde Town Pub parking lot from 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM. Shuttle service for the evening is courtesy of Patuxent Transportation, International Association of Machin-ists & Aerospace Workers Winpisinger Education & Technology Center and Carter Bus Service.

Ø Handicap parking is also available in Town at the Mattingley Gardiner parking lot on the corner of Fenwick St. and Lawrence Ave. and in the public lot next to the Hair Company on Washington Street. Once these lots are full, spectators will be directed to park in one of the auxiliary lots noted.

Ø For cars to exit Town efficiently and safely after Santa’s arrival, the fire truck rides will be shutting down completely at 6:45 PM. Please plan accordingly.

Ø For event safety, spectators are asked to obey all posted No Parking and Reserved Parking signs as well as police and volunteer instructions.

Note: there is no rain date for this event. In the event of inclement weather, a decision will be made as to whether the event will need to be cancelled by 9 a.m. on Friday, November 24, 2023. The decision will be announced on VisitLeonardtownMD.com/ChristmasontheSquare and the Town of Leonardtown Facebook page.

Christmas on the Square is sponsored by the Commissioners of Leonardtown, the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department, and the Leonardtown Business Association. For further information, please visit: VisitLeonardtownMD.com/ChristmasontheSquare.

At approximately 8:59 a.m. Monday, November 20, 2023, Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a head-on motor vehicle collision in the area of Three Notch Road and Expedition Drive.

A preliminary investigation revealed the operator of a Honda Accord (Brian Alan Hicks, age 42, of Lexington Park), was traveling southbound on Three Notch Road in the area of Expedition Drive when, for unknown reasons, the vehicle crossed into the northbound lanes and struck a Jeep Grand Cherokee (Sharon Lynn Harp, age 56, of Scotland). The operator of the Honda was found unresponsive, and life-saving measures were initiated. The operator of the Honda succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene. The operator of the Jeep Grand Cherokee was flown to a nearby trauma hospital for precautionary reasons. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Accident Reconstruction Team responded to the scene and has assumed the investigation.

At this time, operator error appears to be a contributing factor in the crash. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision and has not provided a statement is asked to contact Cpl. Rachael Roszell at 301-475-4200 ext.8108 or rachael.roszell@stmaryscountymd.gov.

The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners announce county offices will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023 through Friday, Nov. 24, in observance of Thanksgiving. In addition:

·         The Appeal Solid Waste Facility, which includes the landfill and transfer station, and all county customer convenience centers will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 22, and Thursday, Nov. 23. Normal operating hours resume Friday, Nov. 24.

·         The Water & Sewerage billing and customer service office will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 22, through Friday, Nov. 24.

·         The Solomons Septage Receiving Facility will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 22, and Thursday, Nov. 23. Normal operating hours resume Friday, Nov. 24.

·         Calvert County senior centers will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 22, through Friday, Nov. 24, and Meals on Wheels will not be delivered. Meal delivery is set to resume on Monday, Nov. 27.

·         All community centers will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24. On Wednesday, Nov. 22, the Harriet E. Brown and Southern Community Center will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Mt. Hope Community Center will be open from 4-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22. The Northeast Community Center will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22.

·         There will be no county bus service Wednesday, Nov. 22, through Friday, Nov. 24. Regular service will resume Saturday, Nov. 25.

·         Calvert Library locations will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 22, through Friday, Nov. 24.  Downloadable materials and virtual services are available 24/7 at Calvertlibrary.info/using-the-library/activity/read/.

·         The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter and Animal Control Division will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 22, through Friday, Nov. 24. Animal Control Officers will be available for emergencies at 410-535-3491.

·         The Calvert Marine Museum and Museum Store will be open with normal hours on Wednesday, Nov. 22, and will be closed Thursday, Nov. 23. The museum will reopen Friday, Nov. 24.

·         Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center will be open with normal hours Wednesday, Nov. 22, and will be closed Thursday, Nov. 23. The center will reopen Friday, Nov. 24.

·         All recreation parks including Dunkirk District Park, Ward Farm Recreation & Nature Park, Hallowing Point Park and Cove Point Park will be open with normal fall hours Wednesday, Nov. 22 through Friday, Nov. 24.

·         Chesapeake Hills Golf Course will be open Wednesday, Nov. 22 and Friday, Nov. 24 with normal operating hours. The golf course will close at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 23.

·         Flag Ponds Nature Park will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 22 and Thursday, Nov. 23. The park will be open with regular hours on Friday, Nov 24.

·         Kings Landing Park will be open Wednesday, Nov. 22, and Friday, Nov. 24, with normal operating hours. The park will be closed Thursday, Nov. 23.

·         Fall hours started in September for Flag Ponds Nature Park and the park is closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Battle Creek Cypress Swamp and Sanctuary nature center remains closed due to fire damage; however the trails are open. For a full nature park schedule, visit www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/1505/Park-Hours.

·         Breezy Point Beach closed for the season on Oct. 31 and will reopen for the season in May 2024.

·         Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center will be open with normal operating hours on Wednesday, Nov. 22, and is closed on Thursday, Nov. 23. On Friday, Nov. 24, the center will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and at 4 p.m. the re-opening of the Garden of Lights begins.  For more information visit www.annmariegarden.org/annmarie2/holiday-hours.

Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date with Calvert County Government on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd and YouTube at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.

CROWNSVILLE, MD – Governor Wes Moore today announced that the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture (MCAAHC) and the Maryland Historical Trust have launched a project aimed at identifying lineal descendants or communities that are culturally affiliated with the remains of at least 15 individuals of African or possible African descent that are currently housed at the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory in Calvert County, Maryland.

“In order for us to be able to move forward, we must both remember and value our past,” said Governor Moore. “I encourage anyone that has information about these African American communities to speak up, get involved, and ensure our descendants are treated ethically and responsibly.”

This collaborative project, entitled "Engaging with Descendant African American Communities," will use genealogical records, land record research, and potentially DNA testing to identify a path forward for returning these remains to the earth in a manner consistent with the State of Maryland Regulations for the Transfer of Human Remains and Associated Funerary Objects. The project will actively engage with descendant communities in an ethical and inclusive manner and will result in a plan for the respectful reburial of the remains that recognizes their cultural importance and historical legacy.   

"The Maryland Historical Trust is pleased to partner with the Commission on this important and innovative project,” said Maryland Historical Trust Executive Director Elizabeth Hughes. “We are hopeful that this innovative Maryland project will serve as a model for others.?”

Most of these remains were recovered as a result of discoveries that took place from the 1960s through the 1990s. Current policy discourages the excavation of human remains and strongly encourages preservation in place. All remains are housed in “an appropriate place of repose” at the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory and are not accessible to the general public. 

"This project is incredibly timely and meaningful,” said Chanel Compton, Executive Director of the Banneker-Douglass Museum and Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture. “Because of technology and collaboration, we have the opportunity to share the untold stories of Black lives in our state that will build a deeper understanding of Maryland's history."

Properties associated with these remains include sites near Deep Creek in Anne Arundel County, the Gott Cemetery in Calvert County, Chapel Point in Charles County, Bennetts Point in Queen Anne’s County, and Twin Oaks in Wicomico County. If you have information about African American communities in these areas or have an interest in being kept up to date on project activities and findings, please complete the google form at https://forms.gle/zcW2mTStAQj1DLsY6

The mission of Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture is to interpret, document, preserve, and promote Maryland’s African American heritage, to provide technical assistance to institutions and groups with similar objectives, and to educate Maryland’s citizens and visitors about the significance of the African American experience in Maryland and the nation.

The Maryland Historical Trust is a state agency dedicated to preserving and interpreting the legacy of Maryland’s past. Through research, conservation, and education, MHT assists the people of Maryland in understanding their historical and cultural heritage. MHT is an agency of the Maryland Department of Planning and serves as Maryland’s State Historic Preservation Office pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.

Do you know a woman or girl who makes significant contributions to the local community? The Calvert County Commission for Women is now accepting nominations for its 2024 Outstanding Achievement Awards. Each year, the commission recognizes Calvert County women and girls who are models of outstanding achievement and have made significant contributions to our community.

The nomination form is available online at www.Calvert-Women.org. Completed nominations must be submitted no later than Dec. 15, 2023, by email to CalvertWomen@gmail.com.

There are four award categories:

·         Advocacy: To honor a woman for outstanding leadership, courage, tenacity and effectiveness in supporting policies and practices that improve the lives of Calvert County women or girls.

·         Business Leadership: To honor a woman for leadership and effectively implementing business practices that improve the economic status of Calvert County women or girls.

·         Service: To honor a woman whose service to the community has improved the quality of life for Calvert County women or girls.

·         Woman of Tomorrow: To honor a girl or young woman (age 20 or younger) for effective leadership in the field of advocacy, business or service to the community. Note that the main criterion is the impact on the local community, not academics.

To qualify for selection, a nominee must

·         Have been a resident of Calvert County for at least five years; and

·         Be age 21 or older for the Advocacy, Business Leadership and Service awards and age 20 or younger for the Woman of Tomorrow.

The Commission for Women will honor awardees at the 21^st annual Calvert County Women of the World (WOW) Awards Celebration on Saturday, March 16, 2024.

Honorees will receive individual proclamations highlighting their accomplishments and impact from the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners.

For more information, please contact Commission for Women 2024 WOW Event Chair Christy Jones at calvertwomen@gmail.com or 443-684-3360.

The Calvert County Commission for Women is charged with improving opportunities for women and girls by: promoting women’s education and employment; being a voice and advocate for women and girls; identifying and studying relevant issues; being a clearinghouse on issues; and giving recognition to outstanding women and girls.

Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date with Calvert County Government on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd and YouTube at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – With colder weather settling in, St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Aging & Human Services (DAHS) is seeking volunteer drivers for the Wrapping Arms ‘Round Many (WARM) program, which provides emergency shelter during winter months for homeless individuals in St. Mary's County.

DAHS coordinates transportation for the WARM program, to include the recruitment and scheduling of volunteer drivers. Drivers must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid driver's license. Volunteers will be given access to a county-owned van. Volunteer slots are open seven days per week while WARM is operational. Volunteer drivers are divided into evening and morning shifts. Evening drivers pick up WARM guests at the Church of Ascension at 5:30 p.m. for transportation to their host site for the evening. Morning drivers arrive at the host site by 7 a.m. the next morning to transport guests back to the Church of the Ascension.

The WARM program is a partnership between the faith community, local human service agencies, and citizens to provide safe shelter and hot meals to homeless citizens during the coldest months of the year. The first WARM season took place in October 2009, and since has become very successful with over 50 participating churches working together to provide food and shelter. WARM operates in close partnership with St. Mary's County Government’s Department of Aging & Human Services and Department of Public Works & Transportation, as well as with the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, St. Mary’s County Department of Social Services, Pyramid Walden, Three Oaks Center, and MedStar St. Mary's Hospital. This year's WARM season began Sunday, November 12, 2023, and will end Sunday March 31, 2024.

This is your opportunity to make a difference for those experiencing homelessness in our community. To volunteer, contact Ursula Harris at (301) 475-4200, ext. 1658, vis email to Ursula.Harris@stmaryscountymd.gov.

PRINCE FREDERICK, MD—Twelve Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) high school students representing Northern High School’s (NHS) Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) competed at the 2023 National Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Georgia before the start of this school year.

Two NHS FBLA members placed in the top ten for the nation in their competitive event: Gentry Bowie placed 9th in Introduction to Business Communication and Steven Vilcheck placed 6th in Business Law. 

“Attending the National Leadership Conference is in itself such an amazing and educational experience. Everyone at the conference is so passionate and excited about FBLA,” shared NHS FBLA member Gentry Bowie. “Knowing this, it was intimidating to be competing with the best of the best in the nation. When I saw my name flash up on the screen, I felt so proud of the effort I had put in to get there and honored to represent Northern and Maryland FBLA at the national level.”

NHS FBLA member Steven Vilcheck agreed, “Winning at nationals was the perfect end to a great week. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved and standing on that stage allowed me to reflect on all the hard work and dedication that brought me there.”

The four-day conference hosted over 13,000 middle and high school FBLA members. Throughout the conference, members attended workshops, networked, and competed in their competitive events.

Competitive events ranged from objective tests in finance and sports management to presentations on public speaking. To qualify for these events, Northern High’s FBLA members competed at the 2023 Maryland Region IV Leadership Conference against FBLA members from Calvert County, Charles County, St. Mary’s County, and Prince George’s County. 

Congratulations to the following NHS FBLA members who competed at the 2023 National Leadership Conference:

• Gentry Bowie: Introduction to Business Communication, American Enterprise Project
• Mao Yu Cheng: UX Design, American Enterprise Project
• Cate Hall: International Business, American Enterprise Project
• Addison Fortenbery: Graphic Design, Community Service Project
• Olivia Herrin: Introduction to Business Presentation, Community Service Project
• Sarah Hurley: Sales Presentation, Local Chapter Annual Business Report
• Mikaella Jones: Public Service Announcement, Partnership with Business Project
• Logan McDonald: Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure
• Alee Ryon: Publication Design, Partnership with Business Project
• Sally Shnawa: Introduction to Public Speaking
• Jasmine Simpson: Website Design, Local Chapter Annual Business Report
• Steven Vilcheck: Business Law, Community Service Project

In addition, the NHS FBLA’s three community projects were judged on a state level and qualified to compete at the National Leadership Conference. The projects were: the American Enterprise Project, in which FBLA students taught business skills to children at PrimeTime; the Partnership with Business Project, where FBLA students volunteered with the local humane society; and with the Community Service Project that raised over $10,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maryland. 

“FBLA is a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) helping students develop business skills and prepare for future careers. The Northern High School chapter of FBLA has been in place for more than 25 years and continues to remain an active and popular club at the school,” said NHS FBLA Advisor Nancy Wilt-Tassa. 

For more information about the NHS FBLA, please contact Advisor Nancy Wilt-Tassa at wiltn@calvertnet.k12.md.us or 443.550.8950.

Governor Wes Moore today announced the award of more than 133,000 laptops to 27 local governments and their partners for distribution to underserved households in communities across Maryland. The $27.2 million investment through the Office of Statewide Broadband’s Connected Devices Program is part of an effort to ensure Marylanders have the technology required to access reliable, high-speed internet.

“These devices are a gateway for Marylanders to be able to apply for jobs, complete schoolwork and connect with vital community resources,” said Gov. Moore. “In partnership with local governments and community organizations, we are connecting underserved households with the tools they need to succeed and to connect with more opportunities.”

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, where the Office of Statewide Broadband is housed, awarded grants to all 27 of the jurisdictions that applied. Requests ranged from 10 to 30,000 devices. Awards were made between two rounds in February 2023 and October 2023. Most jurisdictions also received funding to help pay for the distribution of devices. 

“Through the Office of Statewide Broadband, the Moore-Miller Administration is working to bring high-speed internet to all corners of Maryland,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “In addition to our infrastructure improvements that are bringing underserved communities online, the Office and our Department are focused on closing the digital divide.”

The department has partnered with HP, Inc. and Daly Computers to supply nearly 135,000 Chromebooks across the state. The department also partnered with the University of Maryland’s TechExtension, which provides free, one-on-one tech support through their digital navigator program to any Marylander that needs assistance with a device.

“As a technology solution provider serving the State of Maryland for the past 35 years, Daly is truly honored and pleased that it has distributed over 133,000  laptops across the State to Maryland to families in need of technology,” said Daly President Ryan Yu. “Bridging the digital divide is a key component to helping families gain access to the digital economy and future opportunities.”

“HP is partnering with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and Daly Computers to provide equitable access to technology, connectivity, and digital skills for thousands of Maryland residents,” said HP Public Sector Mid Atlantic Area District Manager for Malinda Lindsey. “We are looking forward to continuing to work together to address the digital divide and foster positive outcomes for future generations.”

To view the full list of local governments and community partners that received devices, visit https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Documents/PressReleases/2023-OSB-Device-Awards.pdf.

For more information on the Office of Statewide Broadband, visit https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Broadband/Pages/default.aspx.

With the holidays on the horizon, advocates are reminding older Marylanders to watch out for scams during the upcoming season. Federal Trade Commission data through the first three quarters of this year show more than 30-thousand reported incidents of fraud in Maryland. The most common type of consumer fraud in the state is the imposter scam, carried out online or on the phone either via voice call or text message, where a person pretends to represent a government agency, bank or credit card company. Jen Holz with AARP Maryland says if they are contacting you, don’t give out your info.
"Never ever ever give any identifiable information to anyone over the phone who has contacted you. If you're not sure, and you think that this could be legitimate, go and look up the number to your bank or to your credit card company and call them back directly. And then say, 'Hey, did you call me? Is there a problem with my account?' "
The F-T-C ranks Maryland fourth in the nation for imposter scams. AARP Maryland hosts fraud-education events online in addition to periodic document-shredding events. For more info on both, visit AARP.org/MD.
As artificial intelligence has become more accessible to the masses, fraudsters have kept up. One of the most common imposter scams targeting older adults is the so-called "Grandparents scam" where the caller poses as a loved one in crisis, needing money. Current technology enables scammers to not only sound like a loved one, but with caller ID spoofing, even the phone number appears legitimate. Holz says scammers often attempt to get paid in ways that are hard to trace, including cryptocurrency or gift cards.
"If they ask you for a gift card or to go buy a gift card to pay off a debt, then you know instantly without a shadow of a doubt, it is a scam. Gift cards are for gifts. They are not for payments. "
In addition to imposter scams, the FTC tracks numerous types of fraud including online shopping, investments, job opportunities, debt management, sweepstakes, even office supplies. Holz says these fraudsters are professionals, and there are scams out there targeting just about anyone.
"Because these professional scammers are so good at what they're doing, it's happening to people of all types. So all levels of education, all ages, and what AARP is really trying to do is implement, this anti-victim shaming, culture change, if you will, to make sure that we're talking about the scammers as the problem and not the folks who have had this happen to them."

On November 16 at 7:56 a.m., two students at St. Charles High School assaulted each other. During the altercation, one student sustained what appeared to be minor injuries and was treated at a nearby hospital. Both students face charges and disciplinary actions from the Charles County Public Schools. Anyone with information is asked to call Cpl. Thompson at 301-609-3282 ext. 0434. The investigation is ongoing. 

On November 16 at 1 p.m., a student at Davis Middle School was found to be smoking suspected cannabis in the school bathroom. The cannabis was recovered and the student was issued a citation by the school resource officer. Anyone with information is asked to call Cpl. Cook at 301-609-3282 ext. 0479. The investigation is ongoing. 

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) Department of Emergency Services is notifying residents that air quality in St. Mary’s County, Maryland may be impacted by the wildfires in Virginia.

Wind has carried the wildfire smoke into Maryland; and residents may see or smell smoke as a result. Visit https://fire.airnow.gov to view the map of impacted areas.

If you notice smoke or the smell of smoke and believe it may be caused by a local fire, please call 9-1-1 to report.

Knowing what to do before, during, and after an emergency is a critical part of being prepared and may make all the difference, when seconds count.

To learn more about how you can be prepared and stay informed, visit: stmaryscountymd.gov/em.

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – Nov. 16, 2023 – Calvert County Government announces the launch of Speak Up Calvert, a dynamic new community engagement platform designed to foster collaborative dialogue, information sharing and constructive feedback between residents and local government.

The platform represents a firm step forward in the county’s commitment to fostering an open, transparent and inclusive government. Speak Up Calvert will serve as a central hub where community members can actively engage in discussions, share insights and work together with the county to address the vital issues, challenges and opportunities facing our community.

"By investing in this platform, we are reinforcing our commitment to community-driven governance. Speak Up Calvert not only amplifies the voices of our residents, but also provides them with a direct line to the inner workings of their local government," said County Administrator Mark Willis.

Residents are encouraged to use Speak Up Calvert to

·         Engage in meaningful dialogues on current projects and initiatives;

·         Offer feedback on master plans, updates and other important subjects;

·         Participate in surveys aimed at understanding the community’s needs and directly influence the county’s decision-making processes; and

·         Learn more about the key focus areas that the county is working on.

Those eager to make their voices heard and contribute to the betterment of Calvert County can visit the Speak Up Calvert platform at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/SpeakUp.

If residents have topics or issues they are passionate about or would like to see added to the platform, they are encouraged to email the Department of Communications & Media Relations at communications@calvertcountymd.gov.

Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date with Calvert County Government on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd and YouTube at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (November 16, 2023) – The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and partner agencies will conduct a search operation beginning at 9 a.m. and lasting throughout the day Friday, November 17, 2023, in the Scotland, MD, area between Fresh Neck Pond Road and Point Lookout State Park.

A coordinated effort involving deputies, fire and rescue personnel, and search dogs will be deployed to facilitate the operation. The public is requested to avoid traveling to and around the area during the search. Further, to ensure the safety of all involved, individuals with seasonal hunting permits are advised to abstain from hunting in this vicinity for the duration of the search.

For updates and further information, residents are encouraged to monitor official channels and announcements from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. The cooperation and understanding of the public are greatly appreciated.

The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) will be closed on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 and Thursday, November 23, 2023 for the Thanksgiving holiday.  The agency will also be closed on Friday, November 24, 2023 in recognition of American Indian Heritage Day. This includes the main office in Leonardtown and all satellite offices. Normal operations will resume Monday, November 27, 2023.

Learn more about SMCHD programs, services, and hours of operation at smchd.org.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) today praised President Joe Biden’s nomination of Maryland attorney Nicole Berner to fill a vacant Maryland seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

“Nicole Berner has been fighting for civil rights and worker rights throughout her career and we are excited to have her bring this experience and deep knowledge of the law to the federal bench in Maryland. As the general counsel of the 2-million-member strong Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Ms. Berner oversees their legal work in complicated areas of the law, including labor, healthcare regulation, and immigration. With this background, I am confident that she will uphold the judicial oath to ‘do equal right to the poor and to the rich,’” said Senator Cardin. “I also appreciated the opportunity to meet with Ms. Berner recently and was pleased to hear that she intends, if confirmed, to have her judicial chambers in the Baltimore Courthouse to better be a part of the diverse and vibrant Maryland legal community.”   

“Throughout her career, Nicole Berner has provided outstanding legal representation to advance the rights of working families and historically underrepresented communities — demonstrating her commitment to delivering equal justice to all. Her diverse legal experience shows that she is dedicated to the rule of law, fairness, and the principles of democracy, which is why I enthusiastically support her nomination to serve the American people on the Fourth Circuit. As the first openly LGBTQ nominee for the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, Nicole would also break glass ceilings in our judicial system. We look forward to advancing her nomination through the Senate,” said Senator Van Hollen.

Ms. Berner has been nominated to fill the vacancy created when Judge Diana Gribbon Motz took senior status in September 2022. Judge Motz was appointed to the Fourth Circuit by President Bill Clinton in 1994.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit is one of twelve regional appellate courts within the federal judicial system and sits just below the United States Supreme Court.  The Fourth Circuit is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, and hears appeals from nine federal district courts in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and from federal administrative agencies.

NICOLE BERNER

Nicole G. Berner is General Counsel to the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), where she has practiced as in-house counsel since 2006. Previously, Ms. Berner served as a staff attorney for Planned Parenthood Federation of America in Washington, D.C. from 2004 to 2006. She worked as a litigation associate at Jenner & Block LLP in Washington, D.C. from 2000 to 2004 after working as a visiting attorney at Yigal Arnon & Co. in Jerusalem, Israel, from 1999 to 2000. Ms. Berner served as a law clerk for Judge Thelton E. Henderson on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California from 1997 to 1998 and for Judge Betty B. Fletcher on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 1996 to 1997. She received her J.D., Order of the Coif, from University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, and her M.P.P. from the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley in 1996. She received her B.A., Phi Beta Kappa, from the University of California, Berkeley in 1988.

Berner is a longtime resident of Montgomery County, Maryland.  She has been an active member of her synagogue and community, and lives with her wife in Takoma Park, Maryland.

MERIDIAN, Miss. - Marines are some of the most highly-trained people on the planet, according to military officials, and this training requires highly-dedicated instructors.

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Patricia Elkins, Navy Office of Community Outreach

At Marine Aviation Training Support Squadron 1 (MATSS-1), located at Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi, instructors teach Marines to be combat-ready warfighters, while providing the tools and opportunities for continuous learning and development.

Pfc. Danae Ward, a native of Waldorf, Maryland, is a student at MATSS-1, learning the necessary skills needed to be an aviation support equipment manager.

“I’ll be responsible for ensuring that my Marine Corps Aviation Squadron has all the required support equipment and specific items needed that are required to perform maintenance on aircraft and ensure they can continue flying and complete their missions,” said Ward.

Ward, a 2022 graduate of Northpoint High School, joined the Marine Corps 11 months ago.

“Although I was thinking of talking to an Air Force recruiter first, I joined the Marine Corps because it looked more tempting,” said Ward “The camaraderie that I saw from Marines acting like a family, even when they just met each other, convinced me to talk to a Marine recruiter instead.”

Ward relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Waldorf to succeed in the military.

“My mother taught me self-reliance and self-discipline,” said Ward. “These values have helped me since I enlisted in the Marines.”

MATSS-1 Meridian is committed to developing dedicated and motivated Marines. Following boot camp, they provide entry-level “A” school training to students in administration and supply occupational specialties.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.

Serving in the Marine Corps means Ward is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Marine Corps is important to national defense because we are the first ones to respond in any crisis,” said Ward. "If we weren't there, no one else would be.”

Ward has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment is graduating boot camp and earning the title of United States Marine,” said Ward.

As Ward and other Marines continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Marine Corps.

“Serving in the Marines means being wherever I am needed, doing things that others are not willing to do and always giving my best in everything I do,” said Ward.

Ward is grateful to others for helping make a career possible in the Marine Corps.

“I would like to thank my boyfriend,” added Ward. "During the whole journey in boot camp, he provided me with love and support and was my ‘why’ to keep going.”

In a poignant commemoration of lives lost to homicide, community members are cordially invited to participate in the 22nd Annual Silent Angel Memorial hosted by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at 6 p.m., at the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department at 46900 South Shangri La Drive, Lexington Park, MD.

The Silent Angel Memorial was founded in 2002 by Ms. Bildman following the loss of her son and is an annual tribute to the individuals in St. Mary's County who have fallen victim to acts of homicide. 

During the annual ceremony, ornaments are placed on a Christmas Tree, and the names of St. Mary’s County homicide victims are announced.  Each ornament displays the name, date of birth, and the date each victim became a “silent angel.”  Following the ceremony, the decorated tree will be placed in the lobby of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office until the first week of January.

For more information or to extend your support to this meaningful event, please reach out to Madisyn Absher at the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office at 301-475-4200, ext. 1971, or email at Madisyn.Absher@stmaryscountymd.gov.

At approximately 8:58 p.m. Tuesday, November 14, 2023, Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 46000 block of Midway Drive in Lexington Park, MD, for a 911 call from a resident who observed an assault on a home security camera.

Deputies reviewed the video, and a preliminary investigation indicated that an unidentified white male was walking in the area when a vehicle stopped; two unidentified subjects then exited the car and assaulted the victim.

The vehicle is described as a light-colored, short-bed, two-door truck, pictured below.

On Tuesday, Nov. 14, Commissioners Charles County Health Officer, Dr. Dianna Abney, presented a briefing to Commissioners on the Bi-annual Charles County Health Department update. This presentation took in an-depth look at current COVID-19 variants, vaccination options, and eligible individuals for the COVID-19 vaccine. Some of the topics highlighted in this briefing include disease prevention and health promotion, behavioral health, environmental health, free community programs, the healthy kids’ meal legislation, and data on the current state of health in Charles County.

Briefings

• Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head (NSWC IH) Technical Director Ashley Johnson and Charles County Economic Development Department staff presented a briefing to Commissioners on the NSWC IH Smart Arsenal Initiative. This briefing highlighted the NSWC IH division’s Smart Arsenal, which includes three key areas: Smart Infrastructure, Smart Workforce, and Smart Partnerships.
• The Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services staff presented a briefing on the Rural Broadband Task Force updates to Commissioners. This briefing included information on the County’s current, upcoming, and completed broadband projects, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Mapping Project, and concluded with upcoming grant and project opportunities.
• Charles County’s Sheriff Troy Berry and Captain Andrew Schwab presented a briefing to Commissioners on the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Re-Districting project. This briefing included a breakdown of the patrol divisions in each district, research, projections, patrol statistics, and future resolutions for additional officers and staff.

Discussions
Commissioners held a discussion on policy for outside participation in Charles County Government activities, led by the County Attorney Wes Adams. Commissioners agreed to return in January to discuss creation of guidelines on this topic.

Commissioners held a discussion on the Adequate Public Safety Ordinance (APSO), introduced by Commissioner Bowling, and co-led by the Department of Emergency Services and the Department of Planning and Growth Management staff. Staff will return with a budget transfer request to hire a consultant to provide a comprehensive analysis of the needs and cost of providing County residents services and amenities.

Public Hearings
Commissioners held a public hearing on Bill 2023-10 Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 22-170 Watershed Conservation District (WCD) which summarized the proposed changes Commissioners directed staff to pursue on March 9, 2021. Commissioners voted 4-1 to close the record and adopted Bill 2023-10 ZTA 22-170.

Commissioners also held a public hearing and were presented with a report on the draft Amendment to the Keswick Developers Rights and Responsibilities Agreement (DRRA). In the report, the Charles County Government Planning Commission concluded and voted unanimously that the draft agreement is consistent with the 2016 Charles County Comprehensive Plan. Commissioners voted to close the record and adopt the draft Amendment.

Approval Items
Commissioners approved:

• A new holiday pay policy, effective Jan. 1, 2024, for all County Government employees working on holidays. To implement this change, the following budget transfers were approved:
  • A budget transfer request for the General Fund of $168,500 to support eligible employees working in Emergency Services; Public Works; and Recreation, Parks, and Tourism. This budget transfer is also supporting the impact of providing additional holidays given to County public safety personnel (EMS and 911 Communication Divisions) that were receiving holiday pay compensation.
  • A budget transfer request of $43,800 in the Environmental Service Fund to support eligible employees who work in recycling operations for the Department of Public Works.
  • A budget transfer request of $51,200 in the Solid Waste Fund to support eligible employees who work in landfill operations for the Department of Public Works.
  • A budget transfer request of $19,450 in the Water & Sewer Fund to support eligible employees who work in water & sewer operations for the Department of Public Works.
• A request from the Commission for Veterans Affairs to use $350 of Community Support Funds to purchase polo shirts for public events.
• A request from the Commission for Veterans Affairs to use $400 of Community Support Funds for supplies for their upcoming holiday event.
• Resolution 2023-17 Bond Award of $55 million. The county received 20 bids and received an interest rate of 3.75% which is lower than this year’s anticipated rate and last year’s interest rate.

Proclamations
Commissioners issued the following proclamation:

• National Family Caregivers Month

Viewing option of the meeting and the Commissioner Listening Session: Click Here

Next Commissioners Session: Nov. 28 – 29, 2023

Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258. 

LEONARDTOWN, MD – All St. Mary's County Government (SMCG) administrative offices will be closed on Wednesday, November 22, 2023; Thursday, November 23, 2023; and Friday, November 24, 2023, for the Thanksgiving holiday.

This three-day closure also includes:

• The Senior Activity Centers (Garvey, Loffler & Northern); with no home-delivered meals
• The St. Mary's Transit System (STS), including ADA and SSTAP

The following operations will be open on November 22 (closed November 23 & 24):

• The six Convenience Centers and the St. Andrews Landfill
• All three St. Mary's County Libraries (closing early 11/22/23 at 5 p.m.)

The following operations will be open on November 22 & 24 (closed November 23):

• All Recreation & Parks programs and facilities (please note that programs held in/at public school locations are cancelled, due to holiday school closures)
• The St. Clement's Island Museum, Piney Point Lighthouse Museum, and Old Jail Museum
• The Wicomico Shores Golf Course and Riverview Restaurant
• The St. Mary's County Animal Adoption & Resource Center

For more information on SMCG programs and operations, please visit: stmaryscountymd.gov or follow St. Mary’s County Government on Facebook or Twitter (X) for regular updates.

(Prince Frederick, MD) – The below incidents, investigations, and arrests are, in part, demonstrative of the Prince Frederick Barrack’s effort to ensure that Calvert County is a safe place to live, work, and visit. Handgun Violation: On 10/26/2023 at approximately 0052 hours, TFC Backus #6648 conducted a traffic stop on a Toyota SUV at MD RT 4 at Calvert Beach Road, Saint Leonard, MD for a speed violation. TFC Backus made contact with the driver, Christopher Leif Rice, 63, male of Owings. Rice was carrying a Ruger5.7x28mm handgun on his person. Rice displayed signs of impairment and was asked to perform a field sobriety test. The test was conducted poorly and Rice was subsequently placed under arrest for DUI. Rice was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center for processing. Rice was charged with DUI, Concealed Dangerous Weapon, and Carrying, Wearing, or Transporting Handgun While under the Influence: Alcohol or CDS.

Handgun Violation: On 10/18/2023, at approximately 0427 hours TFC Kreczmer #6916 responded to the residence of Kirk Wayne Langley, White, male, 58 of Solomons for an attempted Warrant Service. Langley had an Active Arrest Warrant for failing to appear for his court date on 10/16/2023 for harassment and telephone misuse. Langley had answered the door with his body canted away with his right arm behind his back out of sight. TFC Kreczmer identified himself and advised him of his visit. Langley was asked if he had a firearm due to his body language and the sound of putting something heavy down on the table. Langley stated he did have a firearm. He was advised to step away from the firearm and he complied. TFC Kreczmer then located a Ruger LCP .380 (serial number 37018180) on the table next to where Langley was standing. TFC Kreczmer secured the firearm and advised the PCO on duty about the firearm’s information. Langley was then placed under arrest for his open arrest warrant. A METERS/NCIC query on the firearm showed it was not on file and not stolen. The Maryland Gun Center was contacted and stated that Langley is prohibited from possessing any firearms due to prior violent convictions: One count of battery on 7/17/1984, one count of battery on 5/11/1989, and one count of second degree assault, domestic related on 5/12/2014. Langley stated he was unaware of his firearms restrictions. Langley was asked if he had any other firearms in the residence. He stated he did not, however, wouldn’t tell the Trooper if he did. Langley was then transported to Calvert County Detention Center where he was charged with Firearms - Possession with felony conviction, served his warrant, and was left to await his initial appearance in front of the District Court Commissioner.

Possession of Controlled Substance On 11/07/2023 at approximately 0252 hours, Trooper Sivic #7673 conducted a traffic stop on a Grey Hyundai Sonata at MD Rt. 4 at Mountain Trail in Prince Frederick for an inoperative right tag light. Driver was identified as Steven Smith, African American, male, 12/05/1988. Smith was informed of the reason for the stop and was asked for his license and registration. Smith stated he did not have his license. A license and wanted check was run through the Prince Frederick Maryland State Police Barrack. The PCO on duty advised Smith’s license status was revoked in the State of Maryland as of 01/23/2019. It was shown that Smith has been stopped 7 times previously and cited for driving on a revoked license. Smith was then placed under arrest for driving on a revoked license. A search incident to arrest was conducted of Smith’s person, while doing the search a folded dollar bill containing white residue/ suspected cocaine in Smith’s front pocket. At that time Trooper Hernandez #7266 and Trooper Sivic conducted a probable cause search of Smith’s vehicle. The probable cause search led to the discovery of three (3) cut straws and three (3) broken pieces of a glass smoking device both containing white residue suspected cocaine. Smith was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center for driving on a revoked license. Smith was also charged with the possession of CDS not Cannabis and the possession of CDS paraphernalia. 

When K9 "Kachina" retired nearly two months ago on a Friday, her handler, Master Deputy Oliver Alkire, was back in class the following Monday to begin training for a second four-legged partner at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosive National Canine Training Center in Front Royal, Virginia. While most of the canines in the Accelerant Detection program are just over a year old, he was surprised to learn that one of the seven dogs procured was a few years older and had already graduated from the program before.

Last week, he and 4-year-old K9 "Blondie" graduated and will be one of only 65 ATF trained accelerant detection teams in the United States. 

Blondie was initially trained for Guiding Eyes for the Blind before being acquired by the ATF for the accelerant detection canine program. She was transferred to the Office of the State Fire Marshal after two years with another agency. 

Master Deputy Alkire and Blondie and six other handlers from across the country graduated last Thursday. This certification program is an intensive 12-week school focused on accelerant detection canine methodology, fire chemistry, safety and first aid, health, wellness, and several investigative disciplines. The practical skills and team exercises were conducted in and around vehicles, structures, humans, equipment, and fire scenes to hone Blondie's scent discrimination skills.

Blondie is trained to detect a variety of ignitable liquids that could be used to accelerate a fire and has performed tens of thousands of repetitions for odor recognition and detection during training. ATF uses a food and praise reward training methodology that exposes canines to six classifications of ignitable liquids. The scientific methodology and testing protocols are certified by the ATF National Laboratory and produce an extremely versatile, mobile, and accurate accelerant detection tool.

With six teams, the Office of the State Fire Marshal is honored and privileged to have the country's largest partnership of ATF-trained canine teams. 

"I am very proud that the ATF has allowed the Office of the State Fire Marshal to be partners in their Accelerant Detection Canine program for nearly 30 years," stated State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci. "We are dedicated to assisting ATF whenever they call, and this long-standing partnership is proof. We are excited to have K9 Blondie join our family. And she will be in great hands, and Kachina will be an excellent big sister. I am even more proud of our handlers and their families who dedicate themselves to working and training with their canine partners seven days a week, 365 days a year."

- 30 - 

(L-R) Deputy Chief/K9 Commander John A. Nelson, State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci, M/DSFM Oliver Alkire & K9 Blondie, Chief Deputy Jason M. Mowbray

Blondie received her K9 badge, officially making her part of the OSFM family

Blondie was initially trained for Guiding Eyes for the Blind before being acquired by the ATF for the accelerant detection canine program. She was transferred to the Office of the State Fire Marshal after two years with another agency.

The North Beach Senior Center will reopen on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023 with normal hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The center temporarily closed on Oct. 16 for preventative maintenance repairs. The Department of Community Resources, Office on Aging, thanks residents for their patience and understanding during the closure.

For those planning to eat lunch at the North Beach Senior Center on Monday, Nov. 20, please call Calvert Pines Senior Center at 410-535-4606, by noon on Friday, Nov. 17 to reserve your meal.

For more information on senior centers and programs offered for Calvert County’s older adults, contact the Office on Aging at 410-535-4606 or visit www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/Aging. Events and weekly menus are also published on the Office on Aging Facebook page, www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyOfficeonAging.

Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date with Calvert County Government on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd and YouTube at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.

School Resource Officer investigating assault at John Hanson Middle School: On November 14 at 8:27 a.m., three students at John Hanson Middle School assaulted another student who was entering the school during school arrival. The students were separated and the injured student was seen by a school nurse. In accordance with MD law, two of the students cannot be charged due to their age; however, they face disciplinary consequences from the Charles County Public Schools. Charges are pending against the third student who is of age to be charged as a juvenile. Anyone with information is asked to call PFC Hancock at 301-609-3282 ext. 0499. The investigation is ongoing.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (November 14, 2023) – The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office handled 1550 Calls for Service (CFS) from 11/06/23 through 11/12/23.

ARRESTS:
11/06/23 – Tyonte Ajee Raymond Thomas, 29, of Lusby, MD, by DFC Michael Myers, for Assault Second Degree on a Division of Corrections Employee and Assault Second Degree.

11/07/23 - Amanda Rae Bailey, 41, of Leonardtown, MD, by Deputy Richard Stillwell for Felony Theft Scheme: $1500 to under $25,000 and eight counts of Theft: $100 to under $1500.

11/11/23 – Michael Turner Bice, 31, of Mechanicsville, MD, by Deputy Austin Welch, for Felony Burglary First Degree, Felony Burglary Third Degre, Burglary Fourth Degree, Malicious Destruction of Property Value: $1000, Theft: $100 to under $1500, and CDS Possession: Not Cannabis.

11/12/23 – Alexis Taylor Cusic, 19, of Lusby, MD, by Deputy Devin Absher, for Felony Arson First Degree and Malicious Destruction of Property Value - $1000.

DUIs:
11/04/23 - William Michael Pitner, 70, of Mechanicsville, MD, by Deputy Joseph Senatore, for Willfully Driving Motor Vehicle at Slow Speed Impeding Normal and Reasonable Traffic Movement, Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, Negligent Driving in a Careless and Imprudent Manner Endangering Property, Life and Person, and Reckless Driving of a Vehicle in Wanton and Willful Disregard for the Safety of Persons and Property.

11/04/23 – Derrin Robert Perez-Perez, 21, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Raymond Allebach, for Driving a Motor Vehicle on the Highway Without Required License, Failure to Display Lighted Lamps, Driver Failure to Obey Properly Placed Traffic Control Devices Instructions, Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, Driving Vehicle While So Far Impaired by Alcohol Cannot Drive Safely, Driving on a Suspended License, Driving on Suspended Out-of-State License.

11/07/23 – Joseph Lee Tapponnier, 42, of Leonardtown, MD, by Corporal Shawn Shelko, for Driving a Vehicle So Far Impaired by Drugs Cannot Drive Safely, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Failure to Control Vehicle Speed on Highway to Avoid Collision, Displaying Expired Registration Plate.

11/05/23 – Gary Mitchell Quade, Jr., 42, of Bushwood, MD, by Deputy Preston Dixon, for Driver Failure to Obey Properly Placed Traffic Control Devices Instructions, Driving a Vehicle So Far Impaired by Drugs Cannot Drive Safely, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Driving Without Required License, Driving on Revoked Out-of-State License, Reckless Driving of a Vehicle in Wanton and Willful Disregard for the Safety of Persons and Property.

SUMMONSES:
11/10/23 – Christina Lynn Rivas, 50, of Hollywood, MD, by DFC Daniel Sidorowicz, for CDS Possession: Not Cannabis.

WARRANTS:
11/03/23 – Sylvester Kenneth Price, 22, of California, MD, by Corporal Daniel Holdsworth, for Felony Attempted First Degree Murder (3 counts), Felony Assault First Degree (3 counts), Assault Second Degree (3 counts).

11/08/23 – Michael Bryan Allison, 34, of Colonial Beach, MD, by Deputy Elijsha Munn, for Felony Motor Vehicle Theft.

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce the Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy (SMCJA) celebrated the graduation of 16 correctional officers – nine from the Charles County Detention Center – from the Corrections Entrance Level Training Program (CELTP), Session 70, at a ceremony held November 9 at La Plata High School. The program requires each correctional officer to complete an eleven-week Basic Corrections Academy, which exceeds the state minimum for all correctional officers working in local correctional facilities across Maryland.

“We congratulate each of these officers, as well as their families, upon completing the academy,” said Charles County Detention Center Director Ryan Ross. “We are proud of their commitment and their decision to serve in this profession. We also recognize and thank our outstanding Academy Staff for their dedication to training and preparing all of the officers for a challenging and deeply rewarding career.”    

During the graduation ceremony, SMCJA instructors presented awards to graduates who excelled in different categories: Taylor Williams (Charles County) received the Scholastic Achievement Award with a 98.40 percent GPA; Ward Grove (Charles County) received honorable mention with a 98.21 percent GPA, and Gissell Garrido-Bautista (Charles County) achieved over 95.0 percent GPA.

Kolbey Cooper (Charles County) was honored with the Steve Allen Leadership Award, named after one of the original founders of the SMCJA who died of cancer several years ago. D'Lante Briscoe (St. Mary's County) was honored with the Highest Physical Fitness Award.

Please join Sheriff Troy Berry, CCDC Director Ryan Ross, and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office in congratulating and welcoming:

1.     Correctional Officer Kolbey Cooper

2.     Correctional Officer Romelisa Francois

3.     Correctional Officer Gissell Garrido-Bautista

4.     Correctional Officer Ward Grove

5.     Correctional Officer Ronald Scott

6.     Correctional Officer Justin Thompson

7.     Correctional Officer Dylan Walker

8.     Correctional Officer Taylor Williams

9.     Correctional Officer Niko Woodland

We also celebrate our partners in Calvert County and St. Mary’s County for their successful completion of the academy. We extend best wishes to all for long and distinguished careers.

Learn more about becoming a Charles County Sheriff’s or Correctional Officer by visiting our website at WWW.CCSO.US 

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) staff members recently earned the Global Seal of Biliteracy. The Seal of Biliteracy is a credential that was first established in 2008 in California and adopted by Maryland in 2016. The recognition is given to educators and students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages and can be used as a credential for academic and employment purposes. Thirty-four CCPS staff members recently earned the seal for proficiency in languages American Sign Language, French, Italian, Korean or Spanish.

American Sign Language (ASL)

· Niya Costley, Dr. Gustavus Brown Elementary School, Thomas Stone High School and F.B. Gwynn Educational Center, special education teacher.

French

· Guilene Sitchom-Kamdem, Westlake High School, French teacher.

Italian

· Maria Kayes, Piccowaxen Middle School, science teacher.

Korean

· Terri Berger, Maurice J. McDonough High School, ESOL teacher.

Spanish

· Jacqueline Alcantara-Gore, Eva Turner Elementary School, family service coordinator-case manager.

· Glorynel Alicea, Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer Elementary School, special education SOAR instructional assistant.

· Perla Arnold, Dr. James Craik Elementary School, administrative instructional assistant.

· Nelcy Avila, Westlake, Spanish teacher.

· Samuel Carter, Mattawoman Middle School, instrumental music teacher.

· Luis Daboin, Benjamin Stoddert Middle School, administrative instructional assistant.

· Nancy Dennehy, Matthew Henson Middle School, Spanish teacher.

· Inmaculada Dove, Gwynn, special education instructional assistant.

· Isabel Dunbar, Arthur Middleton Elementary School, special education instructional assistant.

· Maggie Fitzgerald, Piccowaxen, Spanish teacher.

· Wendy Golder, Mary H. Matula Elementary School, administrative instructional assistant.

· Jenny Herrera, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, bilingual family and community outreach facilitator.

· Maria Higginbotham, La Plata High School, French teacher.

· Evelin Iraheta, Dr. Samuel A. Mudd Elementary School, bilingual family and community liaison.

· Christina Johnson, Gale-Bailey Elementary School, special education teacher.

· Pilar Lepe, Starkey, international registration coordinator.

· Vanessa Evangelista Medina, J.P. Ryon Elementary School, kindergarten instructional assistant.

· Jennifer Mikula, La Plata, Spanish teacher.

· Luciano Morales, Thomas Stone, youth engagement advocate.

· Romaira Moss, Piccowaxen, Spanish teacher.

· Maria O’Connor-Buckingham, Starkey, senior student data technician.

· Viridiana Reyes-Oscana, Billingsley Elementary School, secretary.

· Tania Saquid, Middleton, fifth-grade teacher.

· Jahan Savage-Spriggs, Stone, administrative intern.

· Danielle Smith, the Robert D. Stethem Educational Center and McDonough, ESOL teacher.

· Deborah Spencer, Stoddert, instructional resource teacher.

· Rose Trinidad-Lopez, St. Charles High School, Spanish teacher.

· Patricia Valle, Starkey, budget analyst.

· Keara Watkins, Hanson, Spanish teacher.

· Dina Willet, Dr. Brown, parent liaison.

The Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation advises citizens that the Harriet E. Brown Community Center will temporarily close Thursday, Nov. 16, from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. for demolition of the old communications tower. The community center will reopen from 5-9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16.  

Normal hours of operation will resume Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. The Harriet E. Brown Community Center is located at 901 Dares Beach Road in Prince Frederick.

For updates on Parks & Recreation services, park availability, field closures and more visit Parks & Recreation at www.Facebook.com/CalvertCountyParks and follow @CalvertCountyParksandRec on Instagram.

Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date with Calvert County Government on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd and YouTube at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Commissioners of St. Mary's County (CSMC) began their business meeting with an invocation and the pledge, followed by approval of the consent agenda.

The CSMC then presented proclamations for World Children’s Day, the Great American Smokeout, and Giving Tuesday. Then presented a commendation to Patricia Smith in celebration of her retirement from the St. Mary’s County Health Department after 50 years of service. The Commissioners also recognized the graduates of the 2023 Citizens Academy program.

The CSMC then approved the scheduling of a public hearing to consider an amendment to the Sheriff's Office Retirement Plan.

During County Administrator time, the Commissioners took the following action:

• Approved the St. Mary’s Transit System (STS) FY24-26 Title VI Implementation Plan.
• Approved resolutions accepting FDR Blvd. into the County Highway Maintenance System, from Chancellors Run Rd. (MD 237) to Buck Hewitt Rd., and re-naming Fire Department Ln. to FDR Blvd.; as well as ordinances designating the shoulders and marked lanes of FDR Blvd. as bicycle lanes, regulating speed (35 MPH), and establishing yield intersections at the three FDR Blvd roundabouts.
• Approved the resolution recognizing November 22, 2023, and December 26, 2023, as additional paid holidays for employees in calendar year 2023.

The CSMC will host a ribbon cutting ceremony this afternoon at 3:30 p.m. to open Phase 3A of FDR Blvd. and then return to the Chesapeake Building for a Public Hearing at 6:30 p.m. on the proposed ordinance to establish a St. Mary's County School Zone Speed Camera Safety Program.

The Commissioners will not meet on Tuesday, November 21, 2023. The next CSMC business meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 9 a.m. in the Chesapeake Building, located at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. CSMC decisions and related public documents are available on the county government website in BoardDocs. CSMC meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live Tuesday mornings on St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) Channel 95, or as a replay Friday at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are also available for on-demand viewing on the St. Mary's County Government YouTube Channel. For more information on SMCG, please visit: stmaryscountymd.gov.

State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that following a two-day bench trial, Davon Stewart, 22, was convicted of sexual abuse of a minor. The sexual abuse of a minor, who was enrolled as a student, occurred while Mr. Stewart was employed by the St. Mary’s County Public Schools as a Safety and Security Assistant at Chopticon High School.

“The remarkable courage and bravery of this young survivor throughout the investigation and trial means that Mr. Stewart will finally be held accountable for his actions,” said State’s Attorney Sterling. “Schools should be a safe space for our children, without anxiety or fear of abuse. Mr. Stewart’s use of his position to exploit a minor child and violate that safe space is especially heinous. I’m hopeful that the conviction in this case will allow the victim and the victim’s family the ability to begin healing from his actions and deliver a sense of justice.”

Mr. Stewart faces a maximum sentence of up to 25 years in prison and will be required to register as a Tier III sexual offender for life.

He will remain held without bond pending a sentencing hearing.

Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Sarah Proctor, Chief of the Special Victims Unit, prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.

Detective Tyler Payne of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office was the lead investigator.

The Honorable Joseph M. Stanalonis presided over the case.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (November 10, 2023) – On Thursday, November 9, 2023, six St. Mary’s County recruits underwent their final inspection and graduation exercises from the Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy’s Corrections Entrance Level Training Program, Session 70 (CELTP) class. The six graduates will begin working as Corrections Officers at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center.

Please join the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office in congratulating and welcoming:

Corrections Officer D’Lante Briscoe
Corrections Officer Cadin Palmer
Corrections Officer Maria Rivenburgh
Corrections Officer Wyatt Soellner   
Corrections Officer Jade Tully
Corrections Officer Steven Wood

Corrections Officer D’Lante Briscoe received the Physical Training Award for CELTP 70.

We also recognize and celebrate our partners in Calvert County and Charles County for their successful completion of the academy and extend best wishes to all for long and distinguished careers.

Learn more about becoming a St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office member by visiting our website at www.firstsheriff.com/employment or emailing sheriffrecruiting@stmaryscountymd.gov.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) released the following statement in honor of Veterans Day, which is Saturday, November 11, with the official federal holiday on Friday, November 10.

“On this Veterans Day, I want to express my profound admiration for the unwavering service and sacrifices of our veterans. Their commitment to our nation, its people, and the values we hold dear transcends generations. Democracy requires constant vigilance, and it is facing tough challenges at home and abroad. Despots and authoritarians worldwide would like nothing more than to see us retreat from defending freedom. But in the face of adversity, the United States stands resilient thanks to the courageous men and women who have worn the uniform.

“From the American Revolution where the Maryland Line fought bravely under General George Washington to the defense of Fort McHenry in Baltimore that inspired the Star-Spangled Banner during the war of 1812, to today where Maryland is home to almost 400,000 veterans, our state has a proud history of fighting for freedom. 

“Our veterans are among the best our country has produced. Each one answered the call to serve their country, leaving friends and family to go in harm’s way. In today’s divisive world, I especially want to thank our veterans for coming together from all walks of life to serve a purpose greater than themselves. Our veterans come from all over the country, from all backgrounds, races, and religions. Time and time again, veterans put their country before themselves and make sacrifices that most Americans do not even realize. They miss birthdays, anniversaries, births, funerals, and countless other life events so they can stand guard on the front lines of our nation’s defense.

“Most service members volunteer to join the military not long after graduating high school or college. Some serve a few years, and others make the military a career. All of them have earned the title of veteran.  

“In Maryland, prominent military installations stretch across the state from Aberdeen Proving Ground in the north to Patuxent River in the south. Marylanders have always answered the call when our liberties have been attacked. During World War II, Maryland produced over 5,000 B-26 Marauder aircrafts that bombed Nazi fortifications in advance of Allied landings on D-Day. Baltimore’s shipyards built 384 Liberty cargo ships during the war to transport troops and supplies to Europe. Marylanders have stood shoulder-to-shoulder, unphased in the face of monumental challenges.

“Marylanders from across the state continue to volunteer to serve our country, both overseas and at home with our active-duty military components, reserves, and National Guard units. Our veterans’ dedication to country and democracy is felt around the world. Unfortunately, many of our veterans know all too well the cost of war. Our brave men and women continue to serve their communities even after their time in uniform is over.

“Our veterans are humble patriots and while I know they appreciate the public thanking them for their service, I want to encourage each Marylander to go a step further this Veterans Day: shop at a veteran owned business, donate to a veteran’s charity, hire a veteran for your company, or call a veteran and ask them to share stories about their time in the service. Our veterans are among the most highly trained, educated, and responsible citizens, and their skills make them incredibly valued members of their communities and their companies. On this Veterans Day – and every day of the year -- put your thoughts into action and show our veterans how much we truly appreciate their service.”

Patrol officers recover loaded firearm and drugs: On November 8 at 1:30 p.m., officers responded to the area of O’Donnell Place in Waldorf for the report of possible drug activity. Upon making contact with the subjects, officers observed a gun on one of the individuals and recovered a loaded firearm. Drugs and drug paraphernalia were also recovered. Joshua Mykele Claiborne, 22, of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with possession of a loaded firearm and possession of drugs with the intent to distribute. He is currently being held at the Charles County Detention Center without bond. Officer Butler is investigating.

Detectives investigating shooting on Malcolm Road: On November 9 at 3:49 p.m., officers responded to the 3500 block of Malcolm Road in Brandywine for the report of a person with a gunshot wound. When officers arrived, they located an adult male with a gunshot wound. He was flown to a hospital where he was treated for injuries that do not appear to be life threatening. At this time, it does not appear the shooting was random. Anyone who may have information is asked to call Detective Weaver at 301-609-6571. Tipsters who want to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app. The investigation is ongoing.

Officers recover stolen vehicle and apprehend juvenile suspect: On November 4 at 1:37 p.m., officers responded to the 6000 block of New Forest Court in Waldorf for the report of suspects attempting to break into cars. When officers arrived, they observed a Hyundai Elantra which had been reported stolen. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver fled, striking an officer’s car. No one was injured. The suspects jumped out of the car and officers were able to apprehend a 17-year-old male. The suspect was arrested and charged as a juvenile with theft and traffic charges. PFC Wagner is investigating.

Neighborhood Enforcement Team recovers two loaded firearms during traffic stop: On November 9 at 9:45 p.m., officers assigned to the Neighborhood Enforcement Team were conducting patrols in the area of Strauss Avenue and Blair Road when they initiated a traffic stop. The driver did not possess a driver’s license. Further investigation revealed two of the occupants in the car were in possession of loaded firearms. One occupant, Isaiah Jordan, 21, of Bryans Road, MD, had a firearm in his waistband and another occupant, age 17, had a firearm in his pocket. Both suspects were arrested. The 17-year-old was charged as an adult. They were charged with transporting a loaded firearm in a vehicle, possession of a loaded firearm on person and other related charges. Jordan and the 17-year-old are currently being held at the Charles County Detention Center without bond.  

GREENBELT, Md. (November 10, 2023) – Comptroller Brooke Lierman released the following statement on the selection of Greenbelt as the site of the new national headquarters for the Federal Bureau of Investigation:

“I applaud the news that the General Services Administration has chosen to relocate the FBI National Headquarters to Greenbelt. The selection process was long and in-depth because the stakes were high. The outcome is one that is best for FBI employees and for our government as a whole. Maryland is home to a talented, diverse workforce as well as several allied federal, local, and state agencies – like the NSA and Goddard Space Flight Center -- that will provide strong support to the Bureau in its important work. 

“Maryland has access to critical transportation infrastructure, the ability to accommodate a facility that meets the agency’s needs, and proximity to our nation’s capital. All these factors make Maryland a natural choice as home to the FBI as it starts a new era in its history. Rep. Steny Hoyer, our U.S. Senators, Governor Wes Moore, and Prince George’s Executive Angela Alsobrooks all made the strong case that Greenbelt is the best option. 

“While more than 400 people already work out of the Baltimore Field Office, we are excited to welcome more FBI personnel to our great state and look forward to the agency building its headquarters in Prince George’s County. FBI employees will enjoy working in and joining the culturally rich and vibrant community that Greenbelt and our state have to offer. 

“I look forward to providing support and assistance in helping move the process forward in partnership with the Governor, Prince George’s County Executive, and our federal delegation."

Three County Health Officers have been appointed by Governor Wes Moore to serve on Maryland's new Commission on Public Health. St. Mary’s County Health Officer Dr. Meena Brewster, Howard County Health Officer Dr. Maura J. Rossman, and Baltimore County Health Officer Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch will serve on the 16-member Commission authorized by the Maryland General Assembly and charged with assessing and recommending improvements to the delivery of public health services in Maryland. Dr. Brewster has been appointed Co-Chair of the Commission along with Dr. Boris Lushniak, Dean and Professor of the University of Maryland School of Public Health, and Dr. Oluwatosin Olateju, Assistant Professor with Coppin State University School of Nursing.

The Commission is tasked with assessing the foundational public health capabilities of state and local health departments in Maryland and analyzing the state’s ability to respond to major public health challenges. The Commission will make recommendations for reform in several areas, including: the organization of public health departments; information technology, information exchange, and data analytics; workforce; procurement; funding; and communication and public engagement.
 
“This commission’s work will be critical to improving Maryland’s public health infrastructure and our readiness for the major public health challenges of today and the future,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer and Co-Chair for the Commission on Public Health. "Every Marylander deserves the most effective public health system working on their behalf."

“It is crucial that we ensure the resilience of our public health infrastructure and the state's preparedness to tackle major health challenges,” said Dr. Maura J. Rossman, Howard County Health Officer. "I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners to enhance our state's ability to respond effectively to the ever-evolving public health landscape." 

“I am excited by the charge of this Commission to bring together government, community organizations and businesses,” said Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch, Baltimore County Health Officer. “The work we will do is vitally important for preventing disease, improving wellbeing, increasing health equity and making Maryland a healthier state for all of our residents.”

For more information on the Maryland Commission on Public Health, please visit msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual.

A Salisbury man fishing for spotted sea trout Sept. 17 in the Chesapeake Bay pulled in a tall, silvery fish with a striking yellow underside.

It turned out to be the largest Florida pompano recorded in the state. It was also a living indication of a warming climate.

The Florida pompano is just one of multiple species of animals, largely fish and birds, that are appearing in the state more frequently at least partially as a result of climate change. Though these newcomers can increase biodiversity and generate excitement among residents and fishermen, scientists caution that they are also warning signs of a changing ecosystem.

“It’s a sign that things are changing enough to cause shifts in distribution,” said Gwen Brewer, a science program manager with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife and Heritage Service. “We know not everything is going to adjust to those shifts in a positive way. Some species are going to be threatened by those changes.”

Some notable animal sightings, like the manatee that wandered through the Bay in August, represent one individual rather than a trend. But the sheer numbers of others are hard to ignore.

Maryland waters have seen a marked increase of fish associated with warm water such as the pompano, Atlantic cutlassfish, cobia, red drum, sheepshead, spotted sea trout and pompano dolphinfish (a relative of the mahi-mahi), said Erik Zlokovitz, DNR’s recreational fisheries coordinator. Common species like the black sea bass and summer flounder are shifting northward, and a DNR pilot program is allowing watermen to trawl the waters off Ocean City for shrimp for the first time this fall.

Bobby Graves poses with the state record Florida pompano. Photo courtesy Bobby Graves, used with permission.

Lenny Rudow, of FishTalk Magazine, said there’s “absolutely no question” that “things are changing” for fish in Maryland waters. Many fishermen are catching species they’re not used to, and this August he was on a boat that caught 59 cutlassfish in three hours. Cutlassfish only began to show up in higher numbers here in 2019.

“It’s almost like the Bay is shifting into something more like the Pamlico Sound,” Rudow said, referring to the estuarine lagoon in North Carolina.

Jim Uphoff, a DNR fisheries biologist, said other weather patterns could be contributing to the shifting fish populations through decreased freshwater flow and higher salinity, but that these changes are “fairly consistent with what you would expect from warming.”

And data shows warming is taking place. Air temperatures in the state have risen by 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit since the start of the 20th century. DNR researchers collect data at dozens of monitoring stations across the Chesapeake Bay, and most stations record an increase of between 1 and 2 degrees Fahrenheit since the mid-1980s.

“What we’re seeing is these periods are warmer than normal temperatures, longer than normal, and recurring more frequently,” said Tom Parham, director of DNR’s Tidewater Ecosystem Assessment.

While the larger numbers of warm-water fish do not typically disrupt the local food chain, the warming temperatures that attract them could present difficulties for native fish, Zlokovitz said. He’s concerned that other conditions associated with warming, such as dry and hot winters, could have negative impacts on the spawning success of anadromous fish such as striped bass, white perch, shad and herring.

Long-term Chesapeake Bay water monitoring results indicate an increased frequency and severity of degraded resident striped bass habitat.

Striped bass, also known as rockfish, have faced a decline in the Bay since 2019. Though many factors contribute to the reduction, hotter waters limit the area of the Bay that is viable for rockfish.

Warmer water holds less oxygen, and the rising temperatures have created larger pockets of the Bay where striped bass are not able to survive, Parham said.

Maryland’s streams and rivers have seen rises in temperature that exceeded those observed in air and tidal waters, said John Mullican, a program manager with DNR’s freshwater fisheries program. While climate change contributes to the heated waters, so do other factors such as loss of tree canopy and larger areas of impervious surfaces that increase and warm stormwater runoff.

Dan Goetz, manager of statewide operations for DNR’s freshwater fisheries, said the increased temperatures haven’t brought new fish into the freshwater system but have constrained the habitable zones for native fish, like brook trout.

“Brook trout are already restricted to the coldest parts of the stream, so if temperatures exceed their thermal limit, they eventually die out in that area,” Goetz said. “There is nowhere for them to go.”

On the terrestrial side, animals tend to be slow in moving to different locations, Brewer with Wildlife and Heritage Service said. But warming climates have brought changes.

Some birds have started breeding in the state in the past few years, due to developments that are likely linked to climate change, said Gabriel Foley, coordinator of the Maryland & DC Breeding Bird Atlas that tracks birds breeding in the state. White ibises have been seen nesting in Martin National Wildlife Refuge, and breeding anhingas have started to show up in the Patapsco Valley. Mississippi kites, a small insect-eating hawk, have nested in three Maryland counties.

Other typically southern birds, like the painted buntings that caused a stir in 2021 or a wayward wood stork in the C&O Canal, have passed through the state, but don’t have a breeding presence here.

More noticeable than the new birds, however, is the effect that climate change is having on extant species in the state, Brewer said. Sea-level rise has contributed to habitat loss, especially for breeding birds.  For example, there were no black skimmers recorded breeding in the state last year because of lost nesting ground.

A painted bunting eats a pokeberry in Maryland. Photo by Sherri Powers.

Then, there are the pathogens that come hand-in-hand with global warming. Mosquitoes thrive in hotter temperatures and bring with them diseases like West Nile virus, contributing to the decline of the ruffed grouse. Climate change may also exacerbate the spread of avian flu, which continues to be a scourge for birds globally.

While it can be difficult at the state level to tackle global temperature increases, scientists say that mitigation and adaptation efforts can create better conditions for native species as the ecosystem changes.

The state is planting more than five million trees, which help provide cooling canopy for habitats and streams and also set up long-term carbon sequestration, said Anne Hairston-Strang, the acting state forester for the Maryland Forest Service.

DNR’s Environmental Review Program assesses land use and development projects to avoid or mitigate impacts to the environment and wildlife, and DNR’s Chesapeake & Coastal Service works to build back healthier habitats through restoration projects such as living shorelines. 

Brewer pointed to projects like the artificial tern island built to replace lost habitat in Chincoteague Bay in 2021 as a short-term solution to keep populations going until habitat can be restored, while further efforts can aim at reducing other stressors for animals and plants.

“We can usually do something about the other threats that are facing those species,” Brewer said. “That’s something we can focus on rather than throwing up our hands and saying, ‘Well we can’t do anything because it’s climate change.’ We try to make the situation as good as it can be for the species that are there while they are trying to persist in the face of changing conditions.”

By Joe Zimmermann, science writer with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

The Calvert County Department of Planning & Zoning invites county residents to participate in the Calvert County Zoning Ordinance update process. Citizens are invited to participate through public comment, a public forum and observing work sessions and meetings, to have a voice in shaping local development and land use policies and actively contribute to the well-being and future of the community.

The next phase of events will receive and consider feedback and recommendations from residents on the following articles:

·         Article 26 – Outdoor Lighting (view draft Article 26): The county's outdoor lighting regulations prioritize safety and preservation of its character, emphasizing dark sky-friendly lighting and setting standards for illumination, luminaire design and glare control. The proposed ordinance encourages responsible outdoor lighting practices, allowing modifications based on specific conditions and permitting post-installation inspections to ensure compliance.

·         Article 27 – Parking (view draft Article 27): This article provides comprehensive regulations on off-street parking and loading facilities. The ordinance covers a wide range of aspects, including dimensions, design and requirements for electric vehicle charging stations, shared parking and restrictions on commercial and recreational vehicle parking. These guidelines aim to ensure efficient and safe parking practices in the county.

·         Article 28 – Landscaping (view draft Article 28): This article provides guidance for landscaping in both residential and nonresidential developments to enhance aesthetics, preserve character and delineate spaces. Guidelines include planting standards, species diversity, stormwater management integration and buffer areas between different land uses. The ordinance emphasizes the importance of maintenance, including a one-year plant material bond, and highlights requirements for parking lot interior landscaping, foundation plantings, screening and preservation of monument trees, or trees that are protected and preserved due to their size, age, species, or ecological and cultural importance.

Public Comment Period, open Nov. 10 through Dec. 1: The public comment period will be open Friday, Nov. 10, through Friday, Dec. 1. Comments may be submitted by email to ZOupdate@calvertcountymd.gov or by mail Attn: ZO Update, 205 Main St., Prince Frederick, MD 20678.

Public Forum, Nov. 16: A public forum will be held Thursday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m. at the Harriet E. Brown Community Center located at 901 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick. Doors open at 6 p.m. During the forum with zoning staff, members of the public will have the opportunity to ask questions. The public may attend in-person or virtually through Zoom by calling 888-475-4499, enter meeting ID 870 4870 1285 and passcode “#.”

Joint Work Session, Dec. 13: A joint work session with the Board of County Commissioners and Planning Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Harriet E. Brown Community Center located at 901 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick.

The schedule for each phase and draft articles can be viewed online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/ZoningOrdinanceUpdate. These dates may be subject to change.

The Calvert County Zoning Ordinance regulates land usage, public facilities and overall county development as part of the effort to promote health, safety and welfare of Calvert County residents, as mandated in the Comprehensive Plan (adopted in 2019 and amended in 2022). For questions or further information, contact Rachel O'Shea at 410-535-1600, ext. 2339, or by email at rachel.oshea@calvertcountymd.gov, or Will Hager at 410-535-1600, ext. 8553, or by email at will.hager@calvertcountymd.gov.

Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date with Calvert County Government on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd and YouTube at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.

School Resource Officer investigating assault at Milton Somers Middle School: On November 8 at 10:30 a.m., a student at Milton Somers Middle School assaulted another student. A school nurse treated both students. One of the involved students was taken to a hospital by their parents. A school resource officer has initiated an investigation and charges are pending. The students face disciplinary actions from the Charles County Public Schools. Anyone with information is asked to call PFC Duley at 301-609-3282 ext. 0494. The investigation is ongoing.

School Resource Officer investigating assault at St. Charles High School: On November 7 at 9 a.m., two students at St. Charles High School entered a classroom and assaulted another student. The students were separated and there were no reported injuries. A school resource officer has initiated an investigation and the students face disciplinary actions from the Charles County Public Schools. Anyone with information is asked to call Cpl. Thompson at 301-609-3282 ext. 0434.

The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners announces county offices will be closed on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, in observance of Veterans Day. In addition:

·         The Appeal Solid Waste Facility, which includes the landfill and transfer station, and all county customer convenience centers will be open with normal hours of operation on Friday, Nov. 10.

·         The Water & Sewerage billing and customer service office will be closed Friday, Nov. 10.

·         The Solomons Septage Receiving Facility will be open Friday, Nov. 10, with normal operating hours.

·         Calvert County senior centers will be closed on Friday, Nov. 10, and Meals on Wheels will not be delivered.  Meal delivery is set to resume on Monday, Nov. 13.

·         All community centers will be closed Friday, Nov. 10.

·         There will be no county bus service Friday, Nov. 10. Regular service will resume Saturday, Nov. 11.

·         Calvert Library locations will be closed Friday, Nov. 10. Downloadable materials and virtual services are available 24/7 at Calvertlibrary.info/using-the-library/activity/read/.

·         The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter and Animal Control Division will be closed Friday, Nov. 10. Animal Control Officers will be available for emergencies at 410-535-3491.

·         The Calvert Marine Museum and Museum Store will be open with normal hours on Friday, Nov. 10. For more information on Veterans Day (observed) Lecture Series, please visit www.calvertmarinemuseum.com. On Nov. 10 and Nov. 11 active duty military and veterans will receive free admission to the museum.

·         Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center will be open with normal hours on Friday, Nov. 10, but is closed to the public Saturday, Nov. 11 and Sunday Nov. 12, due to a swim meet. Kings Landing Pool and Cove Point Pool are closed for the 2023 season.

·         All recreation parks including Dunkirk District Park, Ward Farm Recreation & Nature Park, Hallowing Point Park and Cove Point Park will be open with normal fall hours on Friday, Nov. 10.

·         Chesapeake Hills Golf Course will be open Friday, Nov. 10, with normal hours.

·         Flag Ponds Nature Park and Kings Landing Park will be open with regular hours on Friday, Nov 10. Fall hours started in September for Flag Ponds Nature Park and the park is closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Battle Creek Cypress Swamp and Sanctuary nature center remains closed due to fire damage however the trails are open. For a full nature park schedule, visit www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/1505/Park-Hours.

·         Breezy Point Beach closed for the season on Oct. 31 and will reopen for the season in May 2024.

Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date with Calvert County Government on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd and YouTube at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – Nov. 9, 2023 – The Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation announces only short-term camping will be offered at Breezy Point Beach & Campground for the 2024 season.

After careful consideration, Breezy Point will permanently transition to a daily camping model and seasonal camping will be discontinued. This permanent change will allow more availability of campsites for Calvert County residents and visitors to experience camping at Breezy Point.

In addition, camping reservations will be made exclusively online. Campsite availability is first-come, first-served; there will no longer be a waitlist option for campsite booking. Campsites can be reserved for up to 14 days at a time, with a one-day break in between reservations. Reservations for the 2024 season will begin in February 2024.

Breezy Point Beach & Campground is open from May 1 to Oct. 31. Seated at the heart of the Chesapeake Bay, about one hour from Washington, D.C., Breezy Point Beach & Campground is one of Calvert County’s favorite attractions.

For more information on Breezy Point Beach & Campground visit www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/BreezyPoint or call 410-535-0259.

Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date with Calvert County Government on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd and YouTube at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.

During the week of October 30 – November 5, 2023, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to 1,827 calls for service throughout the community. 

Burglary: 23-77786
On November 2, 2023, Dep. Smith responded to the 12200 block of Saugaro Court in Lusby, for the report of a burglary. Investigation revealed an unknown suspect forced entry to the home and stole household items including an Xfinity cable box, a backpack, and a suitcase containing miscellaneous clothing, a purse, and a wallet. The estimated value of stolen property is $1,335.00. The estimated value of the damaged property is $150.00.

Damaged Property: 23-77166
On Oct. 30, 2023, Dep. Jones responded to the 400 block of Lake Drive in Lusby, for the report of property destruction. The complainant advised sometime between Oct. 7 and Oct. 30, an unknown suspect smashed out the windshield of the victim’s vehicle parked in the driveway of the residence. The estimated value of damaged property is $500.00.

Motor Vehicle Theft: 23-77211
On October 30, 2023, DFC Lewis responded to the 3600 block of E. Chesapeake Beach Road in Chesapeake Beach, for the report of a motor vehicle theft. The complainant advised he parked his white 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 4-door pickup truck in the front yard of his residence, went inside, and returned 20 minutes later to find his vehicle had been stolen. The truck was left unlocked and the keys were inside the vehicle at the time of the theft. The estimated value of stolen property is $40,000.00.

Theft: 23-77187
On October 30, 2023, Deputy DeSantis responded to the 7700 block of C Street in Chesapeake Beach, for the report of a theft. The complainant advised he ordered a Google Pixel 8 phone that was to be shipped to the residence. A FedEx driver arrived at the residence and handed the victim an open square box. The exterior of the box was ripped open and the phone was missing from the package. The estimated value of stolen property was $759.00.

Theft: 23-78166

On November 3, 2023, DFC Sturdivant responded to the CVS located at 10095 Ward Road in Dunkirk, for the report of a theft. Investigation revealed two black males and a black female entered the CVS and stole several personal hygiene and beauty care products then ran out of the store passing all points of sale. The estimated value of stolen items is $2,798.83.

ARRESTS
On November 5, 2023, Deputy McCourt responded to the 800 block of San Mateo Trail in Lusby, for the reported Assault/Disorderly subject. Contact was made with Chicago Alexander Garner, 29 of Lexington Park. Garner had multiple active warrants for his arrest. Garner was asked about the situation and became extremely hostile and aggressive. Garner attempted to flee from deputies, but was apprehended a short time later. As Garner was placed in handcuffs, he began to resist arrest while yelling profanities and threatening deputies. Garner was placed under arrest and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he was charged with  Resist/Interfering with Arrest, Failure to Obey a Reasonable/Lawful Order of a Law Enforcement Officer, Obstructing and Hindering, Disorderly Conduct, Burglary-Fourth Degree and Intoxicated Public Disturbance. 

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will begin a week-long routine bridge inspection of the MD 4 Bridge over the Patuxent River (Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge) at the Calvert/St. Mary’s County line. The night-time inspection will take place Sunday, November 12, through Thursday, November 16, from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. the following morning.

During the inspection, crews will close one lane and alternate traffic in the open lane using flagging operations.  Portable variable message signs will be placed along area state routes to make travelers aware of the lane closure. The inspection will be performed by contractors JMT (Johnson Mirmiran & Thompson) and Gannett Fleming. Overnight travelers should plan extra travel time to cross the bridge.

The State Highway Administration understands temporary ramp and lane closures can be an inconvenience, but this work is necessary to ensure a safe and reliable transportation system. Motorists are asked to reduce speeds approaching and while in active work zones. ? 

Customers may contact the District 5 Office at 410-841-1000 or toll-free at 1-800-331-5603 for additional information. Drivers are asked to stay alert, stay focused, look for reduced speed limits as well as driving pattern changes, and slow down in construction zones. Motorists in need may dial #77 on their mobile devices for roadside assistance.

For a list of all major State Highway Administration projects, go to?Project Portal, or visit the homepage at? roa?ds.maryland.?gov. For a look at real-time traffic conditions, go to?md511.mary?land.gov.?  

Sylvester Kenneth Price, 22, of California, MD, has been charged with three counts each of Attempted First-Degree Murder, First-Degree Assault, and Second-Degree Assault following his arrest for striking a pedestrian with his vehicle at approximately 11:45 a.m. on Friday, November 3, 2023.

Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division responded to 43954 Main Way Road in Valley Lee, MD, for the report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. A witness stated that Price appeared to accelerate his vehicle and drive it toward two adults, one of whom was carrying an infant; one adult male was struck by the vehicle. After the collision, the suspect exited the vehicle and physically assaulted the pedestrian before fleeing the scene.

Members of the Criminal Investigations Division assumed the case; Price was positively identified, and detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Price. He was arrested at approximately 6:39 p.m. on November 3 by Corporal Daniel Holdsworth. The suspect is being held in the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center.

Des Moines, IA – Rural communities continue to face hazards associated with working in and around grain structures. In 2022 alone, there were at least 42 grain entrapments – the highest number in over a decade – resulting in 15 fatalities¹. To help prevent tragic accidents and deaths, Nationwide and its partners are providing life-saving grain rescue tubes and training to 60 fire departments across rural America through its 2023 Grain Bin Safety campaign.

In partnership with the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS), Nationwide and its partners have now supplied grain rescue equipment and training to 332 first responders across 32 states to help prepare them when local grain entrapments occur.

After receiving thousands of nominations in the 2023 Nominate Your Fire Department Contest, an annual component of Nationwide’s Grain Bin Safety advocacy campaign, the insurer and its partners are proud to have awarded grain rescue tubes and training to the following 60 fire departments this year:

1.       A.B Shaw Fire Company, Claverack, NY

2.      Altamont Fire Protection District, Altamont, IL

3.      Ann Arundel County Fire & EMS Department, Millersville, MD

4.      Asbury Fire Protection District, Asbury, MO

5.      Bowman Rural Fire Department, Bowman, ND

6.      Burnett Fire Department, Burnett, WI

7.       Center Point Fire Department, Center Point, IA

8.      Chalybeate Volunteer Fire Department, Smiths Grove, KY

9.      Chase City Volunteer Fire Department, Chase City, VA

10.   Clarksburg Volunteer Fire Department, Clarksburg, IN

11.    Cobb Island Volunteer Fire & EMS Department, Cobb Island, MD

12.   Columbia/Adair County Volunteer Fire Department, Columbia, KY

13.   Conover Fire Department, Conover, NC

14.   Delmar Volunteer Fire Department, Delmar, DE

15.   District 2 Joint Volunteer Department, Crown City, OH

16.   Dunreith Volunteer Fire Department, Dunreith, IN

17.   Easton Volunteer Fire Department, Easton, MD

18.   Easton Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Easton, NY

19.   Fayette Fire Department, Seneca Falls, NY

20.  Fellows Club Volunteer Fire Department, Conneautville, PA

21.   Guntersville Volunteer Fire, Guntersville, AL

22.  Harrison Township Volunteer Fire Department, Monroe City, IN

23.  Hereford Volunteer Fire Company, Monkton, MD

24.  Hudson Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Hudson, IA

25.  Juniata Rural Fire, Juniata, NE

26.  Labette County Fire District #9, Parsons, KS

27.   Lakeville Fire Department, La Paz, IN

28.  LaPaz North Volunteer Fire Department, La Paz, IN

29.  Laytonsville District Volunteer Fire Department, Laytonsville, MD

30.  Lepanto Fire & Rescue, Lepanto, AR

31.   Linkwood-Salem Volunteer Fire Company, Linkwood, MD

32.  Longford Rural Fire District, Longford, KS

33.  Macomb Fire Department, Macomb, IL

34.  Mahantango Fire Department, Pitman, PA

35.  Marion Fire Department, Marion, MD

36.  Milton Fire Company, Milton, DE

37.   Minatare/Melbeta Fire Department, Minitare, NE

38.  Minden Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Minden, IA

39.  New Washington Volunteer Fire Department, New Washington, IN

40.  North Liberty Fire Department, North Liberty, IA

41.   Oakland Volunteer Fire Department, Oakland, MD

42.  Overisel Township Fire Department, Holland, MI

43.  Oxford Fire Department, Oxford, NC

44.  Perry County EMA Fire & Rescue – North Station, Leopold, IN

45.  Perry County EMA Fire & Rescue – South Station, Tell City, IN

46.  Poland Volunteer Fire Department, Poland, IN

47.   Pukwana Fire Department, Pukwana, SD

48.  Redding Township Volunteer Fire Department, Seymore, IN

49.  Reisterstown Fire Department, Reisterstown, MD

50.  Renville Fire Department, Renville, MN

51.   Ridgebury Fire Department, Gillett, PA

52.  Rutland Fire Department, Rutland, ND

53.  Singerly Fire Company, Elkton, MD

54.  Southern Area Fire & Emergency Rescue, Dallastown, PA

55.   Sugarcreek Township Fire Department, Dayton, OH

56.  Townsend Fire Company, Townsend, DE

57.   Valley Springs Fire, Valley Springs, SD

58.  Waterloo Fire Department, Waterloo, IL

59.  Wilson Township Volunteer Fire Department, Winona, MN

60.  Wyalusing Fire Department, Wyalusing, PA

61.    Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Company, Bridgeville, DE – re-training

62.  Funkstown Volunteer Fire Company, Funkstown, MD – re-training

63.  Guthrie Center Fire Department, Guthrie Center, IA – re-training

64.  Huntington County Fire Department, Huntington, IN – re-training

65.  Muncie Convention Center, Muncie, IN – re-training

66.  NY Corn & Soybean Expo, Seneca Falls, NY – re-training

“Grain bin accidents continue to be a critical issue facing the agriculture industry,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “We are proud to have supplied these important resources to 60 more rural fire departments in partnership with the many sponsors involved in our grain bin safety efforts. However, the work will not be complete until we can put a stop to these needless accidents altogether. Thank you to the first responders who play such an important role in supporting the agriculture community.”

NECAS, based out of Peosta, IA, delivered the rescue tubes and training to 60 fire departments and conducted re-training for six additional fire departments throughout 2023, traveling to each location with state-of-the-art grain entrapment simulators. The comprehensive training sessions included classroom education and rescue simulations using the entrapment tools, which are loaded onto 20-foot trailers and able to hold about 100 bushels of grain each. 

Since beginning the Grain Bin Safety campaign in 2014, at least seven fire departments have utilized their rescue tubes and training to successfully rescue entrapped individuals, including a recent Ohio rescue of a worker trapped up to his armpits in March 2023.

“With entrapments and accidents on the rise, it’s as important as ever to be following proper safety precautions before entering a bin,” said Liggett. “Visit our Grain Bin Safety page to find educational resources and tools to help maintain grain quality and prevent accidents. Thank you to our generous partners who have supported this cause.”

Nationwide is continuing to work with partners throughout the year to provide additional grain rescue tubes and training sessions to fire departments in need. To learn how to get involved or sponsor a rescue tube for your local fire department, visit the Partner With Us webpage.
 

The program is supported by Nationwide, NECAS and the following generous partners:

1.       KC Supply, Indiana Corn Marketing Council, Maryland Soy Board, Horizon Farm Credit, Maryland Grain Producers, Specialty Risk Insurance, Lutz Agency Inc., Bradford County Commissioners, Delaware Soybean Board, ProValue Insurance LLC, CHS, New York Farm Bureau, Perry County Farm Bureau, West Side Salvage, Delaware Farm Bureau, Kelly Jones Insurance Agency, Gary Thompson Agency, Gregerson Salvage, Inc., GROWMARK, Farm Creek Insurance, The Pegram Agency, Washington County Soil & Water District, HTS Ag, Maryland Farm Bureau, Ohio Farm Bureau, Sandy Oakley & Family, Gallagher, ABIS/Assured Partners, Sump Saver, NOHR Wortmann Engineering, IRMI, D. Larson Financial & Insurance Services.

PRINCE FREDERICK, MD—Twenty Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) Career and Technology Academy (CTA) students demonstrated and honed their leadership skills at this year’s SkillsUSA Maryland Annual Fall Leadership Conference. The conference took place November 2-3, 2023, in Ocean City, Maryland.

“This conference provided valuable opportunities to for our students to expand and grow their leadership skills,” explained CCPS SkillsUSA Lead Advisor and CTA Interactive Media Production Teacher Kimberly Clements. “Our students engaged with other SkillsUSA Maryland students, attended leadership training sessions on teamwork, communication, developing SMART goals, and time management.”

First-year attendees are eligible for the prestigious SkillsUSA Statesman and the second-year attendees who have earned the Statesman Award are eligible for the Advanced Statesman Award. These awards recognize students who have demonstrated their leadership skills and have mastered requirements in leadership training.

CTA Culinary Arts Student Callie Nicholson is a SkillsUSA Maryland state officer who led the “Crew Deck” teaching others about teamwork in the workplace. She has taken the skills learned through the program and applied those skills to teach others throughout the state.

“We are extremely proud to share that all 20 CTA students earned a leadership award at the 2023 Fall SkillsUSA Fall Conference,” shared Clements.

ADVANCED STATESMAN AWARD RECIPIENTS:

Maggie Green, Culinary Arts

Sam Hall, Interactive Media Production

Nate Hawley, Academy of Health Professions

Amy Ontko, Culinary Arts

Courtney Smith, Culinary Arts

Hank Valentin, Welding

Destiny Wright, Interactive Media Production

STATESMAN AWARD RECIPIENTS:

Alees Cook, Cosmetology

Maliyah Graham, Cisco Networking & Cybersecurity

Caleb Hood, Interactive Media Production

Rylee Horling, Culinary Arts

Sheala Jefferson, Culinary Arts

Charlee Lewis, Cosmetology

Alyssa Lane, Cisco Networking & Cybersecurity

Nathan Nguyen, Curriculum for Agriculture Science Education

Kelly Parker, Interactive Media Production

Jamie Pitcher, Welding

Lillyanna Rosa, Academy of Health Professions

Charles Smith, Interactive Media Production

Katori White, Interactive Media Production

SkillsUSA promotes skilled trades with a mission to empower students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders, and responsible community members. Representing nearly 400,000 career and technical education students and teachers, SkillsUSA chapters thrive in middle schools, high schools, and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources encourages experienced deer hunters to take advantage of the upcoming Junior Deer Hunting Days to introduce young people to this time-honored cultural and sporting tradition. 

The Junior Deer Hunt is open on private and designated public land in all counties on November 11. The season is also open on Sunday, November 12 on private land in all counties except Baltimore, Howard, and Prince George’s. Also on November 12, junior hunters in Allegany, Cecil, Garrett, St. Mary’s, and Washington counties, may hunt on designated public lands.

“The Junior Deer Hunt provides a great opportunity for young hunters and mentors to bond and share the experience of deer hunting,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Karina Stonesifer said. “Often coinciding with peak deer activity, the weekend offers one of the best times to be out in the woods pursuing deer.”

Hunters 16 years of age or younger who possess a valid license may use air guns or firearms that meet the regulatory requirements to hunt sika and white-tailed deer on these days. Youth must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old who holds a valid Maryland hunting license. Adults may serve as mentors only and not possess a hunting device while accompanying a junior hunter. 

Hunters who are not serving as mentors for a junior deer hunter may participate in other open hunting seasons during the junior deer hunt days. All hunters including archery and other game hunters are required to wear blaze orange or pink during the youth hunt dates.

The bag limits for the Junior Deer Hunt Days are:

• One antlered or antlerless white-tailed deer in Region A;
• Three white-tailed deer in Region B, with no more than one antlered; and
• One antlered or one antlerless sika deer.

Deer taken by youth hunters during the two days do not count toward regular archery, firearm, or muzzleloader bag limits. They are also exempt from the antler point restriction.

Season dates, bag limits, hunting regulations, and registration procedures can be found in the Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.

New for the 2023-24 hunting season, if hunters intend to pursue sika deer, they must purchase a sika hunting stamp. Sika stamps may be purchased on COMPASS, at a licensing agent, or by calling DNR License and Regisration Services at 866-344-8889. An antlered sika is defined as a deer with at least one antler visible above the hairline. 

Hunters should carefully inspect all tree stands and always wear a full-body safety harness while in the stand and while climbing in or out. The department strongly recommends using a sliding knot, commonly known as a prusik knot, attached to a line that is secured above the stand that allows the hunter to be safely tethered to the tree as soon as they leave the ground.

Hunters are encouraged to help others by donating deer taken in Maryland. A state tax credit offers hunters an incentive for donated deer. Other local or state programs are also available, so hunters should check with their deer processor.

NAS Patuxent River will close Tate Road from Delalio Road to Hangar 305 for equipment movement Wednesday Nov. 8, 2023 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Drivers should use alternate routes during this time. 

LEONARDTOWN, MD (November 8, 2023) – The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Alcohol Enforcement Unit recently conducted a series of alcohol compliance checks at 14 businesses in St. Mary’s County. Twelve of the establishments were found to be compliant, while two businesses failed to ask an underage person for identification.

The compliance checks were conducted on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 3 p.m. throughout St. Mary’s County using an underage individual. The 20-year-old was wearing jeans and an athletic shirt and was informed to enter the retail store, bar, or restaurant and request to purchase an alcoholic beverage.

Of the 14 businesses visited, 12 were found to be in compliance with Maryland law and required identification from the underage individual. Two businesses failed to ask for identification and/or corroborate the individual's age, and the person was able to purchase alcohol.

The businesses in compliance were Captain Sam's in Bushwood, Cooks Liquor in Hollywood, DJ’s One Stop Shop in Mechanicsville, Fred’s Liquor in Charlotte Hall, Korner Karryout in Mechanicsville, Leonardtown Wine & Spirits in Leonardtown, Lighthouse in Charlotte Hall, New Market Exxon in Charlotte Hall, Race-N In in Mechanicsville, St Mary’s Gas Station in Clements, Third Base Store in Leonardtown, and Village Liquors in Chaptico.

The two businesses found to be in violation were Big Dogs’ Paradise in Mechanicsville and Murphy's Town & Country in Avenue.

The alcohol violation report was forwarded to the St. Mary’s County Alcohol Beverage Board for review.

State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that Leonard Charles Hall, 29, of Lexington Park, Maryland, was sentenced to 55 years in prison for violating probation by incurring a new conviction for conspiracy to commit first degree murder.

At the time of the homicide, Mr. Hall was on probation for five cases. The new conviction violated the terms of his probation. As a result, Mr. Hall was sentenced to 11 years on each case, for a total of 55 years to serve in prison. The sentences were ordered to run consecutive to the life imprisonment sentence previously imposed in the homicide case.

On May 12, 2023, a St. Mary’s County jury convicted Mr. Hall of conspiracy to commit first degree murder and illegal possession of a firearm, among other related charges, in the June 2021 execution-style shooting at Chancellor’s Run Regional Park.

Assistant State’s Attorney Duke May and Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Jeffrey Maylor prosecuted the violation of probation cases on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.

The Honorable Michael J. Stamm presided over the original proceedings and the probation violations.

Firearm recovered on school grounds at Henry Lackey High School: On November 7 at 8:53 a.m., school administrators at Henry Lackey High School were made aware of a student who was reportedly in possession of a handgun. The student was contacted and the investigation revealed a handgun in their vehicle, which was in the parking lot of the school. The handgun, determined to be a “ghost gun” is an unregulated, untraceable firearm without a serial number. A school resource officer is investigating and the student has been charged with possession of a firearm on school property. The student also faces disciplinary consequences from the Charles County Public Schools. Anyone with information is asked to call Cpl. Plunkett at 301-609-3282 ext. 0469. The investigation is ongoing.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Commissioners of St. Mary's County (CSMC) began their business meeting with an invocation and the pledge, followed by approval of the consent agenda.

The Commissioners then presented proclamations for Family Court Awareness Month, National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, National Family Caregiver Month, and National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week.

The CSMC also presented a commendation to Darlene Stalcup in celebration of her retirement.

During County Administrator time, the Commissioners took the following action:

·       Approved the FY24 Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Award on behalf of the State’s Attorney’s Office.

·       Approved the State’s Attorney’s Office request to convert a Senior Legal Assistant I position and the County-funded portion of the Child Support Assistant State’s Attorney into a full-time attorney position.

·       Heard a Land Preservation Update from the Department of Economic Development, the Southern Maryland Resource Conservation & Development Program, and the Patuxent Tidewater Land Trust.

·       Approved the financial sponsorship request for the anniversary event celebrating the success of the first School-Based Health Centers in Southern Maryland.

·       Approved the proposal to engage Bruce Bereano as a government relations consultant and lobbyist for calendar year 2024.

The next CSMC business meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 9 a.m. in the Chesapeake Building, located at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. CSMC decisions and related public documents are available on the county government website in BoardDocs. CSMC meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live Tuesday mornings on St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) Channel 95, or as a replay Friday at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are also available for on-demand viewing on the St. Mary's County Government YouTube Channel.

For more information on SMCG, please visit: stmaryscountymd.gov.

Knife recovered from student at Indian Head Elementary School: On November 7 at 12:45 p.m., a student at Indian Head Elementary School was found to be in possession of a knife, which was recovered. The student indicated they brought the knife to school to show to classmates. Parents and guardians are urged to talk with their students about the dangers of bringing weapons or items that could be construed as a weapon to school. Anyone with information is asked to call PFC Barry at 301-609-3282 ext. 0574. The investigation is ongoing.

Knife recovered from student at Indian Head Elementary School: On November 7 at 12:45 p.m., a student at Indian Head Elementary School was found to be in possession of a knife, which was recovered. The student indicated they brought the knife to school to show to classmates. Parents and guardians are urged to talk with their students about the dangers of bringing weapons or items that could be construed as a weapon to school. Anyone with information is asked to call PFC Barry at 301-609-3282 ext. 0574. The investigation is ongoing.

On November 7 at 1:45 p.m., a juvenile at Stethem Educational Center was found to be in possession of a vape pen containing possible THC. The student was charged on a civil citation and released to a guardian. Parents and guardians are urged to talk with their students about the dangers of consuming unknown substances, which could be laced with poisonous or deadly ingredients. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Cpl. Caballero at 301-609-3282 ext. 0573. The investigation is ongoing.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (November 7, 2023) – The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office handled 1358 Calls for Service (CFS) from 10/30/23 through 11/05/23.

ARRESTS:

11/01/23 – Luke William Flowers, 27, of Leonardtown, MD, by DFC Michael Myers, for Assault Second Degree (2X).

11/05/23 – Britny Lee Blankenship, 33, of No Fixed Address, by Deputy James Morgan, for Murder First Degree, Murder Second Degree, Assault First Degree, Assault Second Degree, and Firearm Use in the Commission of a Crime of Violence.

11/05/23 – Leroy Christopher Neal, 48, of Mechanicsville, MD, by Deputy James Morgan, for Murder First Degree, Murder Second Degree, Assault First Degree, Assault Second Degree, and Firearm Use in the Commission of a Crime of Violence.

DUIs:

11/02/23 – Joseph Patrick McWilliams, 54, of Waldorf, MD, by DFC Michael Myers for Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol and Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, Failure to Remain at the Scene of an Accident, and Failure to Drive on the Right Side of the Roadway.

11/03/23 – Jason Robert Rusk, 35, of Waco, TX, by Deputy Devin Absher, for Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol and Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol.

SUMMONSES:

11/02/23 – Zuri Kali Harrison, 20, of Lexington Park, MD, by DFC Diane Hersch, for CDS: Possession Not Cannabis.

WARRANTS:

10/31/23- Meghan Elizabeth Guiles, 42, of Hollywood, MD, by DFC Tyler Westphal, for Rental Vehicle Failure to Return, CDS: Possession – WIT: Methamphetamine, CDS: Possession Paraphernalia, Possession Contraband in a Place of Confinement.

11/01/23 – Zhane Tkeyah Woodland, 29, of Lexington Park, MD, by DFC Diane Hersch, for Felony Assault First Degree, Assault Second Degree.

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – Nov. 7, 2023 – The Calvert County Office on Aging is collaborating with Hospice of the Chesapeake to host a unique opportunity for family and professional caregivers to experience the challenges and struggles of a person living with dementia. The Dementia Live event will be held Monday, Nov. 13, from 9-11 a.m., at Hospice of the Chesapeake Burnett Hospice House, located at 4559 Sixes Road in Prince Frederick.

Using specialized equipment in a safe setting, participants will gain a heightened awareness of the challenges associated with living with dementia through this real-life simulation experience. Participants will leave with valuable tips and tools to improve communication and connection.

There is no cost to attend; however, seating is limited and preregistration is required. Please contact Lisa Caudle from the Calvert County Office on Aging to register, at 410-535-4606, ext. 8755.

Dementia Live is an innovative program designed by a team of dementia, sensitivity and awareness, and professional development experts from the nationally recognized AGE-u-cate Training Institute headquartered in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. The Dementia Live program is the newest tool in the powerful arena of sensitivity awareness training being used for the growing number of direct care staff, family caregivers, healthcare professionals, and college and university students. Information about Dementia Live and other training programs offered by AGE-u-cate Training Institute is available at www.AGEucate.com.

Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date with Calvert County Government on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd and YouTube at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.

The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) announces the realignment of the Prince Frederick Volunteer Rescue Squad (Company 4) to operate under Calvert County Government, effective Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. This decision was made by the Calvert County Circuit Court on Nov. 3, 2023.

Calvert County Government will work with the Fire and Rescue Association to enable the volunteers of Company 4 to regroup, re-establish and rebuild their membership. This change is expected to have minimal impact to residents. More information will be provided as available.

“We want to assure our community that the safety and well-being of our residents remain our top priority,” said BOCC President Earl F. “Buddy” Hance. “We have made arrangements to transfer emergency response responsibilities to our highly skilled team of career EMS staff members, ensuring that the highest level of service continues to be provided. Public Safety Fire-Rescue-EMS staff will support operations.”

Company 4, located at 755 Solomons Island Road in Prince Frederick, serves approximately 13,700 residents in Prince Frederick and portions of Plum Point.

Calvert County’s volunteer fire, rescue and EMS companies function as independent organizations within the county's emergency response system. The volunteer agencies serve as a critical component of the broader public safety network, offering timely and vital services to the community. Although they operate autonomously, with their own internal hierarchy and funding mechanisms, they are closely integrated with county government through formal agreements that delineate the roles, responsibilities and expectations of both the volunteer entities and the county.

For questions, contact Public Safety Director Dave McDowell at 410-535-1600, ext. 2303, or by email at dave.mcdowell@calvertcountymd.gov. For more information about Calvert County Fire/Rescue/EMS, visit www.calvertcountymd.gov/FireRescueEMS.

Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date with Calvert County Government on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd and YouTube at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.

Charles County, MD…Recently, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) received notification that speed camera citations for verified speeding violations were mailed to car rental companies. Upon receiving the notification, an audit was completed in an attempt to verify the information received. Although the citations were issued for actual verified speeding violations committed by the driver, and were consistent with the process for all other non-exempt vehicles, Maryland legislation exempts car rental and leasing companies from directly receiving speeding violation citations.

The audit revealed that in the majority of cases in which vehicles owned by rental car companies had been involved in school zone speed violations, the driver responsible for committing the traffic infraction was identified. In those instances, the driver of the rental car was issued the speeding violation. Where it was determined that a rental car company paid a violation, a refund was issued and any outstanding violations to rental car companies have been voided.

The Agency is committed to ensuring these violations are addressed within existing law; however, the Agency is working with Maryland legislators to address the loophole in the notification system to ensure all speed camera violators, including those in rental cars, are held equally accountable. The purpose of the speed camera program is the safety of students, pedestrians, school staff, and motorists in school zones. The CCSO is steadfastly committed to making every effort to keep our children, and all those traveling on our roadways, safe. Inquiries may be directed to the Automated Enforcement Unit at 301-932-3519 or by email at AEU@ccso.us.  

LEONARDTOWN, MD - The public is invited to salute America’s Veterans at the 2023 Veterans Day Parade in Leonardtown. The parade, sponsored by the Commissioners of Leonardtown and the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, takes place Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, at 9:45 a.m. and begins at St. Mary’s Ryken High School and will proceed along Fenwick Street and through Town Square.

Immediately following the parade, citizens are invited to Town Square for a Veterans Memorial Ceremony. This ceremony will commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Japanese evacuation and American Forces securing Guadalcanal and the 160th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg with remarks from veterans and dignitaries. The ceremony will conclude with laying the wreaths on the memorials. Veterans and family members of those who served during this war effort are encouraged to contact Brandy Blackstone at: brandy.blackstone@leonardtownmd.gov, to be recognized during the ceremony. Honored dignitaries scheduled to attend include Congressman Steny Hoyer, Senator Jack Bailey, the Commissioners of Leonardtown, the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, and other honored guests.

In the event of inclement weather, the parade will be canceled, and the Memorial Ceremony will take place inside the Leonardtown Town Hall, 22670 Washington Street in Leonardtown. The cancellation decision will be made by 8 a.m. Nov. 11, and a cancellation notice will be posted at VisitLeonardtownMD.com/VeteransDay and Facebook (Facebook.com/TownofLeonardtown) pages as well as on the St. Mary’s County Government website www.stmarysmd.com.

Parking Information:

Parade Participants, please note the following:

Parade vehicles, including buses, floats, cars, trucks and motorcycles, should report directly to the staging area at St. Mary’s Ryken High School between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. All parade vehicles – except emergency vehicles – should be parked by 8 a.m.

Marching groups and other parade participants should park at Leonardtown Middle School between 7:45 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. The last shuttle leaves from the Middle School to Ryken at 9:00 a.m.

Parents are asked to refrain from dropping their children at St. Mary’s Ryken High School, along the roadside or at the intersection for safety reasons.

Parking for Spectators:

Spectators should park at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds, the St. Mary’s County Governmental Center, the College of Southern Maryland, or the Garvey Senior Center/Leonardtown Library Lots. At the

Governmental Center, spectators should use the lots adjacent to the Carter State Office Building (23115 Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown).

Washington Street and Fenwick Street leading into downtown Leonardtown will be closed to traffic from 8 a.m. until noon. Downtown parking and through traffic will be limited to areas accessible from Lawrence Avenue for residents, business owners and employees only. Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office will provide traffic control and parade volunteers will assist with parking and street detours.

Handicapped Parking:

Spectators requiring handicapped parking may take Washington Street and (upon showing proof of a handicapped sticker or need) will be allowed to park in the public lot beside the Hair Company or Lawrence Avenue to be directed to designated handicap parking.

For a map of available parking areas, go to VisitLeonardtownMD.com/VeteransDay.

Contact Brandy Blackstone, Public Relations & Events Coordinator, Commissioners of Leonardtown’s Office, at 301-475-9791, or email brandy.blackstone@leonardtownmd.gov for questions about the parade or the Wreath Laying Ceremony.

Detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO) Criminal Investigations Division have arrested two people in connection with the Saturday morning shooting of Scott Marvin Bernich that took place at St. Mary’s Fine Wine & Spirits in Great Mills, MD. Arrested were Leroy Christopher Neal, 48, of Mechanicsville, MD, and Britny Lee Blankenship, 33, of no fixed address.

Neal and Blankenship were taken into custody and charged with Murder First Degree, Murder Second Degree, Assault First Degree, Assault Second Degree, and Firearm Use in the Commission of a Crime of Violence.

SMCSO patrol units were dispatched Saturday, at approximately 12:30 a.m., to St. Mary’s Fine Wine & Spirits, where Scott Marvin Bernich, 46, was found suffering from a gunshot wound. Bernich was transported to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital for immediate care and then flown to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, MD, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The suspects are being held in the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center pending bond hearings.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – All St. Mary's County Government (SMCG) administrative offices will be closed on Friday, November 10, 2023, in observance of Veterans Day.

The November 10 closure also includes:

• The Senior Activity Centers (Garvey, Loffler & Northern); with no home-delivered meals
• All three St. Mary's County Libraries (closed November 10^th and 11^th)
• The St. Mary's Transit System (STS), including ADA and SSTAP.

STS will resume normal operations on Saturday, November 11, 2023.

The following SMCG operations will be open on November 10^th and 11^th with normal hours:

• The six Convenience Centers and the St. Andrews Landfill
• All Recreation & Parks programs and facilities
• The St. Clement's Island Museum, Piney Point Lighthouse Museum, and Old Jail Museum
• The Wicomico Shores Golf Course and Riverview Restaurant

Additionally, The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County and the Town of Leonardtown invite the public to salute America’s Veterans at the Annual Veterans Day Parade & Memorial Ceremony on November 11, 2023, in Leonardtown; information available at: visitleonardtownmd.com.

For more information on SMCG programs and operations, please visit: stmaryscountymd.gov or follow St. Mary’s County Government on Facebook or Twitter (X) for regular updates.

The Maryland Historical Trust (MHT), a division of the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP), is accepting applications for FY24 financial assistance under the MHT Historic Preservation Loan Program. The purpose of this capital program is to assist and encourage efforts to acquire and preserve historic properties. A maximum of $300,000 in funding is available for FY24.

Eligible applicants for loans include nonprofit organizations and local jurisdictions. Business entities and individuals may also apply for program loans when seeking funds for a preservation or development project that serves a high public purpose – such applicants must demonstrate an inability to obtain private financing. Eligible loan projects include acquisition, refinancing, rehabilitation, or restoration of historic properties. Loan terms are up to twenty years. A preservation easement must be conveyed to MHT on any assisted property. Loan application and loan closing fees are required. 

In addition, certain nonprofits are eligible to apply for a non-repayable transfer of funds from the program. This component of the program is new for FY24 and is only available to a “qualified cooperating nonprofit organization,” meaning a nonprofit organization that is based in the state, operates statewide, and has demonstrated experience rehabilitating historic structures, managing preservation funds, and holding preservation easements. Eligible costs under the transfer program are limited to the acquisition of historic properties or interests in historic properties for resale or lease, the rehabilitation or restoration of historic properties for resale or lease, providing loans to other nonprofit organizations, political subdivisions, and business entities to acquire, rehabilitate, restore, or refinance historic properties, providing loans to individuals to rehabilitate or restore National Historic Landmarks, and certain administrative costs and programmatic expenses.

Applications for either a loan or a transfer are due by January 15, 2024. Interested potential applicants should contact Barbara Fisher, MHT Capital Grants and Loans Administrator, at (410) 697-9574 or barbara.fisher@maryland.gov for assistance in determining your project’s eligibility and for additional guidance. Copies of the Loan Program Guidelines and Application, as well as the Transfer Application, are available at: 

mht.maryland.gov/loans.shtml 

The Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) is a state agency dedicated to preserving and interpreting the legacy of Maryland’s past. Through research, conservation, and education, the Trust assists the people of Maryland in understanding their historical and cultural heritage. The Trust is a division of the Maryland Department of Planning and serves as Maryland’s State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.

The Charles County Charter Board is holding public hearings, one in each Commissioner district, to provide information regarding the Charter form of government and to obtain comments to assist in drafting the Charter. The final draft will be on the ballot in November 2024. 

The schedule for the Charter Board public hearings is as follows:

District 1: (In person/virtual)

Thursday, Nov. 9

6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Charles County Government Building (200 Baltimore St. La Plata)

To join virtually, click here.

District 2:

Thursday, Dec. 7

6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Potomac Branch Library (3225 Ruth B Swann Drive, Indian Head)

District 3:

Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024

6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Waldorf West Library (10405 O'Donnell Place, Waldorf)

District 4:

Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024

6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Regency Blue Crabs Stadium (11765 St Linus Drive, Waldorf)

The Charles County Charter Board is tasked with drafting a Charter for Charles County voters to consider instead of Code Home Rule. The proposed Charter will define the local county government's duties, powers, rules, procedures, and structure. To learn more about the Charter Board,  scheduled meetings, or to participate in the survey, visit www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/government/boards-commissions/charter-board.

For additional information or questions, contact Jesse Bungcayao at BungcayJ@CharlesCountyMD.gov or 301-638-0801. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (November 4, 2023) – Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO) are investigating two separate shootings that took place in the early morning hours of Saturday, November 4, 2023.

At approximately 12:30 a.m., patrol units were dispatched to St. Mary’s Fine Wine & Spirits at 20141 Point Lookout Road in Great Mills, MD, where Scott Marvin Bernich, 46, was found suffering from a gunshot wound. Bernich was transported to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital for immediate care and then flown to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, MD, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the shooting took place in the rear parking lot of the establishment and was not a random act. The SMCSO Criminal Investigation Division is investigating, and anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Kortnie Marsch at Kortnie.Marsch@stmaryscountymd.gov or 301-475-4200, ext. 8179.

At approximately 1:16 a.m., emergency personnel was alerted to a second shooting that took place at ABC Liquors & Lounge located at 22741 Three Notch Road in California, MD.

Following the shooting, the victim was taken from the scene by a privately owned vehicle to a nearby convenience store, where patrol units responded. The victim was then transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The initial investigation suggests the victim was shot one time while standing in the parking lot of the liquor store and the shooting was not a random act. Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division have also assumed this case and are asking for the public’s assistance; if you have information related to this case, please contact Detective Andrew Burgess at Andrew.Burgess@stmaryscountymd.gov or 301-475-4200, ext. 8041.

John Pankhurst, a special education teacher at La Plata High School, will be inducted into the Maryland chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame during a Nov. 5 ceremony in Annapolis.

“His induction to the Hall of Fame is not just due to his successes on the mat,” Rich Pauole, director of student activities, athletics and aquatics for CCPS, said. “John is not just a coach but a teacher of the sport and all of the life lessons that comes with it.”

He has been “Coach Pank,” the head wrestling coach at La Plata since 2011. As a head coach, Pankhurst has coached teams that have posted a record of 260-102 and placed in the Top 5 in the state four times. As an assistant wrestling coach at La Plata, Pankhurst’s teams posted a record of 133-10 and won six state team titles. At La Plata, Pankhurst has also coached golf, football and girls lacrosse.

Growing up in northwest Ohio — a rural landscape dotted by a couple of factories, Pankhurst’s hometown was far from colleges and the homes of professional sports teams. “High school athletics were very big in my hometown,” he said. Pankhurst’s father was a high school athlete, participating in several sports and introducing them to his son. “I played flag football, basketball, bowling — and wrestling became an option as well,” Pankhurst said. He tagged along with his dad who was an assistant high school wrestling coach and became intrigued by the sport. “I believe that my father wanted me to have the opportunity to experience different things. Not only to enjoy them and learn from them, but also to determine if something struck me as ‘it,’” Pankhurst said. “And as it turns out that is exactly what happened.”

The family moved to Maryland when Pankhurst was in middle school where his interest in wrestling remained and strengthened. Teaching and coaching at La Plata is a full circle moment for Pankhurst, who graduated as a Warrior in 1995. “Coach Pankhurst was a staple at La Plata High School long before his coaching career began,” Pauole said.

While a student at La Plata, he was a wrestler, completing his high school wrestling career with a record of 107-28-1. Pankhurst placed third and second at the Maryland State Championship with the La Plata team having produced three state finalists and placing runner up in the state contest. Coached by Cliff Nagle, Pankhurst was La Plata’s first three-time state qualifier, two-time 

state placer and the school’s first wrestler to win more than 100 matches as a prep student athlete.

After high school, Pankhurst attended Appalachian State University in North Carolina where he placed twice at the Mountaineer Open, a wrestling tournament. Injuries sidelined his wrestling and Pankhurst transferred to The Ohio State University where he earned a degree in psychology. Following graduation, Pankhurst stayed in Ohio and worked at the Ohio School for the Deaf before returning to Maryland and La Plata.

He is working to grow the girls wrestling program at La Plata and encourages students to learn more about wrestling programs at their schools. “Wrestling is the greatest sport there is,” he said. “If you work hard you are rewarded, if you cut corners you come up short, and you have to look in the mirror and know you had the choice to control your destiny,” Pankhurst said. “If [a student is] interested in being different, being better, being confident, transitioning from high school into college, into the military, into the work force or anything for that matter — [they] should probably immerse [themselves] in an opportunity to grow and develop. Wrestling affords everyone that opportunity.”

In 2012, Pankhurst was named the Washingto

on Metropolitan Wrestling Officials Association’s Coach of the Year. In 2020, he was selected as one of 33 coaches in the state named National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Coaches of the Year.

The hall of fame induction is an accomplishment that goes beyond a simple recognition. “I am still trying to wrap my mind around this development. I had never thought of myself as worthy of such an honor,” Pankhurst said. Speaking with others about the recognition, Pankhurst found it honors more than winning records. “I have realized that it isn’t really about accomplishments as much as it’s about the culture, the relationships and the greater purpose of what I have been trying to accomplish that have led me to be recognized.”

The state National Hall of Fame induction ceremony is Sunday, Nov. 5, in Annapolis. To learn more about the hall of fame, visit https://nwhof.org

The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and the Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board reminds Agricultural Preservation District owners the application period for the county’s Purchase and Retirement (PAR) Fund program remains open through Nov. 20, 2023. Established in 1992, the PAR fund program is part of Calvert County’s longstanding effort to preserve agricultural land. Through the program, Transferable Development Rights (TDRs) are purchased, retired and permanently removed from the market to protect farmland from future development.

The BOCC recently approved a new purchase price of $5,500 per TDR, which replaced the $5,000 price previously approved in September 2022. The county will offer to buy development rights from willing sellers until funding is exhausted. There is no limit on how many TDRs can be sold by an owner.

The application deadline is Nov. 20, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. Applications are available on the county website at CalvertCountyMd.gov/PAR. Current owners of Agricultural Preservation Districts may apply. Applications are ranked by a formula established in the Agricultural Preservation Program rules and regulations.

Completed applications may be submitted by U.S. mail to the Department of Planning & Zoning, Attention: Rural Planner Jennifer David at 150 Main St., Prince Frederick, MD 20678, or by email to Jennifer.David@calvertcountymd.gov. For more information, email or call Ms. David at 410-535-1600, ext. 2238.

Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date with Calvert County Government on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd and YouTube at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.

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The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and the Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board reminds Agricultural Preservation District owners the application period for the county’s Purchase and Retirement (PAR) Fund program remains open through Nov. 20, 2023. Established in 1992, the PAR fund program is part of Calvert County’s longstanding effort to preserve agricultural land. Through the program, Transferable Development Rights (TDRs) are purchased, retired and permanently removed from the market to protect farmland from future development.

The BOCC recently approved a new purchase price of $5,500 per TDR, which replaced the $5,000 price previously approved in September 2022. The county will offer to buy development rights from willing sellers until funding is exhausted. There is no limit on how many TDRs can be sold by an owner.

The application deadline is Nov. 20, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. Applications are available on the county website at CalvertCountyMd.gov/PAR. Current owners of Agricultural Preservation Districts may apply. Applications are ranked by a formula established in the Agricultural Preservation Program rules and regulations.

Completed applications may be submitted by U.S. mail to the Department of Planning & Zoning, Attention: Rural Planner Jennifer David at 150 Main St., Prince Frederick, MD 20678, or by email to Jennifer.David@calvertcountymd.gov. For more information, email or call Ms. David at 410-535-1600, ext. 2238.

Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date with Calvert County Government on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd and YouTube at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.

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LEONARDTOWN, MD (November 3, 2023) – The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the whereabouts of David Allen Brooks, who left a treatment facility and failed to return to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center.

Brooks is a white male, approximately 6 feet tall, weighing 180 pounds, and was last seen on Friday, October 20, 2023. Brooks is wanted for an active arrest warrant for Escape Second Degree-Conditions of Release and a bench warrant relating to a Circuit Court case.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of David Allen Brooks is asked to contact Detective First Class Joseph A. Bowling at 301-475-4200, ext. 1959, or by email at Joseph.Bowling@stmaryscountymd.gov.

Maryland’s youth hunters, veterans, and military personnel will be afforded a great opportunity to experience the tradition of waterfowl hunting on two special hunt days: Nov. 4, 2023 and Feb. 3, 2024.  

 “The Department is very pleased to offer these special hunting days,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Director Karina Stonesifer. “We encourage Maryland’s waterfowl hunting community to share the legacy of conservation with youths and veterans not only on these two special hunt days, but many times throughout the season. The more new hunters we can immerse in our outdoor heritage, the more people will appreciate, value, and conserve the diverse wildlife habitats that exist in our state.”  

Those 16 years of age or younger and military veterans (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code) of any age and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training) may hunt ducks, geese, and coots on both public and private land on these two days. Youth hunters must be accompanied by an unarmed adult at least 21 years old or by eligible military personnel also participating in the hunt. All eligible hunters and adult mentors must possess Maryland hunting licenses or be exempt from hunting license requirements. Any adult participating in this hunt will need to purchase both a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp and a Federal Duck Stamp. Youth hunters, including those possessing an apprentice license, must purchase a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp but do not need to purchase a Federal Duck Stamp if under 16 years of age.

The bag limits for the hunting days are the same as the regular seasons except:

Two black ducks may be taken.
Two scaup may be taken.
Two Canada geese may be taken when hunting within the Atlantic Population (AP) Canada Goose Hunting Zone; and
Five Canada geese may be taken when hunting within the Atlantic Flyway Resident Population (AFRP) Canada Goose Hunting Zone.
Information on public hunting lands and Wildlife Management Areas can be found on pages 60-63 of the 2023-24 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.
Licenses, stamps, and permits may be purchased online, by phone at 855-855-3906, at a Department of Natural Resources Service Center or at any one of the more than 250 Sport License Agents statewide.

Hunters with questions may contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service at 410-260-8540.

State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that following an eight-day trial, a St. Mary’s County jury convicted Devron Ny’Quez Murray, 20, of Lexington Park, Maryland, of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and related offenses. The violent crimes, committed at the 2022 Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department Annual Carnival, took the life of one teenage victim and left another teenager shot and injured.

“The Hollywood Carnival is an annual highlight of the summer for our County. The actions of the defendant on the night of July 15, 2022, turned this beloved family event into a nightmare. I thank the jury for their careful deliberation to ensure justice, and I hope the victims’ loved ones will gain some closure from this verdict,” said Sterling.

The jury convicted Mr. Murray of the following charges:

• First-degree murder (16-year-old victim);
• Second-degree murder (16-year-old victim);
• Use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence (16-year-old victim);
• Attempted first-degree murder (17-year-old victim);
• Attempted second-degree murder (17-year-old victim);
• First-degree assault (17-year-old victim);
• Use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence (17-year-old victim);
• Loaded handgun on a person; and
• Possession of regulated firearm under the age of 21.

The defendant will remain held without bond pending the sentencing hearing.

Senior Assistant State’s Attorneys Sarah Proctor and Alena Mosier prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County. Detective Tyler Payne and Deputy First Class Daniel Sidorowicz of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office were the lead investigators. The Honorable Amy D. Lorenzini presided over the case.

PATUXENT RIVER NAVAL AIR STATION, MD – Communities surrounding the Outlying Field Webster are advised that  low altitude aircraft flight test events involving helicopters  are scheduled to take place on November 07 through November 09, 2023 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

As with all operations, NAS Patuxent River takes precautions to lessen the impact of testing activities on the community. For more information call 1-866-819-9028. To view all current NAS PAX noise advisories please click the following link: https://www.cnic.navy.mil/PaxRiverNoise.

The Department of Community Resources, Office on Aging, is excited to announce they are resuming the “Stepping On” falls prevention program.

The Office on Aging will offer the seven-week workshop on Tuesdays, Nov. 7 through Dec. 19, 2023, from 1-3 p.m., at Calvert Pines Senior Center located at 450 W. Dares Beach Road in Prince Frederick. This two-hour class will offer insight on identifying and removing fall hazards inside and outside of your home; how vision, hearing, medication and footwear affect your risk of falling; and provide information on strength exercises and how to get your footing back after a fall.

One in four older adults has a fall each year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Falls can lead to injury and death, but the risk can be minimized. The Stepping On program has been researched and proven to reduce falls by 31%.

For more information and to register for Stepping On, contact Program Manager Kristy Owen at 410-535-4606, ext. 8751, or by email at Kristy.Owen@CalvertCountymd.gov. This program is designed specifically for people age 60 and older who have fallen or have fears of falling. This program is not designed for older adults who use a walker or wheelchair full-time, have dementia or cognitive impairments.

Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date with Calvert County Government on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd and YouTube at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.

During the week of October 23 – October 29, 2023, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to 1,712 calls for service throughout the community.

Damaged Property: 23-75465

On October 23, 2023, DFC Ostazeski responded to the 400 block of Lake Drive in Lusby, for the report of a burglary. The complainant advised she heard loud bangs from the front and side of the house. Investigation revealed an unknown suspect attempted to enter the home through the front door and broke the door frame. The estimated value of damaged property is $130.00.

Theft: 23-75436

On October 23, 2023, DFC Ostazeski responded to 12600 block of Catalina Drive in Lusby, for the report of a theft. Contact was made with the complainant who advised two bicycles were stolen from the victim’s yard. The bicycles were described as a Schwinn Sidewinder 26-inch men's bicycle. It is black with a green stripe. The second is a Huffy 24-inch female bicycle light purple in color. The estimated value of stolen property is $320.00.

Theft: 23-76270

On October 26, 2023, Cpl. Bortchevsky responded to the 3500 block of 7th Street in North Beach, for the report of a theft. The complainant advised she arrived home to discover that prescription medication was stolen from a sealed package delivered to the porch of the residence. The estimated value of stolen property is $40.

ARRESTS

On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 6:32 p.m., Deputy Tavares responded to the Walgreens Pharmacy located at 110 Hospital Road in Prince Frederick, for a reported robbery in progress. Investigation revealed Daniel Abdul Bangura, 19 of Laurel, jumped the counter and stole prescription medication, but was quickly detained. A second suspect, Thomas Ruedy Heaton, 24 of Rockville, was located in the suspect vehicle and detained. Both suspects were transported to the Calvert County Detention Center. Bangura was charged with Strong Armed Robbery, Second-Degree Assault, Resist/Interfere with Arrest, CDS: Possession-Not Cannabis, CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia, and Disorderly Conduct. Heaton was charged with Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, CDS: Possession- Not Cannabis, and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

On Oct. 26, 2023, Deputy Zinn responded to the KFC/Taco Bell located at 13400 HG Trueman Road in Solomons, for the report of a property damage accident. Upon arrival, Deputy Zinn observed Zachary Alan Kiger, 34 of Millersville, MD, seated in the driver’s seat of a vehicle next to a fence that had been knocked over as a result of Kiger backing into it. Kiger advised he had a crack “stem” in his pocket. A search of Kiger’s person revealed a glass pipe containing a white powdery residue. A vehicle search revealed additional contraband including a broken glass pipe containing a white powdery residue, an uncapped hypodermic syringe, a metal spoon, and a metal bottle cap both containing burn marks. Kiger was placed under arrest and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he was charged with CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia, CDS: Possession of Controlled Paraphernalia, Negligent Driving, Reckless Driving, and other traffic related charges.

On October 26, 2023, Deputy McCourt responded to Ken Mar Liquors located at 1525 S. Solomons Island Road in Prince Frederick, for the reported disorderly subject. Upon arrival, Deputy McCourt met with Marvin Wayne Thomas, 57 of Prince Frederick, who was reportedly being disorderly with customers coming in and out of the business. Thomas had been previously trespassed indefinitely from the property. Thomas was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he was charged with Trespassing: Private Property.

On October 26, 2023, Deputy McCourt responded to the Exxon Gas Station located at 11805 HG Trueman Road in Lusby, for the reported trespassing. Upon arrival, Deputy McCourt met with Ricardo Burrows, 62 of Lusby, who was sitting on the property and partially in the roadway. Burrows had been previously trespassed indefinitely from the property. Burrows was placed under arrest and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center. During a search of Burrow’s person upon entering the Detention Center, deputies located a small amount of cannabis. Burrows was charged with Trespassing: Private Property, Possession of CDS While Confined (Cannabis), and Possession of Contraband in a Place of Confinement.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement after Senate passage of three bipartisan appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2024, including (1) Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies; (2) Agriculture and the Food & Drug Administration; and (3) Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies. The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved all 12 appropriations bills with bipartisan votes.

“Senators setting aside partisan differences to fund the workings of the federal government on behalf of the American people – this is how Congress is supposed to work. It’s refreshing and overdue. And it is happening in the Senate today. Bipartisan passage of these first three spending bills is a key step in providing stability and certainty for the current fiscal year. Senators have policy differences, of course, but they kept the process moving, kept talking and negotiating, and ultimately passed the legislation. The House of Representatives can learn an important lesson from what is happening in the Senate and act swiftly to send these bills to the President. Chaos, extreme political agendas and threats of shutdowns only hurt Marylanders and everyone across this great country.

“Not only do these bills provide critical funding for federal agencies to carry out their responsibilities, but they also include Congressionally Directed Spending projects or earmarks for Maryland and elsewhere. These are locally driven priorities and opportunities for Congress to respond directly to needs across the state that might not otherwise receive sufficient attention, or to provide critical funding for a project to get started or achieve completion. Earmarks are only 1% of total federal discretionary spending, but they have an outsized impact on our communities.”

Priority Maryland projects included in this “minibus” package of appropriations bills include:

Building African American Minds (BAAM) Academic Center

Recipient Name: Building African American Minds, Inc

Project Purpose:  Funding will support completion of the ongoing construction of a new Academic Center facility to house staff offices and programming, including after school and summer programs, career and workforce development, and physical and mental health workshops.

Project Location:  Talbot County

Amount Funded: $525,000

Garrett County Utilities Infrastructure Equipment

Recipient Name: Board of County Commissioners of Garrett County

Project Purpose:  The funding will be used to purchase a hydro-excavator truck and associated accessories needed to install and repair critical infrastructure for Garrett County, Maryland.

Project Location:  Garrett County

Amount Funded: $525,000

Adkins Arboretum Site Amenities

Recipient Name: Adkins Arboretum

Project Purpose:  This project will create and implement a unified overall amenities plan for the Adkins Arboretum. Seating and other site amenities will help make a welcoming venue for the more than 30,000 people visiting arboretum annually.

Project Location:  Caroline County

Amount Funded: $260,000

Baltimore Franklin-Mulberry Corridor – Reconnecting Communities

Recipient Name: Baltimore City

Project Purpose:  Funding will be used to support the ongoing planning effort for the Franklin-Mulberry Corridor Reconnecting Communities project in West Baltimore.

Project Location:  Baltimore City

Amount Funded: $500,000

Patapsco Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge – Phase 1

Recipient Name: Maryland Department of Transportation

Project Purpose:  Funding will be used to construct a bicycle and pedestrian bridge connecting the Patapsco Avenue Light Rail Station and Bus Hub with the north side of Patapsco Avenue.

Project Location:  Baltimore City and Baltimore County

Amount Funded: $5,000,000

Historic Druid Hill Y Family Center Renovation

Recipient Name: Young Men’s Christian Association of Central Maryland, Inc.

Project Purpose:  This project would fund capital improvements to protect the aging historical infrastructure of the Druid Hill Y, which serves as a haven for people facing social, health, and economic inequity challenges.

Project Location:  Baltimore City

Amount Funded: $1,238,000

In addition, the spending package includes:

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies

·       $141.7 million for aircraft development and maintenance facilities at Naval Air Station Patuxent River

·       $101.8 million for construction at the Bethesda Naval Hospital

·       $100 million for the cybersecurity operations facility at Fort Meade

·       $480 million for construction at Fort Meade

·       $38.3 million for a hydrant fueling system at Joint Base Andrews

·       $3.1 billion for veterans homelessness programs, which is $418 million more than fiscal year 2023.

·       $1.9 billion for military family housing construction, operations, and maintenance.

·       $1.2 billion to support the VA in expanding care to all women veterans.

·       $984 million for medical and prosthetics research, which is $68 million more than fiscal year 2023.

·       $15 million for the VA Airborne Hazards and Burn Pits Center of Excellence, which advocates for Veterans who have concerns about potential adverse health outcomes related to airborne hazard exposures. This is equal to the fiscal year 2023 enacted level.

·       $164 million for grants for construction of state extended care facilities, which supports the construction of state-run assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, such as the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home and the planned second Veterans home in Sykesville.

Agriculture and the Food & Drug Administration

·       $800.89 million for Conservation Technical Assistance, in which Natural Resources Conservation Service staff work one-on-one with farmers to conserve resources and prevent run-off. The bill also includes language expressing the Committee’s view that additional technical assistance should be provided to Critical Conservation Areas like the Chesapeake Bay Watershed because a lack of planning capacity can slow down projects in our region.

·       $56.411 million for the FDA’s White Oak, Maryland campus to continue to consolidate the campus and improve FDA’s efficiency and productivity.

·       $20 million for the Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which helps low-income mothers and children purchase fruits and vegetables from local farmers.

·       Chesapeake Bay States Partnership Initiative (C-SPI) report language that recognizes the important role of voluntary conservation practices in restoring waterways especially when deployed at scale. The language supports USDA’s continuation of the C-SPI and encourages the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to target additional technical assistance to the most effective basin areas of the watershed to reduce agricultural runoff in the Chesapeake Bay.

·       Report language that directs FDA to coordinate with the Department of Health and Human Services to combat drug shortages, promote domestic manufacturing and ensure an adequate supply of essential medicines.

·       Funding for programs at historically Black 1890 Land-Grant institutions like the University of Maryland Eastern Shore:

• • Research: $89 million
  • Extension Services: $72 million
  • Education Grants: 30 million
  • Facility Improvements: $21.5 million
  • Scholarships: $10 million

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies

·       $20 billion for the Federal Aviation Administration will help maintain the safety and efficiency of our national aviation system. Funding will facilitate the hiring of 1,800 new air traffic controllers and the modernization of critical IT and telecommunication systems.

·       $16.9 billion for the Federal Transit Administration to continue investing in transit infrastructure. Funding includes $2.45 billion for the Capital Investment Grants program.

·       $1.2 billion for the Maritime Administration, including $48 million for the Defense vessel programs, $213 million for the Port Infrastructure Development Program, $195.5 million for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy to train the next generation of mariners.

·       $3.4 billion for the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), including $2.45 billion for Amtrak.

·       Nearly $6 billion for programs to expand the supply of affordable housing including the Home Investment Partnership Program, Community Development Block Grant formula program, and Economic Development Initiatives that address a variety of local community development and affordable housing needs.

·       $3.9 billion for Homeless Assistance Grants

On Tuesday, Oct. 31, Commissioners tabled the request to consider county expenditures on legal costs for Commissioner Coates’ Appeal, up to Oct. 19, 2023, and county expenditures on legal costs for Commissioner Coates’ new appeal. Commissioner Coates requested an opinion from ethics legal counsel as to whether her vote on the cost of an appeal constitutes a conflict of interest. Charles County will hire outside counsel to serve as legal counsel to the Ethics Commission on this matter, because the County Attorney's Office must recuse itself due to the nature of the current litigation.

Briefings

• The Department of Planning and Growth Management staff presented a briefing to Commissioners on the Charles County Local Roadway Safety Plan. The presentation provided commissioners with an overview, strategies, and implementation for the plan. Commissioners approved this plan as drafted.
• The Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services staff presented a cyber security briefing to Commissioners. This briefing included an overview of what cyber security is, why it is important, and the common types of cyber-attacks. Presenters also provided several tips on how to prevent or avoid experiencing a cyber-attack.

Approval Items
Commissioners approved:

• A budget transfer request of $350,000.00 for the Charles County Detention Center Chiller Replacement project, which needs these additional funds due to cost increases from the original projections made in 2019/2020.
• A letter of support to the Interagency Commission on School Construction (IAC) for the FY 2025 Board of Education Capital Improvement Projects. This letter provides preliminary approval for the Charles County Board of Education (CCBOE) request for State funded projects in Fiscal Year 2025, for a total $28,185,642 to be allotted to repairs and services needed in 7 Charles County schools, which are outlined in this request.
• An amendment to the lease with Embrace Home Loans, who is renting property from the county.

Proclamations

Commissioners issued the following proclamations:

• National American Indian Heritage Month
• National Native American Heritage Month
• Family Court Awareness Month
• National Hospice, Pallative and Home Care Month
• Adoption Awareness Month
• Military Family Appreciation Month
• National Veterans Small Business Week
• Operation Green Light for Veterans Week
• National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week
• First Responders Appreciation Day
• Veterans Day
• lossif Joe Mario Gressis Day
• Shop Small Business Saturday

Viewing option of the meeting and the Commissioner Listening Session: Click Here

Next Commissioners Session: Nov. 14 – 15, 2023

Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258. 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) today praised confirmation of U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew Maddox to serve as U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Maryland. The bipartisan vote Tuesday was 55-42. Earlier this month, the Senate confirmed Marylander Brendan Hurson to fill the other opening on the federal district court.

“Judge Maddox has the skills and the Maryland experience we need on the federal bench at this time,” said Senator Cardin. “A former prosecutor who is dedicated to public service, Judge Maddox has a long history of integrity and judicial competence, and I am pleased to see the Senate elevate him from Magistrate to District Judge. We recommended Judge Maddox to President Biden for this judicial vacancy because of our confidence that he will safeguard the rights of all Marylanders, and uphold the Constitution and rule of law, as he has done throughout his legal career.” 

“Judge Maddox has a proven commitment to upholding the highest standards of equal justice under the law. With his confirmation to the U.S. District Court of Maryland bench, he’ll bring his extensive years of public service and courtroom experience – including as a former federal prosecutor and magistrate judge – and a long record of legal expertise. We were proud to support Judge Maddox’s nomination and confirmation and grateful he has answered the call to serve the public on this court,” said Senator Van Hollen.

With Judge Maddox’s confirmation, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland has its full complement of 10 active judges. However, United States Chief District Judge James Bredar has informed the White House and the U.S. Senate of his intention to take senior status in April 2024, which will open a new vacancy. Senators Cardin and Van Hollen are now accepting applications for lawyers interested in this position. The senators anticipate making recommendations to President Biden from among the applicants. Application details are available here: https://www.cardin.senate.gov/judges/ The deadline for applications is close of business (COB) Monday, November 13, 2023.

U.S. MAGISTRATE JUDGE MATTHEW MADDOX

U.S. Magistrate Judge Maddox graduated summa cum laude from Morgan State University in Baltimore in 1999, where he majored in philosophy and religious studies, and minored in psychology. After receiving his B.A. degree, Judge Maddox was a Fulbright Scholar and taught high school through the Teach for America program.  Judge Maddox received his J.D. degree from the Yale Law School in 2011. 

Upon graduation from law school, Judge Maddox served as a law clerk to the Honorable Gerald Bruce Lee, United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia. From October 2012 to August 2014, Judge Maddox worked as a litigation associate at the law firm of Holland & Knight in Washington, D.C. From August 2014 to August 2015, Judge Maddox served as a law clerk to the Honorable André M. Davis, a judge serving on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

In September 2015, Judge Maddox was appointed as an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Maryland. In this capacity, Judge Maddox prosecuted a range of criminal cases and conducted trainings for law enforcement on the topics of human trafficking and identity theft. In November 2020, Judge Maddox was selected to serve as Deputy Chief of the Major Crimes Section in the Northern Division of the United States Attorney’s Office.

Judge Maddox has served as a United States Magistrate Judge in Baltimore since February 2022. He was nominated by President Biden for the U.S. District Court in March 2023, and the Judiciary Committee held a hearing on his nomination in July. He was approved by a bipartisan vote of the full Judiciary committee in September.

School Resource Officer investigating altercation involving multiple students at St. Charles High School: On October 31 at 8 a.m., four students became involved in an altercation at St. Charles High School. School staff were struck while trying to intervene. One employee was injured and treated by a school nurse. A school resource officer has initiated an investigation and charges are pending. The students also face disciplinary consequences from the Charles county Public Schools. Anyone with information is asked to call Cpl. Thompson at 301-609-3282 ext. 0434.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Commissioners of St. Mary's County (CSMC) began their business meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 31, with an invocation and the pledge, followed by approval of the consent agenda. 

The CSMC met with the St. Mary’s County Board of Education (BOE) to receive updates regarding implementation of The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future in St. Mary’s County Public Schools and an employee health clinic scheduled to open on April 1, 2024. The next scheduled meeting of the CSMC and the BOE will be in May 2024.

The Commissioners then presented a commendation to Lieutenant Douglas Mills in recognition of his retirement following 25 years of service with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.

The Commissioners received an update from the St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce detailing the Chamber’s activities and accomplishments in 2023 and their schedule of events for 2024.

During County Administrator time, the Commissioners took the following actions:

• Approved a lease agreement between the Commissioners of St. Mary's County and Velos Rotos, Inc., to occupy an office suite within the Captain Walter Francis Duke Terminal Building at the St. Mary's County Regional Airport.
• Approved a budget amendment decreasing salary and fringe accounts and increasing the Commissioner's Emergency Reserve account in the amount of $1,032,755 due to salary savings.
• Approved two option contracts with the State Highway Administration related to SHA Project SM210A31.

The next CSMC business meeting will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, at 9 a.m. in the Chesapeake Building, located at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. CSMC decisions and related public documents are available on the county government website in BoardDocs. CSMC meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live Tuesday mornings on St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) Channel 95, or as a replay Friday at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are also available for on-demand viewing on the St. Mary's County Government YouTube Channel.

For more information on SMCG, please visit: stmaryscountymd.gov.

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office handled 1386 Calls for Service (CFS) from 10-23-2023 through 10-29-2023.

ARRESTS:

10/23/23 – Lavonte Devow King, 32, of Lexington Park, MD, by DFC Michael Walker, for Felony Assault First Degree, Assault Second Degree, CDS Possession Not Marijuana, Possession of Contraband in a Place of Confinement.

10/24/23 – Shannyn Elizabeth Dulemba, 40, of California, MD, by Deputy Bradley Kirscht, for CDS Possession Not Cannabis, CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

10/24/23 – Travis Nathanial Nelson, 38, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Joseph Senatore, for CDS Possession Not Cannabis, CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia, and outstanding warrants for Felony Assault First Degree, Assault Second Degree, Felony Violation of Probation CDS: Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotics.

10/25/29 – Elijah Isaiah Thomas Brown, 21, of Lexington Park, MD, by DFC Andrew Budd, for Assault Second Degree and Resisting Arrest.

10/26/23 – James Allen Stone, 36, of Great Mills, MD, by DFC Travis Wimberly, for Felony Theft $25000 to under $100,000 and Malicious Destruction of Property Value $1000+.

10/27/23 – Juwan Deontre Ford, 20, of Lexington Park, MD, by DFC. Warren Forinash, for CDS Possession with Intent to Distribute Cannabis, CDS: Possession-Cannabis Over Civil Use.

DUIs:

10/19/23 – Timothy Lee Brogunier, 43, of Dameron, MD, by Deputy Richard Still well for Diving a Vehicle While Impaired by a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Drugs While Transporting a Minor, Driving a Vehicle While So Far Impaired by Drugs Cannot Drive Safely, Failing to Secure a Child under Age 8 in Child Safety Seat When Transporting in Motor Vehicle.

10/21/23 – Corinna Lynn Eriksen, 51, of Mechanicsville, MD, by DFC Michael Walker for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While So Far Impaired by Alcohol Cannot Drive Safely.

10/21/23 – Justin Cole Herbert, 20, of Morganza, MD, by Deputy Paul Rodriguez, for Negligent Driving Vehicle in Careless and Imprudent Manner Endangering Property, Life and Person, Reckless Driving Vehicle in Wanton and Willful Disregard for Safety of Persons and Property, Driving Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol.

10/22/23 – Jose Nelson Meija Garcia, 32, of Lexington Park, MD, by DFC Andrew Budd, for Driver Fail to Stop at Steady Circular Red Signal, Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol.

10/23/23 – Jared Warren Trossbach, 28, of Loveville, MD, by DFC Michael Myers, for Driving Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, Driving Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, Driving Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se While Transporting a Minor, Driver Failure to Obey Properly Placed Traffic Control Device Instructions.

10/25/23 – Jesse Mason Lyon, 20, of Bushwood, MD, by Deputy Julian Grant, for Driving Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, Driving Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se.

10/27/23 – Robert Michael Wayne Draheim, 40, of California, MD, by Corporal Glen Knott, for Driving Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol.

10/27/23 – Robert Louis Dulaney, III, by Deputy Austin Welch, for Driving Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While So Far Impaired by Drugs Cannot Drive Safely.

SUMMONSES:

10/24/23 – Keshawn Joseph Cornell Morgan, 24, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Brandon Reynolds, for Handgun in Vehicle and Loaded Handgun in Vehicle.

10/25/23 – Ronald Adam Cusic, 26, of Callaway, MD, by DFC Tyler Westphal, for Felony Motor Vehicle Unlawful Taking and Theft less than $100.

10/25/23 – Tanisha Latoya Nolan, 33, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Helen Deitrich, for Arson/Threat.

10/25/23 – Amber Nicole Queen, 28, of California, MD, by DFC Travis Wimberly, for CDS: Possession Not Marijuana.

WARRANTS:

10/24/23 – Demetrius Demell Carroll, 29, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Brandon Reynolds, for Assault Second Degree.

10/25/23 – Trevon Marquise Butler, 29, of No Fixed Address, by DFC Jessica Wilson, for Felony Rape Second Degree (three counts).

School Resource Officer recovers knife at North Point High School: On October 31 at 1:43 p.m., school administrators at North Point High School were made aware a student brought a knife to school. The knife was located by a school resource officer. Parents are urged to talk with their children about the dangers of bringing weapons or contraband to school. The student faces disciplinary consequences from the Charles County Public Schools. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Cpl. Cook at 301-609-3282 ext. 0580.