(PIKESVILLE, MD) – With New Year’s Eve quickly approaching on Sunday, Maryland State Police are urging those who plan to celebrate to be safe and smart and avoid impaired, distracted, and aggressive driving.

State troopers from all 23 barracks, including the State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort (SPIDRE) team, will focus on impaired, distracted, and aggressive driving while conducting saturation patrols on roads with high DUI incidents. Enforcement efforts are bolstered by funds from the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office.

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 from the Maryland State Police:

• Eastern Region: Troopers from the Maryland State Police Berlin, Centreville, Easton, Princess Anne, and Salisbury barracks will conduct high visibility enforcement along U.S. Routes 301, 20, 50, 404, 13, 413, and throughout their respective counties.
• Central Region: Troopers from the Maryland State Police College Park, Forestville, Golden Ring, Rockville, Waterloo, and Westminster barracks will conduct high visibility enforcement along MD Route 5, I-495, I-695, I-83, and throughout their respective counties.
• Western Region: Troopers from the Maryland State Police Cumberland, Frederick, Hagerstown, and McHenry barracks will conduct high visibility enforcement along I-68, I-81, I-70, Route 219, and throughout their respective counties.
• Northern Region: Troopers from the Bel Air, JFK Memorial Highway, and North East barracks will conduct high visibility enforcement along I-95 and throughout their respective counties.
• Southern Region: Troopers from the Annapolis, Glen Burnie, La Plata, Leonardtown, and Prince Frederick barracks will conduct high visibility enforcement along U.S. Route 301, MD Route 5, Route 50, I-97, and throughout their respective counties.

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.

If you are attending a New Year’s Eve gathering:

• Designate a sober driver in advance.
• If you drive, avoid drinking. Drinking and driving do not mix.
• Consider using public transportation, call a taxi, or ride-share service if there is not a sober driver.
• Do not let a friend drive if you suspect they are impaired.
• If you see or suspect an impaired driver, call 911 immediately.

From the Maryland State Police, we wish you a safe and joyful New Year.

Sheriff Troy D. Berry and the men and women of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office are pleased to announce that Captain Harry Ivers graduated from the FBI National Academy Session 288 on December 7. Captain Ivers was one of 198 fellow law enforcement executives who represented 45 states and the District of Columbia. The class also included members of law enforcement agencies from 24 countries, four military organizations, and six federal civilian organizations.

Captain Ivers, who was part of the Academy’s International Partnership Program, was nominated to attend the Academy by Sheriff Berry based on his leadership skills and professionalism. Less than 1 percent of the nation’s law enforcement executives are selected to attend this highly regarded program.  

The Academy is known internationally for its academic excellence, consisting of eleven weeks of rigorous training in leadership programs such as police management, advanced communications, criminal law, behavioral science, and forensic science. The FBI Academy instructional staff, special agents, and other staff members holding advanced degrees, many of whom are recognized internationally in their fields of expertise, provide training. 

In addition to classroom training, Captain Ivers participated in several fitness challenges and completed the Yellow Brick Road challenge, which is a six-mile obstacle course on the Quantico grounds and is the capstone fitness challenge of the National Academy. “The FBI National Academy was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I am grateful for the opportunity.  The physical and mental training was world-class and I forged relationships that will last a lifetime,” said Captain Ivers. “My training will no doubt be of benefit to the Agency and our communities,” said Captain Ivers. 

“Having graduated from the FBI National Academy a few years ago, I know this type of training is important and invaluable for our staff. They can take what they learn and better prepare themselves and their peers for policing in today’s changing and challenging world,” said Sheriff Berry. 

Captain Ivers currently serves as the South Patrol Division Commander. He previously served in Patrol Operations, the Narcotics Enforcement Section, and as an instructor at the Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy (SMCJA).  Capt. Ivers also served as the Deputy Director and Acting Director of the SMCJA, and as the Commander of the Narcotics Enforcement Section.  He served on the Emergency Services Team for 17 years and was Team Leader for 10 of those years. 

Captain Ivers joins FBI National Academy alumni Sheriff Troy Berry, Chief of Staff Mr. Brian Eley, and Captain Joseph Pratta as well as several retired commanders of the Sheriff’s Office.

December 28, 2023

Rehabilitated eagles are ambassadors for environmental action and the Endangered Species Act

Ranger Sarah Milbourne displays rehabilitated Scales & Tales eagle Mo in the Indian Treaty Room of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Maryland DNR photo

Two winged representatives from the Maryland Park Service attended the White House this month.

Rehabilitated bald eagles Buck and Mo, along with a contingent of Maryland Park Service Rangers, were invited to the White House to celebrate the anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, which was signed into law 50 years ago this week.

“Bald eagles are such a powerful symbol, both of our country and of the effect we can have on protecting the environment,” said Maryland Park Service Director Angela Crenshaw, who spoke at the celebration. “It was amazing to go to the White House and share the story of our two eagles.”

President Joe Biden speaks with Ranger Jessica Conley, Ranger Sarah Milbourne, and Maryland Park Service Director Angela Crenshaw about bald eagles and America’s parks.. Maryland DNR photo.

The bald eagle was one of the first species to be protected under the Endangered Species Act and represents a prominent success story of the law, as America’s national bird now has hundreds of thousands of breeding pairs across the country.

The two eagles are part of the Maryland Park Service’s Scales & Tales program, an environmental initiative that fosters stewardship of wildlife and natural resources. By telling the stories of Maryland’s raptors and providing opportunities for close observation, Park Service staff seek to educate the public about habitat loss, climate change and biodiversity.

The White House visit had a similar educational purpose, but on a national stage. Ranger Sarah Milbourne, the western region manager for the Park Service and an eagle handler, said the visit took a lot of planning and preparation.

“You’re trying to make sure everything is perfect, but when you’re working with live animals, you just hope the training pays off,” Milbourne said. “When we got on site, everything went beautifully, everything worked out.”

Ranger Milbourne and Mo in the White House Rose Garden. Maryland DNR photo.

Mo, who is named after Michelle Obama, was a natural in front of the crowd that gathered in the Indian Treaty Room in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, and she later posed for photos in the Rose Garden.

“I was talking about the Endangered Species Act,” Crenshaw said, “and Mo was making noises and piping, and I said, ‘Yes ma’am, tell them!’”

Buck was a bit more reserved, and he preferred a perch with a view of a window during the visit. A few animals from the Maryland Zoo, including a penguin, a screech owl and an indigo snake, were also visiting to showcase species that have benefited from environmental protections.

Both eagles are unable to fly due to injuries and now live in state parks, where they remain healthy after medical treatment and rehabilitation. Buck was rescued from the side of a road in 2012 and resides in Tuckahoe State Park. Mo was found with broken bones near Conowingo Dam and lives at Rocky Gap State Park.

Ranger Conley with Buck. Maryland DNR photo.

Prior to the Endangered Species Act becoming law, the population of bald eagles in the U.S. had dropped to dangerously low levels by the 1960s, due to pesticide use, illegal hunting, habitat loss and other factors. DDT, a widely-used pesticide, caused eagles and other raptors to produce thin eggshells that resulted in poor reproduction rates.

With careful management and protection efforts, including the banning of DDT, bald eagles came back from the brink and are now plentiful across the country. They were reclassified from “endangered” to “threatened” in 1995, then fully removed from the Endangered Species List in 2007 and from the Maryland endangered list in 2010.

There are now more than 316,000 bald eagles in the lower 48 states, including nearly 3,000 nesting pairs in the Chesapeake Bay region.

As a success story of endangered species protection, the bald eagles show how the Endangered Species Act is critical in its current form and can also be enhanced to meet the challenges of the world today, Milbourne said.

While images of bald eagles adorn artworks and surfaces throughout the building, the living animals are a rare sight in the halls of the executive branch, and the two Maryland eagles received a celebrity welcome.

“People were so excited about us being there,” Milbourne said. “Everyone was like, ‘You’re the park rangers with the eagles!’”

As the Park Service delegation wheeled the eagles through the executive buildings, they were met with ecstatic reactions from White House staff, Secret Service and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff. 

“I had one person tell me, ‘You’ve brought more smiles to the White House than I’ve ever seen,’” Crenshaw said.

Maryland Park Rangers Jessica Conley, Ashlee Reinke, Erin Gale, Manny Toscana, and Erin Swale joined Rangers Crenshaw and Milbourne at the event to help handle the two eagles and share the birds’ stories.

Maryland Park Service Rangers escort the bald eagles through the White House. Maryland DNR photo.

Body of adult male located in Mattawoman Creek: On December 27 at 10:30 a.m., the Charles County Sheriff’s Office was notified of the body of an adult male in Mattawoman Creek, about two miles away from Slavins Dock – the location where missing person Jamell LeeHeung, II, age 25, of Indian Head was last seen. The decedent was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy and confirmation of the person’s identity. Once the identity of the person has been confirmed, an updated press release will be issued. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Det. Bringley at 301-609-6499.

DUI Checkpoint: On December 21, the Charles County Sheriff's Office Traffic Operations Unit, along with the Maryland State Police, Maryland Transit Authority Police, and members of patrol squad 3/K conducted a DUI checkpoint in the area of St. Charles Parkway and Gallery Place. A total of 521 vehicles were contacted. As a result, 31 traffic stops were conducted, and 29 citations, 18 warnings, and 10 equipment repair orders were issued. There were four vehicles towed, one warrant served, and one DUI arrest. This checkpoint was funded by the Maryland Highway Safety Office.

At approximately 8:04 a.m., on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, Patrol units from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a motor vehicle crash near the intersection of Willows Road and South Shangri La Drive in Lexington Park, MD. Units arrived to find a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 had struck a tree in a wooded area. The operator and sole occupant, Marcus Tyrone Harris, 69, of Great Mills, MD, was pronounced deceased at the scene by Fire/EMS.

Harris was traveling in the Dodge Ram, heading north on Willows Road, toward Great Mills Road, when, for unknown reasons, the vehicle exited the roadway and struck a tree.

At this time, alcohol, drugs, or speed are not considered to be contributing factors in the crash.

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Collision Reconstruction Unit has assumed this investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or any events leading up to it is asked to contact Corporal Dale Reppel at 240-496-6694.

 A new report by the United Health Foundation shows some good news in Maryland along with concerning trends in chronic conditions. The America's Health Rankings report found the state ranked 11th overall with positive notes including Marylanders having a low incidence of adults with multiple chronic conditions. But overall, the report found the number of Americans dealing with chronic conditions has increased, and eight conditions including things such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, C-O-P-D and chronic kidney disease reached their highest levels since the foundation began tracking them. Dr. Marie Kanagie-McAleese at the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center sees the maintenance of chronic conditions as an expensive way to approach the problem.

She says the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases through changes in lifestyle would go a long way to reducing costs associated with disease management.

 The report shows more than 29 million adults in the U-S are dealing with three or more chronic conditions. Study authors also note that in the past year 15-percent of adults in the country with two or more chronic conditions avoided needed medical care, including prescription medicines due to high cost. Kanagie-McAleese is board certified in lifestyle medicine and believes the public has yet to fully appreciate how our habits can impact health.

 She says type 2 diabetes is one example of a chronic condition that is very responsive to lifestyle changes.

Among the strengths in Maryland the report found a low prevalence of excessive drinking, and few cigarette smokers. Although one of the problem areas for the state was a high prevalence of insufficient sleep. In Maryland, 38 percent of adults are not getting enough sleep, which is higher than the national average, and ranks the state 39th in the nation on that metric. Kanagie-McAleese says when people are chronically sleep deprived, it promotes an increase in inflammation in the body.

Fugitive wanted in connection with a probation violation located and arrested: Officers assigned to the Fugitive Warrant Unit have helped locate a man wanted in connection with violating probation. The circumstances are as follows: On August 1, 2023, Eric William Broome, age 26, of Waldorf, was arrested by Charles County Sheriff’s Officers after a domestic related incident. Broome was charged with first-degree assault, false imprisonment and other charges. On August 3, a judge released Broome from the Charles County Detention Center on the condition he receive electronic monitoring. The victim in this case obtained a Protective Order that expires in August 2024.  On November 9, Maryland State Police in Garrett County arrested Broome during a traffic stop after learning Broome had violated the Protective Order. Further, it was learned Broome was on parole as of June 6, 2022 after he pled guilty in 2015 for attempted second-degree murder from a case that occurred in Charles County. Upon his release from jail, and after learning Broome violated the conditions of his parole, the Charles County Circuit Court issued a bench warrant for Broome. Members of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Warrant Unit and the U.S. Marshals Service Capital Area Regional Task Force developed information that Broome was in Las Vegas, Nevada.  On December 20, Broome was located by the District of Nevada U.S. Marshals Service after a brief foot pursuit; he is awaiting extradition to Charles County where he will be served the warrant for violation of parole. PFC. T.J. Rickard Jr. is investigating.

Deputies from the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Community Oriented Policing Unit (COPs) undertook a comprehensive outreach initiative across the north and south ends of the county on Thursday, December 21, 2023. Led by Sergeant Anthony Whipkey, the COPs Unit, in collaboration with SMCSO Mental Health Liaison Alexis Higdon and members of the St. Mary's County Health Department's Harm Reduction/Overdose Response Program, engaged with unhoused residents to provide essential resources and assistance.

As part of a coordinated effort, the COPs Unit focused efforts on locations where unhoused individuals are known to reside. The primary objective of this initiative was to distribute bags containing cold-weather survival supplies, including hats, gloves, socks, blankets, hand warmers, and toiletries. Simultaneously, the team offered valuable information about housing alternatives and food banks.

"Our goal for the day was to continue building connections with our unhoused community members by providing opportunities for conversation and linking them to vital resources," said Sergeant Anthony Whipkey.

The outreach team actively engaged with unhoused individuals throughout the morning, initiating conversations and distributing resource lists. The inclusion of Alexis Higdon and representatives from the St. Mary's County Health Department aimed to broaden the support network and address comprehensive health and well-being needs.

This initiative reflects the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office's commitment to community-oriented policing, fostering positive relationships, and ensuring the well-being of all residents, particularly those facing housing challenges. It underscores the collaborative efforts of various agencies to provide immediate relief and establish connections for long-term assistance.

It is important to note that this event is part of an ongoing effort, and the Sheriff's Office regularly conducts outreach activities to connect with and assist unhoused individuals. By fostering these sustained connections and partnerships, the Sheriff's Office aims to provide immediate relief and contribute to long-term solutions for those facing housing challenges within the community.

PRINCE FREDERICK, MD—The Board of Education of Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) appointed Ms. Vernetta Christian to serve as the Supervisor of Special Education at the December 14, 2023, Board of Education meeting.

“I am fully committed to the mission and vision of Calvert County Public Schools. As a special educator I firmly believe that all students can achieve and I am happy to have this opportunity to contribute to their success,” said Ms. Christian.

Prior to joining Calvert County Public Schools, Ms. Christian served as the Superintendent of Schools for Woodstream Christian Academy, in Bowie, Maryland. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Media Communication from Hampton University and has an Advanced Professional Certification in Special Education. Ms. Christian also received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law in Baltimore, Maryland. Additionally, Ms. Christian’s education experience includes serving in the positions of principal, special education teacher, and case manager.

PRINCE FREDERICK, MD—The Board of Education of Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) appointed Ms. Vernetta Christian to serve as the Supervisor of Special Education at the December 14, 2023, Board of Education meeting.

“I am fully committed to the mission and vision of Calvert County Public Schools. As a special educator I firmly believe that all students can achieve and I am happy to have this opportunity to contribute to their success,” said Ms. Christian.

Prior to joining Calvert County Public Schools, Ms. Christian served as the Superintendent of Schools for Woodstream Christian Academy, in Bowie, Maryland. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Media Communication from Hampton University and has an Advanced Professional Certification in Special Education. Ms. Christian also received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law in Baltimore, Maryland. Additionally, Ms. Christian’s education experience includes serving in the positions of principal, special education teacher, and case manager.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in partnership with the Maryland Sportsmen’s Foundation, is offering a special hunting opportunity for all military veterans and youth hunters aged 11-16.  

Participants will be able to hunt select properties in three regions of the state under the guidance of an experienced waterfowl hunter.  This special event coincides with the statewide youth, veteran and military waterfowl hunting day on Feb. 3, 2024, and is part of DNR’s efforts to increase recruitment, retention and reactivation of hunters in Maryland. 

“The department is proud to offer this special event for our veterans and young hunters,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Karina Stonesifer said. “We believe opportunities like this encourage more individuals to participate, both as hunters and mentors. Hunters of all experience levels are encouraged to apply.”  

Applications are currently being accepted with a closing date of January 7, 2024. Following a random lottery drawing, selected applicants will be notified by January 17, 2024. No experience is necessary and a current hunting license is not required to apply. If selected, a license and all applicable stamps must be obtained. 

More information and the application form is available on the DNR website. Individuals with land access who are interested to host an event, and any experienced hunters interested in mentoring, may contact Chris Markin at christopher.markin@maryland.gov.

The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners voted to award the sale of $69,327,533 in public improvement general obligation bonds during a public meeting held Dec. 19, 2023.

The purpose of the bond sale is to help finance projects to improve, upgrade and construct county infrastructure and facilities, including Beach Elementary; North Beach (Company 1) and Dunkirk (Company 5) volunteer fire departments; detention center; Twin Beaches Library; Calvert Pines Senior Center; Chesapeake Hills Golf Course Clubhouse; County Administration Building; Barstow Salt Dome; roadway repairs and safety improvements for Little Cove Point Road, Ball Road, and road drainage throughout the county; and various water and sewer improvements, expansions and upgrades. The bonds will also fund the purchase of new Career EMS apparatus and Breezy Point shoreline restoration.

The winning bids for the bond sale came from Morgan Stanley & Co., LLC, at a true interest rate of approximately 2.86%.

In December 2023, Calvert County Government received AAA credit ratings from three independent credit agencies due to the county’s strong economy, robust revenues and sound financial management. The AAA credit rating allows the county government to receive funding through bond sales at a lower interest rate for major capital projects.

For additional information, contact the Calvert County Department of Finance & Budget at 410-535-1600, ext. 2836, or by email at bruce.miller@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.

State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that Dimitri Paul Brooks, 28, of Lexington Park, Maryland, was sentenced to 40 years in prison with 15 years of active incarceration for felony drug and firearms offenses.

A St. Mary’s County jury convicted Brooks in September of 2023 following a two-day jury trial of possession with intent to distribute narcotics, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, controlled dangerous substance possession – not marijuana, illegal possession of ammunition, and firearm possession after conviction for a crime of violence.

“Getting drugs off the streets and firearms out of the hands of criminals is paramount to keeping our county safe,” said Sterling. “The defendant was prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior convictions, and yet continued to do so while trafficking narcotics. This sentence means that the defendant will no longer be able to compromise the safety of our community.”

The charges stemmed from an investigation conducted by the St. Mary’s County Vice/Narcotics Unit. Sergeant Kevin Meyer of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office was the lead investigator.

Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Lisa Ridge, Chief of the Narcotics Unit, prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.

The Honorable Joseph M. Stanalonis presided over the case.

The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners announces county offices will be closed Monday, Dec. 25, and Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, in observance of the Christmas holiday.  County offices will also be closed Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, in observance of New Year’s Day. In addition:

·         The Appeal Solid Waste Facility, which includes the landfill and transfer station, and all county customer convenience centers will be closed Sunday, Dec. 24, and Monday, Dec. 25. Normal operating hours resume Tuesday, Dec. 26. All solid waste facilities will close at 4 p.m. on Dec. 31, will be closed Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, and will reopen Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024.

·         The Water & Sewerage billing and customer service office will be closed Monday, Dec. 25, Tuesday, Dec. 26 and Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.

·         The Solomons Septage Receiving Facility will be closed Sunday, Dec. 24, and Monday, Dec. 25. Normal operating hours resume Tuesday, Dec. 26. The facility will also close at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31, and will be closed on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.

·         Calvert County senior centers will be closed Monday, Dec. 25, and Tuesday, Dec. 26, and Meals on Wheels will not be delivered. Meal delivery is set to resume on Wednesday, Dec. 27. Senior centers will also be closed on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, and will reopen on Jan. 2, 2024.

·         All community centers will close at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 24, and Sunday, Dec. 31. The community centers will also be closed on Monday, Dec. 25; Tuesday, Dec. 26; and Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.

·         There will be no county bus service Monday, Dec. 25, and Tuesday, Dec. 26. Regular service will resume Wednesday, Dec. 27. There will be no county bus service Monday, Jan. 1, 2024; service will resume Tuesday, Jan. 2.

·         Calvert Library locations will be closed Monday, Dec. 25, and Tuesday, Dec. 26. The library will also be closed on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, and will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 2. 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 Monday, Dec. 25, and Tuesday, Dec. 26. The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter and Animal Control Division will also be closed Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, and will reopen on Jan. 2.  Animal Control Officers will be available for emergencies at 410-535-3491.

·         The Calvert Marine Museum and Museum Store will be closed Dec. 25, and will be open with normal hours on Tuesday, Dec. 26. The museum will also be closed Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, and will reopen Tuesday, Jan. 2. The museum and store will close at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 24, and the museum will be open for members only on Dec. 31, but the museum store will be open to the public on Dec. 31.  The Calvert Marine Museum and Museum Store will close at 2 p.m. on Dec. 31.

·         Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center will close Sunday, Dec. 24, and Sunday Dec. 31, at 5 p.m. and will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25, and Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.

·         All recreation parks including Dunkirk District Park, Ward Farm Recreation & Nature Park, Hallowing Point Park, and Cove Point Park will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25.  The parks will reopen with normal operating hours on Tuesday, Dec. 26.

·         Chesapeake Hills Golf Course will close at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 24, and Sunday, Dec. 31. The golf course will be closed Monday, Dec. 25, and will reopen Tuesday, Dec. 26, with normal operating hours. The golf course will be open with normal operating hours on Jan. 1, 2024.

·         Flag Ponds Nature Park will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25, and will reopen with normal operating hours on Tuesday, Dec. 26. The park will also be open with normal operating hours on Monday, Jan. 1.

·         Battle Creek Park will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25, and will reopen with normal operating hours on Tuesday, Dec. 26. The park will also be open Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.  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.

·         Kings Landing Park will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25, and will reopen with normal operating hours on Tuesday, Dec. 26. The park will also be open with normal operating hours on Monday, Jan. 1.

·         Breezy Point Beach is currently closed for the season and will reopen in May 2024.

·         Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center will be closed Monday, Dec. 25, and the garden will reopen at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 26, for the evening light show. Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center will be open on Monday, Jan. 1, from 5-9 p.m. for the evening light show. Visit https://www.annmariegarden.org/annmarie2/content/holiday-hours for more information on openings and closures.

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 December 11 – December 17, 2023, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to 1,768 calls for service throughout the community.

Damaged Property: 23-88599

On December 13, 2023, Deputy MacWilliams responded to the 1700 block of Old Adelina Road in Prince Frederick, for the report of damaged property. The complainant advised sometime between 8 p.m. on Dec. 12 and 10 a.m. on Dec. 13, an unknown suspect damaged the lock system for the victim’s security gate. The estimated value of damaged property is $500.00.

Damaged Property: 23-89574

On December 17, 2023, DFC Mohler responded to Dunkirk Park located at 10750 Southern Maryland Blvd. in Dunkirk, for the report of property destruction. Investigation revealed an unknown suspect(s) vandalized a portable toilet at the dog park. The estimated value of the damaged property is $900.00.

Theft: 23-88131

On December 11, 2023, Deputy Tunnell was dispatched to the Sheriff’s Office for the report of a theft. The complainant advised a backpack with various medications had been stolen from her unlocked vehicle while parked in the 400 block of W. Dares Beach Road in Prince Frederick. The estimated value of the stolen property is unknown at this time.

Theft: 23-88695

On December 13, 2023, DFC Shoemaker responded to Taco Bell located at 13400 HG Trueman Road in Solomons, for the reported theft. The complainant advised an unknown male entered the restaurant and proceeded to the restrooms. The male was observed exiting the bathroom grabbing food from the counter and exiting the store without making payment. The suspect was seen fleeing in an Amazon van. The estimated value of stolen property is $10.00.

Theft: 23-89103

On December 15, 2023, Deputy Lewis responded to Traders Seafood Restaurant located at 8132 Bayside Road in Chesapeake Beach, for the report of a theft. Investigation revealed Jennifer Rachel Tate, 43 of no fixed address, ordered food totaling $25.71 and left the restaurant without paying for her meal. Tate was placed under arrest for Theft: Less than $100.

Theft: 23-89470

On December 16, 2023, Deputy Grierson responded to Baia Coastal Kitchen located at 8323 Bayside Road in Chesapeake Beach, for the report of a theft. Investigation revealed that Latorri Alicesarah Jones, 32 of Lusby, entered the restaurant at 10 a.m. and ordered food and multiple alcoholic beverages totaling $71.22 while sitting at the bar. After several hours passed, Jones advised she had no way of paying for the food and service. Due to a call history of Jones in similar incidents, Jones was issued a criminal citation for Theft: Less than $100.

ARRESTS

On December 15, 2023, Deputy Jones to a residence on Eastern Church Road in Lusby, for the report of a disorderly subject. The complainant advised a male was on scene breaking out car windows. As Deputy Jones pulled into the driveway, he was drawn to the residence due to the sound of glass breaking. Deputy Jones observed a male walking toward him with a baseball bat. The suspect Thomas Dahsay Gary, Jr., 27 of Lusby, was placed into custody. Investigation revealed Gary had smashed out three vehicles' front and rear windshields, the front residence storm door, and four house windows. The estimated value of the damaged property is $4,000.00. Gary was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he was charged with Assault 2^nd Degree, Malicious Destruction of Property Value $1,000+, and Malicious Destruction of Property Value Less $1,000.

 

On December 17, 2023, DFC Plant responded to PetSmart located at 10400 Southern Maryland Blvd. in Dunkirk, for the reported trespassing. The complainant advised a male suspect later identified as Michael Joseph Keller, 60 of no fixed address, was in front of the business yelling at customers. Upon making contact with the suspect, Keller began yelling profanities causing a disturbance in the presence of employees and customers of local businesses. Keller was placed into custody for transport and began spitting inside the patrol vehicle. Keller continued to use profanities and threatened the officer and threatened to burn down the PetSmart. Keller was charged with Trespassing: Private Property, Disorderly Conduct, Intoxicated Public Disturbance, and Arson/Threat.
 

The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) reports two animals collected in the Mechanicsville and Charlotte Hall areas have tested positive for rabies.  On December 16, 2023, a raccoon was collected from the Wicomico Shores Subdivision, and a skunk was collected from the North Indian Creek Subdivision. The test results were confirmed by the State’s laboratory at the Maryland Department of Health in Baltimore. 

Rabies is a potentially fatal virus that is transmitted through the saliva of an infectious animal. Residents are advised to use caution when approaching wild animals or unknown domesticated animals. Pet owners in the area are advised to examine their animals for bites, scratches, or wounds of unknown origin, and report suspect injuries to the St. Mary’s County Animal Control Office at 301-475-8018.

The following precautions are recommended to protect your pets and family members from the threat of rabies: 

• Be sure your pet has an up-to-date rabies vaccination. Maryland law requires that all cats, dogs, and ferrets four months and older have a current rabies vaccination. Low-cost rabies clinics are provided by the health department and St. Mary’s Animal Welfare League (SMAWL) from March – November.
• Keep pets in your home or yard and walk them on a leash.
• Never approach or touch animals unknown to you.
• Do not feed pets outdoors. Pet food and other food sources, such as unsecured garbage cans, may attract unwanted and unhealthy animals into your yard.

The health department investigates reports of animal bites and, based on the outcome of the investigation, refers the affected person(s) to the hospital’s emergency department or to their primary healthcare provider for treatment and vaccination. Residents are asked to report any animal exposures involving humans to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office at 301-475-8008.

For more information about rabies and the rabies vaccination clinics, visit the health department’s website at smchd.org/rabies-prevention.

Update on homicide case on Sedgemore Place in Bryans Road, MD: On May 8, detectives assigned to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division initiated an investigation into a shooting that occurred in the 2400 block of Sedgemore Place in Bryans Road. In that case, Carl Francis Braxton, age 30, of Bryans Road, was shot and killed. The case was reviewed with the Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office and on December 1, went before a Charles County Grand Jury which returned an indictment charging Carlos Lavanto Garner, age 37, of Bryans Road with second-degree murder, manslaughter, and felony use of a firearm. As a result of the indictment, Garner was arrested on December 14. Detective Johnson is investigating.

School Resource Officer investigating threat of violence at middle school: On December 20, a school resource officer was notified about a threatening post that was shared on a social media site the previous night in which a student at John Hanson Middle School made a threat of violence toward the school. School administrators and the SRO took immediate action and contacted the student’s parents. In accordance with MD law, due to the age of the student, they cannot be charged; however, the student does face disciplinary consequences from the Charles County Public Schools. Anyone with information is asked to contact PFC Hancock at 301-609-3282 ext. 0499.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – Santa’s making his list and checking it twice – and you should too!  St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Emergency Services encourages all residents to double check their emergency preparedness checklist to ensure they are ready for winter.

Prolonged cold conditions and winter storms raise the risk of freezing home plumbing, community water main breaks, automobile failures, transportation interruptions, automobile accidents, power outages, home heating system failures, hypothermia, and more.

Winter Readiness Checklist:

• Make emergency kits: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/kit
  • Home Kit: include a flashlight, batteries, extra blankets, warm clothing, a battery-operated radio, food that is easy to open and prepare, and clean drinking water. 
  • Car Kit: add jumper cables, sand, and a first aid kit, and keep your gas tank full.
• Have a plan: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/plan
  • Identify a safe, warm place to go, and a way to get there if it becomes unsafe to stay in your home.
  • Discuss with loved ones how you will communicate before, during, and after a potential emergency or winter weather event. 
• Sign up for local emergency notifications at: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/CodeRed
• Cold weather basics:
  • Know where the main valves and switches are for gas, water, and electricity – and ensure someone you trust can operate them if you need to shut them off.
  • Check on your neighbors, friends, and family members, especially if they are elderly and/or have functional needs.
  • Bring pets indoors when temperatures drop.

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.

Visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov/prepare for additional preparedness tips and information.

St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) Director of Environmental Health, Heather Moritz, has been appointed by Maryland Governor Wes Moore to the Bay Restoration Fund Advisory Committee.

The Bay Restoration Fund Advisory Committee's main tasks are to advance the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Restoration Fund and enhance its effectiveness in reducing nutrient pollution in Maryland's waters. The Committee also provides guidance on education, outreach, and upgrade programs, and advises the Maryland Secretary of the Environment on adopting regulations.

“I am honored to be appointed to the Bay Restoration Fund Advisory Committee,” said Heather Moritz, Director of Environmental Health. “I look forward to providing my expertise to the Committee and working to continue to promote and improve the Bay Restoration Fund in Maryland.” 

“Heather Moritz is an incredibly knowledgeable and experienced environmental health professional,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “Her expertise and dedication will be very valuable to the Committee’s efforts to protect our Bay. Better quality of our environment supports better public health in our communities.”

Learn more about SMCHD’s Clear Water® Program, which administers the Bay Restoration Fund (BRF) in St. Mary’s County, at smchd.org/clearwater/.

St. Mary's County, MD (December 19, 2023) - The 20th annual Shop With a Cop event in St. Mary's County, held on Saturday, December 9^th, 2023, proved to be a heartwarming success, thanks to the dedication of volunteers, sponsors, and law enforcement partners. This cherished community tradition brought holiday joy to 104 children who were each provided with $225 to spend on Christmas presents.

The day's festivities included a delightful breakfast buffet, a captivating musical puppet show, gift wrapping for all presents, and a memorable ride in agency vehicles with their law enforcement companions to and from the day's activities.

A total of 90 law enforcement volunteers from multiple agencies and organizations contributed their time to create a memorable experience for the children. Thank you to: 

·         Fraternal Order of Police - St. Mary's County, MD Lodge 7

·         Maryland Department of Natural Resources - Natural Resources Police

·         Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack

·         Naval Criminal Investigative Service

·         Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal

·         Optimist Clubs of St. Mary's County

·         Patuxent River Police Department

·         PG Park Police

·         Shop with a Cop - St. Mary's County Board Members

·         St. Mary's College of Maryland Office of Public Safety

·         St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office

·         St. Mary's County State's Attorney's Office

·         U.S. Coast Guard

The Shop with a Cop program expresses its deepest gratitude to all the volunteers for their hard work in preparing and serving breakfast and wrapping gifts, and to everyone who generously donated to make the event possible.

A special recognition is extended to The Honorable Joseph Stanalonis, whose vision initiated this wonderful program in St. Mary's County 20 years ago when he was the president of the 7th District Optimist Club and enlisted the help of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 7.  Although Judge Stanalonis can't be a part of the organization, he continues to support the program.  Because of Joe, thousands of children in St. Mary's County have benefited from his hard work.

As the holiday season approaches, Shop with a Cop - St. Mary's County wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

For those interested in supporting Shop with a Cop - St. Mary's County, tax-deductible donations can be made by mailing a check to:

Shop With a Cop - St. Mary's County

P.O. Box 2336

Leonardtown, MD 20650

Or

Donate on Venmo at @SMC-SWAC

The Calvert County Department of Public Safety reminds pet owners to be extra cautious during the holiday season. New sights, sounds and people can cause pets to become overwhelmed and may prompt them to react in unexpected ways.

To reduce stress on pets and ensure the safety of others, it is advised to secure pets when visitors are present. Pets may not react well to new people or young children and may become confused, scared or overprotective, causing them to bite or otherwise behave irrationally. If a pet does bite, secure the animal immediately and seek medical attention.

Pet owners should also take safety measures to prevent pets from potentially escaping, ensure gates stay latched and outside doors remain closed when pets are inside. If an animal does become loose, citizens should fill out a lost pet report online at www.CalvertCountyAnimalShelter.com/lost. The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter will not take lost-and-found reports over the phone.

“The holidays are a time when we join together to celebrate with our friends and family, and we often overlook our furry family members in the hustle and bustle,” said Public Safety Director Dave McDowell. “We know residents love their pets, so take a few easy precautions to make sure you keep your entire family happy and safe through the holiday season.” 

It is also important for pet owners to remember that certain holiday foods, flowers and plants can cause harm or be deadly to pets if ingested. Guests and children are cautioned to not feed table scraps to pets to avoid making them sick. If you suspect your pet may have ingested something and is acting differently, contact your veterinarian or the nearest emergency veterinary hospital immediately.

Visit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals online at www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control for a list of foods and plants that can be harmful to pets.

The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter provides compassionate, humane care and treatments to the shelter population and responsibly finds new homes for animals in the community. For more information about the animal shelter, please call 410-535-7387 or visit www.CalvertCountyAnimalShelter.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.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (December 19, 2023) – The St. Mary’s County Sheriff's Office handled 1,357 Calls for service, including 10 Emergency Petitions* for the seven-day period of December 11, 2023, through December 17, 2023.  

*The Emergency Petition statute in Maryland enables the prompt evaluation of individuals with mental disorders who are violent or suicidal, allowing them to be taken to an emergency facility to assess the necessity of immediate treatment.

ARRESTS:

12/11/23 - Daniel Stephen Connelly, 34, of No Fixed Address, by Deputy Joseph Senatore, for CDS: Possession – Not Cannabis X 3, CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia X 3.

12/13/23 - Daven Ambrose, Williams, 38, of Lexington Park, MD, by DFC Michael Graves for Felony CDS: Possession Large Amount, Felony CDS: Possession with Intent to Distribute – Cocaine, Felony CDS: Possession with Intent to Distribute – Fentanyl, Felony CDS: Possession with Intent to Distribute – Psilocybin, Felony Possession of a Firearm in Relation to Drug Trafficking Crimes, and CDS: Possession – Not Cannabis X 3.

12/14/23 – Zhane Tkeyah Woodland, 29, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Aaron Ocasio-Rivera, for Felony Motor Vehicle Taking, CDS: Possession – Not Marijuana, CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia, and Possession of Contraband in a Place of Confinement.

DUIs:

12/13/23 – Stephen Dennard, 64, of Lusby, MD, by Deputy Bianca Melton, for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While So Far Impaired by Drugs & Alcohol Cannot Dive Safely, Failure to Display Registration Card Upon Demand by Police Officer, Negligent Driving, Reckless Driving, Exceeding Posted Maximum Speed Limit and Failure to drive Vehicle on Right Half of Roadway.

12/14/23 – Clifton Samuel Bell, 61, of Bryantown, MD, by Deputy Brandon Reynolds, for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Negligent Driving, Reckless Driving, and Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol.

12/16/23 – Nathan Joseph Donn, 19, of Mechanicsville, MD, by Deputy Elijsha Munn, for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se While Transporting a Minor, Failure to Control Vehicle Speed, Driver Following Vehicle Closer Than Reasonable and Prudent, and Negligent Driving.

SUMMONSES:
12/13/23 - Aaron Louis McCray, 67, of Great Mills, MD, by DFC Dianne Hersch, for Theft of $1500 to under $25,000.

WARRANTS:

12/13/23 - Delano Jurail Parham, 41, of Lexington Park, MD, by DFC Richard Wilhelmi, for Felony Assault First Degree and Assault Second Degree.

12/16/23 – Danielle Sicam Alicka, 26, of Hughesville, MD, by Deputy Zachary Wolfe, for Felony Assault First Degree, Assault Second Degree, and Malicious Destruction of Property less than $1000.

The County Administrator wishes to remind residents of changes to operating schedules for January 2024: 

Monday, Jan. 1

• 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 will be delayed one day this week. For example, Monday’s collection will occur on Tuesday.
• 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, Jan. 2

• 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 Elite Gymnastics and Recreation Center are closed.

Monday, Jan. 15 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)

• 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 open for scheduled recreational activities and programs.
• The Charles County Landfill, all Recycling Centers, and the Piney Church Road Mulch Facility are closed.

• Curbside recycling will be delayed one day, for the remainder of the week.
• VanGO last departures from the Waldorf transfer point will be at 6 p.m. on the 301 Connector, Berry Road, Brandywine Connector, Pinefield, Indian Head, St. Charles A, St. Charles B, St. Charles C.  Last departures from the Waldorf transfer point will be at 5:30 p.m. on the Business A, Business B, Charlotte Hall.  Last departure from the Waldorf transfer point will be at 6:30 p.m. for St. Charles D.  Last departures from the La Plata transfer point will be at 6:30 p.m. on the 301 Connector.  Last departures from the La Plata transfer point will be at 5:30 for Bryans Road, La Plata and Nanjemoy.  Last departure from the La Plata transfer point for Newburg will be at 4:30 p.m.

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.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Library and the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County are excited to announce the upcoming ribbon cutting ceremony for the Mobile Library.

Community members are welcome to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Leonardtown Library & Garvey Senior Activity Center, located at 23630 Hayden Farm Ln in Leonardtown, to celebrate this new resource for our community.

"We have been anxiously awaiting the delivery of our new mobile library, and hope the community is as excited as we are to officially get it out on the road,” said Commissioner President, James Randy Guy. “The mobile library will serve as a gateway to knowledge and services that will meet our residents where they are!”

“We are grateful to the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Maryland State Library, the State of Maryland, many generous donors, and of course St. Mary’s County government for funding the mobile library and its staff,” said Michael Blackwell, St. Mary’s County Library Director. “We are excited to extend great library services to meet people where there is need.”

RSVPs are appreciated by January 5, 2024, to ensure we have enough seating, handouts, and refreshments available for attendees. RSVPs and inquiries may be directed the Public Information Office via email to pio@stmaryscountymd.gov or by phone at (301) 475-4200 ext. 1340.

For more information about the St. Mary’s County Library, please visit: www.stmalib.org.

The Transportation Division announces that VanGO will be replacing its current app with TripShot, starting Jan. 2. The app features a powerful suite of tools including live bus tracking, real-time schedule updates, and custom notifications. The app also features trip planning and other capabilities.

TripShot is available on smartphones, as well as on the computer. To access online, visit www.go-Vango.com, select your desired routes, and choose a stop nearest you to view estimated time of arrival. The current app, DoubleMap, will no longer be used or maintained as of Jan. 2.

To access the app on your smartphone, search “TripShot” on your app store, and download it for free. Once downloaded, Type “VanGo” in the system selection tab. From the main screen you can plan your trip, view nearby stops, and add specific routes to your favorites tab. You can also set up custom notifications for your route from the trip planner screen.

Call the Transportation Division at 301-645-0642 for more information. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (December 18, 2023) — During a special meeting today of the Board of Public Works (BPW), Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman voted to approve a long-term lease extension for the Baltimore Orioles to remain at Camden Yards. The 30-year deal is an extension of the original lease agreement from 1992, when the stadium opened.  

In her remarks during a press conference at Camden Yards, Comptroller Lierman emphasized the importance of rigorous oversight to ensure accountability, continuous review, and options for recourse for the State to ensure best value for Maryland taxpayers, and that the Orioles maintain the stadium to standards Marylanders would expect. 

“State assets and resources must always be used in ways that maximize the benefit to Maryland taxpayers,” Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman said. “This new lease between the Orioles and the State ensures the Stadium Authority and the Board of Public Works will continue to have rigorous oversight on how State tax dollars are spent – and recourse if needed – while also prompting the Orioles to make their share of investments over the next 30 years. The certainty that comes from knowing fans will be able to enjoy Orioles baseball for decades to come will help bolster the confidence of local businesses and attract new investment to Downtown Baltimore which will help spur continued economic growth.” 

Under the agreement, funds spent on maintenance and upkeep of Camden Yards must be reported to the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) and Board of Public Works, to ensure accountability, as well as compliance with MBE goals.  

The agreement also provides time for feasibility studies and governmental approvals to create a development plan for areas around the ballpark, as well as additional time for development of a ground lease agreement and Master Development plan. If the ground lease agreement and a Master Development Plan are not approved in 2027, there are several options for moving forward, including the Orioles entering a new Facility Use Agreement with a 30-year term. 

Monday’s meeting of the BPW was the first outside of Annapolis in several decades, and the first special meeting for BPW since 2008. 

The lease was also approved Monday morning with a vote by the Maryland Stadium Authority.  

Here is Comptroller Lierman’s statement at today's meeting:  

“I am pleased to join my fellow members of the Board of Public Works – Governor Moore, and Treasurer Davis, as well as Lt. Governor Miller, Speaker Jones, Senate President Ferguson, Mayor Scott, and Chairman Thompson, here at Camden Yards.   

“This is an important occasion, highlighted by the fact this is the first time BPW has met outside of Annapolis in decades – and the first special meeting for the Board in 15 years.    

“Since opening on April 6, 1992 – a game that I attended with my father – Camden Yards has been the site of more than 30 years of Orioles Magic: including this year’s fantastic season.    

“I’m sure you all know that I am devoted O’s fan. My family and I bike ride or walk or take the bus to games from our home in Fell’s Point. There is no way I’d rather spend a summer night than at the ballpark, having a beer and peanuts and watching the Orioles win while wearing an Orioles cap.   

“But throughout these negotiations, I wore a different hat and took a different stance. I may love our players, but the negotiation was not with them – it was with an owner. And I am here not to be a rubber stamp for John Angelos or Governor Moore – but to bring my own keen sense of what is good for our state, for taxpayers, and for Baltimore.    

“As an independently-elected statewide official, and I consider myself an advocate for Marylanders when I review contracts coming to the Board of Public Works.    

“I am responsible for helping to ensure that every contract the state enters into and every investment made with state dollars is in the best interest of our state, our businesses, and our taxpayers. I’m looking for best value and transparency.   

“This initial 15-year deal is an extension of the original lease terms the Orioles signed with the state three decades ago, but the Orioles can elect to convert the lease to a new Facilities Use Agreement as well, and that agreement represents a new model for our stadiums.    

“Therefore, I brought very strong thoughts when reviewing those terms. I appreciate that the Governor’s team met with me several times and I was able to present them with my non-negotiables on the FUA, and later, on the development clauses as well.   

“After ensuring the MSA employees could continue in their roles, I focused on three items:    

• Rigorous oversight to ensure accountability.
• Continuous transparent review, including of Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) requirements.
• Recourse if the Orioles did not maintain the stadium at the standards Marylanders would expect.  

“First, I was looking for rigorous oversight. Only through ensuring that every public dollar that goes into this stadium must be reported to the Maryland Stadium Authority and the Board of Public Works – and hence to the public – can we ensure accountability.   

“Maryland taxpayers deserve to understand how their money is being spent and to know that an essential state asset like Camden Yards cannot bought and sold in back rooms.    

“The Facilities Use Agreement preserves the well-established role of the Board of Public Works to provide oversight of a valuable State asset, and it clearly articulates how taxpayer money can be spent in the maintenance, upkeep, and further development of the Camden Yards complex – while also prompting the Orioles to make their share of investments over the next 30 years.    

“Although we meet and review items of a certain value every other week on the BPW, many more items – at lower dollar amounts – are reported to us through so-called PAAR Reports. Those reports are publicly available on the BPW website as well.   

“When I was reviewing the facilities use agreement, therefore, in addition to ensuring that the $600m in bond funds would come through the BPW, I also wanted to ensure that the small funds would be publicly reported – to ensure that upkeep was happening and to monitor compliance with MBE goals.  

“That requirement for review is found in this agreement.  

“Finally, this deal will last potentially for decades. Unless I pull a Louis – doubtful – this deal with well outlive my time in public office. It may also outlast the current ownership of the Orioles. Therefore, it is essential to me that if things go awry, that MSA has the ability to step in and seek recourse to maintain this state jewel, our Oriole Park at Camden Yards.    

‘This deal ensures that is possible.   

“I was not a signatory to the MOU that was developed. And while I appreciate the work of the Stadium Authority and the Orioles to sign it, it does not and did not bind me or my vote in any way.   

“The Orioles and their partners need to make their case to me that they should be entrusted to develop the land around the stadium. This agreement allows them a process to make that case – but makes no guarantees.     

“Lastly, I want to talk about what this deal means to our city and our state. Camden Yards is an essential feature of Downtown Baltimore – a landmark that serves as an anchor for our city, state, and regional economy.     

“Orioles homestands, concerts, and other events generate millions of dollars every year for the state – as well as the restaurants, hotels, and other businesses in Downtown Baltimore.    

“A recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Baltimore City had the fourth largest economy in Maryland in 2022, and among jurisdictions with at least $50 billion in gross domestic product – Baltimore was among top ten cities with the highest growth in the nation.    

“Finalizing this new lease builds on that momentum, and solidifies Baltimore’s position as a destination for arts, entertainment, and sports.     

“The certainty that comes from knowing fans will be able to enjoy Orioles baseball for the next three decades will help bolster the confidence of local businesses and attract new investment to Downtown Baltimore which will help spur continued economic growth.   

“Thank you again to the Governor, Senate President, Speaker, Treasurer and MSA Board members for their partnership and patience – sometimes they may have thought it took me a few hours too long to review agreements or ideas... but I needed to go through my own process to understand what we were doing and why.     

“Nelson Mandela once said that “sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.”    

“It’s hard to replicate the feeling of pride and unity I feel when Orioles fans from across the state come together at Camden Yards to cheer on their team in the postseason. Some buy expensive box seats; others get the $8 youth seats in the bleachers; some choose to get soaked – some find seats to stay dry.     

“I look forward to more 100-plus game wins in the seasons to come and to taking my kids and grandkids to cheer on the Orioles in Baltimore for many years to come.”   

... 

Here are Comptroller Lierman’s transcribed comments:  

“Thank you, Chairman Thompson, for being here. And first and foremost a huge thanks to you and your team for your leadership. I also want to thank the Attorney General and his team, including your Deputy for answering questions, and of course to the Governor, to Fagan, to Andy, to the whole team for being there to answer questions and take feedback.  

“As everyone has emphasized today, it took many months to finalize this deal, terms that keep the Orioles in Baltimore while providing the best value for taxpayers. My focus throughout this process was really ensuring that this was a good deal for the state, for taxpayers and for Baltimore City residents, and that the Orioles would be held accountable for their part in this new arrangement.  

“For potentially 30 years plus in duration, unless I outlast Louie Goldstein, highly unlikely, this agreement will outlast me. So, I feel a keen sense of duty, to both current and future Maryland residents.  

“So, just a couple of questions, because it's important for people to understand as we go through this.  

“We passed HB896 several years ago, I was still in the General assembly. And that is of course, that is the bond funding, the 600 million dollars in bond funding that is available. You briefly touched on the fact that we, the Maryland Stadium Authority, and the Board of Public Works, will retain oversight. Can you elaborate on that a little bit?”  

Response by MSA 

“And in the facilities use agreement, as you mentioned, we create three new funds, so if the Orioles elect to move into the facilities use agreement those three funds, also Exhibit 10, details the procurement process that the team must follow, including reporting MBE subcontracting requirements. And then section 907 actually confirms that bond funded projects follow that annual procurement process.”  

Response by MSA 

“And then at 1801, under the facilities use agreement, that relates to transfer of ownership of the team. And just to be clear if the team was sold, all of these obligations transfer to the new owner, correct? So, we’re safeguarding ourselves.

“So, beyond the control of operations and maintenance, many of the core elements of the Ravens lease are also reflected in the Orioles facilities use agreement, paying to maintain the stadium, correct?” 

Response by MSA 

“And you said it once, but it bears repeating that this lease does not jump the gun on development rights, could you explain again how section 4 of the lease applies, and the roles are of the Board of Public Works and the Legislative Policy Committee?” 

Response by MSA 

“And finally, recourse is important, if we go up the facilities use agreement, because we’re not maintaining it, the Orioles are, and the team does not keep the stadium in a state of good repair, there are remedies that are available to the state under this agreement, can you make sure folks understand that we are taking care of this asset?”

Response by MSA 

“This facilities use agreement, should the Orioles adopt it, one we have rigorous oversight, two ongoing in-depth review and three, recourse if things do not go as we want them to. Would you agree with that assessment?  
 
“This was a challenging process, to use a technical term it was a slog, but I’m really pleased with the end result, its solid and I would not be voting yes if it were not. I really appreciate the willingness of the MSA, the Governor and the Orioles, and you, Chairman Thompson, to address my concerns and some of my non-negotiables during this process. I really appreciate some of the discussions we’ve had over the last few months. I think the lease agreement we’re approving today is the culmination of that collaboration, and I’m confident that it’s a good deal for Marylanders. And I know our neighbors next door, the Ravens, are also excited and I’m sure interested in being a part of the collaboration moving forward as well, and any future development plans that I’m sure will be subject to a similarly extensive, thoughtful, and methodical process. I intent to bring a keen eye to them, both as an advocate for the taxpayers of Maryland and as a Baltimore City resident.  

“I may be a big Orioles fan, but today, I am voting, not as a fan of the team, but as an independently elected advocate for the people of Maryland, bringing rigorous scrutiny and healthy skepticism to agreements presented to me for review. I am so proud of the work that my staff and I have put into this agreement, I so appreciate the Governor, his team, the MSA, that you were willing to work with us and Treasurer Davis, Senate President Ferguson, and Speaker Jones.  

“And I know that the certainty of a lease that will last decades will be a homerun for Baltimore and this team.”  

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – Dec. 18, 2023 – Calvert County residents have a unique opportunity to shape their county government services by participating in the latest community survey. This survey continues the county’s commitment to understanding residents’ priorities and concerns regarding county services and overall quality of life.

The current survey, available at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/Survey, asks residents to rate their experience with different aspects of life in Calvert County.

Residents who have participated in previous surveys are strongly encouraged to respond again. The latest survey includes a section with new questions that reflect our evolving priorities and initiatives. Continuous feedback is invaluable in helping county officials and staff to identify and address community concerns, strengths and areas needing improvement.

These responses have been instrumental in guiding county officials and staff to enhance existing services and develop new programs. Since launching the first survey, county staff have made strides in enhancing services, particularly in areas that scored lower in previous surveys:

·         Permit Process: To improve the permitting process, the county has launched an online portal for greater convenience and efficiency. The new portal has decreased the average time to review permits from 62 days to less than 26 days.

·         Public Transportation: Staff has updated transportation route maps and conducted education and outreach, including a transportation survey, to better meet community needs.

Survey responses are confidential and anonymous; however, a respondent may choose to share their email address if they wish to receive updates about future surveys. The survey will not collect an individual’s name, address or any other identifying information.

Calvert County Government conducted its first community survey from January to June 2023, which saw more than 1,000 responses, and its second from August to October 2023, with more than 600 responses. Full reports are available at www.calvertcountymd.gov/SurveyResults.

Speak Up Calvert: In November, Calvert County launched a new community engagement platform, called Speak Up Calvert, as an additional outlet 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. 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 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.

Student in possession of vape, Taser, and pepper spray at Thomas Stone High School: On December 18 at 9:50 a.m., students were observed vaping in a school bathroom at Thomas Stone High School. Administrators found a small group of students in possession of a vape. One of the students also had a Taser and pepper spray. The contraband was recovered by the school resource officer. The students face charges as well as disciplinary consequences from the Charles County Public Schools. The students were released to a parent. Anyone with information is asked to call PFC Payne at 301-609-3282 ext. 0452. The investigation is ongoing.

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – Dec. 18, 2023 – The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is proud to announce that Calvert County has once again been awarded a AAA bond rating with stable outlooks from three independent credit rating agencies. This marks the seventh consecutive time that the county has achieved this prestigious rating, reflecting its sound fiscal management and economic resilience.

The three ratings were assigned by Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Investor Services and Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Global Ratings to Calvert County’s 2023 general obligation bonds totaling $69.27 million and are reaffirmed for the county’s outstanding debt.

“We are deeply committed to maintaining the highest standards of fiscal responsibility,” said BOCC President Earl F. “Buddy” Hance. “This top rating is a testament to our prudent financial practices and our dedication to ensuring the long-term economic health of Calvert County. It is a clear indicator of the trust and confidence that the financial community has in our county.”

The AAA rating is the highest possible and signifies the county’s strong capacity to meet its financial commitments. It is a key factor in enabling the county to borrow funds at the most favorable rates, ultimately saving taxpayers money and allowing for the continued provision of high-quality public services.

The AAA bond rating reflects Calvert County’s robust financial position, characterized by strong budgetary performance, healthy financial reserves and a well-managed debt profile. It also acknowledges the county's comprehensive fiscal policies and practices, which have been key to its financial stability.

Fitch Ratings assigned its AAA credit rating based on “the county's low long-term liability burden, very healthy reserve levels, superior budgetary flexibility and prudent budget management.” The agency noted these attributes combine to establish resilience to potential economic downturns.

Moody’s Investors Service assigned a “Aaa” rating, citing the county’s credit strengths, including a diverse economic base, which includes two large utility enterprises, Constellation Energy's Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant and BHE GT&E Cove Point Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Facility, and historically strong financial performance. The agency stated that the outlook also reflects the “expectation that the county's finances will remain healthy due to management's conservative budgeting practices. Further, the local economy will continue to diversify, supporting maintenance of strong wealth indices and revenue streams.”

In its rationale for Calvert County’s AAA rating, S&P Global Ratings noted the county’s expanding economy, conservative financial management, track record of recurring surpluses and manageable debt profile. “The county's conservative budgeting practices and well-embedded fiscal policies have allowed Calvert to maintain strong budgetary performance and very strong flexibility through various fiscal cycles,” S&P stated.

“Our fiscal health comes through good planning, the dedication of our employees, and the support of our citizens,” said County Administrator Mark Willis. “It takes a great deal of hard work, good planning and unwavering commitment to excellence to uphold our AAA status. This is a proud moment for the county, for county government staff and for Calvert County citizens.”

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 – In observance of the upcoming holidays, all St. Mary's County Government (SMCG) administrative offices will be closed on Monday, December 25, 2023; Tuesday, December 26, 2023; and Monday, January 1, 2024. Program/location specific hours and exclusions are outlined below. 

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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.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) today praised the confirmation of former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley to serve as the next Social Security Commissioner. The bipartisan vote Monday was 50-11.

“Martin O’Malley’s extensive career in public service – including as Mayor of Baltimore and Governor of Maryland -- has been underscored by transparency, accountability and progress. He will bring these same values to the Social Security Administration,” said Senator Cardin. “Social Security is a critical insurance policy that tens of millions of working Americans pay into every year so that benefits can be there when they are older, disabled or leave young children after death. Martin is a dedicated public servant who understands what Social Security means to our seniors, disability and survivor beneficiaries, and I am proud to support his confirmation as Social Security Commissioner.” 

“Martin O’Malley understands the importance of Social Security to millions of Americans – including our seniors and those with disabilities. That’s why I was proud to support his confirmation today to lead the Social Security Administration. As the former chief executive of our state, I know he is committed to serving the American people and that he will be a great team leader for the public servants who power this Maryland-based agency. I’m confident in his commitment to protecting this vital earned benefit and delivering critical service for those who count on it,” said Senator Van Hollen.

The Social Security Administration (SSA), headquartered in Woodlawn, Md., near Baltimore, administers the Social Security programs (retirement and disability) and the Supplemental Security Income program (SSI, income support for low-income individuals who have not worked enough to qualify for Social Security). 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.

The SSA also, E-Verify, Medicaid, and Federal Benefits for Veterans, as well as programs associated with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, Coal Industry Retiree Health Benefit Act, and Help America Vote Act. Altogether, SSA pays benefits to roughly 70 million people annually.

FORMER MARYLAND GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY

Martin O’Malley is a lifelong public servant, who served as Governor of Maryland from 2007 to 2015, following two terms as Mayor of the City of Baltimore. Prior to being elected Mayor, O’Malley served as a member of the Baltimore City Council from 1991-1999 and previously served as an Assistant States Attorney for the City of Baltimore.

A pioneer of using performance-management and customer service technologies in government, O’Malley has written extensively about how to govern for better results in the Information Age by measuring the outputs of government on a real-time basis.

Martin O’Malley earned a B.A. from Catholic University and a J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law. Since 2016, he has lectured on public administration at numerous universities and institutions, including the University of Maryland, Harvard University, Georgetown University, and Boston College School of Law.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Service awarded Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants to 52 volunteer fire departments across the state to enhance wildland fire protection in rural communities.

For 2023, the Maryland Forest Service awarded grant funds totaling $149,325 in match funding for $390,502 in total project costs. Generally the grants cover 50 percent of project cost, with a maximum grant award of $3,500 per department. The grants include federal funding provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

Wildland firefighting projects and purchases that receive awards include personal protective equipment, fire hoses and related equipment, power tools such as chainsaws or leaf blowers, fire engines and pumping units, utility and all-terrain vehicles, and certain types of training. 

2023 VFA grant recipients by county, along with the grant amount and total project cost in parentheses, are:

Allegany County

Baltimore Pike Volunteer Fire Company
$2,131 
($4,261)

Borden Shaft Volunteer Fire Company No. 1
$2,805 
($5,610)

Bowman’s Addition Volunteer Fire Company
$3,125 
($6,250)

Ellerslie Volunteer Fire Company
$3,500 
($28,000)

Flintstone Volunteer Fire Company
$3,300 
($6,600)

Good Will Volunteer Fire Company
$3,140 
($6,279.80) 

LaVale Volunteer Fire Department
$2,405 
($4,810)

Mt. Savage Volunteer Fire Company
$3,500 
($7,000)

Oldtown Volunteer Fire Department
$3,000
($6,000) 

Potomac Fire Company No. 2
$2,348 
($4,695)

Rawlings Volunteer Fire Department
$3,500 
($8,000) 

Baltimore County

English Consul Volunteer Firemen’s Association
$1,694 
($3,388) 

Essex Volunteer Fire Company
$2,040
($4,080)

Jacksonville Volunteer Fire Company
$2,319 
($4,637.91) 

Maryland Line Volunteer Fire Company
$2,426
($4,851.80) 

North Point-Edgemere Volunteer Fire Department
$3,500 
($7,000) 

Calvert County
Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department
$2,933 
($5,865.38)

Caroline County

Goldsboro Volunteer Fire Company
$3,500 
($7,168.19) 

Greensboro Volunteer Fire Company
$3,300 
($6,600) 

Carroll County

Lineboro Volunteer Fire Department
Carroll County
$2,982 
($5,964.48)

Manchester Volunteer Fire Engine and Hook and Ladder Company No. 1
$3,500 
($18,885) 

Reese and Community Volunteer Fire Company
$3,500 
($7,000) 

Winfield Community Volunteer Fire Department
$2,440 
($4,880) 

Cecil County

Community Fire Company of Rising Sun
$2,250 
($4,500) 

Charles County

Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services
$3,500 
($38,229.94) 

Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department
$1,410
($2,819) 

Tenth District Volunteer Fire Department
$3,500 
($7,000) 

Dorchester County

East New Market Volunteer Fire Department
$2,982 
(5,963.41)

Eldorado-Brookview Volunteer Fire Department
$3,134 
($6,267.47) 

Neck District Volunteer Fire Company
$3,150 
($6,300)

Vienna Volunteer Fire Company
$3,500 
($7,400)

Frederick County

Walkersville Volunteer Rescue Company
$3,500 
($7,000) 

Garrett County

Bittinger Volunteer Fire Department
$3,500 
($7,000) 

Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Company
$3,443 
($6,885)

Eastern Garrett Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department
$3,500 
($7,300)

Kitzmiller Volunteer Fire Department
$3,083 
($6,165.88)

Harford County

Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company
$2,250 
($4,500) 

St. Mary’s County

Ridge Volunteer Fire Department
$3,493 
($6,985) 

Somerset County

Marion Fire Department
$3,500 
($7,000)

Mt. Vernon Volunteer Fire Company
$1,688 
($3,375)

Talbot County

Queen Anne Hillsboro Volunteer Fire Company
$520 
($1,039)

Tilghman Volunteer Fire Company
$3,500 
($9,869)

Washington County

Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Company
$2,872 
($5,743.20)

First Hose Company of Boonsboro
$3,250 
($6,500)

Hancock Fire Company
$3,500 
($8,000)

Leitersburg Volunteer Fire Company
$2,820 
($5,639.85)

Maugansville Goodwill Volunteer Fire Company
$1,420 
($2,840)

Mt. Aetna Volunteer Fire Department
$3,275 
($6,549) 

Potomac Valley Fire Company
$1,888 
($3,775)

Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Company
$3,194 
($6,387) 

Wicomico County

Powellville Volunteer Fire Company
$3,500
($29,000) 

Worcester County

Stockton Volunteer Fire Company
$1,322 
($2,643)

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The St. Mary’s County Commission on the Environment (CoE) is seeking nominations for the 2023 Sustainability Awards, which recognize St. Mary’s County organizations and residents for outstanding efforts to improve our local environment.

Community members are encouraged to submit nominations for students or schools, restaurants, businesses, non-profits, farms or agricultural organizations, and even individuals or a household that has demonstrated environmental stewardship, resource conservation, innovative or best practices and/or pollution prevention. Nominees for the 2023 calendar year should demonstrate an impressive commitment to improving local environmental impacts. The 2022 Sustainability Award Winners were Southern Maryland Sierra Club and the Environmental Division of the Department of Public Works at Naval Air Station Patuxent River.

Nomination forms are due by 5:00 p.m. on February 28, 2024. Nominations and requests for more information on the awards should be emailed to CoEStMarys@gmail.com. 

For more information on the Commission on the Environment, please visit stmaryscountymd.gov/coe. 

The Department of Public Works Environmental Resources Division announces free Christmas tree drop-off locations will be available beginning Tuesday, Dec. 26 through Sunday, Jan. 7. Trees must be free of ornaments, tinsel, lighting, and plastic bags. Collected Christmas trees will be shredded into mulch. A list of drop-off locations and hours are listed below.

24 Hour Drop-off Sites for Christmas Tree Recycling: signs will be posted

• Breeze Farm Recycling Center, 15950 Cobb Island Rd, Cobb Island
• Calvary Gospel Church, 11150 Berry Road, Waldorf

•     Charles County Courthouse, Talbot Street, La Plata

• Gilbert Run Recycling Center, 13140 Charles Street, Charlotte Hall
• Pinefield Park, Pinefield Road, Waldorf
• Piney Church Yard Road Mulch Facility, 5370 Piney Church Road, Waldorf
• Route 5 Park N’ Ride, Mattawoman-Beantown Rd, Waldorf
• Radio Station Road, Radio Station Road, La Plata (across from Laurel Springs Park in La Plata)
• Ruth B. Swann Memorial Park, 3100 Ruth B Swann Drive, Bryans Road
• St. Nicholas Drive, Waldorf (Off Smallwood Drive)

Facility Locations With Limited Hours for Christmas Tree Recycling:

• Billingsly Road Recycling Center (12305 Billingsley Road, Waldorf): Monday through Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Pisgah Recycling Center (6645 Mason Springs Road, La Plata): Monday through Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For a map that links to the drop-off site click here.

For more information, call the Department of Public Works, Environmental Resources Division, 301-932-3599 or 301-870-2778. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.

Fugitive Warrant Unit seeking suspect in connection with violating probation: The Charles County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Warrant Unit and the U.S. Marshals Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force are requesting assistance with locating Robert Paxton Eakins, age 28. Eakins is wanted for violating his probation relating to an armed robbery. Eakins is 6’2”, 160 lbs., and has brown hair and brown eyes. He has ties to Prince George’s County, MD. Anyone with information about Eakins’ whereabouts should contact PFC Rickard at 301-609-3282 ext. 0660. 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. Charles County Crime Solvers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for the tip that leads to the arrest of Eakins. 

Fugitive Warrant Unit seeking whereabouts of suspect wanted in connection with multiple crimes: The Charles County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Warrant Unit and the U.S. Marshals Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force are requesting assistance with locating Brandon Gerald Jernigan, age 38, of Jackson, Mississippi, who has a warrant on file charging him with armed robbery, first-degree assault, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, handgun violations, and other related charges. Jernigan is 5’7”, weighs about 160 lbs., and has black hair and brown eyes. He has ties to Jackson, Mississippi; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Baltimore City; Prince George’s County and Charles County Maryland. Anyone with information about Jernigan’s whereabouts should contact PFC Rickard at 301-609-3282 ext. 0660.  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. Charles County Crime Solvers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for the tip that leads to the arrest of Jernigan.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on Senate passage of the Conference Report for the National Defense Authorization Act of 2024 (NDAA), which was approved Wednesday evening by an overwhelming bipartisan 87-13 vote.

“The U.S. Senate has passed the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a vote of 87 to 13 to defend the United States, support our military, and deter our adversaries. We live in challenging times and we face unprecedented threats from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and terrorists who wish to do us harm. Our military is strong due to our brave all-volunteer force, and I applaud the much needed 5.2% pay raise – the largest pay raise in 22 years.

“The NDAA continues to modernize our force in all domains from air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace. By harnessing the power of America’s science and technology, the NDAA will invest in disruptive technologies like hypersonic weapons, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing while continuing to modernize our ships, aircraft, and ground combat vehicles.

“After many years in public service, I am glad to see that Congress can still come together on a bipartisan basis to support our brave troops and their families and strengthen our national security. By working together, we are providing a pay increase for our service members, reducing childcare expenses, and making tangible improvements to housing for them and their families to ease the burden of service,” said Senator Cardin.

“We are reinforcing our commitments to NATO, Israel, Ukraine, and our other allies and partners and leading in the fight against global corruption. The NDAA includes my bill, the Combatting Global Corruption Act, which will advance meaningful reform in tackling corruption. The NDAA will also enable the security partnership with Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, known as AUKUS, by authorizing the sale of up to three Virginia-class submarines to Australia and streamlining the sharing of advanced technologies. These investments in new technologies hit close to home for Maryland as well, which has approximately 100,000 active-duty, reserve and National Guard service members, and supports nearly 375,000 jobs across 15 military installations.

In addition to taking care of our service members, this year’s NDAA strengthens conservation protections at Greenbury Point. Preserving Greenbury Point balances the needs of the Navy with the needs of the community,” said Senator Cardin. “Its proximity to the Chesapeake Bay makes it an important place for outdoor recreation and conservation in the region. Ensuring public access and preventing further development will allow Greenbury Point to continue to be a model of coastal stewardship for the Chesapeake Bay.

“I hope our colleagues in the House will pass the NDAA tomorrow and then President Biden will sign it into law quickly,” Senator Cardin added.

Among the provisions specific to Maryland servicemembers and their families, the NDAA:

• Authorizes $61 million for a Navy Cybersecurity Operations Facility at Ft. Meade;
• Authorizes $62 million for an aircraft development and maintenance facility at Naval Air Station Patuxent River;
• Authorizes $141 million for military construction for the Naval Air Station Patuxent River;
• Authorizes $101 million for medical center construction at Bethesda Naval Hospital;
• Authorizes $38 million for a hydrant fueling system on Joint Base Andrews;
• Authorizes $13 million for a Child Development Center on Joint Base Andrews;
• Authorizes $885 million for joint military construction on Ft. Meade;
• Directs the Navy to preserve public access to Greenbury Point Conservation Area, except for temporary restrictions to protect public safety such as live fire exercises;
• Authorizes a 5.2% pay raise for both military service members and DoD civilians, the largest pay raise in 22 years;
• Extends military recruitment and retention bonuses and special pay authorities;
• Authorizes the Department of Defense to reduce out of pocket childcare expenses for military families;
• Increases the monthly family separation allowance for deployed servicemembers.

The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) hosted the Maryland Department of Health Deputy Secretary of Public Health Services, Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman, on Monday, December 11, 2023. 

“Our local health department team welcomed Deputy Secretary Kalyanaraman and highlighted our county’s efforts to advance health and wellness,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “Collaboration between local and state health departments helps to coordinate resources and make our public health system more responsive to the needs of our community members.”   

The visit featured a meet and greet with SMCHD team members and tours of both the St. Mary’s County Health Hub and the Spring Ridge Middle School-Based Health Center. The Health Hub offers a wide range of services, including behavioral health screening, crisis counseling, a jail diversion program for substance use treatment and recovery, financial literacy education, and primary care medical services. The School-Based Health Centers - located at Spring Ridge Middle School and Margaret Brent Middle School - offer routine and urgent medical care, rapid testing and treatment for colds and chronic illnesses, sports physicals, and treatment of minor injuries for SMCPS students and employees during school hours and for all community members after school dismissal.

“It was wonderful to visit with the St. Mary’s County Health Department team,” said Dr. Kalyanaraman, Maryland Deputy Secretary of Public Health Services. “Local resources like St. Mary’s County Health Hub and the School-Based Health Centers are critical to improving health care access and positive outcomes for Marylanders.”

To learn more about the St. Mary’s County Health Hub, visit hub.smchd.org.

To learn more about the School-Based Health Centers, visit smchd.org/sbhc.

Stephen Pereira, the director of Technology Services and chief information officer (CIO) for Calvert County Government, has been recognized as a County Information Technology (IT) Executive of the Year by Scoop News Group. This recognition is part of the LocalSmart Awards, which celebrate outstanding individuals and projects in city, county and municipal government.

Since his appointment in 2022, Pereira has led technology operations throughout Calvert County. Under his guidance, the county has seen advancements in technology infrastructure and digital services, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations. Earlier this year, Calvert County was ranked as the No. 1 Digital County in the nation among counties with populations up to 150,000 by the Center for Digital Government (CDG) and the National Association of Counties. Calvert County was also recognized with the CDG’s Government Experience Project Award for the creation of the Encompass Land Management Portal.

"I am deeply honored to receive the County IT Executive of the Year award, but this recognition truly belongs to the entire Technology Services team and our colleagues across Calvert County government,” said Pereira. “Their dedication, talent and collaborative spirit are the driving forces behind our technological advancements. It's their hard work and innovative thinking that enable us to deliver effective and efficient services to our community. This award reflects our shared commitment to excellence and the strong teamwork that is the cornerstone of our success."

Before being appointed director, Pereira served as the deputy director of Technology Services for Calvert County. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing technology budgets and contracts, records management and the development of new IT policies, standards and training programs.

The LocalSmart Awards by Scoop News Group highlight people and projects that significantly contribute to improving government operations at the city, county and municipal levels.

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.

On Wednesday, December 13, 2023, Detectives from the Vice/Narcotics Unit, with support from the Criminal Intelligence Unit, Special Operations Division, and Patrol Division of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, executed search warrants on a residence in the 21600 block of Great Mills Road in Lexington Park. During the search, narcotics suspected to be cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and psilocybin were recovered along with a scale and packaging materials. A loaded weapon was also recovered in the residence.

The resident of the apartment, Daven A. Williams, 38, was apprehended without incident a short time later at a nearby business and charged with multiple counts of Possession: CDS - Not Cannabis, Possession with Intent to Distribute, and Possession of a Firearm in Relation to Drug Trafficking Crimes.

Mr. Williams is in custody at the St. Mary’s County Adult Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) today formally introduced Nicole Berner, President Joe Biden’s nominee for a Maryland seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, to the Senate Judiciary Committee at her confirmation hearing. Ms. Berner has been nominated to fill the vacancy created when Judge Diana Gribbon Motz took senior status in September 2022.

“Nicole Berner has been fighting for civil rights and worker rights throughout her career and breaking glass ceilings along the way. Her vast experience and diverse perspective will be of great benefit to the Fourth Circuit – and Marylanders. She has excelled in a broad range of legal practice at the state and federal levels, and I was pleased to recommend Nicole Berner’s nomination to the White House, along with Senator Van Hollen,’” said Senator Cardin. “Public service is a sacrifice not just for the nominee, but for her family, so I also would like to thank Nicole’s wife and family for agreeing to share Nicole with the American people, given her commitment to public service.” 

“Today, Nicole Berner clearly demonstrated her extensive qualifications and commitment to the rule of law. Drawing on her vast experience that has ranged from providing legal representation for working families and underrepresented communities to working as a litigator advancing civil rights, it’s clear that she is up to the task of serving the American people on the Fourth Circuit. I urge my colleagues on the Committee to quickly advance her nomination to the full Senate,” said Senator Van Hollen.

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.

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) today released new student performance data for the Maryland Report Card. The state report card features information about school accountability measures including student performance, academic growth, school quality, student attendance and school climate. Data included is from the 2022-2023 school year. The Report Card is an overview of student performance across Maryland, and includes performance results statewide, by county and by school. Every Maryland public school receives an overall percentage score measuring its performance with the state’s accountability system. These scores demonstrate how a school is doing in comparison with others in the same county, as well as others across Maryland. The Report Card includes a star rating for schools featuring a scale of one star to five stars, with schools earning a five or a four among the top overall for performance across Maryland. A school’s star rating is based on its overall percentage assigned through the state accountability system. Data released today for Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) indicates 29 Charles County schools earned three or more stars, with five schools receiving four stars and 25 schools receiving three stars. No CCPS school earned the lowest rating of one star. A breakdown of star ratings across Maryland is posted on the MSDE Report Card website at https://reportcard.msde.maryland.gov/. Individual report cards for CCPS schools will be posted to school websites this week. A general guide to understanding school report cards is posted on the CCPS website here. School star ratings this year include three changes from 2022. New this year is the addition of Grade 8 social studies Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) data in the academic growth measure of middle schools. Additionally, the elementary and middle school academic growth measure and the measure of chronic absenteeism at all school levels returned to pre-pandemic methods of calculation. MSDE reports that more than 75% of schools across Maryland earned a star rating of three or higher, with a noticeable trend in a decrease in the number of schools receiving five stars. Additionally, 363 Maryland schools dropped one star level from last year’s reporting cycle. In a presentation to the Maryland State Board of Education last week, MSDE staff noted that there was a statewide increase in English language arts and math performance among students. Staff also shared, however, that several schools now have a lower star rating because the attendance metrics returned to pre-pandemic review, but attendance across Maryland has not returned to pre-Covid numbers. Superintendent of Schools Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D., said CCPS will continue its work to ensure students are making academic gains, have the necessary resources to learn and be successful, and come to school each day, excited to learn. “The Maryland Report Card outlines areas of improvement for the school system around student performance and academic growth, but also our need to address student attendance. Since the pandemic, CCPS has targeted individualized student needs – both academic and personal – and offered additional support and resources to ensure students are making academic gains. We will continue our efforts to ensure students are coming to school each day, are ready to learn and feel supported to be successful,” Navarro said. CCPS systemwide attendance data has already improved from last school year to now. For the 2022-2023 school year, the attendance average for the first quarter was 86.3%. As of Dec. 12, the systemwide attendance average for the current school year is 90%. The data was pulled from the first day of school through December. Schools earn a star rating based on the percentage of points earned across a series of indicators. For elementary and middle schools, the indicators are academic achievement, academic progress, progress in achieving English language proficiency, and school quality and student success. For high schools, the indicators are academic achievement, graduation rate, progress in achieving English language proficiency, readiness for postsecondary success, and school quality and student success. Some of the efforts in place by CCPS to target academic progress include use of i-Ready assessment data in math and reading to target individualized student instruction and the expansion of summer learning programs. CCPS also continues to provide extended learning opportunities for students throughout the school year such as reading and math interventions and targeted support in the classroom. New this school year for middle school students are math and literacy labs built into the student schedule. These labs provide students with additional teacher support. CCPS middle and high schools also provide extended learning opportunities, tutoring and both grade and credit recovery. To encourage consistent attendance for students, schools have rewards programs for students who attend each day. CCPS also has a leveled parent/family communication plan administrators and staff follow when students begin to accumulate absences. “To be successful, students need to be in school. Regular attendance is vital to a student learning and growing academically, socially and personally. Administrators and teachers will continue to support and educate students on the importance of attending school. We also need parents to continue to partner with us to ensure their child is coming to school each day,” Navarro said. Star ratings were not issued for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years. The U.S. Department of Education granted a one-year waiver to Maryland for the 2021-2022 school year due to the pandemic, which included adjustments to the student progress/growth and chronic absenteeism measures. According to Maryland Interim State Superintendent Carey Wright, Ed.D., the new Report Card includes baseline data for schools across the state. 

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) released the 2023 Report Card data, star ratings for individual schools, and other resource information on December 13, 2023. The School Report Card highlights school performance in a variety of areas, which include Academic Achievement, Academic Progress for elementary and middle schools, School Quality and Student Success, as well as Graduation Rates and College and Career Readiness for high schools.

The 2023 MSDE School Report Card reflects how the school district performed on the Maryland accountability system for the 2022-2023 school year. It is important to note that this data represents a new baseline as there were several changes to the accountability standards for 2022-2023, which include:

• Academic Achievement Indicator for High Schools – Academic achievement in English Language Arts (ELA) and math for high schools will be reported based on the population of students who completed high school in SY 2022-2023.
• The Student Growth Methodology – The student growth measure in ELA and math for elementary and middle school uses Student Growth Percentile (SGP) data.
• Social Studies 8^th Grade Assessment – This is the first year that the Social Studies 8^th grade assessment is included in the Academic Progress Indicator for middle schools.
• Chronic Absenteeism Points Assignment – returned to the pre-pandemic methods of calculation.

There are many factors that impact student growth and achievement. The goal of the MSDE School Report Card is to provide specific accountability information for each school’s performance that is easy to access and understand.

“We commend our teachers, administrators, supervisors, and staff for the preparation of curriculum, the instructional delivery of the curriculum, and the assessment of our students. Information gleaned from areas outlined on the Maryland Report Card assists in determining the next steps in meeting the needs of each of our students,” said Chief Academic Officer Dr. Susan Johnson.

Calvert County Public Schools 2023 Report Card Data Results for the district reflect improvement in many areas. Overall CCPS elementary and middle schools showed improvement in the areas of Academic Achievement and Progress in Achieving English Language Proficiency and overall CCPS high schools showed improvement in graduation rate and Progress in Achieving English Language Proficiency.

CCPS’ percent proficient for all students in both Math and English Language Arts showed gains at all levels from the previous year’s Report Card data.

CCPS’ graduation is almost 10% higher than the current State average of 86.29%. The 2022 four-year graduation rate for CCPS is 95.91%, which reflects an increase of 1.21% over the previous year.

“We are confident that the continuous improvement of our campuses and the social and emotional supports provided by our highly qualified and dedicated educators will positively impact our future accountability data,” shared CCPS Superintendent Dr. Andraé Townsel. “More importantly, by fostering a culture of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making, we are teaching lifelong lessons,” continued Townsel. 

The School Report Card information for Calvert County Public Schools can be viewed at the Maryland Report Card website www.MDReportCard.org. It is important to note that while schools may have made improvements, a school’s overall report card score might have decreased due to the return to pre-pandemic calculations.

CCPS encourages parents and guardians to reach out to their child’s school for a more comprehensive understanding about their child’s academic progress and ways they can support their child’s academic as well as social and emotional growth.

The Maryland Board of Public Works (BPW) today approved more than $448 million for 113 initiatives and projects across Maryland. During the BPW’s last regularly scheduled meeting of 2023, Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman emphasized the need for ongoing maintenance of transit infrastructure in Maryland.  

The BPW voted unanimously to approve a request to extend an existing contract and increase funding for repairs, maintenance, and construction for the Maryland Transit Administration’s (MTA) bus, metro, light rail, freight rail, and MARC facilities across Maryland. 

Comptroller Lierman commended MTA Administrator Holly Arnold and the agency for their efforts to address state of good repair needs via its Capital Needs Inventory, including a nearly 2% reduction in pending repair projects between July 2019 and July 2022. Comptroller Lierman also inquired about current state of good repair projects undertaken by the agency, highlighting the more than $5.1 billion needed simply to maintain our transit assets in a state of good repair, as reported in the Capital Needs Inventory.  

In January, MTA will submit to the Maryland General Assembly an update on capital investments and ongoing needs over the next two decades.  

Comptroller Lierman also sought verification that the Light Rail’s closure was not the result of negligence on repair needs. Director Arnold explained that the shutdown is a result of work to ensure the Light Rail system is maintained in a state of good repair for the life of the vehicles. Comptroller Lierman expressed her support for MTA applying for federal grant dollars to replace the aging light rail vehicles. 

Following the MTA’s explanation of the current light rail shutdown being a result of proactive work to ensure the system maintained a state of good repair for the life of vehicles, Comptroller Lierman expressed her support for MTA applying for federal grant dollars to replace light rail vehicles as needed. 

“Maintaining our capital assets in a state of good repair and doing the necessary work to keep them operable is vital to ensuring passenger safety and providing Marylanders with 21st-century transportation systems that will get them where they want to go,” said Comptroller Lierman after Wednesday’s meeting.“Continued investment in items that matter will pay dividends for Maryland and the strength of its economy in the years to come.” 

During the 2021 legislative session, Comptroller Lierman, then representing District 46 as a state delegate, sponsored the Transit Safety and Investment Act, which mandated an average annual increase of $90 million over six years to address MTA’s backlog of state of good repair needs, such as maintaining light rail and subway tracks.  

A report from MDOT MTA identified $5.1 billion in State of Good Repair needs through 2031, including $1.8 billion in deferred capital maintenance.  

Comptroller Lierman also highlighted the importance of pursuing renewable energy generation in Maryland, in an agenda item from the Department of Natural Resources that will help position Maryland to reach its objectives of 100 percent Renewable Portfolio Standard and a 100 percent Clean Energy Standard by 2040.  

“The work we are approving is ensuring that the state appropriately considers all socioeconomic impacts in our energy infrastructure decisions. This is essential as we move forward with the 2030 GGRA plan, which shows clean and renewable energy provides an increase in jobs, GDP, and personal income,” Comptroller Lierman shared. "This is the kind of study, work, and technical assistance required to make sure we get it right.” 

The most recent state report, Maryland’s Climate Pathway, which will inform the newest state climate plan, shows that Maryland can meet its climate goals while providing economic, social, and environmental benefits to Marylanders. 

Burglary: 23-86099 On December 4, 2023, at 2:45 a.m., Deputy Aurich was in the area of the Sunderland 7-Eleven located on Dalrymple Road and heard the sound of glass breaking coming from the Sunderland Village Center across the street. Deputy Aurich located an abandoned vehicle, a 2016 Kia Soul, that had crashed into the glass panel of the front door to three shared businesses (Consolation Evangelistic Ministries, Liquid Visions Tattoo Gallery, and the gun store PSG Armory). Investigation revealed the abandoned vehicle was reported stolen through Anne Arundel County. The estimated value of the damaged property to the exterior door is $3,000.00. No property was reported to be missing.

Property Destruction: 23-86136 On December 4, 2023, Deputy MacWilliams responded to the intersection of Rt. 4 and White Sands Drive in Lusby, for the report of property destruction. Investigation revealed the signs at the entrance of the White Sand’s neighborhood belonging to Vera’s restaurant had been damaged. The signs along with the electrical panels had been knocked off their posts and damaged. The estimated value of the damaged property is $250.00.

Theft: 23-87206 On December 7, 2023, Deputy R. Jones responded to the 11200 block of Cove Lake Drive in Lusby, for the report of a theft. The complainant advised a pair of Apple AirPods were stolen from an unsecured locker in the men’s locker room at Patuxent High School. The estimated value of stolen property is $150.00.

Theft: 23-86166 On December 4, 2023, DFC Ostazeski responded to the Weis located at 13300 HG Trueman Road in Solomons, for the report of a theft. Investigation revealed an unidentified black female entered the store and stole a large quantity of seafood then proceeded to leave the store without paying for the stolen items. The suspect is described as a black female in her 20s, wearing black pants, a black shower cap, a gray hooded sweatshirt with pink accents, and black and white Nike shoes. The estimated value of stolen property is $267.70.

Theft: 23-87601 On December 9, 2023, DFC Crum responded to Ulta Beauty located at 845 N. Solomons Island Road in Prince Frederick, for the report of a theft. Investigation revealed three suspects entered the store wearing surgical masks. Two of the suspects were observed grabbing multiple fragrance products, placing them into bags, passing all points of sale, and fleeing the parking lot. Witnesses observed the suspect vehicle to be a black Acura SUV traveling at speeds over 100 mph north on Rt. 4. The estimated value of the stolen property is $1000.00 +.

Vandalism: 23-87046 On December 7, 2023, Deputy Tunnell responded to 25 Family Lane in Prince Frederick, for the report of property destruction/vandalism. The complainant advised two of the victim’s busses had broken down as a result of diesel fuel that had been intentionally added to the exhaust fluid in the busses causing significant damage to the fuel lines. A total of ten buses were found to have a contaminated mixture in their fuel tanks. The estimated value of property damage is $54,000.00.

ARRESTS

On December 7, 2023, DFC Plant responded to the Bob Evans located at 65 Main Street in Prince Frederick, for the reported trespassing. Upon arrival, contact was made with Robert Allen Rice, 57 of no fixed address, who was observed to be standing near the front entrance of the establishment. Rice had been previously trespassed indefinitely from the property. Rice was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he was charged with Trespassing: Private Property. 

On Tuesday, Dec. 12, commissioners were briefed on a review of the public comment process piloted between April and November 2023. Carol Desoto, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners, provided a summary of the quantity and types of comments received during the trial period. Staff recommended maintaining the Public Comment period as a regular agenda item on the first and last sessions of each month.

Media staff also made several recommendations, including the return of joint town halls in a bi-annual or annual format, separating commissioner comments from public comments, and making changes to the sign-up format to create more equitable access. Staff also recommended implementing a more equitable and inclusive Code of Conduct and developing a marketing campaign on the various ways the community can connect with commissioners.

Commissioners voted 4-1 to continue with the public comment period for 12 months, based on staff recommendations. Public comments will be held during the first and last sessions of the month, with no commissioner comments immediately following public comments. Additionally, the decision was made to hold individual town hall meetings at a minimum quarterly and to conduct annual or bi-annual joint town hall meetings.

Briefings

• Danielle Mitchell, Assistant Deputy County Attorney, held a briefing on county bill 2023-09, Healthy Meals For Children. The briefing served as a final review of the bill and several amendments made during the Dec. 5 work session. Commissioners also heard from Dr. Dianna Abney, Health Officer, who shared concerns with amendments to the bill related to juice and flavored milk servings. Commissioners agreed to strike the two amendments and bring the bill back on Jan. 9.
• Staff provided a briefing to Commissioners on a request to approve an additional update to the Maryland Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program (MD-PACE) legislation. Staff presented the recommendation by Abacus Property Solutions to remove the provision that required an energy audit that demonstrated power savings over the life of the loan. Staff stated that removal of the provision would give additional flexibility for those interested in using the program. Commissioners introduced the bill and scheduled it for a public hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024 at 6 p.m. "
• Staff held a discussion today on utilizing ARPA funds for a transitional housing project like Southern Crossing.  The County typically distributes funds to Non-Profits through the Charitable Trust.  This program would be specific for capital expenditures for a Transitional Housing project.  There was consensus by the Board to have staff work with the Charitable Trust to identify Non-Profits that have a project that would meet the ARPA requirements.   
• Renesha Miles, Chief Equity Officer, led a quarterly update on efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in county government.
• Deputy County Attorney Elizabeth Theobalds briefed the Commissioners on a request (petition) by residents of the Swan Point community to enter an agreement with the County to establish a project for the repair, reconstruction and improvement to the community’s storm drainage system and for the residents to repay the costs of the project as an annual assessment. The petition will be scheduled for a public hearing on January 23, 2024, at 6 p.m. for the Commissioners to consider the residents’ request.

Approval Items
Commissioners approved:

• A budget transfer request of $170,000 to create a new Benedict Central Sewer Feasibility Study Project. The project will explore feasible options for providing public sewer services to Benedict.
• A budget transfer request of $314,000 to support costs related to renovations on the 3^rd floor of the Centennial Street Building and to support information technology related equipment for the building.
• A change order to County Contract ITB No. 20-35 in the amount of $163,119.68 for additional pipe supports required at the Mattawoman Waste Water Treatment Plant.
• A change in standard operating procedure that increases the authorized amounts for purchase award approvals.
• A letter to the Charles County Legislative Delegation outlining the state of aquatics in Charles County, recommending options for the future, and requesting the Delegation consider investing any current and future state funds in a longer-term solution to meet the aquatic needs of our residents.
• A proposed resolution to temporarily suspend Zoning Ordinance Section 297-30(A) until July 1, 2024. The suspension places a pause on the provision for a 30-day maximum limitation for public events. The suspension was brought in order to allow agrotourism businesses a temporary means to operate while allowing staff time to develop a zoning text amendment related to driveway size requirements.
• A letter to approve Tenant’s request for planned improvements on the Radio Station Road site which is used by the College of Southern Maryland’s for the Center for Transportation Training.  
• A memorandum of understanding laying out a framework agreement for the Southern Maryland Rapid Transit Project.

Recognition

• Commissioners recognized the winners of the Charles County Government Truck Rodeo Awards.

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

Next Commissioners Session: Jan. 9-10, 2024

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

State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that following a four-day jury trial, a St. Mary’s County jury convicted Demetrius Rashud Puifory, 45, of California, Maryland, of second-degree murder and related firearm charges.

On April 28, 2022, at approximately 4:57 p.m., St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the area of the 46700 block of Marshall Boulevard in Lexington Park for reports of shots fired. Upon arrival, deputies located the victim in the grass suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Demetrius Puifory was later identified as the suspect who shot the victim.

The 21-year-old victim was pronounced deceased over a year later on August 8, 2023. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner certified the manner of death as “homicide” and the cause of death as “complications of quadriplegia due to gunshot wound of the neck.”

“The facts surrounding this case are especially heart-wrenching. A young victim’s life has been lost to senseless gun violence at the hands of a convicted felon who was prohibited from the possession of the firearm. I send my sincerest condolences to the victim’s family,” said Sterling. “Our office is committed to prosecuting gun violence cases to the fullest extent possible and to put criminals on notice that these violent acts will not be tolerated in our County.”

The defendant faces a maximum of up to 66 years in prison. He will remain held without bond pending the sentencing hearing.

Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Sarah Proctor 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.

School Resource Officer recovers knife from a student after altercation at Thomas Stone High School: On December 12 at 12:17 p.m., two students at Thomas Stone High School were involved in a verbal altercation. The school resource officer and school staff were able to keep the students separated; however, one student pushed through and ran toward the other student. A third student got involved in the altercation and additional police officers were called to the school. The three involved students were separated and a knife was recovered from one of the students. The students were charged on a juvenile offense report with disruption of school activities. The student with the knife was also charged with a weapons violation. The students were released to their parents and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call PFC Payne at 301-609-3282 ext. 0452.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Commissioners of St. Mary's County (CSMC) welcomed a very special guest to open their business meeting today. Santa stopped by St. Mary’s County to wish our entire community a joyous holiday season!

The CSMC then proceeded with an invocation and the pledge, followed by approval of the consent agenda. The CSMC then held a Public Hearing on the proposed amendment to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff's Office Retirement Plan.

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

• Approved the FY2025 grant submission for the State Aid for Police Protection program.
• Approved the Ground Lease Agreement with Crown Atlantic Company, LLC.
• Received an update on local broadband connectivity.
• Approved the FY2024 Program Open Space funding award for the Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan, the Dog Park Project, and the Skate Park Project.
• Approved the budget amendment/transfer of $300,000 from the Commissioner's Reserve to the Department of Land Use & Growth Management for consultant services to update the St. Mary's County Comprehensive Plan.
• Accepted the Maryland CORPS Service Year Option Grant award.
• Approved the employment contract for the Chief of EMS Services Career Operations.
• Approved the agreement with Everside Health Center.

After closed session, the CSMC reconvened for a Budget Work Session (BWS).

The next CSMC business meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, 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.

 Many hallmarks of the holiday season, including Christmas trees, holiday decorations, and festive meals, present potential fire hazards that contribute to an annual increase in U.S. home fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®), Christmas Day and Christmas Eve are among the leading days of the year for home fires.

“December is a leading month for home fires, which is largely due to the activities we engage in during the holiday season,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of Outreach and Advocacy. “Additionally, an increase in the use of heating equipment, driven by colder temperatures across most of the country, contributes to this heightened risk.” 

Fortunately, Carli notes, many winter fires can be averted with added awareness and planning. “By knowing where potential fire hazards exist and taking basic precautions to prevent them, people can enjoy a festive, fire-free holiday season,” said Carli. 

NFPA’s winter holiday resources include tips and guidelines for helping reduce the risk of fires, while the association’s latest statistics underscore the increased risk of fire during the holiday season and beyond: 

Christmas trees 

• An annual average of 150 home fires involving Christmas trees?were reported by the US fire departments between 2017-2021. 

• Electrical distribution or lighting equipment, such as decorative lights, were involved in more than two of five (44 percent) home Christmas tree fires. 

• Nearly one in five Christmas tree fires (19 percent) were started by decorative lights. Eight percent were started by candles. 

• As Christmas trees dry out, they become more flammable. Thirty percent of Christmas Tree fires occur in January.  

Decorations 

• An estimated average of 790 home fires began when decorations (excluding Christmas trees) caught fire. These fires caused an annual average of 4 civilian fire deaths, 33 civilian fire injuries, and $14 million in direct property damage between 2017-2021. 

• 17 percent of home decoration fires occurred in December. 

• In 48 percent of fires involving decorations, the decoration was too close to a heat source such as candles or operating equipment.  

Candles 

• An estimated average of 5,700 home fires (2 percent) started by candles caused an average of 80 civilian deaths (3 percent), 560 civilian injuries (5 percent), and $247 million (3 percent) in direct property damage per year between 2017 and 2021. 

• Year-round, 33 percent of fires began with candles; in December, the number jumped to 46 percent. 

• Christmas is the peak day for candle fires, at an average of 35 fires, roughly 2.5 times the daily average; Christmas Eve ranked second. New Year’s Day is ranked third, with 30 fires per day.  

• In three of every five candle fires, the candle was too close to something that could catch fire. 

• Falling asleep without extinguishing the flame was a factor in 10 percent of home candle fires and 12 percent of the associated deaths. 

Cooking 

• Cooking is the leading cause of reported home fires (49 percent) and home fire injuries and the second-leading cause of home fire deaths. 

• Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home cooking fires. 

• Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. Know what you can do cook safely. 

In addition, home fires caused by heating equipment peak during the winter months, with nearly half (49 percent) of home heating fires occurring in December, January, and February. Put a Freeze on Winter Fires, an annual NFPA campaign with the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), works to educate the public about ways to stay safe during the colder months, offering tip sheets and other resources to help reduce the risk of heating fires and other winter hazards. 

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.

Forty firefighters from the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department were were called to a 2 story single family dwelling fire on JK Rowling Court in White Plains on Friday Morning. It took them approximately 30 minutes to put out the blaze. A resident of the dwelling was alerted to the fire by the smell of smoke in the home prior to the smoke detectors activating.  All occupants escaped without injury.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time. The estimated loss in the fire is $375,000.

Maryland’s Commission on Public Health (CoPH) will hold its first meeting this Thursday, December 14, 2023 from 3-4:30 pm. Agenda and meeting information is available at smchd.org/CommissionOnPublicHealth. The meeting is open to members of the public; the CoPH asks those attending to pre-register by 9am EST on the day of the meeting in order to receive meeting information. Community members may indicate their intent to attend by emailing MD.CoPH@maryland.gov with full name and jurisdiction of residence.

The CoPH is charged with assessing and recommending improvements to Maryland’s public health infrastructure, and is currently seeking subject matter experts for five workgroups that will inform this work. Workgroups explore five key subjects relevant to public health services in Maryland: Funding; Governance and Organizational Capabilities; Workforce; Data and Information Technology; and Communications and Public Engagement. Applications are due by this Friday, December 15, 2023 at 5 pm Eastern Standard Time. Click here to apply or complete the application at: bit.ly/phcommissionworkgroup.

For more information on the Maryland Commission on Public Health, please visit smchd.org/CommissionOnPublicHealth.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s administration announced $3.3 billion in budget cuts for the state’s six-year transportation plan last week, reports US News. Among the major expansion project reductions to the capital budget is $15 million from the Maryland Route 5 Great Mills project, according to the Maryland Consolidated Transportation Program overview. The proposal does call for the retention of development funds for the Southern Maryland Rapid Transit and a few other state projects. The announcement left some county leaders scrambling to understand the exact effects on their budgets and searching for ways to avert the most serious cuts, reports Maryland Matters.

The Army Black Knights defeated the Navy Midshipmen in the two teams’ 124th meeting 17-11, reports CBS News on MSN. Despite Saturday’s loss, Navy football still leads the all-time series 62-55-7.

In the 124-year history of the Army Navy game, most of the games have been played in Philadelphia, PA. This year the game was played in Massachusetts, part of a four-year road trip. Look for the game to be played next year at the Washington Commanders stadium in Landover and the Baltimore Ravens stadium in 2025, reports Military Times.

The US military’s V-22 Ospreys had history of safety issues long before they were grounded last week following a deadly crash in the waters off the coast of Japan, reports Navy Times. While the Ospreys are grounded, US Air Force Special Operations Command said it is working to mitigate the impact to operations, training, and readiness.

The Navy said that the USS Carl Vinson‘s operations are ongoing while the Ospreys are grounded, reports USNI News. The Vinson and the other ships of the carrier strike group are deployed to US 7th Fleet.

Structural cracks forced the US Coast Guard to ground its fleet of C-27J Spartan maritime patrol aircraft, reports Forbes. A Coast Guard spokesperson said all 14 C-27Js in the inventory “have been inspected and have cracks of varying degrees.”

The F-22 Raptor’s reign is coming to an end, reports The National Interest. Though the F-22 is widely considered to be the most capable air superiority fighter on the planet, it’s still slated for retirement in the 2030s. Among the reasons: the aircraft’s upgrades have limits, it was an “endangered species” from the start, and the threat environment is advancing faster than the competition.

A compromise defense policy bill released Wednesday night in Congress, however, would grant the US Air Force’s request to retire older F-15 Eagle fighters, A-10 Warthogs, and other aircraft, but again block its attempt to mothball 32 older F-22A Raptors, reports Defense News. The new version of the bill would also delay establishing a permanent Space Command headquarters for another six months, reports CC4ISRNET.

The world’s first-ever fifth-generation fighter, the F-22 Raptor, only flies for US forces, reports The National Interest. In fact, foreign sales of these aircraft are not permitted by federal law.

Space Development Agency director Derek Tournear said the ongoing continuing resolution, which pauses spending at fiscal 2023 levels, has put some SDA projects on hold and could potentially force contract terminations, reports C4ISRNET. Along with agencies across the federal government, SDA faces an automatic 1% funding cut if Congress fails to pass all 12 appropriations bills before the end of the month.

The US Senate voted Thursday to keep US troops in Syria amid Iran-backed attacks that are targeting US forces, reports Navy Times. An overwhelming majority of Republicans and Democrats sided with the Biden administration and opted to vote in favor of keeping the 900 troops in Syria.

China said its warplanes shadowed a US Navy spy plane over the Taiwan Strait last week because the P-8A Poseidon was trespassing over Chinese waterways, reports CBS News. The US views that part of the South China Sea as territorial waters. Navy officials announced the plane’s transit over the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, saying the aircraft traveled through international airspace. In a separate incident, the US warship USS Gabrielle Giffords passed through the South China Sea early last week, sparking criticism from the Chinese military, accusing the US of unlawful maritime navigation, reports Breaking Defense.

The Naval Air Systems Command Digital Department is calling for white papers on research projects that could help NAVAIR digitization efforts with the aim of increasing workforce efficiency, streamlining business processes, delivering capabilities, and improving readiness, reports ExecutiveGov.com. The announcement was posted on SAM.gov last week.

The US Navy is set to complete the delivery of the VAMPIRE counter-unmanned air system (UAS) to Ukraine, reports The Southern Maryland Chronicle. VAMPIRE is a rocket-launching platform developed by the Direct and Time Sensitive Strike program office (PMA-242). This is the first time we have seen the actual configuration of VAMPIRE, which is used to swat drones out of the sky, reports The Drive.

Twenty-three top military leaders’ promotions are still in limbo even after Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) ended his nominations blockade last week, reports Military Times. For several months, the senator had blocked consideration of nearly every senior military nomination over his objection to DoD’s abortion access policies.

A compromise draft of the annual defense authorization bill was released in Congress last week, stripping out several controversial social issues in favor of advancing a 5.2% pay raise for troops, reports Military Times.

The new “4 + 1 Commitment: The Formula for Military Spouse Success” was launched last week, reports Military Times. The program aims at providing better long-term job opportunities for military spouses in their careers as they move around with their husbands.

Eighty-two years later, Pearl Harbor survivors returned to the USS Arizona Memorial to honor those who died in the attack on Dec. 7, 1941, reports The Associated Press. The aging pool of survivors is rapidly shrinking, though Veterans Affairs doesn’t know exactly how many survivors are still living. Military Times offers a short history of Pearl Harbor before the sneak attack.

One of 16 sailors awarded the Medal of Honor for actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery this month, reports Task & Purpose. Navy Seaman 1st Class James Ward’s remains were identified by DNA analysis in 2021. He died on the USS Oklahoma helping fellow crew members escape. In total, 2,403 Americans were killed during the attack. Of that figure, 2,008 of them were enlisted with the Navy, 218 were members of the US Army, 109 were Marines, and 68 were civilians, according to PearlHarbor.org.

St. Mary’s College of Maryland received the largest gift commitment in its history, SMCM reports. To support the college’s $20 million Taking the LEAD campaign, which launched in September 2023, alumnus R. Scott Raspa included the college in his estate plans. LEAD stands for Learning Through Experiential and Applied Discovery. LEAD blends together academic experience with professional skill development, weaving credit courses and hands-on opportunities.

Contracts:

Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Mississippi, was awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contractor logistics support services contract with an estimated total value of $299,965,743 for the C-12 fleet used by Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA). The C-12 CLS contract is entering into Option Year VII. Task Order FA8134-24-F-6007 will be issued to fund work performed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; Edwards Air Force Base, California; Joint Base Andrews, Maryland; Madison, Mississippi; Holloman AFB, New Mexico; Okmulgee, Oklahoma; San Angelo, Texas; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Gaborone, Botswana; Brasilia, Brazil; Bogota, Columbia; Cairo, Egypt; Accra, Ghana; Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Budapest, Hungary; Yokota Air Base, Japan; Nairobi, Kenya; Rabat, Morocco; Manila, Philippines; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Bangkok, Thailand; Ankara, Turkey; and Oslo, Norway, and is expected to be completed Dec. 31, 2024. This contract was a competitive acquisition, and three offers were received. Fiscal 2024 operation and maintenance funds for AFMC and PACAF, and some DIA and DSCA; fiscal 2024 research, development, test, and evaluation funds for Edwards AFB, California, and Holloman AFB, New Mexico; fiscal 2024 operation and maintenance funds for the remainder of DIA and DSCA; and fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement funds in total amount of $21,249,417 are being obligated at time of task order award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity (FA8106-17-D-0001).

The Survice Engineering Co. LLC, Belcamp, Maryland, is awarded an $11,025,156 modification (P00020) to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N0001923C0033). This modification exercises options to provide for the production and delivery of 28 TRV-150C Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft Systems including 12 months of systems engineering program management support and program protection implementation plan services in support of the Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems program office. Work will be performed in Churchville, Maryland, and is expected to be completed in March 2025. Fiscal 2024 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $6,479,282; fiscal 2024 operation and maintenance (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $2,386,113 and fiscal 2022 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $2,159,761 will be obligated at the time of award, $4,545,874 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

WSP USA Solutions Inc., Washington, DC, was awarded a $75,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract to provide all labor, equipment, materials and supplies to support temporary emergency power activities prior to, during, and following a federally declared emergency. Bids were solicited via the internet with seven received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2028. US Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity (W911WN-24-D-3000).

WSP USA Solutions Inc., Washington, DC, was awarded a $75,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract to provide all labor, equipment, materials and supplies to support temporary emergency power activities prior to, during, and following a federally declared emergency. Bids were solicited via the internet with seven received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2028. US Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity (W911WN-24-D-3001).

WSP USA Solutions Inc., Washington, DC, was awarded a $75,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract to provide all labor, equipment, materials and supplies to support temporary emergency power activities prior to, during, and following a federally declared emergency. Bids were solicited via the internet with seven received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2028. US Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity (W911WN-24-D-3002).

WSP USA Solutions Inc., Washington, DC, was awarded a $75,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract to provide all labor, equipment, materials and supplies to support temporary emergency power activities prior to, during, and following a federally declared emergency. Bids were solicited via the internet with six received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2028. US Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity (W911WN-24-D-3003).

St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to a motor vehicle collision involving a horse and buggy on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at 11:57 a.m. The accident occurred at the Point Lookout Road and Pin Cushion Road intersection in Leonardtown, MD. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a vehicle had collided with a horse and buggy, resulting in the ejection of all four occupants from the buggy and the death of the horse. 

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Collision Reconstruction Unit has taken charge of the investigation. Preliminary findings indicate that a juvenile was operating the horse and buggy, carrying three family members. The buggy was stationary at the Pin Cushion Road and Point Lookout Road intersection when the horse unexpectedly reared and bucked. This action caused the buggy to enter Point Lookout Road, where it was subsequently struck by a southbound 2021 Toyota Tundra.

The juvenile operator and one adult passenger from the buggy sustained life-threatening injuries and were transported by ground to the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center. Another passenger was taken to MedStar St Mary’s Hospital, and an infant was transported to Children’s Hospital for precautionary reasons.

At present, speed and alcohol do not appear to be contributing factors to the collision.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or any events leading up to the collision is asked to contact Corporal Dale Reppel at dale.reppel@stmaryscountymd.gov or by phone at 240-496-6694.

LA PLATA, MD—Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Thursday, December 7, 2023, Charles County Circuit Court Judge H. James West sentenced Brandon Kiah Slade, 29, to Life in prison for the First-Degree Murder of Lenora Coates-Slade and the Wear and Carry of a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Injure. 

Slade was found guilty of the above-mentioned charges on October 2, 2023, after a 3-day bench trial. 

On October 15, 2020, officers responded to a residence located in Indian Head for the report of unknown trouble. Upon arrival, officers discovered victim Lenora Coates-Slade, Brandon Slade’s mother, with multiple stab wounds to her body and a plastic bag wrapped around her head in her garage. Unfortunately, the victim succumbed to her injuries. 

Officers made contact with a member of the victim’s family, who also lived at the residence. The family member, who was not present at the time of the assault, reported to officers that she became worried when she was not able to get in touch with the victim. After calling the victim’s phone, the family member immediately received a phone call from Slade advising her that the victim was asleep. The family member asked two people to do a welfare check on the victim, then called the police.   

The family member was able to show officers footage of part of the incident that was captured by the surveillance system on the front porch of the residence. In the video, the suspect, identified by the family member as Brandon Slade, is seen forcefully holding the victim as she tried to break free from him. Blood can be seen on the victim’s shirt during the struggle. Slade is seen strangling the victim into what appeared to be unconsciousness. The victim was then dragged inside of the residence. Moments later, Slade reappeared to wash the victim’s blood off the front porch steps. 

During the investigation, it was revealed that Slade did not live at the residence with his mother; however, he spent the night at the residence on October 14, 2020, and had breakfast with the victim during the morning hours of October 15, 2020. The two became engaged in an argument during breakfast and Slade began to assault the victim in the kitchen. The victim was able to escape outside and began to scream, but Slade followed her and strangled her. He ultimately brought her to the home’s garage.  

Another family member of the victim reported that the victim was previously assaulted by Slade in Prince George’s County at an earlier date. 

The Assistant State’s Attorney for the case told the judge during sentencing, “Senseless doesn’t even begin to describe this.  The conduct that the defendant engaged in is forever etched in our memory.” She furthered, “The defendant accepts no responsibility or shows no remorse. As you heard today, the family that you heard from, over and over and over asking the defendant to get help.” 

Before sentencing Slade to Life in prison, Judge West told Slade that the incident was a “brutal, mean-spirited, nasty murder.” He continued, “The victim was looking out for you and trusted you – pretty close to defenseless when this was happening.” 

School Resource Officer investigating multiple altercations at Lackey High School: On December 7 between 11:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m., multiple altercations occurred inside Henry Lackey High School involving several students. A school administrator was injured when they attempted to intervene. The school resource officer and school employees were able to de-escalate the situation and the students were separated. The involved students face criminal charges as well as disciplinary consequences from the Charles County Public Schools. Anyone with information is asked to contact Cpl. Gregory at 301-609-3282 ext. 0513. The investigation is ongoing.   

School Resource Officer assaulted at Thomas Stone High School: On December 8 at 12:08 p.m., a school resource officer at Thomas Stone High School was assisting a school administrator with a student who was in the administrator’s office and acting disorderly relating to an argument they were having with another student. The SRO was in the doorway of the office when the student walked toward the door and suddenly and intentionally grabbed the officer’s arm, holding it tight, in an effort to leave the office. The officer and administrator were able to verbally de-escalate the situation and the student released his grip. The student was charged on a juvenile offense report with assault and released to a parent. The student faces disciplinary consequences from the Charles County Public Schools as well. Anyone with information is asked to contact PFC Payne at 301-609-3282 ext. 00452. The investigation is ongoing.

Penknife recovered from a student at Wade Elementary School: On December 8, a student at Wade Elementary School was found to be in possession of a penknife. The school resource officer recovered the knife. In accordance with Maryland law, the student cannot be charged due to their age; however, the student does face disciplinary consequences from the Charles County Public Schools. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact PFC Joffe at 301-609-3282 Ext. 0608.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites all Marylanders to take a First Day Hike — the annual tradition for a fun, healthy way to welcome the New Year.  

Maryland State Parks will be offering First Weekend hike opportunities across the state from December 31, 2023 – January 2, 2024. First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks that encourages all 50 states to offer outdoor hiking opportunities to kick off the year.

“First Day Hikes are a great way to start the New Year off on the right foot…or boot,” said Maryland Park Service Director Angela Crenshaw. “Maryland State Parks are offering a variety of opportunities all over the state to get out and hike to celebrate the start to 2024. Bring some water, a snack, and hike in the New Year on your public lands. I look forward to seeing you on the trail!”

For 2024, Maryland State Parks will offer more than 60 hikes across 40 state parks. As in previous years, there are two types of hikes available:

Ranger-led hikes: These hikes are accompanied and include interpretation by one or more Park Rangers, have specific start times, and often require advance registration. 

Self-guided hikes: These hikes will be available throughout the weekend, on well marked trails. Park staff and volunteers may be available to help hikers get started but will not join them on the trail.

With nearly 50 ranger-led hikes and 15 self-guided hike options through the weekend, there is a wide variety of outdoor adventures and experiences for every level of hiker and walker throughout Maryland. 

Some highlights include:

In Western Maryland, hikers can join a ranger-led First Day “Fitness Hike” at Rocky Gap State Park, for those looking to break a sweat to kick off the New Year, a ranger-led guided “First Day Hike through History” at South Mountain Battlefield State Park, and a  “Little Naturalist First Day Hike”, an easy 1-mile hike for children and their families, at New Germany State Park. 

In Central Maryland, the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail will offer bicyclists a guided “First Day Bike” ride; hikers have a choice of either an early morning First Day Sunrise Hike or First Day Sunset Hike at North Point State Park, and a “Last Day Hike” or “Kids Countdown Hike” on New Year’s Eve at Patapsco Valley State Park. 

In Southern Maryland, hikers can bring their four-legged friends on a “Trails and Tails” ranger-led First Day Hike at Calvert Cliffs State Park, join the guided “Where One Goes Pleasantly” First Day Hike along Mattawoman Creek at Smallwood State Park; or kick off the year with a “First Day the Rosaryville Way” hike at Rosaryville State Park.

On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, hikers can bring their binoculars for a guided “First Day Bird Walk” or bring their  own horse for a “New Year’s Day Ride” at Tuckahoe State Park, close out the first day of 2024 with a “First Sunset Hike” at Janes Island State Park, or gather up the whole family for the “First Day Family Hike” along the beach at Assateague State Park.

These hikes provide unique access to Maryland’s cultural, historic, and natural resources and treasures, along with opportunities for education and stewardship. Many hikes are pet-friendly. “I Hiked” stickers will be available at select locations while supplies last. 

In addition to scheduled hikes, all Maryland’s state parks, state forests, and wildlife management areas will be open to all for trekking hundreds of miles of trails. Hikers should check the DNR website for information about public lands near them.

After taking part in a First Day Hike or visiting a state park, hikers are asked to complete an online survey to track their hikes and how many miles they covered.? 

During the weeks of November 20 –December 3, 2023, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to 3,573 calls for service throughout the community.

Burglary: 23-83183

On November 22, 2023, Deputy Tunnell responded to a residence on Mason Road in Prince Frederick, for the report of a burglary that had already occurred. Investigation revealed a window in the rear of the residence had been smashed out in a forced entry attempt. Nothing appears to have been stolen. The estimated value of damaged property is $300.00.

Damaged Property: 23-83248

On November 22, 2023, Deputy Tunnell responded to the 3200 block of Huntsman Drive in Huntingtown, for the report of damaged property. The complainant advised an unknown suspect cut the wire to the victim’s Christmas lights. The estimated value of damaged property is $50.00.

Theft: 23-84820

On November 28, 2023, Deputy Gadwill responded to Ulta Beauty located at 845 N. Solomons Island Road in Prince Frederick, for the report of a theft. Investigation revealed that 3 black females, all ranging from 5’5” to -5’7” tall, weighing 130-160lbs, entered the store wearing surgical masks and stole multiple bottles of perfume from the fragrance department. Two of the females had braids and the third female was wearing a bookbag. The females were last seen fleeing the parking lot in a black SUV at a high rate of speed. The estimated value of stolen property is unknown at this time.

Shooting: 23-085460

On December 1, 2023, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 1300 block of Sark Court in Prince Frederick, for the report of a shooting. Officers arrived on scene and located a juvenile victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. The victim was treated and transported to an area trauma center in stable condition. Witnesses on the scene advised a masked male suspect was seen leaving the area in a black SUV. The investigation continues.

ARRESTS

On November 25, 2023, Deputy MacWilliams responded to the Walmart located at 150 Solomons Island Road in Prince Frederick, for the report of a theft. Investigation revealed Matthew Leo Greening, 35 of no fixed address, entered the Walmart and stole two Cinnamon Toast Crunch milks, two Pepperidge Farm Milano cookie boxes, and one ham and cheese Lunchable. Greening exited the store passing all final points of sale without paying for the items. Greening was charged with Theft: Less than $100.00.

 

On November 27, 2023, Deputy Brown responded to the Calvert Village Shopping Center located on W. Dares Beach Road in Prince Frederick, for the report of trespassing. Upon arrival, contact was made with Tyree Tyquonna Nolan, 27 of no fixed address, who has been previously trespassed indefinitely from the Safeway. Nolan was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where she was charged with Trespassing: Private Property.

 

On November 27, 2023, Deputy Baxter responded to 15 Duke Street in Prince Frederick, for the report of trespassing. Upon arrival, contact was made with Matthew Leo Greening, 35 of no fixed address, loitering on private property that is marked with ‘No Trespassing’ signs. Greening was arrested and charged with Trespassing: Private Property.




On November 30, 2023, DFC Rzepkowski initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle after having observed a traffic violation. Upon making contact with the driver, Keith Leroy Harrod, 51 of St. Leonard, Deputy Rzepkowski observed a small white object being thrown from the vehicle. Deputies located and identified the object thrown to be a cigarette containing Phencyclidine (PCP). Harrod was placed into custody and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he was charged with CDS: Possession-Not Cannabis and other traffic-related offenses.

 

On November 30, 2023, at 8:15 p.m., Deputy Sylver initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle with no headlights or taillights on, in the area of Rt. 4 and Hallowing Point Road in Prince Frederick. Deputy Sylver had emergency lights and sirens activated for a stretch of 3-4 miles and the driver refused to pull over. The driver, David Alexander Reifsnyder, 18 of St. Leonard, finally came to a stop along Broomes Island Road in the area of Yoes Corner. Reifsnyder was placed into custody and transported to the Detention Center where he was charged with Fleeing and Eluding, Negligent Driving, and other traffic-related charges.

 

On November 30, 2023, DFC Shoemaker initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation in the area of the Lusby Fastop located at 11790 H.G. Trueman Road in Lusby. The driver, Elaine Diane Ly Simpson, 40 of Lusby, had an active warrant through the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office. Further investigation revealed multiple pills of Oxycodone were located inside the vehicle. Simpson was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where she was charged with CDS: Possession-Not Cannabis.

 

On December 2, 2023, Sgt. Livingston responded to the 3700 block of Hunting Creek Road in Huntingtown, for a disorderly subject. Upon arrival, contact was made with Lionel Mackall Jr., 42 of Huntingtown, who had been previously trespassed indefinitely from the property. Mackall was placed under arrest and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he was charged with Trespassing: Private Property.

 

Detectives identify and charge juvenile in connection with armed robbery case and armed carjacking case: Detectives assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division have identified a 17-year-old male in connection with an armed robbery case and a carjacking case that both occurred last month. In one case, the suspect approached the occupant of a car on Grouse Place, brandished a firearm, and demanded the car keys. After obtaining the keys, the suspect fled on foot but returned later and stole the car. In a second case, the suspect approached the driver of a car on Eagle Court, brandished a firearm, and stole the victim’s vehicle at gunpoint. Through investigation, the juvenile was located in one of the stolen vehicles. As detectives approached, the suspect fled but was quickly apprehended. Evidence was recovered linking the juvenile to the two cases. He was charged with armed robbery, armed carjacking, first-degree assault, and other related charges and he is currently being detained at a juvenile facility. Detective Logsdon is investigating.

Student charged with possession of cannabis on school property: On December 6 at 11 a.m., a student at St. Charles High School was found to be in possession of cannabis and smoking paraphernalia on school property. The school resource officer recovered the items and charged the student on a juvenile civil citation with possession of cannabis. The student also faces disciplinary action from the Charles County Public Schools. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Officer Watkins at 301-609-3282 ext. 0721.   

School Resource Officer investigating assault at Indian Head Elementary School: On December 6 at 12:15 p.m., two students at Indian Head Elementary School struck and assaulted another student inside a school bathroom. The student was able to break free and notify administrators. A school resource officer has initiated an investigation; however, in accordance with Maryland law, none of the students can be charged due to their age. The two students face disciplinary action from the Charles County Public Schools. Anyone with information is asked to call PFC Barry at 301-609-3282 ext. 0574.

Tuesday, December 5, 2023, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to the 36000 block of Woodbush Drive in Chaptico, MD, for the report of a burglary in progress at an unoccupied residence.

As units responded to the scene, Deputies located three juvenile suspects in a pickup truck. One of the juveniles was found to be carrying a fully loaded 30-round Polymer80 9mm handgun. The juvenile was arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center and charged as an adult for various gun violations and Burglary in the fourth degree. 

The other two juveniles were charged through non-custodial apprehension for Burglary in the fourth degree and released into the custody of a guardian.   

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) is seeking five volunteers to serve on its Grading Steering Committee.

The committee will review and recommend grading/weighting guidelines and rules to establish an equitable grading policy consistent at the elementary and secondary levels throughout CCPS.

Committee volunteers must be able to attend four to five, 1.5-hour in-person meetings scheduled January to March at the Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building. The Starkey Building is at 5980 Radio Station Road in LaPlata.

Community members 18 and older interested in serving on the steering committee should complete the interest form by 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 22. Staff from the CCPS Office of Teaching and Learning will approve the selection of committee members. Questions should be directed to Kevin Lowndes, chief of teaching and learning, at klowndes@ccboe.com or 301-934-7377.

Patrol officers locate and arrest suspect in burglary case: On December 4 at 11:09 a.m., officers responded to an apartment in the 2100 block of Crain Highway for the report of a burglary. Upon investigation, officers observed the front door was damaged and learned that two males had broken into a vacant apartment. The suspects fled prior to the officers’ arrival. Officers conducted a canvass of the area and located one of the suspects. The suspect had what appeared to be a firearm in his waist, but further investigation revealed it was an airsoft gun. Eliijah Pink McCaskell Hollis, 23, of Waldorf, was charged with burglary and malicious destruction of property. On December 5, a district court commissioner released Hollis from the Charles County Detention Center on personal recognizance. Officer Rios and PFC Frazier are investigating.

Detectives identify and arrest suspect in non-fatal shooting case on Business Park Court: Detectives assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division have identified and arrested a suspect in connection with a non-fatal shooting that occurred in late October. On October 29, an altercation occurred between two males inside a business on Business Park Court. An unknown person, who was not involved in the altercation, shot the victim and fled. The victim was transported to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. Through investigation, the suspect was identified as Aaron Dupree Jackson-McCauley, 21, of Clinton. On December 6, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service task force, detectives located and arrested Jackson-McCauley at his residence. Jackson-McCauley was charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and other related charges. He is currently being held at the Charles County Detention Center. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Detective Sapienza at 301-609-6554. Tipsters who want to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers at 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.  

Neighborhood Enforcement Team recovers loaded firearm during traffic stop: On December 5 at 4:20 p.m., officers assigned to the Neighborhood Enforcement Team initiated a traffic stop in the 2200 block of Crain Highway. Upon approaching the vehicle, officers detected a strong odor of cannabis. Further investigation revealed the occupants were in possession of a loaded firearm without a serial number. Jeffery Allen Fenwick, 18, of Indian Head, and Christopher Jamari Paris, 18, of Washington, D.C., were arrested and charged with illegal possession of a regulated firearm, possession of a firearm without a serial number, handgun on person, and other related charges. On December 6, a district court commissioner released Fenwick and Paris from the Charles County Detention Center on an unsecured $5,000 bond. The investigation is continuing. 

On Tuesday, Dec. 5, Commissioners held a work session on a county bill that would require restaurants in Charles County to offer a healthy meal and beverage option for kids. The bill would require restaurants to offer a healthy beverage option within 12 months of the bill’s passage and a healthy meal option within 18 months of bill passage. Assistant Deputy County Attorney Danielle Mitchell told commissioners the bill was back before them after commissioners decided in October to hold the record open for 30 days. Mitchell said that two additional comments came in during that time.

Doria Fleisher, Community Engagement Coordinator, briefed commissioners on an opportunity for an engagement plan to reach out for information from between 10-20 local restaurants on topics related to the time frames and other requirements in the bill. Commissioners also offered up a series of amendments including changing the serving size of unfried fruit and vegetables from a ½ cup to ¼ cup. Commissioners also added an amendment to include water, sparkling water, and flavored water with no added sweeteners to the list of acceptable beverages, as well as flavored milk. The bill will come back to the commissioners for final passage on Dec. 12.

Briefings

• The Charles County Executive Leadership Team held a briefing to Review the Commissioners’ Goals and Objectives. The briefing included a review of initiatives surrounding five focus areas:
  • Economic Development
  • Quality of Life
  • Resiliency & Sustainability
  • Emergency Preparedness, Response & Safety
  • Institutional Governance

The leadership team discussed these issues using three areas of consideration: Commissioner election platforms; community feedback; and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Staff provided a briefing to Commissioners on the State funding that was provided to support a Waldorf Urban Park and Amphitheater project. Commissioners gave consensus for staff to begin the feasibility study on the project.  Once the study is completed, adding the project to the County’s Capital Improvement Program will be considered.
• Budget staff provided a briefing on the General Fund first quarter outlook for fiscal 2024.
• Budget staff provided a status update on the County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) plan.  Commissioners approved a transfer of $816,952 to the Department of Emergency Services to expand their Mobile Integrated Health team to support behavioral health. In addition to this transfer, the Commissioners approved eight new full-time positions to support this program.

Approval Items
Commissioners approved:

• A budget amendment increase of $42,200 to adjust Charles County Sheriff’s Office’s budget to account for donations received to support their programs such as sports camps, K-9, teen court, and National Night Out.
• A budget transfer request of $3,530,500 to recognize the change in State funding for the T.C. Martin Elementary Addition/Renovation project.  When the FY2024 budget was adopted, the County assumed the State funding would be higher. The County will be forward funding the State share until the State funding can be provided.
• Review of the application for residents to apply for the Volunteer Emergency Responders Tax Credit and approval of a new full-time position under Fiscal & Administrative Services to support the impact of administrating this new tax credit.

Proclamations

• Commissioners read a proclamation recognizing Dec. 1-10, 2023, as Human Rights Week.

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

Next Commissioners Session: Dec. 12-13, 2023

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

The La Plata High School team captained by senior William Alcorn with juniors Isaiah DeLeonard and Anne Vazhappilly took first place in the county’s “It’s Academic” competition Nov. 29, racking up 370 points. The team advances to compete against Georgetown Day School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School in a contest set to air April 20 on WETA.

As the second-place team, Maurice J. McDonough High School earned a chance to compete in a competition in fall 2024. The team members that competed in the recent contest, clocking 250 points, include Julie Perriello, a junior and team captain, along with seniors Noah Cusick and Daniel Howard. A programming date has not been finalized. Thomas Stone High School’s team took third place in the county contest. The Thomas Stone High School team made up of Kathryn Daniel, a junior and the captain, Jillian Daniel and Jordan Loeffler, took third place with 210 points.

The Greater Waldorf Jaycees donates scholarships to “It’s Academic” teams. The first-place team gets $500 with the remaining teams each receiving $250.

In pursuit of trivia

Alcorn joined La Plata’s “It’s Academic” team as a freshman when it met via Zoom due to distance learning. He admitted that he first joined the team after his mother suggested it. “I’m going to be honest,” he said. “My mom kind of made me do it.” But quickly, Alcorn found he enjoyed it. “I really like trivia. I just happen to, as I’ve gone through life, just pick up random bits of information,” he said, adding that his favorite subject is history.

Like Alcorn, juniors DeLeonard and Vazhappilly have been involved in “It’s Academic” since they were freshmen and find themselves retaining bits of trivia that they learn. “You learn something new every day,” DeLeonard, who counts geography and music as his favorite subjects to study, said. “You find out a random fact? Pick it up and hang on to it.”

Vazhappilly said information she learned as a team member reverberates in the classroom and vice versa. “There are a lot of connections to my classes,” she said, adding that geography is her most liked subject. “What you learn in class, sometimes it will come up in ‘It’s Academic.’”

The La Plata team members encouraged students to join their school “It’s Academic” team. “If you think you know a lot of random stuff and want to do something with it rather than just have it, you can join ‘It’s Academic,’” Alcorn said. “It’s a lot of fun. You learn a lot of random stuff too.”

DeLeonard said it’s a choice activity for anyone who has found themselves going down research rabbit holes and want to meet likeminded people. “It’s a really tightknit community, it’s very accepting and fun,” he said.

The teams

Each CCPS high school has an “It’s Academic” team coached by a staff member.

La Plata High School

The La Plata High School team is captained by senior William Alcorn with juniors Isaiah DeLeonard and Anne Vazhappilly also competing. Additional team members include seniors Kaleb Hubler and Ryann Tompkins, juniors Sarah Dang, Najib Khan, Kya Schoen and Addison Sheridan, and sophomore Christopher Burtch, who is the alternate. The team is coached by Matthew Panzarella, social studies teacher.

Henry E. Lackey High School

The Henry E. Lackey High School team is made up of senior Addison Hoiler, who is the captain, and juniors Michael Johnson and Gavin Klaas. Completing the team are seniors Ogechi Aliche, who serves as an alternate, Logan Green and Mark Mareko, juniors Miriam Bartholomew, Michael Brown and Bryce Payne, sophomores Nathan Laciny and Jessie Radford, and freshman Lauren Brown. The coach is James Hojnowski, social studies teacher.

Maurice J. McDonough High School

McDonough’s team members are junior Julie Perriello, who is the team captain, and seniors Noah Cusack and Daniel Howard. Also on the team are seniors Christopher Baldwin and Laila Holloway, junior Ava Rowledge, who is the team’s alternate, and sophomores Cori Avent, Alexis Limerick, Jenna Moniz and Natalie Moore. The coaches for the team are Joanna Hobbs, school librarian, and Mary Dempsey, science teacher.

North Point High School

North Point High School’s team is captained by senior Zena Brantuo, with Farah Leblanc and Jeremiah Seger rounding out the team. Additional members include seniors Aaliyah Davis, Addyson Jordan, who is the alternate, Francesca Onianwah, Claire O’Rourke, William Tomaszewski and Corrine Welsh, juniors Erin Cooley and Timothy Martinez, sophomores Renata Ashton, Nakia Brown, Isabelle Locco, Journei Simms and Noah Williams, and freshman Chelsea Metzger. The coaches for the team are Moriah Rochlinski-Evans, Spanish teacher, and A’leese Dickerson, English teacher.

St. Charles High School

The St. Charles High School team includes seniors Anthony Bradshaw, who is the captain, and Dylan Bridgewater, and junior DaVein Britt. Completing the team are senior Chloe Del Rosario, who serves as an alternate, and juniors Cristian Avila-Melendez, Jordan Ferris, Tobi Ojo, Edenilson Velasquez Orellana, Austin Porter and Elias Thompson. St. Charles social studies teachers, Michael Colatruglio and Matthew Howard, are the team coaches.

Thomas Stone High School

Thomas Stone High School’s team is made up of juniors Kathyrn Daniel, who is the captain, Jillian Daniel and Jordan Loeffler. Also on the team are seniors Carley Brown and Carliece Wiggins, juniors Julissa Galdamez, Charles Gaskins, who is the team alternate, Summer Johnson, Maida Nazir and Camille Saguban, and sophomore Juliet Brown. The team’s coaches are social studies teachers, Melissa Hatch and Renee Hopper.

Westlake High School

The Westlake High School team is captained by senior Mason Wheeler and includes senior Amalachukwu Okoye and junior Mikhail Chichester. Enrico Vicente Coloma, a senior, is the team’s alternate. Natalie Finch-Howard, social studies teacher, and Lisa Landrum-May, English teacher, coach the team.

To view this year’s compeition, visit the CCPSTV YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rsJEQw6I1k

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – Dec. 6, 2023 – The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has once again recognized Calvert County with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 23rd consecutive year. This accolade is a testament to the county's commitment to outstanding budgetary practices and transparent financial management.

The Department of Finance & Budget is at the forefront of this achievement, ensuring that the county's fiscal strategies are designed to serve the community effectively.

“This award underscores the diligent work carried out daily by Calvert County Government employees who prioritize high-quality budgeting,” said Finance & Budget Director Bruce Miller. “Pride in their work is evident in the quality of the county's financial management. With each passing year, the team is focused on enhancing the budget document's value to the government and, most importantly, the residents of Calvert County.”

Each year, GFOA evaluates Calvert County's fiscal year budget for its effectiveness as a policy tool, its accuracy as a financial plan, its reliability as an operational guide, and its clarity as a communication method. It is only when a budget meets the “proficient” standard in all the 14 mandatory criteria across these categories that an entity is awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. This year, Calvert County continued its legacy of surpassing these standards.

Calvert County’s annual operating budget outlines spending on county services and administration for each fiscal year (FY), which begins July 1. Citizens can learn more about the budgeting process and view the FY 2024 adopted budget online.

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.

(Pomfret, Maryland) – On Monday, December 4, 2023, at approximately 1133 hours, Troopers from Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack responded to Maryland Route 229 (Bensville Road) in the area of the Indian Head Rail Trail for a report of a serious motor vehicle collision. Due to the circumstances, the Maryland State Police CRASH Team responded to assume the investigation. A preliminary investigation conducted by Troopers from the MSP La Plata Barrack and the MSP CRASH Team indicates a 2013 Volvo S80 operated by Cyrus Amado Salazar Jr. (17 yoa) of Brandywine, MD was traveling on northbound Maryland Route 229 south of the Indian Head Rail Trail. Mr. Salazar Jr. failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway and traveled off the right side of the roadway, striking numerous trees. Mr. Salazar Jr. was not belted and was ejected from the vehicle and found with life threatening injuries.

Mr. Salazar Jr. was ultimately transported to R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, MD for treatment. On Tuesday, December 5, 2023, investigators were informed Mr. Salazar Jr. was pronounced deceased at the hospital. Driver error and speed appear to be factors in this collision. Anyone who may have witnessed this crash is asked to contact Sergeant J. Zimmerman of the MSP CRASH Team at (301) 392-1231. The investigation is continuing. (23-MSP-042858)

The Charles County Department of Health has been notified that a coyote collected on 12/2/23 in the Charter Oak/Scarlett Oak vicinity has tested positive for rabies. There was another siting of a coyote similar in description around 10:00am in the 13000 block of Ballantrae Lane in Waldorf, MD. 

We urge everyone to avoid contact with wildlife and unknown animals. A current rabies vaccination for your pet is vital. 

Rabies is a disease of animals and people. The virus is spread through the saliva of a rabid animal. Usually this occurs when a rabid animal bites or scratches another person or animal. However, secondary exposure can occur from saliva on the coat or fur of an animal that was exposed to a rabid animal. The virus can get into the body through open cuts or wounds, or through the eyes, nose, or mouth. Domesticated animals like dogs, cats, and ferrets can get rabies from wild animals such as raccoons, foxes, skunks, bats, opossums, etc. Getting your pets vaccinated against rabies will prevent them from getting infected with rabies. Livestock may also be infected with rabies. You should contact your veterinarian for rabies information and vaccination for livestock. . It is important to teach your children to stay away from wild and unknown animals.

Please report any animal bites or potential rabies exposures to the Charles County Department of Health at (301) 609-6751 or Charles County Animal Control at (301) 609-3425 and seek medical attention promptly.

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 heard a presentation from the Finance Department and SB & Company LLC, the independent auditor that prepared the fiscal year (FY) 2023 Audit Report. The 2023 Audit was clean and indicated no areas of concern (e.g., fraud, material weakness, etc.)

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

• Approved a budget amendment reducing the Capital Reserve and the Grant Agreement between the St. Mary's County Commissioners and Maryland Department of Transportation for the construction of Three Notch Trail Phase VII.
• Approved the Waterway Improvement Fund grant application for the repairs needed at the Piney Point Lighthouse Park pier.

After closed session, the CSMC reconvened to authorize the County Administrator to accept the bid for the Bond Award as certified by the Chief Financial Officer.

The next CSMC business meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 9 a.m. with a Budget Work Session at 1:30 p.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.

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Alcohol Enforcement Unit recently conducted a series of alcohol compliance checks at 16 St. Mary's County businesses. Fifteen of the establishments were found to follow Maryland State laws regarding age verification for a person attempting to purchase alcohol; one business failed to ask an underage person for identification.

The compliance checks were conducted on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, by the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Alcohol Enforcement Unit. They involved using a Sheriff's Office confidential informant, 18 years old, wearing jeans and an athletic sweatshirt. The underage individual was informed to enter the business and request to purchase an alcoholic beverage.

Overall, 16 businesses were visited, and 15 were found to comply with Maryland law and asked for the required identification from the underage person. One business failed to ask for identification, and the underage individual was able to purchase an alcoholic beverage.

The following businesses asked for identification from the underage individual:

Beacon Liquors in Callaway, California Wine & Spirits in California, Canopy Liquors in Lexington Park, Centre Liquors in Leonardtown, Corner Liquors in Lexington Park, County Liquors in Lexington Park, International Beverages in Lexington Park, Jughead Liquor Wine Beer in California, Leonardtown Wine & Spirits in Leonardtown, Merchants Lane Fine Wine & Spirits in Leonardtown,

Ridge Market in Ridge, Ridgell's Bay Mart in Ridge, Rod'N Reel in Lexington Park, St Mary's Fine Wine and Spirits in Great Mills, and Stop'N Shop in Lexington Park.

The following business failed to ask for identification from the underage individual:

Third Base Store in Leonardtown.

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

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) and St. Mary’s County Government Department leaders will be attending the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) winter conference from December 6-8, 2023, in Cambridge, MD.

This year, over 900 leaders, representing various levels of the state's public and private sectors will convene at the MACo winter conference, which aims to equip county decision-makers and participants with tools for effective leadership, offering a comprehensive perspective on the pressing issues anticipated during the upcoming Maryland General Assembly Session.

With 30+ educational break-out sessions, general sessions, meetings, and briefings taking place at this multi-day event, participants will leave the conference with a better understanding of county issues and policy priorities. Speakers will address topics such as county budgets, affordable housing, climate change, workforce recruitment and retention, funding public education, and much more. Participants will focus on challenges and best practices in county services, as well as building relationships and strategic planning for the coming years.

With the MACo Winter Conference comes the annual installation of MACo’s Officers and Board of Directors, including Commissioner President James “Randy” Guy, who will continue to serve.

“The MACo conference offers the opportunity to learn about key issues facing local governments as we enter the legislative season,” said Commissioner President Randy Guy. “I am thankful and look forward to serving on MACo's Board and Legislative Committee for another year.”

Additionally, Commissioner Eric Colvin will be a speaker on a panel entitled Closing the Gap: Filling Vacancies, Fostering Workplace Cohesion and Commissioner Scott Ostrow will moderate the Academy of Excellence in Government session on Ethics.  

Educational and networking opportunities at the conference allow attendees to learn about issues facing county governments and the resources and strategies for successfully meeting those challenges as they prepare for the upcoming legislative session. The conference schedule, descriptions of the educational offerings, and a listing of confirmed exhibitors are available online at: www.mdcounties.org/MACoCon.

About the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo): MACo is a non-profit and non-partisan organization that serves Maryland county governments by articulating their needs and ideas to the Maryland General Assembly. The Association's membership comprises county elected officials and representatives from Maryland's 23 counties and Baltimore City. More at: mdcounties.org.

Note to Members of the Press: You are invited to attend the conference and may register free of charge at: https://mdcounties.org/MACoCon. Please contact Shantelle Malcolm-Lym at shantelleml@mdcounties.org with requests for interviews of MACo leadership and staff.

PATUXENT RIVER NAVAL AIR STATION, MD – Communities surrounding the naval air station are advised that noise-generating nighttime testing events are scheduled to take place December 04, 2023 through January 31, 2024 from 5 p.m. through 10 p.m. nightly. Pilots at NAS Pax River will be conducting night departures and landings, essential training for the precision and safety of our pilots and the success of their mission. Residents may notice increased noise levels due to these operations. 

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 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 article:

·         Article 25 – Site Development and Design Standards (view draft Article 25): This article emphasizes safe pathways through site circulation standards for both residential and non-residential development. Regulations in this article focus on standards for residential development including single-family dwellings to multi-family and mixed residential development. This article also covers standards and design criteria for non-residential developments, requirements for age-restricted housing, manufactured home communities and historic significance.

Public Comment Period, open Dec. 8 through Dec. 29: The public comment period will be open Friday, Dec. 8, through Friday, Dec. 29. Comments may be submitted by email to ZOupdate@calvertcountymd.gov or by mail to Attn: ZO Update, 205 Main St., Prince Frederick, MD 20678.

Public Forum, Dec. 14: A public forum will be held Thursday, Dec. 14, 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, Jan. 17: A joint work session with the Board of County Commissioners and Planning Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 17 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 altercation at St. Charles High School: On December 4 at 1 p.m., three students were involved in an altercation at St. Charles High School. The students face charges and disciplinary actions from the Charles County Public Schools. Anyone with information is asked to call Officer Watkins at 301-609-3282 ext. 0721. The investigation is ongoing. 

The Economic Development Department unveiled the Charles County Asset Inventory during its 2023 annual Fall Meeting. In the face of growing competition at local, regional, and global levels, asset mapping aids in identifying resources, deepening understanding of crucial systems and connections, establishing a basis for strategic planning and execution, fostering partnerships, and serving as a motivational tool for community-wide implementation.

"Our Asset Inventory is a key step to focusing on the existing assets in Charles County, like our infrastructure, workforce and education systems, and using those identified assets as we plan development initiatives," said Economic Development Director Kelly Robertson-Slagle. "Our department will update this document semi-annually, and we welcome the public's feedback on areas we should consider for future editions."

The 2023 Asset Inventory highlights:

• Industrial Base: Highlighting key industry sectors, including retail, healthcare, energetics, and commercial sector market conditions.
• Research and Development: Opportunities to consistently improve, innovate, and remain competitive.
• Physical Infrastructure: Detailing local modes of transportation, significant projects and sites, utility access, and opportunity areas.
• Workforce: Data and the variety of skills present in the local labor force.
• Education: Sharing K-12 public school systems programming, apprenticeship opportunities, school listings, and regional accreditations.
• Financial Capital: Financial capital institutions and venture capital.
• Business Incentives: Financial incentives available to local businesses.
• Connective Organizations: Business organizations
• Government Information
• Quality of Life: From community and recreational centers to hiking trails and tourist-heavy sites

To download or to view the 2023 Asset Inventory publication, click here. To learn more about the Charles County Economic Development Department, visit www.MeetCharlesCounty.com or call 301-885-1340.

Commissioner Gilbert “B.J.” Bowling, lll (District 1) is hosting a Holiday “Farmers Feeding Charles County” event on Thursday, Dec. 21, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Eva Turner Elementary School (1000 Banister Circle, Waldorf).  A limited supply of seasonal products is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Recipients must be Charles County residents.

The food distribution is a drive-through distribution with donations from Farmers Feeding Southern Maryland.

For more information or if you are interested in volunteering, providing donations, or becoming a sponsor for upcoming events, call 301-645- 0558 or email BowlingG@CharlesCountyMD.gov.  Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.

Missing Person(s) Brendan Christopher Swope: On November 9, 2023 Swope left his residence located in Prince Frederick and never returned home. Swope has not had any contact with family since November 10, 2023 and is believed to still be in the Prince Frederick area. He is a known Schizophrenic and has Bipolar disorder. He was last seen wearing a black puffer coat with a hoodie, gray beanie cap and black pants. Swope currently has shoulder length hair and a long beard. If there is any information please contact the Maryland State Police Prince Frederick Barrack (410) 535-1400.

Case Number: 23-MSP-040378 Alexis Samone Emerson: Alexis was last seen on November 4, 2023 in the area of Walmart located in Dunkirk. Alexis was last seen wearing a pink bonnet, cream-colored scarf, pink windbreaker, black/blue slides, and possibly carrying a brown duffel bag. If there is any information please contact the Maryland State PolicePrince Frederick Barrack (410) 535-1400 Case Number: 23-MSP-039614 Burglary: On November 25, 2023 Trooper Snyder #7588, Responded to Paradise Smoke, located at 15 Oxford way in Huntingtown for a burglary in progress. At the time of arrival there was a broken glass window located at the front of the business with no one inside. Various tobacco products were stolen with an estimated value of stolen property being $6,000. Surveillance footage showed that the suspects were 3 black males operating a Black Kia Optima, bearing Virgina registration “UXN4805”. Case open and investigation on going. Any information please contact the Maryland State Police Prince Frederick Barrack (410) 535-1400.

Case Number: 23-MSP-041709 Possession of Child Porngoraphy: On January 9, 2023, the Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Section/Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a NCMEC CyberTip. The Cyber Tip indicated that someone (19) image files of Child Pornograpgy. On February 23, 2023 a search and seizure warrant was executed on the suspects residence and numerous electronic devices were seized and later forensically examined. Richard Selby III, 31 year old male, of Lusby MD, was later formally charged with Possession of Child Pornography.

BALTIMORE – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on the passing of former Supreme Court Associate Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.

“Justice Sandra Day O’Connor broke the glass ceiling when she became the first woman confirmed to sit on the Supreme Court of the United States, as the 102th Justice. Justice O’Connor experienced gender discrimination firsthand when she received job offers only to be a legal secretary after graduating with high honors from Stanford Law School. The nine-member Court now has four women, and our federal judiciary has become more diverse in no small part due to Justice O’Connor trailblazing career.

“Justice O’Connor demonstrated a remarkable ability to bring solid majorities of the Supreme Court together on some of the most controversial issues of the day. Her experience as a state legislator and judge in Arizona helped to inform her opinions on reproductive freedom, affirmative action, and equal rights for all Americans. Her jurisprudence will stand the test of time in the finest traditions of the Court in her nearly quarter-century of service as a justice. After stepping down from the Court, Justice O’Connor continued her public service as a strong advocate for the independence of the judiciary, civil discourse, and in the fight against dementia, which both Justice O’Connor and her husband suffered from for many years.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Justice O’Connor’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) is issuing this request for proposals (RFP) to elicit bids from qualified organizations to expand Behavioral Health Crisis Stabilization Center (BHCSC) services in St. Mary’s County and Charles County. This
RFP is designed to implement and/or expand on crisis stabilization services to provide short-term (under  24 hours) observation and crisis stabilization services to all referrals in a home-like, non-hospital environment.

To apply for this RFP, an organization must:

• Build out services and infrastructure with a focus on attaining the BHCSC level of service based on elements listed throughout this RFP and as laid out in COMAR 10.63 and 10.09.16.

The deadline for submission of proposals is December 15, 2023.  For more information or to submit a proposal for this request, please visit smchd.org/rfp.

NAS Patuxent River will perform road work on Shaw Road in the vicinity of Gate 3 the week of Dec. 4, 2023. Road work is weather permitting, but is only expected to take one day to complete.  

Gate 3 will remain open for normal operations (Monday through Friday, 6 a.m.-9a.m.) during the road work. Should this change, the impacts will be communicated prior to work.  

The Calvert County Department of Public Works advises citizens that crews will temporarily close a section of Williams Street in Solomons for roadway repairs early next week. The area of Williams Street between Charles Street and the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory will be closed Monday, Dec. 4 and Tuesday Dec. 5, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The partial closure could extend past Tuesday depending on weather conditions.

Drivers are asked to stay alert, slow down and watch for driving pattern changes. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve the county’s infrastructure.

For more information, contact the Calvert County Department of Public Works at 410-535-2204 or email Public.Works@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.

In comments submitted Thursday, Comptroller Brooke Lierman shared her concerns with Janet Yellen, Secretary of the United States Department of the Treasury, about proposed amendments to the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 that would hamper states’ access to the Treasury’s $39 billion in mature unredeemed savings bonds in Unclaimed Property.

The 2022 SECURE 2.0 Act requires the Treasury to provide states with the information necessary to redeem abandoned bonds and use that information to reunite bond owners with their money. The U.S. Department of Treasury issued proposed rules on October 31, 2023, which provide that the applicable savings bond information cannot be used to escheat bond ownership to state. The public comment period for the proposed rules closed on November 30, 2023.  
  
In her submitted comments, the Comptroller noted that many states, including Maryland, have well-established programs that are effective at reuniting citizens with their unclaimed funds. 
 
“Here in Maryland, our unclaimed property program uses a range of strategies to help reunite people with their property, including year-round outreach to the community, quarterly mailings, and data matching, and we have a 40-person team solely dedicated to claims processing, Comptroller Lierman said. “And, our program has yielded results with $1.3 billion in funds being returned to rightful owners since its inception.”  

Rather than leveraging these existing state resources and programs, the Treasury Department’s proposal would prevent states from playing a sufficiently active role in the claims servicing process. She urged the removal of restrictions requiring sole reliance on the Treasury Department’s redemption processes and allowing states to continue to support the servicing of claims.

The Comptroller also expressed concern about the proposal’s prohibition on releasing information to the public without express written approval, which would place an increased administrative burden on state agencies while also preventing them from using proven and trusted reunification and fraud prevention tools and heightening costs associated with potential misuse, distribution, or inadequate protection of records. The stringent conditions could act as deterrents, limit state participation, and undermine the intended purpose of returning mature savings bonds to their owner or heirs.

Supporting the Comptroller in raising these points is the director of the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA).
 
“I welcome the support of the Maryland Comptroller who joins our organization in expressing concern regarding these regulations, which do not allow states to effectively utilize their proven and secure systems to assist in returning more than $39 billion in matured unredeemed savings bonds to the rightful owners,” said Jeremy Dawson, NAUPA’s director.

Lastly, the Comptroller said the absence of a title escheatment process or accompanying fund remittance also hinders available state resources to provide enhanced outreach efforts beyond currently established efforts.

“I strongly urge the Treasury Department to reconsider the proposed rule and incorporate changes that address the above issues. Specifically, defining a clear claim servicing role for states and more flexibility with data usage will significantly enhance the likelihood of successful participation,” concluded Comptroller Lierman. 

The full comments can be found at https://www.marylandtaxes.gov/unclaimed-property/static_files/MD-Savings-Bond-Federal-Comment.pdf.

On Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, around 7:05 a.m., deputies from the Calvert County Patrol Bureau responded to the report of a shooting on Sark Court in Prince Frederick. Deputies arrived on scene and located a juvenile male suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. The victim was flown to an area trauma center in stable condition. Witnesses on the scene advised a masked male suspect was seen leaving the area in a black SUV. 
 
Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Bureau responded to the scene and have assumed the investigation.  This does not appear to be a random act.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Det. J. Buck at Joshua.Buck@calvertcountymd.gov or (410) 535-2800 ext. 2765. Please reference case #23-85460. Citizens may remain anonymous through the ‘Submit a Tip’ feature on the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office mobile app. To download, visit https://apps.myocv.com/share/a39520678 . Tipsters may also email ccsotips@calvertcountymd.gov.

The investigation is ongoing. 

vestigation is ongoing. 

PHILADELPHIA – Do you know how to be #WinterReady? As winter settles in and we celebrate the holiday season, FEMA Region 3 is joining in on the spirit of fellowship and care by urging individuals and communities to prioritize your winter weather safety and preparedness.

The festive season brings joy and celebration, but it also comes with unique challenges, especially in colder climates. From navigating icy sidewalks to preparing for winter storms, here are some essential and practical tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season:

1. Create a Winter Emergency Kit: Assemble a kit containing essential supplies, including blankets, non-perishable food, water, medications, and a flashlight for your home. Keep essential supplies in your car as well, including food and water, a shovel, windshield scraper, blankets, tow chains, reflectors, and other supplies, in case you become stranded.
2. Develop an Emergency Plan: Establish a clear and concise communications plan with your loved ones so you know how to get in touch in an emergency. Before a winter storm or drop in temperatures, check in on your neighbors and friends, especially older adults or others who may have unique needs, to help them prepare.
3. Stay Informed: Keep abreast of local weather forecasts and official alerts. Stay informed about any advisories, watches, or warnings issued by authorities. This information is critical for making timely and informed decisions during severe weather events.
4. Protect Your Home: Winterize your home by insulating pipes, sealing drafts, and checking heating systems. Home heating is the second leading cause of home fires, and winter is when most home fires happen, so ensure that heating sources are in good working condition. Taking these precautions can prevent damage and ensure a warm and safe living environment.
5. Practice Safe Driving: If travel is necessary during adverse weather conditions, drive cautiously. It takes longer to slow down and stop on icy roads, so increase your following distance from 3-4 seconds to 5-6 seconds. Keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle and be aware of road conditions.

As you're preparing this winter, follow along with FEMA’s #WinterReady campaign and FEMA Region 3 on X, LinkedIn, and Nextdoor, as we share more preparedness tips and resources.

We also invite you to join us for a free family-friendly holiday-themed webinar on Tuesday, December 12^th at 3:30pm on Zoom. This webinar will be focused on sharing winter, holiday, and home fire safety tips, to help foster a safer and healthier environment for everyone. This fireside virtual event will intertwine the joy and peace of the holidays with safety and preparation. 

Register here for the one of a kind "A Partridge and a Prepared Me" webinar. Once registered, you will receive an email with a link and passcode to join.

Everyone is welcome to join, especially kids who would like to speak with a firefighter about home safety and hear a preparedness spin on a classic holiday tale. For more information, visit FEMA.gov.

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The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) announces the Administrative Charging Committee (ACC) is now accepting applications for new members. The committee reviews findings of law enforcement investigations to determine if it is appropriate to administratively charge a police officer who is the subject of the investigation.

The ACC is comprised of five members, including the Police Accountability Board (PAB) chairperson, two citizens appointed by the BOCC and two citizens appointed by the PAB. A four-member citizen review committee, comprised of one representative each from the Calvert County Fraternal Order of Police, Calvert County NAACP, Calvert County Republican Central Committee and Calvert County Democratic Central Committee, will offer recommendations regarding the applicants to the BOCC. The BOCC will use these recommendations to appoint a citizen to the ACC for a three-year term.

All ACC members are required to complete a free, five-day training program on police procedures provided by the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission in Sykesville, Maryland. The ACC convenes at least monthly on the second Wednesday of each month from 3-4:30 p.m.

Anyone interested in applying to be a member of the ACC may complete an online application at www.CalvertPAB.com. For further information contact Liz Drew at 410-535-1600, ext. 2695, or by email at Elizabeth.Drew@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.

NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER AIRCRAFT DIVISION, Patuxent River, Md. – Good boys and girls of all ages across Southern Maryland should look to the skies as Adm. Santa Claus conducts pre-deployment mission planning over Southern Maryland on Friday, Dec. 15, between 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Saint Nicholas—also known by call sign “Claus”—will fly with elves and other holiday helpers from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (HX) 21 aboard an MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter. During the flight, Claus will spread holiday cheer while conducting reconnaissance and last-minute list-checking for upcoming operations on Christmas Eve. Children are advised to be on their best behavior.

While exact flight plans are classified, Claus and the HX-21 crew will fly over local sites and neighborhoods, including Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Chesapeake Ranch Estate, Solomons Island, Town Creek, Esperanza Farms, St. Mary’s County Airport, Leonardtown, Wildewood, Chancellor’s Run, Lexington Park, Cedar Cove and more.

As Rudolph will not be part of the reconnaissance flight, inclement weather could impact flight operations. If inclement weather is expected for Dec. 15, Adm. Claus may reschedule the flight for Thursday, Dec. 14, at the same time. Stay up-to-date on Santa Over Southern Maryland on the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division’s Facebook page.

HX-21 is a component of Naval Test Wing Atlantic, the test wing for Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division. Nicknamed the “Blackjacks,” the squadron provides developmental flight test and evaluation for all U.S. Navy and Marine Corps rotary-wing and tilt-rotor aircraft. The Blackjacks are personal favorites of Claus, who tries to visit his HX-21 friends every year. Naval Air Station Patuxent River has been home to HX-21 since 1949.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – Beginning Friday, December 1, at 10 a.m., the Chesapeake Public Charter School (CPCS) online lottery application will OPEN. All interested families must fill out applications online at cpcsapplication.com during the open enrollment period. (This includes all siblings who were waitlisted in the 23/24 school year). For the 2024-2025 school year, the online application link becomes LIVE at 10 a.m. on December 1, 2023, and closes at midnight on December 31, 2023.

There will be two in-person Q&A sessions this year to be held on the following dates. Use this Parent Information Session RSVP.

· IN-PERSON Wednesday, December 6, from 5:00-6:00 p.m.

· IN-PERSON Tuesday, December 12, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Can’t make it in person? An informational video & FAQs can be viewed on the CPCS website https://schools.smcps.org/cpcs/charter-school/admissions

LOTTERY APPLICATION INFORMATION

· Families need to enter a valid email address and create a password to create a free account. The application also features a mobile friendly platform. This account will need to be monitored for information regarding submission status and acceptance/waitlist notifications.

· All applications must be completed online. The order in which the application is submitted does not impact the selection process. It does not matter whether a family submits an application on the first day or the last day since the lottery is a random, computer-based drawing. The application is available in multiple languages.

· The official lottery will be run at the end of January 2024.

· Kindergarten families will be notified by email upon completing the lottery of their acceptance or waitlist status. All other families of students in grades 1-8 will receive an email about their waitlist status and will be offered seats as they become open through the summer months.

For more information, please contact the school’s main office at 301-863-9585, extension 0.