The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) announces the temporary interruption to birth and death certificate processing at the SMCHD Main Office in Leonardtown on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Normal operations for birth and death certificate processing should resume on Thursday, February 1, 2024.

To learn more about obtaining a vital record from the SMCHD, including document requirements, fees, and application downloads, please click here for birth certificates or here for death certificates.

School resource officer investigating threat at Piccowaxen Middle School: On January 30 at 8:45 a.m., a school administrator at Piccowaxen Middle School reported to the school resource officer that a student made a statement they placed C4 - an explosive - around the school. The SRO initiated an investigation, searched the school, and contacted the student’s parents. No explosives were located. The student faces disciplinary consequences. Anyone with information is asked to contact Cpl. Caballero at 301-609-3282 ext. 0573. The investigation is ongoing.

On January 24, 2024, St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling testified before the Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee in strong support of Senate Bill 26, Criminal Law - Manslaughter by Vehicle or Vessel - Increased Penalties (Jamari’s Law). The bill proposes to increase the maximum penalty of manslaughter by vehicle or vessel from ten to twenty years, and for any subsequent conviction, from fifteen to thirty years.

The legislation is named in honor of Jamari Duckett of Great Mills, Maryland. In 2022, Jamari was an 18-year-old high school graduate, registered for college and in pursuit of a career in mechanical engineering, when he was tragically and senselessly killed by an intoxicated driver whose braking speed was 91 miles per hour in a 40 mile per hour zone.

The driver was prosecuted in St. Mary’s County and sentenced to the maximum penalty of ten years in prison. However, since vehicular manslaughter is considered a nonviolent crime in Maryland, the driver will be eligible for parole after serving only two and a half years of his ten-year prison sentence.

“I’m a prosecutor … a justice seeker. Part of seeking justice is to come before you [the legislature] when there’s a problem, or there’s an absolute failure in our system,” said State’s Attorney Sterling at the hearing. “There’s nothing else that I can do in my capacity, or any other State’s Attorneys can do. We need your help … Please consider raising the penalties so that we have more to work with, so that we can rehabilitate, so that we can provide deterrence, but so there is also punishment, so that these lives are worth more than [the ten-year criminal penalty which is equivalent to passing] a bad check.”

Sterling testified alongside Jamari’s parents, Shownda Greenwell and John Duckett, several surviving family members of multiple victims of vehicular homicide, and prosecutors from around the State. Each person who provided testimony before the Senate echoed the pleas of the person who testified before them, all in unified support of Jamari’s Law.

On Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., Jamari’s Law will be heard before the House Judiciary Committee. State’s Attorney Sterling is scheduled to testify, again, in strong support of House Bill 264, sponsored by Delegate Brian Crosby, the cross-file of Senator Jack Bailey’s Senate Bill 26.

Community members are encouraged to provide testimony in-person, via Zoom, or by written submission by registering on the Maryland General Assembly website as a witness for House Bill 264 no later than Monday, February 5, 2024, by 6:00 p.m.

State’s Attorney Sterling is grateful to Senator Bailey and Delegate Crosby for their support and partnership on this crucial initiative, and to Jamari’s parents, Shownda Greenwell and John Duckett, who have bravely contributed to spearheading change for all in the name of justice for their son.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Calvert – St. Mary’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (C-SMMPO), the designated policy board that administers the transportation planning process in designated areas of Calvert and St. Mary’s County, is updating the Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

The LRTP establishes transportation objectives and investment priorities for the next 25 years, focusing on projects eligible for federal funding. These projects can affect daily commutes, transportation options, and the quality of life within the region. Community members are encouraged to view the update of the LRTP online at: https://www.stmarysmd.com/docs/Moving_Forward_2050_DRAFT.pdf.

The TIP follows the objectives of the LRTP and is created in collaboration with state and public transit providers. Projects occur within the Urbanized Area, which extends the boundary of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to include anticipated growth for the next 20 years. This area is shown on the attached map below. View the TIP update online at: https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/docs/FY_2025-2028_Draft_TIP.pdf.

Citizen input on this plan is essential to ensure transportation needs are accurately reflected within the MPO boundary and the region. The 45-day public comment period will end on March 15, 2024. Questions or comments should be directed to Karly Maltby, Calvert-St. Mary’s MPO Administrator, with St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Land Use & Growth Management at (301) 475-4200 ext. 1507 or via email at Karly.Maltby@stmaryscountymd.gov.

About the Calvert – St. Mary’s Metropolitan Planning Organization

The Calvert – St. Mary’s Metropolitan Planning Organization is the designated policy board that administers the metropolitan transportation planning process, in partnership with federal and state transportation officials. The map of the C-SMMPO is attached below. Every four years the C-SMMPO must update the Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). St. Mary’s County Government is collaborating with Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Calvert County to finalize updates of these plans during March 2024. Learn more about the C-SMMPO at: www.calvert-stmarysmpo.com.

###

Notable Arrests/DUIs/Summonses/Warrants Through 01/28/24 In St. Mary's County

Posted About Three Months Ago

LEONARDTOWN, MD (January 30, 2024) – The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office handled 1,235 Calls for service, including 14 Emergency Petitions from January 22, 2024, to January 28, 2024.

 

Calls for service include requests for police assistance originating from the public as well as self-initiated events made by deputy sheriffs.

 

The Emergency Petition statute in Maryland enables the prompt evaluation of individuals experiencing a mental health crisis having the potential to harm themselves or others to be taken to an emergency facility to assess the need for immediate treatment.

ARRESTS:

1/16/24 – Timothy Jerome Baker, 56, of California, MD, by Corporal Rachael Roszell, for Felony CDS: Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Felony CDS: Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Felony CDS: Possession Large Amount, Equipment to Produce Controlled Dangerous Substance, CDS: Possession – Not Cannabis 3x, CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

 

1/23/24 – Michael Anthony Deep, 30, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Julian Grant, for CDS: Possession – Not Cannabis.
 

DUIs:

1/22/24 – Matthew William Goldsborough, 42, of Waldorf, MD, by DFC Michael Myers, for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, and Driver Failure to Obey Properly Placed Traffic Control Device Instructions.

 

1/23/24 – Kevin Jeffrey Hancock, 33, of Leonardtown, MD, by Corporal Rachael Roszell, for Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Driving While So Impaired by Controlled Dangerous Substances Incapable of Driving Safety, Driving Without a License.

 

1/25/24 – Donald Sheldon Strickland, 44, of Great Mills, MD, by Deputy Austin Welch, for Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Attempting to Drive Vehicle While So Impaired by Controlled Dangerous Substances Incapable of Driving Safety.

 

1/26/24 Angela Marie Forrest, 40, of Ridge, MD, by Deputy Zachary Wolfe, for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While So Far Impaired by Alcohol Cannot Drive Safely, Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle on Highway.

 

SUMMONSES:

1/23/24 – Job St Sauveur, 32, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Austin Welch, for Rifle/Shotgun Possession with Felony Conviction, Illegal Possession of Ammunition, Rifle/Shotgun Possession by Person Convicted of Disqualifying Crime.

 

WARRANTS:

n/a

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

Monday, Feb. 12 (Superbowl Monday)

• All Charles County Government offices and the Charles County Animal Care Center in Hughesville are closed.
• The Nanjemoy Community Center and all senior centers will be closed.
• Lackey, Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center, and North Point High indoor pools will be open from noon – 5 p.m.
• Waldorf Senior and Recreational Center is open from 2:30 p.m. -9 p.m. for recreation activities only.

Monday, Feb. 19 (Presidents’ Day)

• All Charles County Government offices and the Charles County Animal Care Center in Hughesville are closed.
• The Nanjemoy Community Center, senior centers, and all school-based community centers will be closed.

• Lackey, Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center, and North Point High indoor pools will be open from noon – 5 p.m.
• Waldorf Senior and Recreational Center is open from 2:30 p.m. -9 p.m. for recreation activities only.

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.

School resource officer investigating altercation involving multiple people: On January 30 at 10:32 a.m., six people were involved in a fight inside Thomas Stone High School. All of the suspects fled prior to the SRO’s arrival; however some of them have since been identified. At least two of the people are currently students at Thomas Stone High School. The SRO is working with the Charles County Public Schools Director of School Safety and Security and CCPS administrators to determine the school status of the other suspects. Anyone with information is asked to contact PFC Payne at 301-609-3282 ext. 0452. The students face criminal charges and disciplinary consequences from the Charles County Public Schools. The investigation is ongoing. 

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

The Commissioners then presented a proclamation for Transit Equity Day, followed by a commendation to Sheila Graziano in celebration of her retirement.

The Office of the County Attorney then held a Public Hearing regarding a Zoning Amendment.

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

• Reviewed upcoming meeting agendas.
• Agreed to join the multi-district Social Media Litigation.
• Heard a presentation on the Southern Maryland 2030 Workforce Program.
• Approved a letter to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources indicating that the Huntersville Rural Legacy Area (RLA) is the prioritized RLA for St. Mary's County.
• Accepted the grant funding from the Exelon Generation Company, LLC on behalf of the Department of Emergency Services and approved the related budget amendment.
• Approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the Maryland Stadium Authority and the Commissioners of St. Mary's County to initiate Phase II of the Sports Complex.
• Approved the Speed Camera Ordinance; required that all contracts awarded under the Speed Camera Ordinance must meet CSMC approval prior to execution.

The Commissioners then received a legislative update from the Office of the County Attorney.

The next CSMC business meeting will be held on February 6, 2024, at 9 a.m. CSMC business meetings 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 SMCG’s YouTube Channel.

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

On Saturday, January 27, 2024, Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a Lexington Park residence for the report of an assault and robbery.

According to the victim, the incident occurred at approximately 4:50 p.m. in the rear of the St. Mary’s Square shopping center near the Weiss grocery store. The victim reported being knocked to the ground, physically assaulted, and robbed of his wallet. Following the initial interview with deputies, the victim was transported to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital for medical treatment.

Subsequent investigative efforts led to the identification and arrest of two individuals. Shannyn Elizabeth Dulemba, 40, of No Fixed Address, and Jamaze Jovan Wood, 25, of No Fixed Address, were taken into custody and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center and charged with Robbery, Assault First Degree, Assault Second Degree, Theft, and related CDS: Possession Not Cannabis violations.

State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that a St. Mary’s County jury convicted Charles Ray Reid, IV, 35, of Callaway, Maryland of charges stemming from a domestic violence incident that occurred on May 26, 2023.

Following a two-day jury trial, Reid was found guilty of all charges:

• Fourth degree burglary;
• Second degree assault;
• Second degree malicious burning; and
• Malicious destruction of property less than $1,000.

Reid will be held without bond awaiting a sentencing hearing. He faces a maximum penalty of 13 years and 2 months in prison.

“Domestic violence is a tragically common circumstance that often times leaves victims feeling violated and voiceless. I hope this verdict has given the victim in this case a sense of justice, closure, and most importantly, safety,” said State’s Attorney Sterling. “I want to thank the jury for their careful consideration of all of the testimony and evidence in rendering their guilty verdicts.”

Assistant State’s Attorney Zach Varda and Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Alena Mosier prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.

Deputies Devin Absher and Richard Wilhelmi of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office were the lead investigators.

The Honorable Leo E. Green, Jr. presided over the case.

PATUXENT RIVER NAVAL AIR STATION, MD – Naval Air Station Patuxent River will participate in the annualforce protection exercise, Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain Feb. 5-16, 2024. 

Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2024 (CSSC24) is conducted by Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command(USFFC) and Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) on all Navy installations in the continental U.S. 

“Pax River joins Navy bases across the region and country in training to protect our personnel and mission from possible attack,” said NAS Patuxent River Commanding Officer Capt. Douglas Burfield.  

Citadel Shield, which occurs the first week, is the field training exercise portion led by CNIC. Solid Curtain occurs the following week and is the command post exercise led by USFFC. This two-part approach was designed to enhance the readiness of Navy security forces and ensure seamlessinteroperability among the commands, otherservices and agencypartners in order to protect life, equipment and facilities. 

CSSC24 is a regularlyscheduled exercise and is not being held in responseto any specific threat. 

Measures have been taken to minimize disruptions within local communities and to normal base operations, but there may be times when the exercise causes increased traffic around bases or delays in base access. Brief gate closures are expected at NAS Patuxent River during the exercise. Area residents may also see or hear security activities associated with the exercise. Advanced coordination has taken place with local law enforcement and first responders. 

Base residents and personnel are reminded to avoid posted exercise areas.  

For information about potential impactsdue to the exercise, follow NAS Pax River online at www.facebook.com/NASPaxRiver, www.twitter.com/NASPaxRiverPAO, and www.instagram.com/nas_patuxent_river/ .  

Detectives from the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office charged Crosby Jay Dawson, 40, of Leonardtown, MD, on Friday, January 26, 2024, with Rape Second Degree, Sex Offense Third Degree, Sex Offense Fourth Degree, and Sex Abuse of a Minor.

The charges stem from an ongoing investigation initiated by Child Protective Services and medical professionals following an anonymous complaint involving a minor. Detectives apprehended Dawson without incident at his residence.

The suspect was transported to the St. Mary's County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown and is currently held without bond.

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 to actively contribute to the well-being and future of the community.

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

·         Article 1 – Title, Purpose, and Applicability: This article pertains to orderly development and use of land and structures regulation through the implementation of planning and zoning administration, to secure the public safety, health, welfare and promote the conservation of natural resources. Find draft Article 1 online.

·         Article 2– Definitions: This article pertains to definitions, general abbreviations, rules of interpretation and measurement standards. Find draft Article 2 online.

·         Article 29 – Signs: This article pertains to adequate identification, communication, advertising and regulations of signs. Find draft Article 29 online.

Public Comment Period, open Feb. 2 through Feb. 23: The public comment period will be open Friday, Feb. 2, through Friday, Feb. 23. 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, Feb. 15:  A public forum with zoning staff will be held Thursday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m. at the Harriet E. Brown Community Center located at 901 Dares Beach Road in Prince Frederick. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. During the forum, members of the public will have the opportunity to ask questions. The public may attend in person or virtually through Zoom by calling 301-751-8592, enter meeting ID 870 4870 1285 and passcode “#.”

Joint Work Session, March 20: A joint work session with the Board of County Commissioners and Planning Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, March 20, at 7 p.m. at the Harriet E. Brown Community Center located at 901 Dares Beach Road in 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.

Detectives identify and arrest suspect in connection with multiple robbery cases: Detectives assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division have identified and arrested a suspect in connection with two armed robberies. The arrest is the result of investigative and forensics work which began on January 9 when a lone male suspect entered a gas station, produced a firearm, stole the clerk’s cell phone, and grabbed the cash drawer from a cash register. He fled in a vehicle. Detectives developed Jeremiah Terrell Bryant, 24, of Oxon Hill, as a suspect. An arrest and search warrant were obtained and the suspect was located. Evidence linking Bryant to the robbery at the gas station and another robbery at a pizza establishment was recovered, including a firearm. Bryant was also linked to another robbery case in a nearby county. Bryant was charged with armed robbery, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, handgun on person, use of handgun during the commission of a crime, and other related charges. On January 26, a judge ordered Bryant to be held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center. Detectives Wimberly and Beach are investigating. 

Charles County Crime Solvers offering cash reward in shooting case: On January 25, at 8 p.m., officers responded to Mall Circle for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located a woman with a gunshot wound to her arm. She was transported to a hospital with injuries that were not life threatening. A preliminary investigation showed the woman was getting in her vehicle, which was parked near the food court, when two males approached in a car, ordered her out of her vehicle and shot her during a robbery attempt. The suspects fled in an unknown type vehicle. Detectives are pursuing leads and ask anyone with information to contact Detective Johnson at 301-609-6453. 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. A cash reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for the tip that leads to the arrest of the suspects. The investigation is ongoing.

Since we have received numerous inquiries from residents regarding the operation of MMG Sports Performance Center, we would like to proactively provide information to clarify recent enforcement actions taken by the county.

On Jan. 21, 2024, the county responded to a call about events taking place at the facility. Because the building is not approved for occupancy, the building was closed and vacated. On Jan. 22, a Stop Work Order/Cease and Desist was placed on both buildings for unpermitted use. This action was taken in the sole interest of the health, safety and welfare of the public, especially children.

The buildings in question are permitted as “Flex Space,” which is mixed use of retail, warehouse and office. They are not approved for indoor recreation, which has different zoning use, Fire Marshal, Environmental Health and building code requirements. To date, there has been no application submitted to request permitting for indoor recreation.

Furthermore, the buildings have not been approved for use and occupancy. The buildings are currently only have permits issued for the shell and cannot be occupied until all tenant fit outs have been permitted, approved, inspected and granted Certificates of Occupancy. To date, the county has not received any applications for tenant fit outs. Inspections have not been requested for the building, interior electrical or plumbing.

Fair enforcement of permitting, inspections and zoning regulations is important to protect public safety by ensuring that buildings, structures and activities comply with laws, codes and regulations in order to prevent accidents, fires and other hazards that could endanger patrons and staff.

It is deeply unfortunate that this situation has impacted numerous organizations and individuals who have already paid to have use of this space. County staff has informed the owner, verbally and in writing, on multiple occasions since 2020 that the proposed use was not allowed without permits and approvals. Staff has made multiple attempts to work with the property owner to bring the buildings into compliance and meet the requirements that would allow for indoor recreational use. Unfortunately, we are unable to estimate when the facility may be allowed to open. Customers are urged to contact the owner regarding any business transactions that have already taken place.

Local business is essential to the community and is the backbone to a healthy economy. We believe that responsible business practices can lead to mutual prosperity and community well-being. However, we will always act in accordance with our authority when alerted to actions that risk harm to the physical and financial well-being of Calvert County residents.

More information and a timeline of actions is available on the county website.

PATUXENT RIVER NAVAL AIR STATION, MD – Communities surrounding the Outlying Field Webster and the Naval Air Station Patuxent River are advised that there will be an increase in aircraft flight activities associated with the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School training. This increase in aircraft activity will occur from January 29 through March 08, 2024.  

The U.S. Naval Test Pilot School trains the world’s finest developmental test pilots, flight officers, engineers, industry and foreign partners in full spectrum test and evaluation of aircraft and aircraft systems. Located in Patuxent River, Maryland, the school is forefront in development of modern test techniques and leads aviation in standardization of flight test. Its highly competitive program has graduated more than 90 NASA astronauts to date. 

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 Maryland Department of Natural Resources is expanding the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) permanent easement program statewide for the preservation of agricultural land and protection of waterways. 

Previously these easements were available in nine Maryland counties; now, landowners across Maryland with existing federal CREP contracts can participate in this significant land conservation program. The expansion was approved Jan. 3 by the Board of Public of Works – Gov. Wes Moore, Comptroller ?Brooke E. Lierman, and Treasurer Dereck E. Davis.

“The benefits from these permanent conservation easements are immense – ranging from reducing sediment and nutrient runoff into local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay, to enhancing wildlife habitats along streams and wetlands, and to better equipping coastal areas for climate resilience and protecting against coastal flooding,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. “The department has protected 12,738 acres under this program so far and we can now anticipate a substantial increase in the acreage of these types of preserved lands.”

The CREP program was instituted to help meet the state’s goal of planting forest riparian buffers, which helps filter out nutrient pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus that negatively affect the Chesapeake Bay. Through this program, farmers enter a contract with the federal government to remove environmentally sensitive cropland and pastureland from active protection for 10-15 years and install best management practices. Maryland’s permanent easement program compensates farmers for keeping those lands out of active production and maintaining those best management practices there in perpetuity. 

Those best management practices include planting streamside forested buffers, establishing wetlands, creating wildlife habitat, and others. Specific practices and compensation formulas are determined by Maryland DNR based on attributes of each property.

Since 2009, the CREP easement program has only been available in nine counties that were determined at the time to have the highest levels of sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus loading to streams and the Chesapeake Bay. This expansion will broaden the impact of permanent conserved lands across the state. 

To participate in the CREP permanent easement program, landowners must first enter into a contract with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency, operating out of local soil conservation district offices. For more information, landowners can contact Katrina Tucker, Conservation Easement Supervisor, Maryland Department of Natural Resources at 410-260-8408 or katrinal.tucker@maryland.gov.

During the week of January 15 – January 21, 2024, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to 1,758 calls for service throughout the community.

ATV Accident: 23-4197 On January 17, 2022, Cpl. Bortchevsky responded to the 1900 block of Appaloosa Way in Owings, for the report of an auto accident. Investigation revealed that an adult male was towing two juveniles on a sled behind an ATV. The ATV was traveling in a circular motion and accelerated, causing the juveniles on the sled to collide with a tree. One of the victims suffered a minor head injury and was transported to Children’s Hospital via Trooper 2 for treatment. No additional injuries were reported.

Theft: 24-4214 On January 17, 2024, Senior Deputy Mohler responded to a residence in the 100 block of Dares Wharf Road in Prince Frederick, for a reported theft. Investigation revealed an unknown suspect described as a slender white male with a thin mustache and goatee, wearing a hoodie or hooded jacket, approached the front of the residence. The suspect, carrying a collapsible cloth bag, proceeded to steal a stack of copper wire from the driveway. Surveillance footage captured the suspect walking away from the residence with the cloth bag filled with the stolen copper wire. The estimated value of stolen property is $325.00.

ARRESTS

On January 15, 2024, Deputy Hudson initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle with no registration plates in the area of Bayside Road and Gordon Stinnett Avenue in Chesapeake Beach. Contact was made with the driver, Ashley Marie Howes, 37 of Chesapeake Beach, who advised she did not have a valid driver’s license and stated the vehicle was not registered. A search of the vehicle revealed a stolen Virginia registration plate in the trunk. Howes was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged on traffic charges and with Rouge and Vagabond and Theft: Less than $100. Ashley Marie Howes

On January 16, 2024, at 9:19 p.m., Deputy Sylver responded to the 100 block of Llewelyn Lane in Huntingtown, for a reported burglary. Upon arrival, contact was made with the complainant who advised an unknown male had attempted to gain unauthorized access to both the front and rear entrances of his residence. Video surveillance shows the suspect, Mark Emery Cress, Jr., 40 of Huntingtown, loitering around the home and manipulating the rear door handle in an effort to gain entry. During a search of Cress’s person, a large knife was found on his person. Cress was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he was charged with FourthDegree Burglary. Mark Emery Cress, Jr.

On January 19, 2023, DFC Shoemaker initiated a traffic stop in the area of Rousby Hall Road and NB Rt. 4 in Lusby, on a vehicle traveling in the wrong travel lane. Contact was made with the driver, Toni Louise Davis, 64 of White Hall, who consented to a search of the vehicle. The vehicle search revealed a cut red straw with a white powdery residue and a Marlboro box with a tied plastic bag containing white powder. Davis confirmed the substance was cocaine. Davis was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where she was charged with CDS: Possession-Not Cannabis and CDS: Possession of Controlled Paraphernalia. Toni Louise Davis

On January 21, 2024, DFC Shoemaker initiated an investigative traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Solomons Landing Way in Solomons, for suspicious activity. Further investigation revealed DFC Hendrickson and his partner K9 Atlas conducted a K9 sniff of the vehicle resulting in a positive alert. A search of the vehicle was conducted and revealed two plastic push rods, two glass crack pipes, one with burnt edges and a white powdery residue, and a container containing a white rock-like substance (crack cocaine). The driver, Chelsea Lee Hoofnagle, 38 of Lusby, and passenger, Daniel Joseph Leaman, 40 of Lusby, were both transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where they were both charged with CDS: Possession- Not Cannabis and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia. Chelsea Lee Hoofnagle Daniel Joseph Leaman

On January 18, 2024, Deputy Brown responded to the 3200 block of Ben Oak Drive in Huntingtown, for a reported suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival, a vehicle was observed idling with its lights on. Upon making contact with the driver, Robert William Twigg, 50 of Dunkirk, drug paraphernalia was observed in plain view. DFC Hendrickson and his partner K9 Atlas conducted a K9 sniff of the vehicle resulting in a positive alert. A search of the vehicle revealed a plastic bag containing a powdery substance (suspected methamphetamine), 2 Suboxone pills, and other prescription pills wrapped in tinfoil. Twigg was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he was charged with CDS: Possession-Not Cannabis.

The Charles County Department of Health, Division of Environmental Health Services will begin to schedule wet season percolation testing on January 29th, 2024. Due to below normal water table conditions in the county, an extended treatment zone will be used.   The treatment zone for shallow and deep trench conventional systems will be 5 feet and, for sandmound systems, will be 3 feet.  

We will continue to monitor water table levels and, if conditions change, the treatment zone will be adjusted accordingly.  If water tables recede below wet season levels, wet season perc testing will be suspended until further notice.  Perc test applications will be scheduled in the order in which they were received.  Testing in these conditions may warrant the need for further evaluation at the expense of the applicant, so property owners should consult with the contractor/consultant performing the perc prior to scheduling to see if delaying the testing for the property is recommended.

A soil evaluation or perc test determines if the soils and groundwater conditions on a property are suitable for the installation of an onsite sewage disposal system.  All properties, not served by public water and sewer, must have this test before beginning construction of any structure with plumbing.  Residents that need a soil evaluation "perc test" should submit an application to the Division of Environmental Services at the Charles County Department of Health as soon as possible.  The Division of Environmental Health Services may be contacted at 301-609-6751.

Crime Solvers offering cash reward in reckless endangerment case: On January 24 at 3:15 p.m., officers responded to the 11700 block of Palm Desert Place in Waldorf for the report of shots fired. Witnesses advised a group of juveniles were in the area when one juvenile pulled out a gun and fired a round in the direction of the homes as the other juveniles fled. No one was injured and no homes were struck. Officers are pursuing leads. Anyone with information is asked to call PFC Ptack at 301-609-3282 ext. 0700. 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. A cash reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for the tip that leads to an arrest in this case.   

Repeat shoplifter and suspect in first-degree assault/armed robbery case apprehended: On January 24 at 4:38 p.m., officers responded to a business on Mall Circle after a loss prevention officer observed a male who was attempting to steal clothes. The loss prevention officer recognized the male as being the same subject who pointed a knife at him on December 28 while he stole merchandise from the same store and fled. Fearing he might be assaulted again, the loss prevention officer called 9-1-1. Officers located the suspect and arrested him in connection with the December assault. William Kenneth Freeman, 27, of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with first-degree assault, armed robbery, theft, and second-degree assault. On January 25, a judge ordered Freeman to be released from the Charles County Detention Center on personal recognizance with the condition he stays away from the business. Detective Hooper and Detective Tyler are investigating.  

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger and David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $532,500 to support housing assistance projects in rural communities in Maryland. The federal funding, provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development grant program, will help the Interfaith Housing Alliance acquire and rehabilitate 15 homes in Carroll, Frederick, and Washington Counties, providing 15 low and very-low income individuals and families secure housing.

“A home is more than just four walls and a roof – it’s a place where families can feel safe and a foundation for them to build a better future. As we continue working to expand access to affordable housing across our state, these federal investments will provide Maryland families in need with rehabilitated homes where they can live, grow, and thrive,” said the lawmakers.

Founded in 1990, the Interfaith Housing Alliance has facilitated the investment of more than $230 million in affordable housing projects and initiatives across Maryland and Pennsylvania.

USDA’s Rural Development programs deliver over $40 billion a year in loans, loan guarantees, and grants to rural communities. Senators Van Hollen and Cardin and Congressmen Ruppersberger and Trone have long fought for robust annual appropriations funding for the USDA’s Rural Development programs to continue supporting federal funding for projects in rural communities across Maryland.

The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephanie Harper, MD, MPP, as the agency’s new Deputy Health Officer. Dr. Harper previously served as Director of a multi-jurisdictional health district in Virginia and is also a former Bureau Chief of Chronic Disease Control at the DC Department of Health. She is a physician with a medical background in Ophthalmology. Her past work experience also includes managing a private clinical practice and teaching physician residents at Howard University. Dr. Harper completed medical school, residency, and a graduate degree in public policy at Harvard University.  Her undergraduate studies were at Spelman College.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Harper to our community and SMCHD team,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “She has an exceptional background in public health and health care. Her leadership expertise, deep understanding of disease prevention, and dedication to local public health will greatly benefit our community.”

“I am honored to accept the position of Deputy Health Officer at SMCHD,” stated Dr. Harper. “I look forward to the new challenges and initiatives of the Deputy Health Officer position, and I am excited to capitalize on existing and potential community partnerships to help ensure an effective public health system for all St. Mary’s County residents.”

As the county’s chief health strategist, St. Mary’s County Health Department delivers a variety of services to address disease prevention and control, quality of life, and overall well-being. SMCHD is committed to promoting healthy choices, opportunities and environments for all who live or work in St. Mary’s County. To learn more, please visit: smchd.org.

SRO and school administrator assaulted, property damaged during altercation: On January 23 at 11:51 a.m., two students at St. Charles High School were involved in a dispute. School administrators and a school resource officer were attempting to keep the students separated when one of the involved students attempted to push through them to get to the other student. While doing so, the student pushed against the SRO and administrator, and had to be restrained. During the incident, the student damaged equipment worn by the school resource officer. One student was charged with assault and destruction of property. The student also faces disciplinary consequences from the Charles County Public Schools. Anyone with information is asked to call Cpl. Plunkett at 301-609-3282 ext. 0469.

On Tuesday, Jan. 23, Wes Adams, County Attorney shared a legal opinion with commissioners regarding their activities with respect to the Charter Board. Adams was asked to give an opinion after Deborah Hall, Acting County Administrator, received an email in December regarding activities by commissioners when discussing the Charter Board.

The County Attorney addressed the concerns raised by the email, reviewed the purpose of the charter board and the political questions surrounding its purpose and stated that commissioners’ advocacy for or against the charter in their individual capacity was protected by law as political speech.

Briefings

• Danielle Mitchell, Associate County Attorney, provided the first legislative update of the 2024 Maryland General Assembly session. Commissioners were also briefed by Joseph Green of GS Proctor and Associates on the biggest topics at the Maryland General Assembly.
• Staff presented a briefing and requested approval to accept and approve the Critical Area Commission’s conditional approval of Zoning Text Amendment 21-169, also known as Bill Number 2022-10, and that the bill be amended to reflect the refinement and clarifying language to ensure consistency with Chapter 119 of the 2008 Laws of Maryland, Section 9. Commissioners approved the request.
• Diane Fisher and Hassan Adeeb from Stream Onward briefed commissioners on STEAM project monitoring conditions in a tributary of Mattawoman Creek.
• Commissioners received an update on efforts to create a pretrial services program in Charles County.

Public Hearings

Commissioners held a public hearing on a petition that would impact future development within the Villages at Swan Point. Commissioners voted to close the record and vote on the petition on Feb. 7.

Approval Items

Commissioners approved:

• Two requests by the Charter Board:
  • A request by the Charter Board to be added to the list of boards and commissions allowed to use Community Support Funds.
  • A request to use $300 in Community Support Funds to print additional copies of an informational mailer on the differences between the Charter and Code Home Rule of government to be placed in county senior centers and recreational centers.

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

Next Commissioners Session: Jan 30-31, 2024.

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

The Calvert County Department of Public Works, Solid Waste Division, offers free mulch to Calvert County residents and businesses. Mulch is available for pickup Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon, and from 1-3 p.m. at the Appeal Landfill, located at 401 Sweetwater Road in Lusby.

The recycled, untreated mulch is made from collected tree debris. There is no mulch limit per resident and mulch is available while supplies last. The county is not liable for any damage to plants or property that may occur from use of the mulch.

Proof of residency or business location is required. Please see attendant or scale clerks for a liability waiver form prior to loading. Assistance may be provided with advance notice. Any open trailers or truck beds must have a tarp or cover to secure the load onto the vehicle. For more information, contact the Calvert County Solid Waste Division at 410-326-0210.

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

The Charles County Treasurer’s Office is pleased to announce that property tax credit applications are now available online for volunteer emergency responders. In September 2023, the Board of County Commissioners enacted legislation to provide a property tax credit for volunteer emergency responders and their surviving spouses, to recognize the invaluable contributions of these individuals to our community.

To qualify, applicants must be an individual who is an active or retired volunteer member of a fire, rescue, or emergency medical services company in Charles County; or a surviving spouse of an emergency responder who has not remarried. Additionally, to be eligible, volunteer emergency responders or a surviving spouse must have a federal adjusted gross income that does not exceed $150,000, and meet other criteria related to volunteer status and length of service. The tax credit will provide up to $500 annually beginning with the 2024-25 full-year tax assessment for the volunteer emergency responder’s principal county residence.

Applications are due by May 1, 2024. For more information, and to obtain application materials, visit https://www.charlescountymd.gov/government/fiscal-and-administrative-services/treasury-taxes/your-taxes.

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

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 Commissioners accepted a check from the Tri-County Council of Southern Maryland for the Barns at New Market.

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

• Reviewed upcoming meeting agendas.
• Approved the Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Administration Loan Applications on behalf of the St. Mary's County Metropolitan Commission (MetCom).
• Approved MetCom’s supplemental appropriation to the Capital Improvement Budget.
• Authorized the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department to hold a public hearing regarding the proposed Fire Tax rate increase.
• Authorized the Ridge Volunteer Fire Department to hold a public hearing regarding the proposed Fire Tax rate increase.
• Authorized the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department to hold a public hearing regarding the proposed Fire Tax rate increase.
• Heard a presentation on the recent St. Mary’s County Government salary study.
• Heard a Budget Briefing in preparation for the upcoming FY2025 budget work sessions.
• Ratified the letter ending the rental relationship with Leonard Hall Junior Naval Academy.

The Commissioners then received a legislative update from the Office of the County Attorney.

The next CSMC business meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 9 a.m. CSMC business meetings 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 SMCG’s YouTube Channel.

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

Weapon on school grounds: On January 23 at 10:35 a.m., a student at Wade Elementary School was found to be in possession of a box cutter while inside a classroom. A school administrator recovered the box cutter and the student will face disciplinary consequences from the CCPS. In accordance with MD law, the student will not be charged due to their age. Parents are urged to talk with their students about the consequences of bringing prohibited items on school grounds. Anyone with information is asked to contact PFC Joffe at 301-609-6282 ext. 0608. 

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office handled 1,244 Calls for service, including eight Emergency Petitions from January 15, 2024, to January 21, 2024.

Calls for service include requests for police assistance originating from the public as well as self-initiated events made by deputy sheriffs.

The Emergency Petition statute in Maryland enables the prompt evaluation of individuals experiencing a mental health crisis having the potential to harm themselves or others to be taken to an emergency facility to assess the need for immediate treatment.

ARRESTS:

01/17/24 - James Markise Cole, 32, of Mechanicsville, MD, by Deputy Elisha Munn, for Felony Assault First Degree and Assault Second Degree.

01/18/24 Kyle Ryan Summers, 35, of California, MD, by Deputy Travis Wimberly, for CDS: Possession – Not Marijuana and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

01/19/24 – Darcee Elise Anthony, 66, of Piney Point, MD, by Deputy James Morgan, for Felony Assault First Degree and Assault Second Degree.

01/20/24 – Casey Nicole Faulds, 28, of Mechanicsville, MD, by Deputy Shanna Peters, for CDS: Possession – Not Marijuana and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.
 

DUIs:

1/15/24 – Trey Andrew Boothe, 19, of California, MD, by DFC Michael Rycyzyn, for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol and Driving a Vehicle in Violation of a Restricted License Requirement.

1/17/24 – Celestino Ponce Hernandez, 34, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Donald Shubrooks, for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol and Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol.

1/20/24 – Shawn Kerry Legrant, 31, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Cody Donaldson, Driving a Vehicle While So Far Impaired by Alcohol Cannot Drive Safely, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol and Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se.
1/20/24 – Carlton Dewyane Swayne, 33, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Cody Donaldson, for Driving a Vehicle While So Far Impaired by Alcohol Cannot Drive Safely, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol and Expired Registration Plate.

1/21/24 – Kyle Eugene Saunders, 41, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Aaron Ocasio-Rivera, for Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Reckless Driving and Negligent Driving.

SUMMONSES:

01/17/24 – Mary Elizabeth Pearson, 55, of Mechanicsville, MD, by Deputy Helen Deitrich, for Felony Third Degree Burglary, Harassment, Second Degree Assault, and Telephone Misuse.

1/18/24 – Deatre Marquise Perkins, 28, of Leonardtown, MD, by DFC John Gardiner, for two counts of Animal Cruelty.

1/19/24 – Reginald Leon Brown, 32, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Shanna Peters, for Theft of $1500 to under $25000.

WARRANTS:

1/15/24 – Tony Andrew Messineo, 36, of Charlotte Hall, MD, by Deputy Alexander Tasciotti, for failing to register as a sex offender.

1/17/24 – David Allen Brooks III, 27, of Hollywood, MD, by DFC Michael Rycyzyn, 27, for Felony Assault First Degree, Assault Second Degree, Threat of Arson, Firearm Use During a Violent Crime, and Escape Second Degree-Condition of Release.

1/17/24 – Marcquez Tramaine Thomas, 23, of Lexington Park, MD, by DFC Travis Wimberly, for Assault Second Degree and Felony Burglary Third Degree.

1/18/24 – Reginal Mark Gant, 46, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Joseph Senatore, for Possession of a Rifle/Shotgun by a Disqualified Individual, Possession of a Firearm without a Serial Number, and Illegal Possession of Ammunition.

1/21/24 – Durez Lindell Creek, 34, of Lexington Park, MD, by Corporal Sahwn Shelko, for Theft of $1500 to Under $25000, Theft of $100 to Under $1500, and Malicious Destruction of Property.

 The Calvert County Election Board is notifying voters in the Dunkirk, St. Leonard and Lusby areas about changes to their polling places. To ensure voters are informed and prepared for the upcoming elections, the Election Board is working to keep the community informed about changes affecting the electoral process.

Affected voters in the Dunkirk, St. Leonard and Lusby areas will receive notification by mail within the next week indicating changes to their polling locations. These mailers will be marked with a fluorescent sticker that reads, "Open immediately, your polling place has changed." A follow-up postcard will be sent in early March to voters in these areas, which will list their polling location and the locations of all early voting centers.

Sample ballots are scheduled to be mailed April 12, 2024.

Voters can confirm their polling locations online at www.calvertcountymd.gov/PollingPlaces or through Maryland Voter Services at https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/PollingPlaceSearch.

There are several polling place changes for election day: 

·         Changing the precinct boundary between Precinct 1-3 (St. Leonard Elementary School) and Precinct 1-4 (Mutual Elementary School).

·         Changing the location of the polling place for Precinct 1-5 from Patuxent Appeal Elementary Campus (35 Appeal Lane, Lusby) to Southern Community Center (20 Appeal Lane, Lusby).

·         Changing the location of the polling place for Precinct 1-7 from Mill Creek Middle School (12200 Southern Connector Blvd., Lusby) to Patuxent High School (12485 Southern Connector Blvd., Lusby).

·         Changing the location of Precinct 3-6 from Northern Middle School (2954 Chaneyville Road, Owings) to Northern High School (2950 Chaneyville Road, Owings).

·         Changing the location of Precinct 3-7 from Fairview Vote Center (8120 Southern Maryland Blvd., Owings) to Northern High School (2950 Chaneyville Road, Owings).

These changes were made to provide a more accessible voting experience on Election Day. The new locations are larger, more easily accessible and have increased parking. The changes in St. Leonard were made to balance the number of voters between polling places to alleviate potential wait times. Precinct boundary and polling place changes remain within the same election districts. There are no changes in the representatives for whom voters will elect.

The Maryland Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Early voting will take place daily Thursday, May 2 through Thursday, May 9.

The State Board of Elections approved the relocation of one early voting center from Fairview Library to Ward Farm Park. Three early voting sites are available in Calvert County. Learn more at www.calvertcountymd.gov/EarlyVoting.

County transportation services are available during early voting and on primary election day. Visit www.calvertcountymd.gov/Transportation for schedules and fares.

Voters are encouraged to bookmark www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/Vote for important local voting information. Follow the Calvert County Election Board on Facebook at www.facebook.com/calvertelectionboard for continuous updates.

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.

PATUXENT RIVER NAVAL AIR STATION, MD – Communities surrounding NAS Patuxent River are advised that noise-generating testing events are scheduled to take place January 22 – February 9, 2024 from 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Pilots at NAS Pax River will be conducting Field Carrier Landing Practices (FCLPs). FCLPs are simulated carrier landings conducted to prepare the pilot to land safely on an aircraft carrier. The practices consist of series of touch-and-go maneuvers where airspeed, altitude, and power are precisely choreographed in order for a pilot to approach a ship within an acceptable window to land on the deck safely. FCLP training is essential for the precision and safety of our personnel and the success of their mission. Landing on an aircraft carrier is perhaps the most difficult task in military aviation. 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.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (January 23, 2024) – In early January, members of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Community Oriented Policing Unit (SMCSO COPs) kicked off a cold-weather gear clothing drive to generate donations for needy residents while drawing attention to National Poverty Awareness Month.

Donation boxes were generously provided by U-Haul Moving and Storage of Lexington Park and located at each of the four SMCSO District Stations. The clothing drive surpassed all expectations, collecting over 1300 adult and children's coats, socks, hats, gloves, scarves, and blankets. Sergeant Anthony Whipkey of the COPs Unit said, "I could not have imagined the outpouring of generosity this clothing drive would create."

With help from U-Haul, the donated items have been delivered to individuals, charities, and schools all over the county.

The COPs Unit collection drive has concluded, but generous residents are encouraged to seek out other local charitable organizations to continue supporting those in need.

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is committed to serving and protecting the residents of St. Mary's County through community-oriented policing and various outreach initiatives. For more information about the clothing drive or the SMCSO COPs Unit, please contact the Public Information office.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Recreation and Parks is currently working to update the departmental five-year strategic plan. As part of that effort, we are conducting a strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis.

The department is seeking input from citizens for this analysis. Please take a few minutes to provide your feedback via this short survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/recparksinput2024. Responses will be accepted until Thursday, February 15, 2024.

Input will inform strategic planning efforts, including the development of goals, recommendations, and actions for the future, and will contribute to enhancements programs and activities, customer service, and recommend funding for parks and facilities. 

For more information on Recreation & Parks, please visit www.stmarycountymd.gov/recreate or follow them at: Facebook.com/stmarysmdrecreation.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Recreation & Parks has partnered with the St. Mary’s County Arts Council (SMCAC) in the development of an Arts Park Plan which will enrich Lexington Manor Passive Park (LMPP). The concept of an Arts Park Plan arose from the 2019 Master Plan, which quantified public support for introducing community-based public art (e.g., murals, sculpture, artistic design, etc.) throughout LMPP.

“The St. Mary’s County Arts Council is excited to share this roadmap for implementing art in Lexington Manor Passive Park,” said Susie Glauner, Executive Director of SMCAC. “We want to thank Mahan Rykiel designers, Tom McGilloway, and Megan Oliver, who have delivered a plan based on extensive community feedback and resident input. SMCAC is also thankful for the continued, dedicated partnership with the Department of Recreation & Parks on the Lexington Manor Arts Park project. This plan allows SMCAC to continue its mission of providing access to art for all St. Mary’s County residents and visitors.”

LMPP is home to multiple events throughout the year, including the annual Juneteenth Festival, the Cherry Blossom Festival, 5k Runs, and other community gatherings. The park is also home to the Southern Maryland Disc Golf Course; the U.S. Colored Troops Memorial, and Interpretive Center; and attracts many visitors that enjoy a picnic, walk, jog, stroll, or bike ride.

St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks Director, Arthur Shepherd stated, “It’s exciting to know that this Arts Park Plan will provide on-going direction for the arts at Lexington Manor Passive Park. The St. Mary’s County Arts Council continues to be a fantastic partner for the parks and other areas of community art offered by the department.”

The Lexington Manor Art Park Plan is available at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/docs/LMAPP.pdf This plan was made possible by a Maryland State Arts Council Public Art Planning Grant.

For more information on the Arts Park Plan, please contact Arthur Shepherd at arthur.shepherd@stmaryscountymd.gov or Susie Glauner at director@smcart.org.

For more information on St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks, please visit: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/recreate or follow them Facebook for regular updates.

On January 19, 2024, at approximately 8 p.m., deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Patrol bureau responded to the area of southbound Solomons Island Road (Rt. 4) and Broomes Island Road in Port Republic, for the report of a serious motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian. Upon arrival, deputies located an unresponsive pedestrian in the travel portion of the roadway. The CCSO Crash Reconstruction Team responded to investigate.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2020 Ford F350, operated by Martin Lynn Pitcher, 68 of Port Republic, was traveling south on Rt. 4 approaching Broomes Island Road. A pedestrian identified as Anthony Joseph Pessagno, Jr., 36 of Lusby, was walking in and out of the travel portion of the roadway per numerous calls to Calvert Control Center.

Statements from Mr. Pitcher indicate Mr. Pessagno was in the middle of the roadway and Mr. Pitcher advised he never saw the pedestrian. This was supported by numerous witnesses on scene as well as additional individuals that contacted the Sheriff’s Office.

Pessagno was pronounced deceased on scene by Emergency Medical Personnel on scene.

Pitcher refused treatment and was released on scene.

Master DFC. Jeffrey Hardesty of the Crash Reconstruction Team is conducting the investigation of the crash. Anyone with who may have witnessed the crash or events leading up to the incident is asked to contact M/DFC Hardesty at 410-535-2800 or by email, Jeffrey.Hardesty@CalvertCountymd.gov. Please refer to case #24-4831

 In the early morning hours of Saturday, January 20, 2024, the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office (SMCSO)  Criminal Intelligence and Vice Narcotics Units, in collaboration with personnel from the Criminal Investigations Division and the Patrol Division, conducted a search and seizure warrant service on a residence in the 46000 block of Radford Lane, Lexington Park, MD, for purposes of locating a juvenile suspect wanted in connection with a recent incident at Great Mills High School (GMHS). Detectives arrested the juvenile and recovered a handgun.

The search warrant was issued following an investigation initiated by St. Mary's County Public Schools' Safety and Security staff on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, when school staff observed and approached four unauthorized individuals walking the hallways. After being confronted by GMHS staff, the four suspects fled. St. Mary's County Public Schools administrators and Safety and Security staff reported the trespassing incident to the School Resource Officer.

Following interviews and a review of video surveillance, SMCSO Detectives were able to identify the subjects. Additional investigation led to the discovery of photographs posted on a social media platform by the juvenile and depicted the involved individuals posing in various locations in the school; one photo showed the suspect potentially holding a handgun.

Sheriff Steve Hall said, "I applaud the professional response by school safety and security staff and the Sheriff's Office members who collaborated on this case. This incident is a stark reminder of the challenges we are facing with our youth. The ease with which children, barely old enough to obtain a driver's license, can get and use weapons is simply unacceptable."

The juvenile was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center to be charged as an adult with weapons-related offenses.

At approximately 8:27 p.m. on Thursday, January 18, 2024, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Deputy First Class Travis Wimberly proactively initiated a traffic stop after witnessing an equipment violation on a 2005 Chevrolet Express van.

Following the stop, Corporal Phillip Henry responded to the scene, and a K9 scan of the vehicle and occupants produced a positive alert for the detection of narcotics. A subsequent search resulted in the discovery of an amount of cocaine concealed in a wallet belonging to Michael Wade Blackistone, 41, of Lexington Park, MD.

Mr. Wade was arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center to face a charge of CDS: Possession Not Marijuana; the second occupant of the vehicle was released.

During the week of January 8 – January 14, 2024, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to 1,748 calls for service throughout the community.

Burglary: 24-2187

On January 9, 2024, Deputy R. Jones responded to 155 Holiday Drive (formerly the Holiday Inn) in Solomons, for the report of a burglary that had already occurred. Investigation revealed unknown suspects had entered the locked building and caused extensive damage to the property. The estimated value of the damaged property is $50,000.00.

Motor Vehicle Theft: 24-2334

On January 10, 2024, Deputy Smith responded to the 600 block of Santa Fe Trail in Lusby, for the report of a stolen vehicle. Contact was made with the complainant who stated her vehicle was stolen from the driveway of her residence sometime between 7 p.m. on Jan. 9 and 1:55 a.m. on Jan. 10. The vehicle was left unlocked with the keys inside. The estimated value of stolen property is $27,295.00. On Jan. 12, 2024, the Hardy County Sheriff’s Office recovered the stolen vehicle in West Virginia.

Theft: 24-2977

On January 12, 2024, Deputy Deinert responded to Jefferson Patterson Park located at 10515 Mackall Road in Saint Leonard, for the report of a theft. Contact was made with the complainant who advised a space heater was stolen from the Greenhouse sometime between 11 a.m. on Jan. 9 and 7 a.m. on Jan. 10. The heater is described as a Palma 110v box-shaped, mid-sized space heater. The estimated value of the stolen property is $199.00.

Theft: 24-3037

On January 12, 2024, Deputy Deinert responded to the 6800 block of Mackall Road in St. Leonard, for the report of a theft. The complainant advised a trailer tag with a Maryland Registration was stolen from his trailer. The estimated value of the stolen property is $180.00.

Theft: 24-2193

On January 9, 2024, at 12:50 p.m., Deputy Brown responded to Walgreens located at 355 Market Square Drive in Prince Frederick, for a reported theft.  Investigation revealed an unknown male suspect and an unknown female suspect entered the store at 11:58 a.m. holding a large zebra print bag. The suspects began pulling items off the shelves and loading merchandise into the bag. The suspects proceeded past all final points of sale exiting the Walgreens on foot. The male suspect is described as wearing a dark blue coat over a black hooded sweatshirt, dark-colored jeans, gray shoes, and a blue surgical mask. The female was wearing a black coat, dark-colored jeans, black shoes, and a white surgical mask. Both suspects stole a large amount of personal hygiene items and beauty products. The estimated value of stolen property is $744.79.

Theft: 24-2193

On January 9, 2024, at approximately 1:46 p.m., Deputy Zinn responded to the Walgreens Pharmacy located at 11745 Rousby Hall Road in Lusby, for the report of a theft. Investigation revealed two unknown subjects entered the store at 12:42 p.m. with a blue reusable-style bag. The suspects placed stolen merchandise into the bag and fled the store. The suspects are described as a tall slender black male wearing a black parka-style jacket with the hood up, black pants, white shoes, and a surgical mask. The female suspect is described as wearing a black parka-style jacket with the hood up, black pants, black shoes, and a surgical mask. The estimated value of stolen property is $804.81.

Theft: 24-3438

On January 14, 2024, DFC Dymond responded to the 3100 block of Holland Cliffs Road in Huntingtown, for a reported theft. Contact was made with the complainant who advised his 2014 blue Yamaha YZ250F Dirt Bike was stolen from a shed on his property sometime between 5 p.m. on Jan. 11 and 10 a.m. on Jan. 14. The estimated value of stolen property is $3,000.00.

ARRESTS

On January 8, 2024, Deputy Brown responded to the Calvert County Detention Center (CCDC) located at 325 Stafford Road in Prince Frederick, for the report of a controlled dangerous substance found on a female inmate. Investigation revealed during a strip search of Nicole Marie Fant, 38 of Chesapeake Beach, several pills of Alprazolam, 2 straws covered in a white powdery residue, and 7 metal spoons were found on Fant’s person. The contraband was removed from the CCDC without further incident. Fant was charged with Possession of Contraband in a Place of Confinement and CDS: Possession-Not Cannabis.

On January 18 at 11:15 a.m., a student at Westlake High School reported they ingested an edible they thought contained cannabis. The student became sick and EMS responded. The student was transported to a hospital at the request of a parent who arrived on the scene. A school resource officer is investigating the situation after learning another student may have given the student the edible. Parents are asked to talk with their children about the dangers of ingesting foods or liquids that contain dangerous substances, as there is a risk the substance could contain life-threatening poisons such as fentanyl or other toxic materials. Anyone with additional details is asked to call PFC Joffe at 301-609-3282 ext. 0608.  Callers wishing 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. 

NEW CARROLLTON, MD - Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day announced that the agency has awarded $1,750,000 in Fiscal Year 2024 Community Investment Tax Credits to more than 70 nonprofit organizations in 16 local jurisdictions. The tax credits will assist nonprofits in attracting private contributions to support local housing and community revitalization projects and initiatives. The program received 100 applications from nonprofits designated as 501(c)(3) organizations by the Internal Revenue Service requesting more than $4 million.

“Governor Moore has proclaimed Maryland to be a state of service, and these nonprofit organizations exemplify our state’s spirit of service through their great projects and programs,” said Secretary Day. “The Community Investment Tax Credit empowers local nonprofits to build partnerships and attract donations to support their efforts to end poverty, connect Marylanders with opportunity, and improve communities.”

Nonprofit organizations that receive the Community Investment Tax Credits then offer the credits as an incentive for individuals and businesses to support capital and operating costs associated with specific, approved project(s). Businesses and individuals that donate to a qualified organization's approved project can earn state tax credits equal to 50% of the value of the money, goods or real property contribution.

Individuals and businesses must use the tax credits against taxes owed for the year the contribution was made and may not be used retroactively for taxes from a prior year. These tax credits are in addition to the deductions on both Federal and State taxes as a result of the charitable contribution. Any individual or business contemplating making a donation is encouraged to consult with their accountant or tax professional for information about their specific tax benefits.

Since its creation, the Community Investment Tax Credit program has leveraged nearly $27 million in charitable contributions to approximately 700 nonprofit projects and activities across the state. Nonprofit organizations receiving Fiscal Year 2024 Community Investment Tax Credit awards include:

• YMCA of Cumberland (Allegany): Operating support for a youth mentoring program developed to encourage at-risk youth to promote positive growth and discuss how current risk behaviors can affect future success.
• Annapolis Maritime Museum (Anne Arundel): Improvements to expand educational opportunities and water access at the museum and park.
• Jubilee Baltimore (Baltimore City): Strengthening homeownership along the Greenmount Corridor through redevelopment of vacant properties.
• End Hunger in Calvert County, Inc. (Calvert): Operating support for the End Hunger Warehouse Food Distribution Program which supports 72 organizations across Southern Maryland to help feed approximately 25,000 individuals annually.
• Alpha Genesis CDC (Dorchester): Expand operations to support economic development in Cambridge through arts and cultural heritage tourism.
• Friends of Greenbelt Theater (Prince George’s): Multigenerational education programming in the new Media Arts Literacy Lab.

To learn more about the department’s Community Investment Tax Credit program and how to donate to a qualified nonprofit organization, visit https://www.givemaryland.org.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (January 19, 2024) – At approximately 8:21 p.m., on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Intelligence and Vice Narcotics Units, in collaboration with personnel from the Criminal Investigations Division, Special Operations Division, and Patrol Division, with assistance from the Emergency Services Team, executed a search and seizure warrant at a residence in the 21000 block of Windsor Drive, Lexington Park, MD.

During the execution of this search and seizure warrant, a juvenile, known to have an active arrest warrant, attempted to evade Deputies.  The juvenile was apprehended outside of the residence, and a subsequent search of the individual revealed a loaded semi-automatic handgun, which was concealed within the waistband of the subject’s pants.

Additionally, James Sylvester Ford, 48, of Lexington Park, MD, who was in the residence at the time of the warrant service, was found to have a quantity of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).

Deputies transported both individuals to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center for charging.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, made the following remarks after Senate passage of the latest Continuing Resolution (CR) for Fiscal Year 2024, which began October 1, 2023.

“Advancing another Continuing Resolution at this time to fund the federal government operations nationwide is the right thing to do – it’s the responsible thing to do. A shutdown of the federal government, even a partial shutdown, would be irresponsible and wasteful. More time is needed to pass and enact funding bills for Fiscal Year 2024, which started nearly four months ago, so the House of Representatives must act swiftly and decisively to approve what the Senate has sent over. There must be bipartisan rejection of calls for a shutdown of the federal government.

“Generally, I am no fan of Continuing Resolutions. Lurching from CR to CR causes instability and wasteful spending. This late into the fiscal year, we should be providing certainty and predictability to the federal agencies that are carrying out vital programs and assistance for the American people in Maryland and all 50 states plus the District of Columbia. At this time, the federal government should be deep into carrying out policy and projects for the current fiscal year and planning ahead for the future. The economy under the Biden administration is producing real results for Americans: we are seeing growth in areas like manufacturing and construction, we are rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, and we are finally starting to take on the climate crisis in earnest.”

The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) announces the release of the Calvert County 2023 State of the County video. The full State of the County video can be viewed online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/StateOfTheCounty.

“In 2023, Calvert County has proven itself as a prosperous community with a bright future,” said BOCC President Earl F. “Buddy” Hance. “We draw our strength from many factors, but it is the strength and resilience of Calvert County residents that makes our county special. It is a privilege to live and serve in this community and we continue our commitment to our residents above all else.”

The State of the County video highlights County Government efforts to sustain healthy economic growth; reinforce public safety and security; ensure adequate health and human services; support public education; make regulatory changes to support smart growth and land use; improve infrastructure; promote community revitalization; engage with citizens; and provide effective and efficient public services.

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, January 17, 2024, while providing support for a basketball game at Great Mills High School, Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office issued a call for officer assistance for an active disturbance involving a large crowd.

Deputies from the Patrol Division, the Special Operations Division, and the Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene involving multiple juveniles and adults.  Preliminary reports indicate the incident involved multiple physical altercations between Great Mills High School and St. Charles High School fans and players. Deputies were able to quell the fights, and all individuals were cleared from the school and the area.

The Sheriff's Office and the Board of Education for St. Mary’s County Public Schools are conducting an ongoing investigation. Authorities urge anyone who witnessed the incidents to come forward with information. Corporal Gerard Muschette can be reached at Gerard.Muschette@stmaryscountymd.gov or by phone at 301-475-4200, extension 8121.

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is committed to maintaining a safe environment for all community members and will take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation.

Please contact the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Public Information Office for more information.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – With the potential for winter weather and low temperatures this weekend, St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Emergency Services (DES) reminds citizens of the importance of safety when using alternate heat sources. As the cold season sets in, it's crucial to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and warm environment.

Alternate heat sources include anything you may use to heat your home apart from a standard whole-home heating system. Common alternate heat sources are electric heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, and generators that may be used in the event of a power outage.

Residents should never use appliances that weren’t designed to heat your home, such as cooking stoves or ovens, for that purpose.

“Safety is paramount when using alternative heat sources,” said Amy Bledsoe, DES Emergency Manager. “Improperly installed or maintained alternative sources such as space heaters, fireplaces, or portable generators can lead to fire hazards, carbon monoxide poisoning, or even explosions. These simple tips can save lives and protect property.”

Generators

·                     Never use a generator inside an enclosed space, as carbon monoxide fumes can build up. Generators should NOT be used inside your home, basement, or enclosed garage.

·                     Become familiar with the safety regulations for your generator model.

·                     Install carbon monoxide detectors and change the batteries every six months.

·                     Keep your generator dry and protected from rain and snow.

Space Heaters

·                     Plug heaters in directly to the wall outlet, don’t use an extension cord or power strip.

·                     Keep anything combustible (paper, curtains, blankets, etc.) at least three feet away from a space heater.

·                     Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off and unplug it before leaving the room or going to bed.

Fireplaces & Wood Stoves

·                     Keep the door on your wood stove closed unless stoking or adding wood/pellets.

·                     Always use a metal or heat-tempered glass screen when using your fireplace.

·                     Never leave a fireplace or wood stove burning unattended. Put the fire out before leaving the room or going to bed.

·                     Keep a fire extinguisher near the wood stove or fireplace.

·                     Install smoke detectors in your home and replace the batteries every six months.

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/em to learn more about disasters, hazards, and how to be prepared for an emergency and follow SMCG on Facebook or Twitter (X) for regular updates.

The Department of Community Resources, Office on Aging, advises residents that the North Beach Senior Center will close temporarily for preventative maintenance repairs, Thursday, Jan. 18 and Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. A reopening date will be announced when available.

Seniors who receive home delivered meals will continue to receive meal delivery. Those who want to participate in programs or eat lunch at another location are encouraged to attend Calvert Pines and Southern Pines senior centers:

·         Calvert Pines Senior Center (450 West Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick): 410-535-4606

·         Southern Pines Senior Center (20 Appeal Lane, Lusby): 410-586-2748

Public transportation is available between North Beach and Calvert Pines Senior Center. Find schedules online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/Transportation. For transportation information, call 410-535-1600, ext. 2360, or email Transportation@calvertcountymd.gov.

Seniors who live in the northern end of Calvert County who need information and assistance may contact Calvert Pines Senior Center at 410-535-4606.

For more information on senior centers and programs offered for Calvert County’s seniors, contact the Office on Aging at 410-535-4606 or visit www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/Aging.

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

The Maryland Board of Public Works (BPW) today approved more than $265 million for 60 initiatives and projects across Maryland. Four approved items worth more than $3.72 million were awarded to certified small business prime contractors, and three items worth $2.2 million were awarded to minority business enterprises (MBEs).  

During the meeting, Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman commended the Department of General Services (DGS) and Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) for their work to renew a 20-year lease for office and laboratory space and to update the space to to advance the goals of the Climate Solutions Now Act and lessen the building’s climate impact.  

“I wanted to applaud MDE and DGS for working together to not only renew their lease, which is excellent – but to provide an example of how we can advance the goals of the Maryland Climate Solutions Now Act by transitioning that building and those offices,” Comptroller Lierman said.  

“I appreciate your work to think creatively with the landlord about how to move these buildings to conformity and electricity. Thank you for your work, and I look forward to seeing more contracts like this.” 

The building in Southwest Baltimore has housed the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) since 2002. The building will be the first within the state’s leased properties portfolio to receive a $10 million renovation for an all-electric infrastructure that includes installing solar panels, a green roof, and a greywater system.  

More information about today’s agenda can be found at https://bpw.maryland.gov/ 

Possession of CDS On January 9th, Trooper First Class Smith #6945 reported to the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office for a Warrant Service. Mario Puzo Le, 42 year old male of Huntingtown, had a violation of probation warrant that required service. Once at Calvert County Detention Center for processing and secondary search was conducted of Le and his belongings. The search resulted in five (5) individual packets of Suboxone located in Le’s wallet. The CDS was taken to the Maryland State Police Barrack Prince Frederick for processing. Firearms

Violation/Unlawfully Carrying Weapon On January 11th Trooper Collins #7656 pulled over Nicholas Fondren, 22 year old male of California, MD for exceeding the posted speed limit. Once Trooper Collins approached the vehicle he immediately detected the strong odor of alcohol emitting from Fondren’s breath. A Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) was performed and unsuccessfully completed. Fondren was placed under arrest for Driving Under the influence of Alcohol. Fondren advised he had a shotgun in his back seat and a handgun in between his driver seat and the center console; Fondren also advised he did not have a Maryland Carry Permit. A search of Fondren’s vehicle resulted in a Springfield XDM .40 Caliber handgun and a Super Black Eagle II Benelli 12 gauge shotgun. Fondren was transferred to Calvert County Detention Center and charged

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) will host Budget Briefing for fiscal year (FY) 2025 on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, during their regular business meeting, in the CSMC Meeting Room, located in the Chesapeake Building at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. The Budget Briefing will include discussion on the following topics:

• The economy
• Property tax credits
• Upcoming requests
• Budget flexibility

Community members are encouraged to attend or watch this Budget Briefing. 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 SMCG YouTube Channel.

Additionally, the CSMC are pleased to announce the launch of a new online engagement page for the FY2025 Budget, available to the public at: http://bit.ly/SMCGFY25Budget. From this Budget Engage Page residents can learn about the budget process, view the budget timeline and meeting schedule, watch meeting videos, and even leave feedback on local priorities – all in one place!

“As we enter this budget season, we know there will be significant challenges and competing needs across our community,” said Commissioner President, Randy Guy. “Our goal is to produce a balanced and fiscally sound budget, that considers the needs and priorities of the residents we serve. It will take collaboration, flexibility, and community engagement to get us there, and we hope this briefing and new online platform will help our residents stay informed.”

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

LEONARDTOWN, MD (January 17, 2024) – State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that Kevin Eugene Luther, 43, of Lexington Park, Maryland, was sentenced to 20 years in prison with 12 years of active incarceration for two counts of manslaughter by motor vehicle for a crash that tragically took the lives of two victims.

On August 31, 2021, at approximately 6:50 p.m., Luther was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of Pegg Road at speeds between 89 and 92 miles per hour when he struck the victims’ vehicle head-on. Luther’s blood alcohol content was 0.21 grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08 grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. Both occupants of the victims’ vehicle succumbed to their injuries on-scene.

At the sentencing hearing, the State asked the Court to impose the maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The Maryland Sentencing Guidelines called for a sentence between one and ten years. The Court went above the guidelines and sentenced the Defendant to 20 years in prison with 12 years of active incarceration.

“Drunk driving is a crime that is entirely preventable and has devastating effects on members of our community and their families. Our office will continue to vigorously prosecute those who make the choice to endanger the lives of others,” said State’s Attorney Sterling, “My thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims, whose lives were senselessly and tragically taken.”

Sergeant Justin Zimmerman of the Maryland State Police Crash Team was the lead investigator.

Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Lisa Ridge handled the sentencing hearing on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.

The Honorable Amy D. Lorenzini presided over the case.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (January 16, 2024) – The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office handled 1,330 Calls for service, including three Emergency Petitions from January 8, 2024, to January 14, 2024.

Calls for service include requests for police assistance originating from the public as well as self-initiated events made by deputy sheriffs.

The Emergency Petition statute in Maryland enables the prompt evaluation of individuals experiencing a mental health crisis having the potential to harm themselves or others to be taken to an emergency facility to assess the need for immediate treatment.

ARRESTS:

1/09/24 – Angel Barrios-Deleon, 52, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Andrew Budd, for Malicious Destruction of Property while being served an active warrant for Assault Second Degree charges.

1/10/24 – Tavares Antonio Thompson, 29, of Chaptico, MD, by Deputy Joseph Senatore, for CDS: Possession, not Cannabis and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

1/10/24 – Cindi Lynn Sweeney, 44, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Austin Welch, for Assault Second Degree and Resisting Arrest.

DUIs:

1/13/24 – Ronald Joseph Earnest, 22, of Lusby, MD, by Deputy Julian Grant, for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, and Driving a Vehicle While So Far Impaired by Alcohol Cannot Drive Safely. NO PHOTO AVAILABLE.

SUMMONSES:

1/09/24 – Dale Lee Bucker, 56, of Bushwood, MD, by Deputy Zachary Wolfe, for seven counts of Theft: $100 to under $1500 and two counts of Theft: Less than $100.

WARRANTS:

1/08/24 – Jonathan Alexis Salazar Martinez, 18, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Preston Dixon, three counts of Felony Assault First Degree, three counts of Assault Second Degree, Violation of a Protective Order, Stalking, and Illegal Possession of a Regulated Firearm.

1/09/24 – Brandon David Cather, 34, of Mechanicsville, MD, by Deputy Paul Rodriguez, for Felony Burglary Second Degree, four counts of Violation of a Protective Order, Theft of $100 to under $1500, and Malicious Destruction of Property.

Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) and the U.S. Navy have signed an agreement to privatize Naval Support Facility (NSF) Indian Head to include main base Indian Head and the Stump Neck Annex. In the case of military bases, privatization means that a public utility takes over ownership and the operation of the facility’s electric system for a specified length of time. SMECO will own, operate, and maintain NSF Indian Head’s electric system for 50 years beginning October 2024.

The Naval Support Facility in Indian Head was founded in 1890 as the Navy’s first established presence in Southern Maryland. It now employs more than 1,900 people and serves all branches of the United States military through scientific and response-force missions.

“Receiving the final agreement was a lengthy process and we are honored to have been selected. Our local military facilities are a large part of our local economy and some of the largest local employers for Southern Maryland residents. They also serve as an asset to our national safety,” according to Sonja M. Cox, SMECO president and CEO. “We signed an agreement to privatize three other local military facilities in 2009—the Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Lexington Park, the Webster Field Annex in St. Inigoes, and the Navy Recreation Center in Solomons. Being awarded the contract to operate and maintain the main base in Indian Head and the Stump Neck Annex is another wonderful opportunity that will benefit both SMECO and the Navy.”

The final award document was executed on December 12, 2023, which begins the transition period scheduled to continue through October 11, 2024. During the transition period, SMECO will perform key tasks before taking over operations. Key tasks include completion of a joint inventory of existing electric system assets, initial system inspections, building a dedicated support team, and mapping of the system.

On October 12, 2024, SMECO expects to take ownership of the electric utilities at main base Indian Head and the Stump Neck Annex, pending completion of contractual obligations during the transition period. Privatization efforts will include improvements to the existing infrastructure, including installation of 775 meters, substation and distribution improvements, and extensive vegetation management.

 “SMECO has a proven reputation for our system reliability, disaster and storm response, customer service, and affordable rates, which will benefit the facilities in Indian Head,” according to Roger Schneider, senior vice president of Engineering and Operations. “The cooperative was able to improve the system reliability and resiliency at NSF in 2012 when we acquired a sub-transmission feed to the main base at Indian Head. That 69-kilovolt line dated back to the mid-1940s and was in significant disrepair. We made major improvements to the line while maintaining service to the facility throughout the upgrade.”

(Charlotte Hall, Maryland) – On Monday, January 15, 2024, at approximately 1630 hours, Troopers from Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack responded to Maryland Route 6 (Charles Street) in the area of Gilbert Run Park for a report of a serious motor vehicle collision. Due to the circumstances, the Maryland State Police CRASH Team was requested to assume the investigation. A preliminary investigation conducted by Troopers from the MSP La Plata Barrack and the MSP CRASH Team indicates a Kia Forte operated by Jennifer Renita Vanmeter (30 yoa) of Charlotte Hall, MD was traveling on eastbound Maryland Route 6 in the area of Gilbert Run Park. At the same time, a Dodge Dart operated by Donna Jean Wheaton (84 yoa) of Mechanicsville, MD was traveling on westbound Maryland Route 6 in the area of Gilbert Run Park. Ms. Vanmeter lost control of the Kia and entered the westbound lane of Maryland Route 6. The Kia collided with the Dodge in a “T-bone” style collision. Ms. Vanmeter and Ms. Wheaton were transported to the University of Maryland Charles Regional Hospital in La Plata, MD. Ms. Wheaton sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Ms. Vanmeter was pronounced deceased at 1828 hours by hospital staff. Weather/road conditions and driver error appear to be factors in the collision. Anyone who may have witnessed this crash is asked to contact Sergeant J. Zimmerman of the MSP CRASH Team at (301) 392-1231 or can email a statement to justin.zimmerman@maryland.gov. The investigation is continuing. (24-MSP-001701)

LEONARDTOWN, MD – Due to continued inclement weather and declining temperatures, St. Mary's County Government (SMCG) is announcing the following early closures/program cancellations for Tuesday, January 16, 2024.

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.

PATUXENT RIVER NAVAL AIR STATION, MD – Communities surrounding NAS Patuxent River are advised that noise-generating testing events are scheduled to take place January 16 – January 24, 2024 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.  

Pilots at NAS Pax River will be conducting Field Carrier Landing Practices (FCLPs). FCLPs are simulated carrier landings conducted to prepare the pilot to land safely on an aircraft carrier.  The practices consist of series of touch-and-go maneuvers where airspeed, altitude, and power are all precisely choreographed in order for a pilot to approach a ship within an acceptable window to land on the deck safely. FCLP training is essential for the precision and safety of our personnel and the success of their mission. Landing on an aircraft carrier is perhaps the most difficult task in military aviation. 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. 

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) will host a Public Forum on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the CSMC meeting room, located in the Chesapeake Building at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown.

Public Forums allow residents to speak directly to the Commissioners on topics of their choosing. Residents may offer appreciation, questions, or suggestions in a mutually respectful format. Those wishing to speak at the forum will receive up to three minutes to address the Commissioners.

Anyone wishing to provide more detailed feedback to the CSMC can do so at any time via:

• Email to: csmc@stmarysmd.com
• Mail to: Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, P.O. Box 653, Leonardtown, MD, 20650

CSMC County Public Forums are televised live on St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) TV Channel 95 and streamed live on our YouTube Channel.

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

LEONARDTOWN, MD (January 16, 2024) – At approximately 1:53 p.m., on Saturday, January 13, 2024, Deputies from the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office (SMCSO) responded to a residence in the 46000 block of Columbus Drive in Lexington Park, MD, for a report of shots fired into an occupied dwelling. 

Upon arrival, Deputies confirmed multiple rounds struck the residence but reported no injuries to the occupants. The shooter, who witnesses described as a black male, fled the scene.

The case has been transferred to the SMCSO Criminal Investigations Division, and Detective Warren Forinash is the designated lead investigator. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Forinash at 301-475-4200, ext. 8072, or by email at Warren.Forinash@stmaryscountymd.gov.

Tipsters can also call Crime Solvers 24/7 at 301-475-3333 or send a text to Crime Solvers at 274637. Type "Tip239" in the message block and select SEND. After getting a response, continue the conversation. Note: Tip239 is case-sensitive and must be typed in the message block as shown.

With Crime Solvers, you never have to give your name. You may be eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (January 16, 2024) – State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling is proud to announce that the State’s Attorney’s Office for St. Mary’s County was awarded a $302,338 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant from the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services (GOCPYVS).

“We are grateful to receive the grant, which enables our office to expand the available victim services and provide crucial assistance to support and empower crime victims for a safer and more resilient community,” said State’s Attorney Sterling.

The grant funds will allow the Victim/Witness Advocate Division of the State’s Attorney’s Office to create opportunities for canine companion services and mental health services for crime victims; hire additional Victim/Witness Advocates; and provide Victim/Witness Advocate training.

Sterling created the Victim/Witness Advocate Division in 2023 for critical comprehensive support for crime victims and witnesses in St. Mary’s County.

State’s Attorney Sterling secured a total of $643,843 in grants specifically dedicated to victim services for St. Mary’s County, and in combination with other grants received, a grand total of $842,393 for fiscal year 2024. Grant funding has been essential to support the core functions and operations of the State’s Attorney’s Office, and further emphasizes Sterling’s creative and strategic utilization of external resources to enhance the Office’s vital initiatives.

Jessika Hall, Grant Coordinator for the State’s Attorney’s Office, successfully wrote and prepared the competitive VOCA grant on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – Jan. 16, 2024 – The Calvert County Department of Public Works, Solid Waste Division, will host free paper shredding events for county residents and businesses. Shredding documents helps prevent identity theft by destroying confidential and/or sensitive information.

The following shred events will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine:

·      Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, at Northern Middle School, located at 2954 Chaneyville Road in Owings

·      Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at Huntingtown High School, located at 4125 Solomons Island Road in Huntingtown

·      Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Appeal Landfill, located at 401 Sweetwater Road in Lusby

Proof of Calvert County residency or business location is required. Paper clips and staples are acceptable. Binders and binder clips are not acceptable.

Businesses are allowed up to five banker boxes of paper per business (or the equivalent volume of five banker boxes in alternate containers). There is no limit for residents. Certificates of destruction will be provided if requested.

Shredding events are held monthly. For information about other recycling events, contact the Calvert County Department of Public Works, Solid Waste Division at 410-326-0210 or visit www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/Recycle.

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 (January 16, 2024) – At approximately 2:13 p.m., on Monday, January 15, 2024, while conducting proactive traffic enforcement in Mechanicsville, MD, Deputy Joseph Senatore initiated a traffic stop for a safety violation that led to a drug-related arrest.

While making contact with the driver, Deputy Senatore observed CDS paraphernalia inside the vehicle. A subsequent search of the car and the subject uncovered suspected heroin capsules, buprenorphine, and cocaine.

The driver of the Ford Fusion has been identified as Charles Dallas Biagi, Jr., 37, of Charlotte Hall, MD, who, through a check through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, was revealed to be operating the vehicle while having a suspended driver’s license.

Mr. Biagi was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center and charged with three counts of CDS: Possession – Not Marijuana and one count of CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Board of Education of St. Mary’s County will meet for a Public Hearing on the High School Program of Studies 2024/2025 and the FY 2025 Budget on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board of Education Meeting Room.

St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) employees and community members are invited to participate in the Budget Hearing. A sign-up sheet will be available at 5:00 p.m. with individual public comment limited to three minutes. Speakers are encouraged to provide comments in writing, even if presented at the public hearing, to allow the Board to consider all input. This event will be videotaped for broadcast. The public may also watch the meeting live via www.smcps.org/streaming.

For more details, please call (301) 475-5511, ext. 32177.

(Prince Frederick, MD) – The Maryland State Police has activated the Snow Emergency Plan for Calvert County effective at 6:23 p.m. on January 15, 2024. Current weather conditions and/or forecasts indicate that normal vehicular travel is or will become extremely dangerous. Motorists are encouraged to stay off of the roadways. This will allow emergency services and State Highway Administration (SHA) personnel to quickly respond to incidents and clear the roadways to prepare them for normal vehicular travel.

While the Snow Emergency Plan is in effect, motorists are reminded of the following:

? Travel on snow emergency routes - A person may not drive or attempt to drive a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, on any highway that is designated and appropriately signposted as a snow emergency route and for which a snow emergency has been declared and is in effect, unless the vehicle is equipped with chains or snow tires on at least one wheel at each end of a driving axle.

? Parking on snow emergency routes - A person may not park a vehicle on any highway that is designated and appropriately signposted as a snow emergency route and for which a snow emergency has been declared and is in effect. The Department of State Police or the police of any political subdivision of this State may have any vehicle parked in violation of this subsection towed from the highway Road conditions will be closely monitored and the Snow Emergency Plan will be lifted when the roads are safe for normal vehicular travel.

Drivers can view the latest road conditions on SHA’s website at www.roads.maryland.gov and clicking “CHART.” Travelers may obtain the latest free traffic and weather information by calling 5-1-1 from a landline or a handsfree mobile device or by logging onto www.MD511.org. Maryland’s 511 service now offers free text and email alerts for most travelled routes through 511Direct – simply register and set your routes and preferences on-line.

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.

The Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation (CCPR) advises citizens the Mt. Hope Community Center and the Harriet E. Brown Community Center will be closed temporarily this month for floor maintenance. CCPR appreciates the community’s patience and understanding as we work to improve our recreation facilities.

The Mt. Hope Community Center will be closed Saturday, Jan. 13, through Monday, Jan. 15. Normal hours of operation will resume Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. The Mt. Hope Community Center is located at 104 Pushaw Station Road in Sunderland.

The Harriet E. Brown Community Center will be temporarily closed Monday, Jan. 29, through Thursday, Feb. 1. Normal hours of operation will resume Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. The Harriet E. Brown Community Center is located at 901 Dares Beach Road in Prince Frederick.

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

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

Charles County Sheriff’s detectives assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division arrested two suspects immediately after they grabbed numerous fragrances from a department store and attempted to flee without paying.   

On January 10 at 10:30 a.m., during a surveillance operation, Detective Hooper – who had previously coordinated with the store’s loss prevention staff – observed two people enter a store and grab a large amount of fragrances, which they put into bags and fled the store without paying for the items. Detective Hooper and loss prevention personnel apprehended the suspects. Patrol officers scanned the parking lot and observed an unoccupied silver Mercedes nearby with the engine running. Further investigation revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen from another jurisdiction. The key fob to the vehicle was located on one of the theft suspects. All of the stolen merchandise, with a commercial value of more than $11,000, was recovered.   

Detectives have connected the suspects to an organized retail theft ring operating throughout the region. “These retail thefts are causing businesses to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars nationwide. Our detectives noted a pattern and coordinated a well-thought-out plan to apprehend the suspects. Their hard work paid off in recovering the store’s merchandise and arresting those responsible for the theft,” said Sheriff Troy D. Berry.   

The suspects, Chawnniece Rickelle Mitchell, age 25, and Gary Denali Goodridge, age 26, both of Washington, D.C., were charged with two counts of theft. On January 10, a judge released Mitchell from the Charles County Detention Center on a $10,000 bond. On January 11, a judge ordered Goodridge to be held without bond. Detective Hooper is continuing the investigation.    

During the week of January 1 – January 7, 2024, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to 1,548 calls for service throughout the community.

Damaged Property: 24-0852

On January 4, 2024, Deputy Deinert responded to the 1300 block of Flag Harbor Blvd. in St. Leonard, for the report of damaged property. Contact was made with the complainant who reported that her vehicle had been egged during the overnight hours. Two additional victims residing in the 1500 block of Overlook Drive in St. Leonard also experienced vehicle damage after being struck with eggs. The estimated value of the damaged property is unknown at this time.

Theft: 24-0344

On January 2, 2024, Deputy Fleenor responded to the Walmart located at 150 S. Solomons Island Road in Prince Frederick, for the report of a theft. The complainant advised her purse was stolen after being left in a grocery cart that was left in the parking lot. The complainant went back to retrieve the purse and it was missing. The purse is described as a small black satchel with a long black pullover strap with approximately $1300-$1600 cash, $500 in various gift cards, a checkbook, and a Walmart credit card inside.

Theft: 24-0312

On January 2, 2023, Deputy Sylver responded to the 7-Eleven located at 685 Prince Frederick Blvd. in Prince Frederick, for the report of a theft. The complainant advised an unknown male placed a drink in his pants and fled the store. The estimated value of stolen property is $4.11.

Theft: 24-0402

On January 2, 2024, Deputy Fleenor responded to the McDonald’s located at 515 N. Solomons Island Road in Prince Frederick, for the report of a theft. The complainant advised he lost his wallet at a New Year’s Eve party and at 9:17 a.m. on Jan. 2, a $1.71 charge was made at the McDonald’s with the victim’s Cash App card. The wallet is described as a black leather wallet with an NFL Panther’s logo on it. The wallet contained $250 in cash, a Maryland driver's license, and a Cash App card. The estimated value of stolen property is unknown at this time.

Theft: 24-0708

On January 3, 2024, Deputy Jones responded to Sneades Ace Hardware & Home Center located at 11851 H G Trueman Road in Lusby, for the report of a theft. The complainant advised an unknown male suspect entered the store and stole a Schlage deadbolt lock. The suspect is described as a white male, wearing a black sweatshirt, black coat, jeans, and brown shoes. The estimated value of stolen property is $38.00.

Theft: 24-0913

On January 4, 2024, M/DFC Aurich responded to the Dunkirk Park and Ride located at 10839 Town Center Blvd. in Dunkirk, for the report of a theft. The complainant advised his rear Maryland registration plate had been stolen. The estimated value of stolen property is $100.00.

ARRESTS

On January 2, 2024, DFC Rzepkowski responded to the Chick-fil-A located at 806 N. Solomons Island Road in Prince Frederick, for the report of a disorderly subject. The complainant advised a male subject was being disorderly disturbing customers and cussing. Contact was made with Zachary Nathaniel Jenkins, 21 of no fixed address, who was asked to leave several times and refused. Jenkins was taken into custody and began to resist arrest. Jenkins was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he was charged with Trespassing: Private Property, Disorderly Conduct, and Resist/Interfere with Arrest.

On January 6, 2024, S/DFC Wilder initiated a traffic stop along St. Leonard Road in the area of the St. Leonard Post Office in St. Leonard, on a vehicle traveling 30mph+ over the posted speed limit. During the traffic stop, a tear-off baggie with a hard white rocky substance (suspected crack cocaine) was observed in plain view inside the vehicle. The driver, Matthew Robert Windsor, 38 of Prince Frederick, was placed under arrest and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he was charged with CDS: Possession-Not Cannabis, CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia, Reckless Driving, and other traffic-related charges.
 

On January 2, 2024, DFC Ostazeski responded to the 11500 block of  Bootstrap Trail in Lusby, for the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Investigation revealed Richard Alvin Nolan, III, 36 of Lusby, had taken the complainant’s vehicle without permission. Further investigation revealed Nolan was observed operating the vehicle in St. Mary’s County leading to a traffic stop. Nolan was taken into custody and charged with Unauthorized Removal of a Motor Vehicle.
 

On January 6, 2024, DFC Shoemaker initiated a traffic stop near the Cove Point Self Storage located on Cove Point Road in Lusby, after the driver was observed speeding. Upon making contact with the driver, Trent Allen Hall, 26 of Great Mills, DFC Shoemaker observed suspected drugs and drug paraphernalia in plain view. Further investigation revealed a plastic bag containing white powder (suspected cocaine) and 3 cut straws containing a white powdery residue were located inside the vehicle. Hall was placed into custody and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he was charged with CDS: Possession-Not Marijuana and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.
 

On January 3, 2024, the Calvert County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) Stop Team initiated a traffic stop in the area of 5^th Street and Marcellas Drive in Owings, after the operator repeatedly crossed the center lines and the rear taillight was not fully operational. Upon making contact with the driver and sole occupant, Barry Christopher Quigley, 58 of Pasadena, two blue round pills were observed in plain view. Quigley advised deputies he had “a little cocaine” on him. A search of the vehicle and Quigley’s person revealed 47 pills of Oxycodone, $2,855 in US currency, and multiple individual baggies containing various amounts of cocaine. Quigley was placed into custody and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he was charged with CDS: Possession with Intent to Distribute: Cocaine, CDS: Possession with Intent to Distribute: Oxycodone, CDS: Possession- Not Marijuana (Cocaine and Oxycodone) and CDS Prescription/ Remove Label.

On January 6, 2024, at 9:39 p.m., deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a stolen vehicle traveling southbound on Rt. 4 in the area of Chaney Road in Dunkirk. Cpl. Robshaw spotted the vehicle near Lyons Creek Road, where it promptly turned off all its lights in an attempt to evade detection. Cpl. Robshaw activated his emergency lights and sirens to initiate a traffic stop in the area of Brickhouse Road. The suspect vehicle continued southbound at speeds of 110 mph in a posted 55 mph zone. Deputies observed the suspect vehicle continuously turning their headlights on and off, swerving between lanes, and cutting off other motorists. The pursuit continued to Rt. 4 and Lower Marlboro Road in Owings. There, the suspect vehicle made an abrupt right turn on Lower Marlboro Road, slid out of control, and came to a rest in the yard of a residence in the 1300 block of Lower Marlboro Road. Three black males wearing all black were observed bailing out of the vehicle into fleeing into the woods. DFC Idol and his K-9 partner Stryker along with Deputy Newton responded to the scene, conducting a successful track that led to the apprehension of two suspects in the 1500 block of Hinton Drive. Cpl. Bortchevsky, operating a drone, located the third suspect nearby. Two juvenile suspects were transported to the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office and charged on a youth report for eluding an officer on foot. Jalen Lewis Webb, 19, of Landover, was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he was charged with Theft of a Motor Vehicle and various traffic-related offenses.

(BRANDYWINE, MD) – Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred last night in Prince George’s County.

The deceased is identified as Nickita Sammy, 34, of Accokeek, Maryland. She was the passenger of a Hyundai involved in the crash. The driver of the Hyundai was transported by ambulance to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore for treatment of their injuries. 

The driver and sole occupant of a BMW, identified as Timothy Brickhouse, 26, of District Heights, Maryland was uninjured in the crash. 

Shortly before 11:30 p.m. last night, troopers from the Maryland State Police Forestville Barrack responded to the area of northbound Branch Avenue (MD Route 5) at Earnshaw Drive for a report of a multiple-vehicle crash. According to a preliminary investigation, the Hyundai, traveling southbound on Branch Avenue at Earnshaw Drive, was attempting to make a left turn, when it was struck by the BMW.

The Maryland State Police Crash Team is leading the investigation. Once the investigation is complete, the Crash Team will submit their finds to the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office, who will decide if charges should be filed in this case.

Branch Avenue was briefly closed for the crash investigation. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.  

PATUXENT RIVER NAVAL AIR STATION, MD –Naval Air Station Patuxent River held a ceremony Jan. 10 in which Capt. Douglas Burfield assumed command of the installation from outgoing Commanding Officer Capt. Derrick Kingsley. 

Burfield’s role as NAS Patuxent River commanding officer follows his previous position as the base executive officer, which he he took on in June 2022 falls under the Navy’s Fleet-Up program. In that program, executive officers serve in that position for approximately a year and a half before they “fleet up” to become the commanding officer for their command tour on the same ship or station. This practice provides focused command leadership stability throughout a base’s life, according to OPNAVINST 1412.14. Commanding officers reap the benefits of the actions and policies they institute as executive officer. 

A native of St. Marys, Pennsylvania, Burfield earned his commission in 1998 from the United States Naval Academy. After flight school and winging in 2000, he was assigned to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Six (HC-6) and deployed with H-46D detachments aboard USS Arctic (AOE 8) and USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20).  Following a shore assignment with Joint Staff J2, Deputy Directorate for Targets, he served as USS Wasp (LHD 1) Hangar Officer, Mini Boss and Officer of the Deck Underway.  After transitioning to the MH-60S helicopter in 2008, he joined Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Two Eight (HSC-28) as Detachment Officer in Charge aboard USS Wasp and USS Nassau (LHA 4) as well as Operations Officer. Burfield was then assigned to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Strategy and Plans Division (OPNAV N3/N5) as Special Technical Operations Officer before reporting to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Five (HSC-5) “Night Dippers” in 2015. As Executive Officer of the “Night Dippers,” he deployed with Carrier Air Wing Seven aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). He later served as Commanding Officer of HSC-5 until 2017 when he joined Carrier Strike Group FOUR as Assistant Chief of Staff for Training and Assessments to assist with deployment certification exercises.   

In his new role as commanding officer, Burfield said he would continue to build on the foundations of leadership laid by his predecessor and provide the best service possible to Pax River’s mission partners thanks to the teamwork exemplified by those on “Team Pax.” 

“To the Pax Professionals, I offer my heartfelt gratitude for everything you’ve done already over my year-and-a-half here as XO,” said Burfield. “Our mission continues – to provide the finest support to our mission partners across three bases. Our goal is to be the finest base in the Navy, to provide a safe and secure environment from which to launch operational capabilities, as well as the best vital Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation for the future of Naval Aviation. It’s our teamwork, along with our professionalism and enthusiasm, that will set us apart as the premier Naval installation.” 

The ceremony not only served as a change of command for NAS Patuxent River, but also as a reflection of outgoing commanding officer Kingsley’s total career as he retires after 27 years of naval service. 

During the change of command ceremony, officiating officer Rear Adm. Nancy Lacore, Commandant, Naval District Washington, highlighted Kingsley’s abilities while in the unique position of leadership at NAS Patuxent River. 

“The diversity and prominence of today’s gathering is really a testament to the relationships that [Kingsley] forged during his time here, both inside and outside the fence line, and he makes it clear that he lives up to his reputation as a collaborative leader and a true partner,” said Lacore. “A strategic asset, a hub of innovation and excellence, Pax River’s contributions are vital to Naval Aviation, particularly in developing and testing cutting edge technology and advanced tactical approaches. Leading such a significant installation is a big responsibility, one that DK embraced and executed with a remarkable skill and dedication.” 

Lacore then cited Kingsley for his specific achievements as NAS Patuxent River commanding officer and presented him with the Legion of Merit for his efforts. 

“Captain Kingsley’s superior leadership enhanced Naval Aviation’s premier Research, Development, Acquisition, Test, and Evaluation facility,” stated Kingsley’s citation . “Through robust community partnerships and extraordinary vision, he led efforts to mitigate encroachment, enhance safety, and ensure physical security for the installation’s three fence lines and over 25,000 personnel. His preemptive engagement enabled tenant commands to safely conduct 218,345 manned and unmanned flight operations and other aviation test and evaluation missions valued at more than $3 billion. The overarching success of his Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration program resulted in a $3.3 million award for shoreline resiliency. Captain Kingsley set the conditions for the most successful Explosive Safety Inspection in the Installation’s history, renewed the base’s Intergovernmental Support Agreement with St. Mary’s County, and the base’s selection for the 2022 Naval District Washington Installation Excellence Award. His actions fostered a culture of excellence and were the culmination of a 27-year career of honorable and dedicated military service.” 

In his own remarks to the command, Kingsley thanked those who made his entire career memorable, and summed up his career and time at Pax. 

“I’ve always had a passion to serve, and this kid who wanted to be a firefighter, then a soldier, and then an Air Force pilot, somehow ended up in the Navy – and I’ve had a pretty fun time; I’d do it again tomorrow,” said Kingsley. “And Team Pax, while the Naval Academy is where I started, I chose to come here to be with you for the final curtain. I wanted to personally look across this group and say ‘thank you.’ Thank you for what you have done and what you will do beyond this day, this tour, and your careers. I stand in awe of your accomplishments, and I consider each and every one of you family.” 

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) is partnering with the Maryland Department of Health, the Charles County Department of Health and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office for a Community Overdose Action town hall.

Held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 25, in the Boardroom of the Jesse L. Starkey Administrative Building, panelists will include Superintendent of Schools Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D., Dianna Abney, MD, county health officer, Sheriff Troy Berry, and Emily N. Keller, the state’s special secretary of overdose response.

The town hall will feature a short presentation and allow members of the community to speak on topics related to substance use and awareness. Speakers can register in advance to speak at the event and are asked to keep comments to two minutes or less to allow for as many comments to be heard as time allows. Speakers will be called in the order they registered.

To register to provide comments during the town hall, visit https://forms.gle/w88KJq2jbcwBBoAT6.

The meeting will be livestreamed at www.ccboe.com and at the CCPS YouTube page. Comments cannot be submitted virtually during the meeting.

The sheriff’s department’s Heroin Overdose Prevention Education — HOPE — House will be on site for tours. The HOPE House is a mobile unit that features a recreation of a teen’s bedroom designed to educate parents of where their children might be hiding drugs and other harmful items. The health department is expected to have information on naloxone, often called NARCAN, an over-the-counter opioid overdose treatment. The department will offer additional materials and resources for parents and caregivers.

The Maryland Opioid Operational Command Center provides the most recent available data related to fatal and non-fatal overdose statistics in the state, as reported by the Maryland Department of Health. In the state during 2020 there were 548 deaths attributed to heroin, 453 deaths from prescription opioids, 566 deaths attributed to alcohol, benzodiazepines were found to have caused 114 deaths, there were 921 deaths attributed to cocaine and 2,342 deaths were the result of a fentanyl overdose.

For more information about substance use treatment and information, call SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services) at 800-662-4357. CCPS has a substance abuse awareness and prevention site at https://www.ccboe.com/parents/substance-abuse-awareness-and-prevention with resources and information.

The Starkey building is at 5980 Radio Station Road in La Plata.

The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners announces county offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In addition:

·         The Appeal Solid Waste Facility, which includes the landfill and transfer station, and all county customer convenience centers will be open Monday, Jan. 15, with normal operating hours.

·         The Solomons Septage Receiving Facility will be open Monday, Jan. 15, with normal operating hours.

·         The Water & Sewerage billing and customer service office will be closed Monday, Jan.15.

·         Calvert County senior centers will be closed Monday, Jan. 15, and Meals on Wheels will not be delivered. Meal delivery is scheduled to resume Tuesday, Jan. 16.

·         All community centers will be closed on Monday, Jan. 15.

·         There will be no county bus service Monday, Jan. 15; service will resume Tuesday, Jan. 16.

·         Calvert Library locations will be closed Monday, Jan. 15. 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, Jan. 15. Animal Control Officers will be available for emergencies at 410-535-3491.

·         The Calvert Marine Museum and Museum Store will be open with normal hours on Monday, Jan. 15.

·         Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center will be open with normal operating hours on Monday, Jan. 15, with special activities and exhibits in observance of the holiday.

·         Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center will be open Monday, Jan. 15, with normal hours.

·         All recreation parks including Dunkirk District Park, Ward Farm Recreation & Nature Park, Hallowing Point Park and Cove Point Park will be open with normal hours on Monday, Jan. 15.

·         Chesapeake Hills Golf Course will be open Monday, Jan. 15, with normal operating hours.

·         Flag Ponds Nature Park and Kings Landing Park will be open on Monday, Jan. 15, with normal operating hours. Battle Creek Cypress Swamp and Sanctuary nature center remains closed due to fire damage; however, the trails are open. For a full nature park schedule, visit www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/1505/Park-Hours.

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

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

 The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to share the honorees of our Annual Retirement and Awards Banquet for 2023. The Agency honored 16 retirees and 62 award recipients at the Greater Waldorf Jaycees. Honorees were recognized for their service to the Agency, excellent fieldwork, or acts of bravery. Mr. Jim Handly, an evening News Anchor from NBC News 4 Washington, served as the Master of Ceremonies. The Charles County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard presented Colors; the St. Charles High School Spartones sang the National Anthem; and Pastor Aaron Jones delivered the invocation and benediction.  

“Tonight we are honoring 16 retirees who provided a combined 364 years of service to Charles County. We are proud of their contributions to this community and our Agency and thankful for their service,” said Sheriff Troy Berry.  “To those receiving awards, thank you for going above and beyond the call of duty, for saving lives, and for your superior service. We also thank the Spartones for their amazing performance!” 

The following retirees were honored (listed with dates of service): 

1. Captain Charles Bean (10/1998 –05/2023  
2. M/SGT Timothy Minor (07/1994  – 08/2023)  
3. SGT Ralph Peters (12 /2001 – 03/2023) 
4. M/CPL Tracy Lee (11/1993 – 12/2023) 
5. M/CPL. Renee Cuyler (06/1997 – 10/2022) 
6. M/CPL Charles Smith (04/1996  – 10/2023) 
7. CPL. Patrick Hood (01/1999 – 11/2022) 
8. PFC Charles Figgins (04/1995 – 11/2023) 
9. PFC David Sylvestre (06/2003– 04/2023) 
10. PFC Steven Hawkins (12/2003 – 07/2023) 
11. Director Brandon Foster (01/1997– 07/2023) 
12. M/SGT Carol Figgins (10/1998  – 11/2023) 
13. Susan Thompson (08/1997 – 12/2022) 
14. Jeri DeAtley (01/2001 – 07/2023) 
15. Nolan Woodland (01/2013 – 05/2023) 
16. Audrey Langley (03/2014 – 08/2023) 

 The following Meritorious Awards were presented:  

• Officer Vernon Karopchinsky: On April 21, Officer Karopchinsky was off-duty traveling in Baltimore when he observed a vehicle stopped on an overpass. Officer Karopchinsky realized the woman was going to jump from the overpass and he was able to rescue her and prevent her from harming himself. He and his wife called 9-1-1 and waited until EMS could respond. His actions contributed to saving a citizen’s life and represent the finest traditions of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office.

   

• Lt. Travis Yates: On March 5, officers responded to a home for the report of a man armed with a gun and threatening to kill himself.  Upon arrival, they were confronted by a male sitting on the front lawn holding a firearm to his head. Lt. Yates established a rapport while the other officers moved in a tactical direction. When it was safe, the officers were able to quickly approach the man, disarm him, and take care of him until EMS arrived. The officers showed courage and professionalism and for that Lieutenant Yates is awarded a Meritorious Service Award and Patrolman First Class Behm, Patrolman First Class Conner, Patrolman First Class Wynne, and Police Officer Torreyson were awarded Certificates of Commendation. 

   

• Deputy Director Noelle Gehrman, Sgt. John Elliott, and Supervisor Shreya Kamath: Their work in a 44-year-old murder case led to the identification of a suspect, an indictment by a Charles County Grand Jury, and brought justice to a family. Through the years, many investigators took up the case and tirelessly pursued any leads that came to light. As the case was passed to Detective Sergeant Elliott, Deputy Director Gehrman, and FSS Supervisor Kamath, the team looked into new investigative leads and forensic techniques to move the case forward. In the fall of 2022, the Forensic Science Section used a new DNA technique to obtain a suspect DNA sample. This led to a DNA database hit that provided a suspect that was never before known. For their hard work and dedicated pursuit of justice, Detective Sergeant Elliott, Deputy Director Gehrman, and Supervisor Kamath were presented with Meritorious Service Awards.  

 The following individuals received Life Saving Awards: 

• PFC Dylan Chadbourne and PO Vernon Karopchinsky for helping to save the life of an eight-month-old baby who had been ejected from a car in a car crash and suffered severe trauma to the head. They provided care to the infant’s wounds until EMS arrived. 

   

• Cpl. Jason Wilson, PO Arden Williams, and PO Haley Holt for pulling a man out of a burning car and providing medical care until help arrived. 

   

• PO Matthew Thompson and PO Eric Otey for saving a man who had hung himself from a ceiling. Officers Thompson and Otey were able to quickly get the man to the ground and provide care until medical help arrived.   

   

• PO Cody Bottorf and Officer Kalen Kerere (LPPD) for their efforts in rendering CPR to an occupant of a car that had crashed. The driver was unconscious and not breathing. The officers took turns providing CPR until EMS arrived. 

   

• Sgt. Ryan McMullen, PO Alana Snyder, and PO Joseph Huston for providing CPR to a man who had suddenly lost consciousness at a sporting location and was not breathing. The officers provided CPR including rescue breaths and chest compressions until EMS arrived.  

 The Following individuals received the Sheriff’s Award:  

• Captain Louis C. Schmidt, III; Captain Andrew Schwab; and Lt. Erica Budd. During the past several years, Captain Schmidt, Captain Schwab, and Lieutenant Budd were tasked with developing a leadership training program for the Charles County Sheriff’s Office. This program was built from the ground up, focusing specifically on those skills and abilities necessary for both seasoned and newly promoted supervisors and commanders to become effective and efficient leaders. They created a high-quality and well-developed program of instruction that has been delivered across the spectrum of responsibilities within the agency. As a direct result of their efforts, both today’s and tomorrow’s leaders of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office are better positioned to meet the challenges that face them.   

   

• Captain Caroline Baker; Captain Matthew Dixon; Lt. Christopher Cusmano; Lt. Mark Kaylor; Lt. Mathew Irby; Deputy Director Amber DiToto; Sgt. Kristen Clark; Sgt. Shawn Gregory; Sgt. Katlin Goddard; Sgt. John Arcadipane; Katrina Burrows; Cpl. Nina Garner; PFC James Ryan; PFC Jerome Jackson; Jacqueline Burson; Vicki Bladen; and Jennifer Hackney. The Agency would like to recognize the CCSO Wellness Committee members for their diligent and hard work in 2022 and 2023. Highlights for the years include encouraging health incentives, providing relief at the Charles County Fair, all-day information sharing on LEO Suicide Awareness Day, the Inaugural Santa Run at Laurel Springs, the Inaugural Wellness Fair at the Blue Crabs Stadium, Agency Red Cross Blood drives and the Agency-wide wellness newsletter. Thank you all for the hard work put forth in bringing together these events, as well as your commitment to providing positive, meaningful programs and support to our fellow employees and their families.   

   

• Jessica Foster: Ms. Foster has been commended for her remarkable dedication and contribution to victim services in Charles County. Her unique background as a certified Child Life Specialist with a Master's Degree in Child Life, Administration, and Family Collaboration enabled her to revamp and modernize the program since her hiring in 2021. Jessica has not only increased awareness of the program within the community but also gained recognition as a respected victim services professional in both Charles County and the state of Maryland. She achieved this by promoting victim services to the public, enhancing communication among local service providers, leading the Southern Maryland Human Trafficking Collaborative, engaging with victims of crime directly, and delivering presentations on victim services topics. Her exceptional achievements include writing a chapter in a college textbook about the role of Child Life Specialists in community settings. Jessica's commitment has significantly improved the program, fostered collaboration among various providers, and enhanced the agency's public image through community outreach and communication efforts. 

   

• CFC Justin Lloyd; PO Sally Knutsen; and the Charles County Mobile Intensive Care Unit. In February 2023, Officer Knutsen attended a multi-agency active shooter training exercise. The training presented officers with a variety of scenarios and challenged them on how to respond. Following the training, Officer Knutsen looked for ways to better prepare our officers for dealing with victims of serious traumatic injuries. Officer Knutsen included Correctional Officer First Class Lloyd as she brainstormed ideas because he was the Vice President of the Charles County Mobile Intensive Care Unit. Lloyd presented their ideas to the intensive care unit Executive board. The result of the presentation was the executive board agreed to donate supplies totaling over $30,000 worth. Due to their efforts, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Trauma Bag program was developed and set into action. The program is already delivering results with citizens receiving better medical attention from first responding law enforcement officers during traumatic events. 

   

• Lt. Travis Yates; Sgt. John Arcadipane; Sgt. Steven Bryant; Sgt. Chrissy Gilroy; Sgt. Dustin Hendricks; Sgt. Phillip Norris; Sgt. Phillip Conrad; Sgt. Amber Hancock; Sgt. Derek Arends; Sgt. Ryan McMullen; Cpl. Ron Walls; Cpl. Katie Bottorf; CFC Justin Lloyd; CFC Ronald Goldsmith, PFC Lee Elliot; PFC Stephen Duley; PFC Michael Hancock; PFC Kevin Makle; PFC Dureyea Toland; PFC Alan Acosta; PO Rick Perry; PO Jordan Wheeler; and PO Henry Giroux. The Charles County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard represents the very best of the Sheriff’s Office. This award nomination is to recognize the men and women of this team with a Sheriff’s Award for their continued dedication to excellence. This all-volunteer collateral duty often calls for short notice responses, additional training, and many hot days standing in full uniform. This group can be seen year-round at community events, memorials, agency functions, and providing honors at funeral services. In two months, from April 20, 2023 to June 15 2023 the Honor Guard honored five retired officers through well-coordinated display of professionalism during the funeral process. These honors were in addition to the Blue Crabs opening day, a Corrections Graduation, the CCSO Wreath Laying ceremony, Police Week, and Vigil.  

The following individuals received Certificates of Commendation during private presentations held previously at CCSO Headquarters:  

• Patrolman First Class  Darrin Behm #444 
• Patrolman First Class Troy Conner #661 
• Patrolman First Class Chance Wynne #689 
• Police Officer Andrew Torreyson #757 

 For additional photos, please click on this link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/vZqEY3Rq2aQ1XRANA 

The Town of Chesapeake Beach recognizes Lieutenant Gregory “Joe” Hollinger for his service to the Twin Beaches of the Towns of Chesapeake Beach and North Beach through his leadership of the Twin Beach Deputies over the last three years. In December of 2023, Lieutenant Hollinger transitioned from serving town citizens through his leadership of the Twin Beach Deputies to serving citizens with a countywide focus on investigative work. Lieutenant Hollinger has contributed his extensive experience to the Twin Beaches, with over twenty-five (25) years at the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) as a detective investigating all manners of crimes in the Criminal Investigative Bureau, supervising various Patrol squads in the Patrol Bureau, the Crime Suppression Unit, the Community Action Team, and the Mountain Bike Patrol Unit. A natural fit for the Twin Beaches, Lieutenant Hollinger expanded the CCSO Mountain Bike Unit for routine patrolling in the Twin Beaches and immediately connected with residents and guests of the Town by walking along the boardwalks, engaging in conversation and always showing his willingness to understand citizens’ concerns. “Lieutenant Hollinger efficiently served the Twin Beaches by providing fair and friendly police coverage that prioritized the safety and security of Town citizens. The Town Council joins me in commending Lieutenant Hollinger, the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, and the Twin Beach Deputies for their service of the Twin Beaches and Calvert County”, stated Mayor Patrick “Irish” Mahoney. The Town welcomes Lieutenant Thomas Brian Tilley, who now serves as daily oversight of (8) eight shared resident deputies between the Towns of Chesapeake Beach and North Beach and (2) two resident deputies of the Town of Chesapeake Beach. Lieutenant Tilley plans to pick up where Lieutenant Hollinger has left off with a continued focus on community policing, ensuring that the Twin Beach Deputies are integrated into the fabric of the Towns. Lieutenant Tilley has served County citizens through the CCSO for over twenty (20) years, in addition to his prior experience at the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Lieutenant Tilley has over ten years of supervisory experience with the CCSO and has served as a Deputy First Class with the Twin Beaches Deputies in 2007 and 2008, providing him with a sense of familiarity with the Twin Beaches that he is happy to return to. “Lieutenant Hollinger has been wonderful to work with in establishing the groundwork for proactive policing in the Twin Beaches, maintaining high visibility and approachability that residents have come to appreciate and expect. We look forward to Lieutenant Tilley’s ideas to increase community policing in the Town through our continued partnership with the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office”, stated Holly Wahl, Town Administrator Lieutenant Tilley has not wasted any time and has already began working with the Town of Chesapeake Beach to plan a community day for Town citizens to enjoy games, a dunk booth featuring the Lieutenant himself, and family activities to enjoy getting to know the Deputies that put their lives on the line daily to protect and serve you. The Mayor, Town Council, and Town staff look forward to continuing to foster the vital relationship with the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, a relationship that was established and is maintained in service of Town citizens. 

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – Jan. 11, 2024 – The Calvert County Department of Planning & Zoning invites county residents to participate in the Calvert County Zoning Ordinance update process. Citizens are invited to participate through public comment, a public forum and observing work sessions and meetings, to have a voice in shaping local development and land use policies and actively contribute to the well-being and future of the community.

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

·         Article 18 – Uses (view draft Article 18): This article outlines permitted land uses in each zoning district and conditions for specific uses and activities. This article covers a wide range of uses, including farm support businesses, farmers’ markets, assisted living facilities, home occupations, solar energy generating systems, cultural facilities and communication towers, as well as temporary uses like food trucks. To identify which uses are permitted in each zoning district, see tables 18-1, 18-2 and 18-3; direction on how to interpret these tables is given in Section 18-2 of Article 18.

·         Article 19 – Accessory Structures (view draft Article 19): This article defines rules for structures and uses that are accessory to the primary structure or use of the property. It covers general regulations, like needing a permit for structures over 150 square feet and setback requirements. Specific conditions are applicable for different structures, including beekeeping structures, bus shelters, carports, chicken coops, livestock enclosures, accessory solar energy generating systems and more.

Public Comment Period, open through Feb 2: The public comment period is open through Friday, Feb. 2. 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, Jan. 25: A public forum will be held Thursday, Jan. 25, at 7 p.m. at the Harriet E. Brown Community Center located at 901 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick. Doors open at 6:30 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 301-715-8592, enter meeting ID 870 4870 1285 and passcode “#.”

Joint Work Session, Feb. 21: A joint work session with the Board of County Commissioners and Planning Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 21, 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 and times 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.

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) has updated its volunteer processes to establish a network of community members interested in supporting schools.  

The new Community Volunteer Program provides an opportunity for community members who are not the parent/guardian of an enrolled CCPS student to volunteer their time in supporting CCPS and its facilities. Community members interested in volunteering with CCPS can visit the school system website at https://www.ccboe.com/parents/volunteer-information to complete an interest form.  

Areas of needed volunteer support in schools include classroom help, tutoring/mentoring, school or community activities and events (such as fundraisers or athletic events), field trip chaperone, and office or clerical support. The interest form allows volunteers to choose a school location(s) at which they would like to volunteer, and volunteers can support multiple CCPS schools.  

Once an interest form is completed, the volunteer coordinator at the identified school will receive it and look to see if they can match the volunteer with a school need or opportunity. All CCPS schools and centers have a staff member that oversees the volunteer coordinator process, which includes providing background check and training materials to all volunteers.  

Any CCPS volunteer is required to complete a prescreening questionnaire, online training and required background check.  

Parents/guardians of CCPS students should contact their child’s school to express interest in volunteering. However, if a parent/guardian wants to volunteer at a school their child does not attend they should complete the volunteer interest form.  

Oversight of the Community Volunteer Program is under the CCPS Department of Community Engagement and Equity, with support from the CCPS Office of School Safety and Security. Community members with questions can contact Sylvia Royster, director of community engagement and equity, at sroyster@ccboe.com.  

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) will hold a Public Hearing on January 30, 2024 at 9:15 a.m. in the CSMC Meeting Room in the Chesapeake Building located at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown, Maryland to consider public input on the proposed Ordinance to Amend Chapter 285 of the Code of St. Mary’s County by Amending Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Schedule 50.4.74 to Allow Use # 74, “Restaurant, Fast Food” in the Limited Commercial Industrial Zoning District (LCI) and Air Installations Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) Accident Potential Zone 2 Zoning Overlay (APZ-2). Public hearing information and related documents can be viewed online at: stmaryscountymd.gov/publichearings. CSMC Public Hearings are televised live on St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) TV Channel 95 and available on the SMCG YouTube Channel. Citizens are encouraged to attend and participate in the public hearing. Those wishing to address the CSMC may participate in-person or provide their feedback via: • Email to: csmc@stmaryscountymd.gov • Mail to: P.O. Box 653, Leonardtown, MD 20650 All submissions must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 6, 2024. Submissions will be considered by the CSMC at the Public Hearing and up to 7 days following the public hearing. Public Hearing guidelines are subject to change. Note that because of the evidence and comments made at the public hearing, amendments may be made to the proposed Ordinance to Amend Chapter 285 of the Code of St. Mary’s County by Amending Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Schedule 50.4.74 to Allow Use # 74, “Restaurant, Fast Food” in the Limited Commercial Industrial Zoning District (LCI) and Air Installations Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) Accident Potential Zone 2 Zoning Overlay (APZ-2). Appropriate accommodation for individuals with special needs will be provided upon request. To meet these requirements, we respectfully request 1 week’s prior notice. Please contact the CSMC Office at (301) 475-4200 ext. 1340. Proceedings are televised live and recorded for later broadcast. All content of these proceedings is subject to disclosure under the Maryland Public Information Act. Photographic, electronic audio-visual broadcasting and recording devices are used during CSMC meetings. These are public meetings and attendance at these meetings automatically grants SMCG permission to broadcast your audio and visual image. COMMISSIONERS OF ST. MARY’S COUNTY By: Buffy Giddens, County Attorney Publish on 1/12 and 1/19 Requested by: Office of the County Attorney Ordinance No. 2024 - ______ Subject: An ordinance amending Chapter 285 of the Code of St. Mary’s County, Maryland, by Amending Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Schedule 50.4.74 to Allow Use # 74, “Restaurant, Fast Food” in the Limited Commercial Industrial Zoning District (LCI) and Air Installations Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) Accident Potential Zone 2 Zoning Overlay (APZ-2). Page 1 of 3 ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 285 OF THE CODE OF ST. MARY’S COUNTY, MARYLAND, BY AMENDING COMPREHENSIVE ZONING ORDINANCE SCHEDULE 50.4.74 TO ALLOW USE # 74, “RESTAURANT, FAST FOOD” IN THE LIMITED COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICT (LCI) AND AIR INSTALLATIONS COMPATIBLE USE ZONE (AICUZ) ACCIDENT POTENTIAL ZONE 2 ZONING OVERLAY (APZ-2) WHEREAS, pursuant to § 4-101 through § 4-104 of the Land Use Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, Maryland, are authorized to establish zoning districts and prescribe regulations applicable in such districts; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 28 of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, Applicant Lexington Park Shopping Center, LLC has requested a text amendment to the text of the CZO to allow use # 74, Restaurant, Fast Food and furnished all necessary information and fees; and WHEREAS, a notice of a public hearing was advertised on _________, and _________, in The Southern Maryland News, a newspaper of general circulation in St. Mary’s County, and a public hearing was held on ___________, Amending Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Schedule 50.4.74 to Allow Use # 74, “Restaurant, Fast Food” in the Limited Commercial Industrial Zoning District (LCI) and Air Installations Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) Accident Potential Zone 2 Zoning Overlay (APZ-2); and WHEREAS, the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, Maryland find that this change shall better align the County’s Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to the United States Department of the Navy’s recommendations on the development of land in proximity to air installations such as Naval Air Station Patuxent River, as outlined in the Department of the Navy’s OPNAV INSTRUCTION 11010.36D, published April 11, 2022 and superseding any previous similar Department of the Navy recommendations; and WHEREAS, the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, Maryland find that it is in the best interest of the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of St. Mary’s County to amend Chapter 285 of the Code of St. Mary’s County by amending Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Schedule 50.4.74 to Allow Use # 74, “Restaurant, Fast Food” in the Limited Commercial Industrial Zoning District (LCI) and Air Installations Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) Accident Potential Zone 2 Zoning Overlay (APZ-2); NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, Maryland, pursuant to § 4-101 through § 4-104 of the Land Use Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, that: SECTION I. Code of St. Mary’s County, Maryland, Chapter 285, Schedule 50.4.74 is repealed and reenacted to read as follows: Requested by: Office of the County Attorney Ordinance No. 2024 - ______ Subject: An ordinance amending Chapter 285 of the Code of St. Mary’s County, Maryland, by Amending Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Schedule 50.4.74 to Allow Use # 74, “Restaurant, Fast Food” in the Limited Commercial Industrial Zoning District (LCI) and Air Installations Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) Accident Potential Zone 2 Zoning Overlay (APZ-2). Page 2 of 3 Use Type Use Intensity RPD RSC RCL RL-T RL RM RH RNC RMX VMX TMX CMX MXH MXM MXL LCI I OBP CM Critical Area Overlay AICUZ Overlay and FAR Restaurant, Fast Food High - L C - - - - - L L P P P P P - - - LDA ID

In a pivotal step toward digital access for all residents, Calvert County Government is partnering with Calvert Library and the University of Maryland Extension to distribute 2,500 Chromebooks to qualified households. On Oct. 30, 2023, the Office of Statewide Broadband, through the Maryland Connected Devices program, awarded Calvert County its full request for devices, valued at $496,875, plus a stipend of $15,000 to support device distribution. The award will significantly enhance the county’s efforts to ensure all residents can access reliable, high-speed internet.

Households with incomes at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, households enrolled in the federal Affordable Connectivity Program and households participating in any of the following programs are eligible:

·         Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)

·         Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools

·         Medicaid

·         Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year

·         Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

·         Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps

·         Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

·         Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit

Each qualifying household may receive one device per address. Residents must provide the following proof of eligibility:

·         Proof of identity

·         Proof of address

·         Verification of income eligibility or enrollment in one of the above programs.

Distribution events will be held between Feb. 10 and June 1 at Calvert Library locations and community centers throughout the county. Those eligible should register for a pickup timeslot at least 24 hours in advance; registration is open on the Calvert Library website. For more information, please visit www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/ConnectedDevices.

·         Saturday, Feb. 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Calvert Library Prince Frederick (850 Costley Way, Prince Frederick)

·         Wednesday, Feb. 21, noon to 5 p.m. at Northeast Community Center (4075 Gordon Stinnett Ave., Chesapeake Beach)

·         Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Southern Community Center (20 Appeal Lane, Lusby)

·         Wednesday, March 20, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Calvert Library Fairview Branch (8120 Southern Maryland Blvd., Owings)

·         Saturday, April 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Northeast Community Center (4075 Gordon Stinnett Ave., Chesapeake Beach)

·         Wednesday, April 17, 1-6 p.m. at Southern Community Center (20 Appeal Lane, Lusby)

·         Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Calvert Library Prince Frederick (850 Costley Way, Prince Frederick)

·         Wednesday, May 15, 2-7 p.m. at Calvert Library New Twin Beaches Branch (9101 Bay Ave., North Beach)

·         Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mt. Hope Community Center (104 Pushaw Station Road, Sunderland)

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 Tuesday, Jan. 9, commissioners received a briefing on a zoning text amendment allowing cannabis recreational dispensary and processing operations in the county. The text amendment would facilitate the implementation of the Cannabis Reform Act in Charles County after the Maryland General Assembly passed the law in April 2023.  The amendment was presented to the commissioners as Bill 2024-01: Zoning Text Amendment for Cannabis Dispensaries.

Charles Rice, Planning Director reviewed the planning commission’s process for recommending approval of the amendment and presented the document to the commissioners. Commissioners introduced the bill and scheduled a public hearing for Wed, Feb. 7, 2024, at 6 p.m.

Briefings

• Staff provided a briefing on proposed amendments to Zoning Indenture Docket 250 that would impact future development within the Villages at Swan Point. Commissioners scheduled a public hearing for March 5, 2024, at 6 p.m.
• Staffed provided a briefing on a financial advisory report on the possibility of using public-private partnerships (P3) for school construction projects.
• Commissioners unanimously approved Bill 2023-09, which would require a healthy beverage and meal option for restaurants that either offer a children’s menu or meals primarily consumed by children. The bill received several work sessions to facilitate amendments to the original bill.
• Beth Groth, Climate Resilience and Sustainability Officer, briefed commissioners on the county’s efforts to manage the effects of climate change.

Public Hearings

Due to inclement weather, the public hearings initially scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 9, were rescheduled to Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024.

Approval Items

Commissioners approved:

• A budget transfer request of $75,000 to create a budget to produce an educational campaign on charter government. Voters will consider the charter in November 2024.
• A budget transfer request of $228,000 to support preliminary bidding costs related to the Landfill Cell No. 4B Expansion project at the Charles County Landfill.
• A budget transfer request of $1,615,880 to close the Benedict Central Sewer System project and transfer funds to the Sewer Contingency Inflation Account. The project was closed to facilitate a feasibility study before moving ahead.

Proclamations

Commissioners recognized the following proclamations:

• National Pan Hellenic Council Recognition Month
• National Mentoring Month
• National School Choice Week
• Catholic Schools Week
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and Beyond

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

Next Commissioners Session: Jan 23-24, 2024.

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

In the early hours of Tuesday, January 9, 2024, Deputy Tyler Westphal, while conducting proactive traffic enforcement in Lexington Park, MD, initiated a traffic stop that led to a drug-related arrest.

 At approximately 2:33 a.m., Deputy Westphal stopped a 2005 Honda Civic for operating without a front registration plate and additional safety equipment violations.  The operator provided a false name, and CDS paraphernalia was observed inside the vehicle.   A subsequent search uncovered suspected crack cocaine and related paraphernalia.

 The driver of the Honda Civic has been identified as James Perry Bond, 33, of Dameron, MD. A subsequent investigation, including a check of the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), revealed that Mr. Bond was wanted for an outstanding warrant through the Maryland Parole Commission.

 As a result of the findings, Mr. Bond was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center and charged with CDS: Possession – Not Marijuana and one count of CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

On Tuesday, Jan. 9, commissioners received a briefing on a zoning text amendment allowing cannabis recreational dispensary and processing operations in the county. The text amendment would facilitate the implementation of the Cannabis Reform Act in Charles County after the Maryland General Assembly passed the law in April 2023.  The amendment was presented to the commissioners as Bill 2024-01: Zoning Text Amendment for Cannabis Dispensaries.

Charles Rice, Planning Director reviewed the planning commission’s process for recommending approval of the amendment and presented the document to the commissioners. Commissioners introduced the bill and scheduled a public hearing for Wed, Feb. 7, 2024, at 6 p.m.

Briefings

• Staff provided a briefing on proposed amendments to Zoning Indenture Docket 250 that would impact future development within the Villages at Swan Point. Commissioners scheduled a public hearing for Feb. 7, 2024, at 6 p.m.
• Staffed provided a briefing on a financial advisory report on the possibility of using public-private partnerships (P3) for school construction projects.
• Commissioners unanimously approved Bill 2023-09, which would require a healthy beverage and meal option for restaurants that either offer a children’s menu or meals primarily consumed by children. The bill received several work sessions to facilitate amendments to the original bill.
• Beth Groth, Climate Resilience and Sustainability Officer, briefed commissioners on the county’s efforts to manage the effects of climate change.

Public Hearings

Due to inclement weather, the public hearings initially scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 9, were rescheduled to Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024.

Approval Items

Commissioners approved:

• A budget transfer request of $75,000 to create a budget to produce an educational campaign on charter government. Voters will consider the charter in November 2024.
• A budget transfer request of $228,000 to support preliminary bidding costs related to the Landfill Cell No. 4B Expansion project at the Charles County Landfill.
• A budget transfer request of $1,615,880 to close the Benedict Central Sewer System project and transfer funds to the Sewer Contingency Inflation Account. The project was closed to facilitate a feasibility study before moving ahead.

Proclamations

Commissioners recognized the following proclamations:

• National Pan Hellenic Council Recognition Month
• National Mentoring Month
• National School Choice Week
• Catholic Schools Week
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and Beyond

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

Next Commissioners Session: Jan 23-24, 2024.

 On January 8 at 7:54 a.m., officers responded to an urgent care facility in Waldorf after receiving calls about a woman in the parking lot who picked up her child, lifted the child over her head and slammed the child, age 7, down onto the asphalt. Witnesses quickly got to the child and placed the child in their car to keep the child safe until officers arrived. When officers arrived, the woman was combative. Officers were able to establish a rapport and begin to de-escalate the situation. Another officer checked on the child who had severe injuries. As officers were attempting to arrest the woman, she bit three officers. She was eventually subdued and transported to a hospital where she was medically cleared. The child was transported to a hospital with severe head trauma. The woman was charged with first-degree child abuse causing serious physical injuries, first-degree assault, and second-degree assault. To protect the identity of the child, the woman’s name is not being released. Officer Snyder and Detective Sapienza are investigating.  

The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration has lifted the wind restrictions for the Thomas Johnson Bridge. Drivers can view the latest road conditions on SHA’s website at www.roads.maryland.gov and clicking “CHART.” Travelers may obtain the latest free traffic and weather information by calling 5-1-1 from a landline or a hands-free mobile device or by logging onto www.MD511.org. Maryland’s 511 service now offers free text and email alerts for most travelled routes through 511Direct – simply register and set your routes and preferences on-line.

Charles County Crime Solvers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the identity of the suspects involved in a shooting that occurred on January 8 at 2:13 p.m. in the area of Jameson Court in Indian Head. When officers arrived, they located a 19-year-old male inside a townhouse with a gunshot. He was transported to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. A preliminary investigation showed unknown suspects fired shots at the townhouse and a bullet struck the victim who was inside in an upstairs room. Investigators are pursuing leads and ask anyone with information to contact Detective Johnson at 301-609-6453. Tipsters who want to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app. The investigation is ongoing.  

On January 8 at 2:27 a.m., patrol officers initiated a traffic stop in the 3000 block of October Place. Upon approaching the car, officers observed two males and a female inside. They also observed suspected drugs in the vehicle and what appeared to be a firearm protruding from under the driver’s seat. Further investigation revealed a large quantity of drugs, drug paraphernalia, and a loaded firearm, which had been reported stolen, under the driver’s seat. The driver, Demetrius Devon Lattisaw, age 29, of Waldorf, was arrested and charged with possession with the intent to distribute drugs, possession of a firearm, illegal possession of a firearm due to a previous conviction, and other related firearms charges. On January 9, a judge ordered Lattisaw to be held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center. Officer Brown is continuing to investigate.  

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Commissioners of St. Mary's County are pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Aubert-Utz as the new Director for St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Emergency Services (DES).

“After an extensive recruitment process, we are very pleased to announce Ms. Aubert-Utz as our incoming Director of Emergency Services,” said Commissioner President Randy Guy. “We are confident that her skills and experience will benefit both the Department and our residents.”

Aubert-Utz is a 24-year veteran of the Baltimore County Fire Department, serving most recently as an Assistant Fire Chief where she provided executive leadership and professional oversight to over 1,000 career and 2,000 volunteer members.

"I am incredibly humbled by the confidence bestowed on me by the Commissioners and County Administrator,” said Aubert-Utz. “I am beyond excited to join this well-established leadership team and look forward to serving the St. Mary’s community alongside the men and women of the Department of Emergency Services.”

Aubert-Utz serves as the Chairperson for the Maryland Center for the Study of Health Effects of Fire and a Commissioner on the Maryland Higher Education Commission’s Fire Rescue Training & Education Commission. She has served as a technical expert on the International Fire Service Training Association Fire Service Training publication and training manual revision team, and as a professional advisor on the National Fire Protection Association Responder Forum.

Aubert-Utz holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in management from Johns Hopkins University with an emphasis in Public Safety Leadership. She has also earned the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer designation, as well as the Certified Public Manager through University of Baltimore. Aubert-Utz was recognized among the 2017 Baltimore Sun’s “50 Women to Watch” and is a recipient of the 2018 Baltimore County LaFrance Muldrow “Woman Making a Difference” award. She is a member of the Leadership Baltimore County Class of 2018 and holds several professional fire service affiliations.

For more information on DES, please visit: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/ES.  

THOMAS JOHNSON BRIDGE WIND RESTRICTIONS (PRINCE FREDERICK, Md.) — The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration has implemented the following restrictions for the Thomas Johnson Bridge due to sustained winds in excess of 40 mph: House trailers, empty box trucks, empty tractor trailers, and empty oversized vehicles are prohibited from crossing the bridge at this time. The speed limit on the bridge is also reduced to 40 mph while the wind restrictions are in effect. Additional restrictions will be implemented if sustained winds exceed 50 mph. Road conditions will be closely monitored and the wind restrictions will be lifted when the roads are safe for normal vehicular travel. Drivers can view the latest road conditions on SHA’s website at www.roads.maryland.gov and clicking “CHART.” Travelers may obtain the latest free traffic and weather information by calling 5-1-1 from a landline or a hands-free mobile device or by logging onto www.MD511.org. Maryland’s 511 service now offers free text and email alerts for most travelled routes through 511Direct – simply register and set your routes and preferences on-line. 

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Fall Oyster Survey recorded a remarkable year for juvenile oysters in Maryland waters, finding both prolific numbers and a widespread distribution throughout many regions of the Chesapeake Bay.

The survey’s spatfall intensity index, a measure of reproductive success and potential population growth for oysters, was 86.8 spat, or juvenile oysters, per bushel, nearly four times the 39-year median of 23.6 spat per bushel and the fifth highest in that timeframe.

“We have not recorded this extent of oyster spat recruitment in the fall survey in a generation,” said Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. “Both the quantity and the wide distribution of spat throughout the Bay, including several areas where our biologists have rarely observed spat in nearly 40 years of results, are outstanding. We plan to build on these natural spatsets by continuing oyster restoration efforts and promoting aquaculture to bolster the overall oyster population.”

This survey, which measures the population status of oysters in the Bay, marks the fourth consecutive year of above-median results for juvenile oysters, a promising sign for restoration efforts for the bivalve, which has faced precipitous population declines over the decades.

Aside from the spatfall intensity index, the department looks to see how widely young oysters are distributed throughout Maryland’s oyster habitat. For example, the 1997 survey produced the highest index in the history of the survey at 277 spat per bushel, but the spatset of that year was concentrated in particular areas of the Chesapeake Bay: the eastern portion of Eastern Bay, the Miles River, the northeast portion of the lower Choptank River, and in parts of the Little Choptank and St. Marys rivers. 

By comparison, the 2023 survey found spat in areas where they are rarely observed, including in the upper reaches of Bay tributaries that are typically too brackish for strong oyster reproduction. The distribution of the 2023 spatset far exceeded prior spatsets.

The Potomac River and two of its tributaries, the Wicomico River and Breton Bay, in addition to the Patuxent River and the Tred Avon River, received a once-in-a-generation spatset. A supplemental survey in the Potomac found numerous spat well above the Route 301 bridge, an area where devastating freshwater deluges of 2018-19 had all but wiped out the oysters there. Eastern Bay, where oysters have been in decline for over a decade, also saw a significant increase in spatset. Many of the areas that typically receive high spatsets did so again in 2023: the lower Eastern Shore, the lower Western Shore, Broad Creek, and others.

This year, the department recorded spat at 50 out of 53 key bars, the primary sampling sites for the spat survey. Spat have not been recorded at this many key bars since 1985.

Maryland Spatfall Intensity Indices (columns) are the annual averages of spat counts on 53 key bars for the most recent 17 years. The annual medians (orange dashed line) are measures of the distribution of spat – the larger the median, the more widely distributed the spatset.

Environmental conditions, such as adequate water salinity, play a role in successful oyster recruitment. This past year, salinity measurements have been above their long-term averages due to below-average rainfall in the watershed, providing ideal conditions for oyster recruitment. However, in some years, spatset may be lower than expected despite adequate salinity conditions, emphasizing that other forces influence recruitment.

While many factors played a part in the 2023 spatset, Maryland Department of Natural Resources scientists believe the considerable numbers and distribution recorded — in conjunction with the three previous years of above-average recruitment — are encouraging signs for ongoing management efforts.

Eastern oysters, the species found in the Bay and parts of the Atlantic coast, are critical to the Chesapeake ecosystem. They are an important food source and the reefs they form provide habitats for fish and crustaceans. Each mature oysters can filter gallons of water daily and consume algae, which removes excess nutrients and helps clarify the water.

Oyster harvesting is an economic engine for Maryland watermen, second only to crabbing in terms of dockside value. Over time, overharvesting, habitat loss, pollution and oyster diseases have decimated the population of oysters in the Bay, leading to intensive management practices aimed at bolstering the population.

The department works in consultation with the Oyster Advisory Commission to manage oysters in Maryland’s portion of Chesapeake Bay in an ongoing effort to increase the population and habitat as well as to facilitate long-term, sustainable oyster harvest. Following a three-pronged approach to restoration, the department protects 50% of the most productive oyster bars in sanctuaries, creates new opportunities for oyster aquaculture, and utilizes a data-driven management strategy for public fishery areas.

Since 1939, the department and its predecessor agencies have monitored the state’s oyster population with an annual field survey — one of the longest-running programs of this kind in the world. Locations monitored include natural oyster bars, oyster seed production areas, seed and shell planting sites, and sanctuaries. 

Oysters reproduce by external fertilization, releasing their eggs and sperm into the water column when triggered by both temperature and the presence of gametes from other oysters. The more closely situated adult oysters are to each other, the greater the likelihood of successful fertilization. 

Oyster spatfall intensity and distribution in Maryland, 2023. Intensity ranges represent regional averages.

Once the eggs are fertilized, they develop into free-swimming larvae and are subject to wind, tides, currents, and a host of predators, such that only a minute fraction survive to settlement. At that time, using a tiny foot, they seek out hard substrates, namely the shells of other oysters, on which to attach and remain for the rest of their lives. After attachment, the juvenile oysters are known as spat. By the following year, they have reached sexual maturity and are considered young adult oysters.

Despite the hostile environment for oyster larvae and spat, some make it through, sometimes in spectacular numbers. The spatfall intensity index in 2020 (109 spat per bushel), 2021 (43.9 spat per bushel), and 2022 (32.1 spat per bushel) were all well above the 39-year average. A robust number of mature oysters from these three previous year classes is another influence that may have driven the intensity and the distribution of the spatfall up this year.

“Oysters are unique in that they are environmental engineers, meaning they create their own essential shell habitat as they grow,” said Department of Natural Resources Shellfish Division Director Christopher Judy. “This large influx of young oysters will help build a foundation for more oysters in the future.”

The Fall Oyster Survey Report is being presented to the Oyster Advisory Commission at its Jan. 9 meeting. Results will include preliminary findings related to the five indices intended to assess the status of Maryland’s oyster populations: spatfall intensity, oyster disease, total observed mortality, biomass (number and weight of oysters), and cultch (a measure of habitat).

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

The Commissioners then presented a proclamation for National Mentoring Month, followed by a commendation recognizing Carl Ball on his retirement.

For their main agenda items, the CSMC approved the proposed amendment to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff's Office Retirement Plan, with the ordinance taking effect February 1, 2024.

The CSMC also authorized a public hearing for January 30, 2024 (time TBD) to present the proposed ordinance to amend Chapter 285 of the Code of St. Mary's Code.

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

• Approved the FY24 Victims of Crime Act Grant Award.
• Approved the St. Mary's County Circuit Court’s application for the Cooperative Reimbursement Agreement in the amount of $12,587.00 from the State of Maryland.
• Approved the update of the American Rescue Grant plan as presented.
• Approved the employment contract for the St. Mary's County Government Director of Emergency Services.

The Commissioners then received a legislative update from the Office of the County Attorney.

The next CSMC business meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 23, 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.

On January 7 at 12:16 a.m., a patrol officer initiated a traffic stop near St. Ignatius Place after the driver was observed speeding. The driver did not pull over and instead sped up and stopped in the 3000 block of October Place. A male passenger jumped out of the car and fled on foot, holding what appeared to be a firearm. The officer pursued the subject on foot and observed the male throw the suspected firearm into the woods. The male was apprehended without further incident. A police K9 team searched for the gun and recovered it in the area where the officer saw it discarded. The passenger, Kenneth Lee Washington, age 35, of Waldorf, was arrested and charged with possession of a loaded handgun in vehicle, loaded handgun on person, and other related firearms violations. On January 8, a judge ordered Washington to be held at the Charles County Detention Center without bond until his next court hearing on February 21. Officer Brown is investigating.   

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – Jan. 9, 2024 – Calvert County Government offices will close at 2:30 p.m. today, Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, due to inclement weather, with liberal leave in effect. Employees must contact their supervisors to request liberal leave.

Calvert County Circuit Court will also close at 2:30 p.m.

• Appeal, Barstow and Mt. Hope convenience centers will remain open until 7 p.m. with sandbags available to county residents.
• Ball Road, Huntingtown and Plum Point convenience centers will close at 2:30 p.m.
• The Appeal Landfill will close at 4 p.m.
• County transportation services will close at 4 p.m. Call the transportation office for specific schedule information 410-535-4268.
• Senior centers will close at 2:30 p.m.
• Community centers, parks and the Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center will close at 2:30 p.m. Chesapeake Hills Golf Course is closed.
• The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter will close at 2:30 p.m. Animal Control Officers will be available for emergencies at 410-535-3491. 

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepared in the event of an emergency by visiting www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/BeAwarePrepare and signing up for Calvert County ALERT to receive timely information about various emergency and non-emergency situations in the county.

Updates will appear on the Calvert County Government website, www.CalvertCountyMd.gov, and Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd.

Naval Air Station Patuxent River Commanding Officer is recommending non-essential personnel depart the installation by 1400 today due to a severe weather alert of high winds expected by 1500.  

If you become aware of any downed trees or building damage during/after the storm, please call the Public Works Duty Number at  202-439-7459 for fallen trees. Thank you. 

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The National Weather Service is forecasting severe weather that will likely impact St. Mary’s County today, Tuesday January 9, 2024, into tomorrow, Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Flooding rains, coastal flooding, and strong winds are expected. The greatest impacts will likely be seen from 3 p.m. today – 1 a.m. tomorrow.

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Mobile Library scheduled for today has been postponed, and will now take place on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Leonardtown Library & Garvey Senior Activity Center.

Current advisories:

• High Wind Warning (3 p.m. today – 1 a.m. tomorrow)
• Flood Watch (1 p.m. today – 7 a.m. tomorrow)
• Coastal Flood Warning (9 a.m. today – 4 p.m. tomorrow)

Impacts to St. Mary’s County:

• High winds – sustained winds of 25-35 mph and gusts up to 60 mph.
• Heavy rain – new rainfall amounts of 1-3”, with 4” possible.
• Potential hazards include downed trees and power lines, power outages, minor to moderate flooding of flood-prone areas, and coastal flooding.

To prepare residents should:

• Charge cell phones and flashlights; don’t use candles for light during a power outage.
• Remove and/or secure items in your yard that could blow away.

• Never run a generator indoors or in an enclosed space.
• Call 9-1-1 if you need immediate assistance or if a tree is down and creating a hazard. 
  • Do not go near downed power lines and do not attempt to clear a downed tree without appropriate safety equipment.

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/em to learn more about disasters, hazards, and how to be prepared for an emergency. For more information, please contact the Department of Emergency Services at (301) 475-4200 ext. 2123, or via email to ema@stmaryscountymd.gov.

REVISED: COMMISSIONERS VOTED 4-1 TO RESCHEDULE THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD TO JAN. 23, 2024. PUBLIC COMMENTS WILL ALSO TAKE PLACE ON TUESDAY, JAN. 30 AS PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULED

Charles County Announces Changes to Today’s Commissioners Meeting and Operating Status

Charles County Government has announced changes to its operating status today due to forecasted inclement weather conditions. The Board of Commissioners has cancelled its public comments scheduled for 5 p.m. today, Jan. 9. The next public comment is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 30. Public hearings that were scheduled for tonight at 6 p.m. have been postponed to the same time on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024.

Additionally:

• A liberal leave policy is in effect for all non-essential employees today, Jan. 9.  Essential employees are expected to report to work as scheduled.
• All AlphaBest Childcare locations in Charles County will be closing at 4 p.m. today, Jan. 9. This includes school-based before & aftercare sites, as well as the Port Tobacco location.

Due to predicted high winds and flooding, power outages may occur. Please visit SMECO’s power outage map (stormcenter.smeco.coop) for updates and call 877-747-6326 to report an outage.

As always, please call 9-1-1 in the event of an immediate emergency.

ST. MARY'S COUNTY, MD (January 8, 2024) - An investigation on New Year's Eve in St. Mary's County led to the arrest of a Mechanicsville woman after she started a fire inside a home while two other people were inside.

Wendy Hope Firebaugh, 64, was charged last Friday after Deputy State Fire Marshals determined she was responsible for setting a fire inside a bedroom she rented. Investigators learned that Firebaugh set the fire while inside her bedroom while two other people were inside the home.

Just before 9:00 a.m., the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched for a dwelling fire at 40231 Duke Road. When they arrived, they were told the owner had quickly extinguished a fire in a bedroom rented to Firebaugh. The owner told investigators he was walking past Firebaugh's room when he smelled something burning and Firebaugh coming out of the room. While the man's girlfriend called 911, he extinguished the fire with a pan of water.

With the assistance of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, Firebaugh was transported to MedStar St. Mary's for an evaluation.

On Friday, Firebaugh was charged with first and second-degree arson, malicious destruction of property less than $1,000, and two counts of reckless endangerment. She was transported to the St. Mary's County Detention Center and is currently being held without bond.

 Due to predicted rainfall and possible flooding conditions expected for our area Tuesday, Jan. 9, into Tuesday night, sand and sandbags will be available at the following locations on Jan. 9 for Calvert County residents who need them to protect property:

·         Appeal Convenience Center (200 Sweetwater Road, Lusby)
6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

·         Barstow Convenience Center (350 Stafford Road, Barstow)
7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

·         Mt. Hope Convenience Center (96 Pushaw Station Road, Sunderland)
7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sandbags are limited to 20 per person.

It is important to stay informed about potential severe weather through official channels, as information may change rapidly. Stay tuned to local radio and TV stations for official weather information, alerts, and warnings; follow instructions and advice given by emergency officials.

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 – St. Mary's County Government (SMCG) administrative offices will be closed on Monday, January 15, 2024, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Offices will resume normal operating schedules on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. 

The January 15 closure also includes:

• St. Mary's County Libraries (Charlotte Hall, Leonardtown, and Lexington Park)
• The Animal Adoption & Resources Center
• The Senior Activity Centers (Garvey, Loffler & Northern) and no home-delivered meals
• The St. Mary's Transit System (STS)

The following SMCG operations will be open on January 15:

• Department of Recreation & Parks programs and facilities
• St. Clements Island Museum, Piney Point Lighthouse Museum, and the Old Jail Museum
• The Convenience Centers and the St. Andrews Landfill
• Wicomico Shores Golf Course (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.); Riverview Restaurant (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

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.

Four students involved in an altercation at Henry Lackey High School: On January 8 at 11:10 a.m., four students at Henry Lackey High School were involved in an altercation inside the school. School administrators were able to separate the students and there were no reported injuries. The school resource officer has initiated an investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact PFC Barry at 301-609-3282 ext. 0574.  

Maryland’s Commission on Public Health has selected members for the five Workgroups that will be assisting the Commission with assessing Maryland’s public health capabilities and making recommendations for reform. A variety of professionals across the public and private sectors will inform the work of the Commission through its Workgroups. Their expertise will contribute to long-term improvements in Maryland’s ability to handle major public health challenges. A full roster of members for each workgroup is available at smchd.org/CommissionOnPublicHealth.

The Commission thanks all Workgroup members and appreciates the leadership of the following Workgroup Co-Chairs:

Communications and Public Engagement Workgroup
Tonii Gedin, Anne Arundel County Health Officer
Sylvette La Touche-Howard, University of Maryland School of Public Health Associate Clinical Professor and Assistant Dean for the Office of Public Health Practice and Community Engagement

Data and Information Technology Workgroup
Jay Atanda, Policy Advisor, US Department of Homeland Security
William Webb, Kent County Health Officer

Funding Workgroup
Gregory Branch, Baltimore County Health Officer
Laurence Polsky, Calvert County Health Officer

Governance and Organizational Capabilities Workgroup
Barbara Brookmyer, Frederick County Health Officer
Frances Phillips, former Maryland Department of Health Deputy Secretary of Public Health Services and former Anne Arundel County Health Officer

Workforce Workgroup
Brian Castrucci, President and CEO, de Beaumont Foundation
Robert Stephens, Garrett County Health Officer 

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

On January 5, 2024, at approximately 9:42 a.m., members of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Bureau responded to the area of Plum Point Road and Kimberly Lane in Huntingtown, for the report of a head-on motor vehicle collision.

Upon arrival at the scene, deputies identified two vehicles - a 2001 Peterbilt tow truck and a 2018 Ford Edge involved in the crash.

Preliminary investigation revealed the Ford Edge operated by Gregory L. Cristarella, 73 of Huntingtown, was traveling westbound on Plum Point Road approaching Kimberly Lane when multiple witnesses observed Cristarella driving on the wrong side of the roadway and colliding with the tow truck. Cristarella was transported to CalvertHealth where he was later pronounced deceased.

The driver of the tow truck, identified as Robert H. Bradford, 42 of Mechanicsville, was transported to CalvertHealth with minor injuries.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or events leading up to it is asked to contact M/DFC Jeffrey Hardesty with the Crash Reconstruction Team at 410-535-2800 or by email, Jeffrey.Hardesty@CalvertCountymd.gov.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (January 5, 2024) – While performing proactive patrols throughout the county on Thursday, January 4, 2024, Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO) recovered narcotics and stolen registration plates.

At approximately 10:12 p.m., Deputy First Class (DFC) Tyler Westphal stopped a 2007 Dodge Caravan in Lexington Park for a traffic violation. A K9 scan by Corporal Philip Henry and K9 Maja led to a positive alert. Suspected crack cocaine and related paraphernalia were located within the vehicle. The suspect, identified as Jessie Marie Russell, 40, of Great Mills, MD, was placed under arrest and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center.

Later that evening, at approximately 11:59 p.m., in Mechanicsville, Dnico Awaun Williams, 25, of Waldorf, MD, was stopped by DFC Jessica Wilson for an equipment violation when a subsequent investigation revealed that the registration plates displayed on Williams' vehicle were stolen from Prince George's County. Williams was arrested and transported to the St. Mary's County Detention and Rehabilitation Center, where he faces charges related to the stolen registration plates.

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community through proactive law enforcement efforts.

Suspected cannabis recovered from student at Thomas Stone High School: On January 3 at 12:10 p.m., a school administrator at Thomas Stone High School found suspected cannabis on a student. The school resource officer was contacted and he recovered the cannabis. In accordance with MD law, the student will be charged on a civil citation for possession of cannabis. The student also faces disciplinary consequences from the Charles County Public Schools. Anyone with information is asked to call PFC Payne at 301-609-3282 ext. 0452. 

Last month, the U.S. Department of Commerce notified Maryland Gov. Wes Moore that it has declined Maryland’s request for a federal commercial fisheries disaster declaration that was sought to help address the economic and ecological damage caused by the spread of invasive catfish and snakeheads in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Maryland made the unique request in March as a way to highlight and mitigate the harm that invasive Chesapeake blue catfish, flathead catfish, and snakehead have on economically important Bay species such as blue crabs and menhaden, which the invasives eat. Under federal law, fishery disaster requests can be granted after a state experiences a large, sudden, and unexpected decrease in fish stock that causes a significant loss in a commercial fishery. Commerce ruled that blue catfish have not had sufficient impact on commercial fishery revenues to qualify for fisheries disaster aid.

In the letter notifying Maryland of its decision, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo wrote that NOAA Fisheries recognizes the challenges invasive species have created in the Bay ecosystem and offered to discuss potential opportunities in the future with Maryland.

“We’re disappointed in the decision, but also understand the ruling due to the limits of federal law surrounding fisheries disasters,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. “We will continue to work with our federal partners to determine what form of federal assistance can help us mitigate the continued and pervasive spread of blue catfish and other invasive species impacting commercial fisheries in the Bay. However, this was just one of several efforts underway to tackle this issue. Maryland is taking proactive steps on its own to limit the spread of blue catfish and other invasive species.” 

In November, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hired a dedicated program manager to coordinate strategies across agencies and industries to reduce populations of invasive fish in Maryland. 

DNR is also:

• Increasing blue catfish research and monitoring programs;
• Urging recreational and commercial anglers to increase their harvest of blue catfish and other invasives; and 
• Working to educate the public about how invasive fish species affect the Bay ecosystem. 

Maryland has no fishing limits on invasive fish, which means anglers can catch and keep any number of them, at any size, during any time of year.

At the same time, Maryland’s Department of Agriculture (MDA) is ramping up marketing efforts to promote wild-caught Chesapeake blue catfish to chefs, consumers, restaurants, grocery stores and distributors to encourage more people to buy, eat, and sell wild-caught Chesapeake blue catfish. The marketing and promotional campaign activities currently focus on media appearances, social media posts, and roadside billboards highlighting the culinary versatility of blue catfish and how eating more of the fish is an important way we can all help watermen, local businesses, and the health of the Bay. MDA also works closely with chefs to attend various events throughout the state to provide demonstrations and samplings of wild-caught Chesapeake blue catfish.

Additionally, MDA has included more than $1 million for Maryland-caught blue catfish filet purchases in its program supporting food bank purchases of local food. The agency is also promoting blue catfish as part of the state’s goal of 20 percent local purchases by colleges and other state institutions through the Certified Local Farm and Fish Program.

Some of the 2,000 pounds of blue catfish caught at the Sharptown Catfish Tournament in 2022. Such tournaments are becoming a popular way to target the species. Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo.

Blue catfish were first introduced in Virginia in the 1970s as a target for recreational fishing. The catfish are native to the Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Rio Grande river basins. Against expectations, the catfish expanded out of freshwater and into the higher salinity waters of the Bay, and from there began to spread into other rivers and tributaries in Maryland and Virginia. Blue catfish populations grow rapidly, and studies have found the invasive catfish making up 75% of the total biomass of fish in a Virginia river.

Blue catfish are voracious eaters and have been documented as preying on blue crabs, menhaden, white perch and other species. They out-compete the native species for habitat space and food and pose a threat to key commercial fisheries including blue crab, striped bass, white perch, yellow perch, and American eel.

Flathead catfish and snakehead are also known to prey on and out-compete native species. With few natural predators, these fish can spread quickly through Maryland waters.

(PIKESVILLE, MD) – The Maryland Department of State Police is accepting applications for qualified individuals to serve as the new State Fire Marshal.

The State Fire Marshal, a management level position, is the agency head of the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The selected candidate will be charged with the overall responsibility for leading all operations and functions of the Office of the State Fire Marshal to ensure compliance with the State Fire Code, which includes but is not limited to the design, construction, and use of new and existing buildings and hazardous processes from a fire safety and property protection standpoint.

In addition, the State Fire Marshal plans, leads and coordinates the efforts of the entire Agency. The State Fire Marshal is responsible for leading and coordinating all activities related to fire prevention, fire and life safety inspections, plan reviews, fire investigation and explosives licensing and mitigation.

The selected candidate will also provide direction to the Chief Deputy State Marshal, Chief Fire Protection Engineer, Public Affairs Officer and other administrative staff in the overall coordination and appraisal of comprehensive Agency programs and activities. The State Fire Marshal also handles special projects as assigned by the Superintendent of State Police

To be considered for the positions, candidates must meet the following qualifications: possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Five years of experience in fire prevention, fire investigation, promotion of fire safety, fire protection engineering or teaching fire safety engineering with three of the five years being at the management level.

The position will be at based the Office of the State Fire Marshal in Pikesville, Maryland with an annual salary range of $95,798-$154,319. Candidates interested in the position can apply here. Applications must be received by Feb. 3, 2024.

The candidate selected will replace retired State Fire Marshal Brian Geraci, who served in the position for more than 10 years before retiring on Jan. 1, 2024.

PHILADELPHIA – Do you know how to be #WinterReady? In preparation for this weekend’s inclement weather, FEMA Region 3 urges individuals and communities to prioritize safety and preparedness.

This time of year can bring 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.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Dr. James A. Forrest Career & Technology Center (Forrest Center) will facilitate its twenty-fourth annual Forrest Center Tech Expo on Thursday, January 18, 2024. The following sessions will be available for students to visit their favorite programs.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Session 1: 5:45-6:00 p.m.

Session 2: 6:05-6:20 p.m.

Session 3: 6:25-6:40 p.m.

Session 4: 6:45-7:00 p.m.

Session 5: 7:05-7:20 p.m.

Q&A with Counselors and additional time to visit programs: 7:30-8:00 p.m.

The Forrest Center Tech Expo aims to familiarize students and parents with Career and Technology Education (CTE) career options offered by the St. Mary’s County Public Schools. This is an opportunity to meet the Forrest Center staff and learn about the 21 completer programs and our five elective classes. High school counselors will be available to answer questions about career clusters and to assist students in planning their academic pathways.

For more information, visit the Forrest Center website, http://schools.smcps.org/tech, or email questions to techcenter@smcps.org. In the event of inclement weather, the alternate date for the Forrest Center Tech Expo will be Thursday, January 25, 2024.

The Forrest Center is located at 24005 Point Lookout Road, Leonardtown, directly across from the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds.

During the week of December 25 – December 31, 2023, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to 1,548 calls for service throughout the community.

Damaged Property: 23-92513

On December 29, 2023, DFC Dymond responded to the community park in the area of Abbington Manor Drive and Holland Cliffs Road in Huntingtown, for the report of damaged property. The complainant advised sometime between 5 p.m. on Dec. 28 and 10 a.m., on Dec. 29, unknown suspects cut down three road signs. The signs were on poles inserted into the ground with a concrete base. The complainant noted this is the 5th time the poles have been cut down/damaged. The estimated value of the damaged property is $1,500.00.

Damaged Property: 23-92535

On December 29, 2023, DFC Grierson responded to the 3700 block of Harbor Road in Chesapeake Beach, for the report of damaged property. The complainant advised sometime between 11 p.m. on Dec. 28 and 10 a.m. on Dec. 29, an unknown suspect(s) keyed the victim’s vehicle. The estimated value of damaged property is $1,200.00.

Property Destruction: 23-92011

On December 27, 2023, Deputy Baxter responded to the 3900 block of Shamrock Court in Port Republic, for the report of property destruction. The complainant advised sometime between 10:30 p.m. and 11:45 p.m., unknown suspects egged the victim’s vehicle parked in the driveway. The vehicle was covered in ketchup and mustard and the taillights had been broken out and were missing. The estimated value of the damaged property is $240.00. The estimated value of stolen property is $40.00.

Bunkyo University students who are studying to become teachers will visit the U.S. and Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) next month. CCPS is seeking host families to house the 29 college students while they are visiting the States, and will hold a virtual information session on Tuesday, Jan. 16, to discuss the process with interested host families.

The university students will be in Charles County for two weeks — Feb. 19 to March 1 — to learn more about the American education system, focusing on how teachers approach lessons and build relationships with students. CCPS and Bunkyo have been partnering for the program for more than 30 years.

The university students work with school-based instructional staff to observe and conduct lessons while providing Japanese cultural experiences to enhance learning for CCPS students.

Host families will house the Bunkyo students for one week during their stay. Families are needed to host at least two students and provide them with a bedroom and meals for the week . Other information for interested host families will be discussed during the Jan. 16 interest meeting.

Families interested in hosting a Bunkyo student should fill out an interest survey by Friday, Jan. 12, at https://forms.office.com/r/2MZsH2J5fX to take part in the virtual Jan 16 meeting. A meeting link will be sent from Sylvia Royster, CCPS director of community engagement and equity, to those who fill out the interest survey. For more information, email Royster at sroyster@ccboe.com.

Bunkyo University is in Tokyo’s Shinagawa ward. The school is known for its focus on education and preparing students to become teachers.

(Port Tobacco, Maryland) – On Tuesday, January 02, 2024, at approximately 1544 hours, Troopers from Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack responded to Maryland Route 6 (Port Tobacco Rd) east of Poorhouse Road 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 Nissan Altima operated by Latoya Brassell (50 yoa) of Waldorf, MD and occupied by a 13-year-old juvenile of Waldorf, MD was traveling on eastbound Maryland Route 6 east of Poorhouse Road. At the same time, a Toyota Tundra operated by Gregory Gauvin (63 yoa) of Welcome, MD was traveling westbound on Maryland Route 6 east of Poorhouse Road. A deer ran into the travel path of the Nissan Altima and was subsequently struck. After being struck, the deer became airborne and collided with the Toyota Tundra. The deer entered the passenger compartment of the Toyota and struck the operator, Mr. Gauvin. The deer then exited out the rear window of the Toyota. The Toyota traveled off the roadway and stuck numerous trees. Mr. Gauvin sustained injuries not compatible with life and was pronounced deceased on the scene. Anyone who may have witnessed this crash is asked to contact Sergeant J. Zimmerman of the MSP CRASH Team at (301) 392-1231 or can email a statement to justin.zimmerman@maryland.gov. The investigation is continuing. (24-MSP-000140)

Members of the Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Office of Technology will be joined by staff from the Maryland Center for Computing Education at the University Systems of Maryland on Tuesday, Jan. 23, for an Introduction to Artificial Intelligence for Parents and Teachers.

The live virtual event will be from 6 to 7 p.m. on the Webex platform. The beginner-friendly webinar will explore the essentials of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. Learn how to foster digital literacy, stay informed about AI developments and find out how it is integrating responsibly into classrooms and homes.

Speakers will discuss how parents and educators can prepare children for the ever-evolving technological landscape, while equipping them with the skills they will use in the future.

To register, go to https://tinyurl.com/CCPSandAI.

Detectives obtain warrant for suspect in non-fatal shooting case on Old Washington Road / Crime Solvers Offering Cash Reward: On December 28 at 10:55 a.m., officers responded to the 2200 block of Old Washington Road in Waldorf for the report of a shooting. When officers arrived, they located an adult male with a gunshot wound. He was transported to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. The suspect fled the scene before police arrived. Detectives investigated further and subsequently identified the suspect. An arrest warrant was obtained for Michael Avon Johnson, age 51, of Brandywine, charging him with attempted murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and other related charges. Michael Avon Johnson is 6’0” and weighs about 200 lbs.

Investigators are seeking Johnson’s whereabouts and Charles County Crime Solvers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for the tip that leads to his arrest. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Johnson at 301-609-6453. 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.

Suspected cannabis recovered from student at Thomas Stone High School: On January 2 at 8:30 a.m., a school administrator at Thomas Stone High School found suspected cannabis on a student. The school resource officer was contacted and he recovered the cannabis. In accordance with MD law, the student will be charged on a civil citation for possession of cannabis. The student also faces disciplinary consequences from the Charles County Public Schools. Anyone with information is asked to call PFC Payne at 301-609-3282 ext. 0452.

Student at Henry Lackey High School to be charged with assault: On January 2, three students at Henry Lackey High School were engaged in a verbal argument. The school resource officer attempted to intervene at which time one of the students attempted to swing at the officer. The officer was able to gain control of the student and de-escalate the situation. The student will be charged with assault and affray. The student also faces disciplinary consequences from the Charles County Public Schools. Anyone with information is asked to call PFC Barry at 301-609-3282 ext. 0574. 

Maryland’s Commission on Public Health released its 2024 meeting schedule. The monthly Commission meetings for 2024 start on Thursday, January 4th from 2-5 pm and are hosted at the Baltimore County Department of Health with a virtual option. Agendas and meeting information are available at smchd.org/CommissionOnPublicHealth.

Members of the public may attend Commission meetings virtually or in-person but need to pre-register. Community members may submit requests for in-person attendance by emailing MD.CoPH@maryland.gov with full name and jurisdiction of residence by 9 am EST on the day of the meeting. Due to space limitations the Commission may be unable to accommodate requests for in-person attendance. Community members interested in attending the Commission meeting virtually can use the virtual meeting link on the agenda.

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

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The St. Mary’s County Historical Society, in partnership with St. Mary’s County Government is pleased to announce the digitization of the Lexington Manor Oral History Collection, which is now available to the public on the St. Mary’s County Historical Society website at: www.stmaryshistory.org.

“Digitizing this collection and making it publicly available allows everyone to explore the history of this area through the words of their friends, relatives, and neighbors,” said Historical Society Executive Director, Peter La Porte. “We are honored to work in partnership with St. Mary’s County Government and other community partners to ensure these stories are told.”

The Lexington Manor Oral History collection features eight interviews with former residents of the Lexington Park and Lexington Manor neighborhoods, both from their early days as WWII and post-WWII Navy housing for civilian contractors. Historians have called the neighborhood “the earliest example of modern community planning in St. Mary’s County” and connect the neighborhood to the larger story of affordable housing in Southern Maryland.

“St. Mary’s County Government is proud to be a part of this effort to preserve and share our local history,” said Commissioner President Randy Guy. “I encourage everyone in our community to check out this collection and take a virtual stroll down memory lane with voices from our own community as your guide.”

Digitization of the Lexington Manor Oral History Collection is part of the St. Mary’s County Historical Society’s “Through Countian Eyes” oral history and online exhibition project. The project aims to digitize multiple oral history collections held by the Historical Society and accompany them with online exhibitions situating the collections in their broader historical contexts. Additional exhibits are scheduled to be released during the Winter and Spring of 2024.

For more information, please contact the Historical Society at (301) 475 -2467.

Attached photo: Movie theater, Park Drugs, Smart Wear, Lexington Park Dry Cleaners, and Joy shop on Coral Place (courtesy of Dolores Park Lewis; St. Mary's County Historical Society).

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office handled 1,453 Calls for Service, including 12 Emergency Petitions for the seven-day period of December 18, 2023, through December 24, 2023, and 1,123 Calls for Service, including 11 Emergency Petitions for the seven-day period of December 25, 2023, through December 31, 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:

12/19/23 – Michael Aguedo Torres, 47, of Abell, MD, by Deputy Alexander Tasciotti, for CDS: Possession Not Cannabis.

12/20/23 – Benjamin Tylor Pistorio, 23, of Lexington Park, MD, by Cpl. Jason Smith, for Assault Second Degree, Disorderly Conduct, and an open warrant.

12/21/23 - Jennafer Nicole Harris, 26, of Clinton, MD, by DFC Travis Wimberly, for CDS: Possession Not Marijuana and CSD: Possession with Intent to Distribute.

12/21/23 – Joshua Antoine Miles, 34, of Newburg, MD, by Deputy Raymond Allebach, for CDS: Possession Not Marijuana X 2 and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia X 2.

12/23/23 Damari Jayvon Bryan, 26, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Austin Welch, for Assault Second Degree on a law enforcement officer engaged in the performance of the officer’s official duties.

12/25/23 – Deangelo Juwan Holley, 30, of Lexington Park, MD, by DFC Micheal Rycyzyn, for Felony Assault First Degree and Assault Second Degree.

12/26/23 – Deana Monise Waldrep, 37, of Lexington Park, MD, by DFT Tyler Westphal, for CDS: Possession Not Marijuana and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.
NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

12/27/23 – Jennifer Louise Robbins, 43, of No Fixed Address, by DFC Travis Wimberly, for CDS: Possession Not Marijuana and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

DUIs:

12/23/23 – James Tyler Francisco, 29, of Hollywood, MD, by Deputy Shanna Peters, for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, Driving While Impaired by Alcohol, Negligent Driving and Reckless Driving.

12/19/23 – Andrew Jyles-David Fischer, 21, of Mechanicsville, MD, by Deputy Shanna Peters, for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, Driving While Impaired by Alcohol, Negligent Driving and Reckless Driving.
NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

12/19/23 – Michael Aguedo Torres, 47, of Abell, MD, by Deputy Alexander Tasciotti, for Driving a Vehicle While So Far Impaired by Drugs Cannot Drive Safely, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by a Controlled Dangerous Substance and Driving on a Suspended License.

12/23/23 – Latesha Michelle Thompson, 33, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Cody Donaldson, for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, Driving While Impaired by Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While So Far Impaired by Alcohol Cannot Drive Safely and Failure to Secure a Child Under age 8 in a Safety Seat.

12/28/23 – Carrie Denise Trossbach, 42, of Great Mills, MD, by Deputy Austin Welch, for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving While Impaired by Alcohol, Negligent Driving and Reckless Driving.

12/31/23 – Paul Armand Degon, 64, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Bianca Melton, for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, Driving While Impaired by Alcohol, and Negligent Driving.

SUMMONSES:

12/23/23 – Shanta Latoya Mackall, 36, of California, MD, by Deputy Austin Welch, for CDS: Possession Not Marijuana and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

12/25/23 – Sharmaine Inez Dunnington, 33, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Bianca Melton, for CDS: Possession Not Marijuana.

12/26/23 – Lorne Cardell Gross, 56. 0f Lexington Park, MD, for CDS: Possession Not Marijuana and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

WARRANTS:

12/18/23 – Ashley Renee Harvey, 29, of Lexington Park, MD, by DFC Zachary Jerew, for Felony Armed Robbery, Felony Assault First Degree, Assault Second Degree, and Theft $100 to under $1500.

12/23/23 – Joseph Aloysius Toney, 42, of California, MD, by Deputy Austin Welch, for CDS: Possession Not Marijuana and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia X 2.

12/24/23 – Tanya Anita Hill, 47, of La Plata, MD, by Deputy Myles Chase-Johnson, for Felony Motor Vehicle Theft, Felony Theft of $1500 to under $25000, Theft of $100 to under $1500, Credit Card Theft and Theft Less than $100.

12/27/23 Donnell Davonne Rothwell, 53, of Crisfield, MD, by Deputy Richard Stillwell, for CDS: Possession Not Marijuana and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

More than one-third (34 percent) of U.S. home fires involving Christmas trees occur in January. With this post-holiday fire hazard in mind, the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) strongly encourages everyone to keep the festive memories and remove the hazards by disposing of Christmas trees promptly after the holiday season.

“As much as we all enjoy the look and feel of Christmas trees in our homes, they’re large combustible items that have the potential to result in serious fires,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at. “The longer Christmas trees remain in homes, the longer they present a risk.”

Carli notes that fresh Christmas trees, which continue to dry out and become more flammable over time, are involved in a much larger share of reported Christmas tree fires than artificial trees.

According to the latest statistics from NFPA, there was an estimated annual average of 150 home structure fires that began with Christmas trees, resulting in one civilian deaths, 10 civilian injuries, and $14 million in direct property damage between 2017 and 2021. Overall, fires that begin with Christmas trees represent a very small but notable part of the U.S. fire problem, considering that they are generally in use for a short time each year.

To safely dispose of a Christmas tree, NFPA recommends using the local community’s recycling program, if possible; trees should not be put in the garage or left outside. NFPA also offers these tips for safely removing lighting and decorations to ensure that they remain in good condition:

• Use the gripping area on the plug when unplugging electrical decorations. Never pull the cord to unplug any device from an electrical outlet, as this can harm the wire and insulation of the cord, increasing the risk for shock or electrical fire.

• As you pack up light strings, inspect each line for damage, throwing out any sets that have loose connections, broken sockets or cracked or bare wires.

• Wrap each set of lights and put them in individual plastic bags or wrap them around a piece of cardboard.

• Store electrical decorations in a dry place away from children and pets where they will not be damaged by water or dampness.

For more information on home fire safety all winter long, visit “Put a Freeze on Winter Fires,” a winter safety campaign NFPA promotes annually with the U.S. Fire Administration.

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.

On Monday, January 1, 2024, James Richard Nelson Jr., 43, of Upper Marlboro, MD, was apprehended during county-wide holiday safety saturation patrols for various offenses, including the possession of a loaded weapon.

While conducting a routine traffic stop for a violation, St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Deputies discovered Mr. Nelson in possession of a loaded firearm. A subsequent investigation, including a check of the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), revealed that Mr. Nelson is prohibited from owning firearms due to prior criminal convictions. Furthermore, it was determined that the gun in his possession had been reported stolen by the Maryland State Police.

During the subsequent search of Mr. Nelson's vehicle, deputies also uncovered a digital scale containing suspected cocaine residue.

Mr. Nelson was arrested, transported to the St. Mary's County Detention and Rehabilitation Center, and charged with nine firearm-related charges, CDS: Possession – Not Marijuana and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

The November continuing resolution included a one-year extension of the 2018 farm bill, marking a temporary reprieve for Marylanders relying on nutrition programs. The extension will hold spending at 2018 levels through September 30th. But in the years since the last farm bill was passed, the nation has seen dramatic food-price inflation. The historical average food-price increase was around 2-percent per year, but in 2022 food-at-home prices increased 11-percent, and while inflation has slowed recently, another 5-percent increase was seen in 2023. The U-S-D-A predicts food price inflation will continue to slow in 2024, but that will not undo the price increases seen in recent years. The political prospects for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP have been up and down since the summer, but Michael J Wilson with the nonprofit Maryland Hunger Solutions says cuts to nutrition programs reverberate through the economy.

"When we make cuts, in SNAP, for example, it doesn't just hurt low-income folks, it hurts the entire food system where we're losing additional revenue for grocery stores for farmers' markets, for farmers, for producers. We really hope that Congress will look at this holistically and systemically and not just politically."

Wilson says when the SNAP emergency allotments ended last March, it reduced the amount of money in the Maryland economy by 69 million dollars a month.

Nutrition supports in the farm bill are numerous and not limited to SNAP. They include the Emergency Food Assistance Program, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, and focused programs such as the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, which provide low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs. Looking at the bigger picture Wilson says emerging science is reminding us about the importance of nutrition.

"The thing that's a little novel is the way we're now talking about food as medicine, because we recognize that people who don't have access to nutritious food has an impact on their health, has an impact on our health-care system, has an impact on both Medicaid and Medicare."

Data from the Congressional Research Service reports that more than 41 million Americans rely on nutrition assistance in the average month.

Calvert County's Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) provided vital aid to over 400 households from May 2021 to June 2023, disbursing nearly $3.8 million in rent and utility assistance to renters throughout the county. Administered by the Department of Community Resources, the program demonstrates the county's dedication to improving the well-being and quality of life for its citizens.

Funded through two grants from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, ERAP was instrumental in the county’s efforts to alleviate the economic strains faced by residents, preventing evictions and utility shut-offs. The program assisted income-limited households who fell below the area median income (AMI) with up to 18 months of assistance. Most households served were below 30% of the AMI for Calvert County, which is $40,500 per year for a household of four.

The county received $1.8 million for ERAP in 2021 and an additional $2 million in 2022. The program's funding was fully expended by June 2023.

“ERAP was a significant undertaking, reflective of our commitment to serving the community,” said Community Resources Director Jennifer Moreland. “It provided immediate relief to hundreds of households and highlighted the strength of our community partnerships.”

Through its execution, the program underscored the effective collaboration between county staff and nonprofit partners, LifeStyles of Maryland, Inc., and Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee, Inc., which managed individual cases and provided housing stability services to clients.

"Collaborating with nonprofit partners is critical to the success of programs like ERAP, as it brings together diverse expertise and resources for a common goal,” said Moreland. “Their involvement ensures that our assistance is effectively distributed but also resonates with the real-life challenges of our residents."

Collaboration across county departments also played a role in the success of ERAP. During the three years the program was operational, staff from the Department of Communications & Media Relations, the Department of Finance & Budget and the Department of Public Works, Water & Sewerage Division, played a pivotal role in ensuring the community was aware of the program and payments were made promptly. At times, the Department of Finance & Budget processed nearly 150 payments a month to prevent evictions.

The success of ERAP provides a window into the Department of Community Resources’ broader mission of service and support. The department manages a range of services and divisions, including Public Transportation and the Office on Aging. It also acts as a liaison with local human services agencies, including Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse, Calvert County Department of Social Services, Calvert County Family Network, Calvert County Health Department, Calvert Library, Housing Authority of Calvert County and Maryland Extension Service. In addition, Community Resources administers programs aimed at reducing living costs, such as the House Keys 4 Employees Program, the National Association of Counties (NACo) Pharmacy Discount Card Program and the NACo Dental Discount Card Program. Learn more at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/CommunityResources. 

Though ERAP has ended, residents in need of financial assistance or referrals to other services are encouraged to contact the following agencies:

·         Calvert County Department of Social Services: 443-550-6900

·         LifeStyles of Maryland, Inc.: 301-609-9900 or 1-866-293-0623

·         Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee, Inc.: 301-274-4474

·         Maryland Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

·         Maryland Housing & Energy Assistance (Navigate to the “Housing & Energy Assistance” section)

Residents who are having difficulty making utility payments are also encouraged to contact their utility provider as soon as possible. SMECO and BG&E may be able to provide options that prevent loss of service.

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.

St. Mary's County State's Attorney Jaymi Sterling reflects on this past year, showcasing the office’s commitment to justice, transparency, and community engagement.

New Leadership: On January 3, 2023, Jaymi Sterling was sworn in as the 22nd State's Attorney for St. Mary's County, the first woman, and first Asian-American prosecutor elected to the office. In her inaugural address, she emphasized her commitment to transparency, integrity, and accountability while advocating for victims and prosecuting violent offenders.

Historic Appointments: Sterling’s appointments of Ashley Sowls, Keshara McGee, and Kirstin Riddle are historic firsts. Sowls, McGee, and Riddle are the first African American prosecutors appointed to the Office of the State’s Attorney’s for St. Mary’s County.

Secured $842,393 in Grant Funding: Sterling’s grant coordinator, the first in the history of the Office, successfully secured $842,393 in grant funding for technological advancements, victim services, and strengthening gun violence prosecution for a safer and more resilient community.

Creation of a Victim Advocacy Division to Support Crime Victims: Sterling initiated the formation of the Victim Advocacy Division in January 2023, a groundbreaking move for the office. Sterling implemented a division dedicated to support crime victims by utilizing grant funding to facilitate the immediate need. The State’s Attorney’s Office was recently notified it will be awarded a subsequent grant that will allow the office to provide additional services, to include streamlining victim notifications through website development, providing mental health services, and offering K-9 companion services for victims during court proceedings.

Legislative Advocacy for Public Safety: Sterling, in collaboration with Senator Jack Bailey, Delegate Brian Crosby, and Annie Kenny, a determined mother whose experiences navigating court-ordered visitation with a registered sex offender underscored the need for enhanced protections, spearheaded a new law that went into effect this year. The new law expands the definition of a “crime of violence” to protect a larger group of child victims, and also extends lifetime sexual offender supervision to cover a wider range of sexual crimes.

Successful Convictions and Sentences: Record convictions and sentences underscore the Sterling administration’s dedication to ensuring justice for victims.

Community Outreach Initiatives: This year, the Sterling administration hosted and participated in a record number of community outreach initiatives. Some highlights include:

• The 39^th annual Project Graduation, spearheaded by the State’s Attorney’s Office in conjunction with numerous community and law enforcement partners to provide a safe, alcohol and drug-free, and memorable celebration for recent graduates from all the St. Mary’s County public and private high schools.
• Hosting the first ever Badges for Basketball in St. Mary’s County in partnership with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, while teaming up with our county and law enforcement partners.
• Leading the first annual Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Kickball game with our community and law enforcement partners.
• Participating in the 20^th annual Shop with a Cop back-to-school and Christmas events.
• Joining law enforcement partners for the Torch Run for Special Olympics.
• National Night Out with our law enforcement partners.

Traffic Safety Initiative – “Slow Down St. Mary’s”: Recognizing the importance of public safety, the State’s Attorney’s Office joined the Sheriff’s Office and Maryland State Police for the “Slow Down St. Mary’s” initiative to address traffic-related fatalities and focus on speeding, distracted driving, and aggressive driving.

Embracing Innovation for a Safer Future: By utilizing cutting-edge technology, the Office has been empowered by data-driven insights, streamlined case management, and bolstered decision-making processes. The launch of a digital case management system marks a significant milestone in the Office’s commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of legal proceedings. As the Office embraces these advancements, it reinforces its dedication to staying at the forefront of legal technology to ensure justice is served with accuracy and accountability.

A Year in Review: As this year ends, State's Attorney Jaymi Sterling and the dedicated team at the St. Mary's County State's Attorney's Office remain steadfast in their commitment to justice, innovation, and community well-being. Sterling extends gratitude to the St. Mary's County community for their support and collaboration. With a foundation built on transparency, dedication, and the pursuit of justice, the State's Attorney's Office looks forward to an even more impactful year ahead, working tirelessly to uphold the principles that define a safer and more secure St. Mary's County.