It is with great regret that Leonard Hall Junior Naval Academy (LHJNA) will not continue with academic instruction for the 2nd semester of the 2024-2025 school year. This has been openly discussed with all Corporation and Board Members and the hard decision made was based on what was in the best interest of the midshipmen. This has been communicated and coordinated with our families to support a smooth transition for our midshipmen.
LHJNA prides itself on providing academic instruction with a military structure focused on building and reinforcing key qualities including leadership, accountability, confidence, respect for oneself and others
as well as pride in our country. LHJNA’s unique military approach provides the midshipmen with the tools, techniques, and earned leadership roles to evaluate and make the right decisions, understand the consequences of not making the right decisions while taking ownership and being accountable. These critical skills and characteristics result in improved confidence and abilities empowering our midshipmen
to successfully navigate their middle school and high school journey while creating a foundation for future success.
LHJNA has faced several challenges over the past several years. While the skills and qualities LHJNA builds in the teens in our community are invaluable, for LHJNA to deliver what it promises to the midshipmen certain requirements are crucial or our academy becomes ineffective. Our ability to find a facility that will support not only an effective classroom setting but also the military program has been challenging and has had a direct impact on enrollment resulting in limited financial and staffing/volunteer resources. LHJNA is a stand-alone, non-profit organization operated and managed by a Board of Trustees consisting of corporation and community volunteers, a dedicated and talented staff, and is financially supported only through tuition, fundraising, and donations. When enrollment is low, finances and
volunteers are low, which has a cascading negative impact on fundraising, community outreach, donations, and staff recruitment and retention. All these factors limit our ability to deliver upon the institution’s promises to the midshipmen. 
We began the year knowing we had a facility constraint and worked tirelessly to find an effective and affordable solution. Unfortunately, one did not present itself in time to salvage this school year. We’vehad an outpouring of support from Leonardtown and the local communities, and we are forever grateful.
At this time, we are not closing the corporation in the event these challenges find a positive resolution and LHJNA can rebuild with a fresh start, well-planned, operated, and funded. This Friday, January 31, 2025,
we will hold our final farewell as we send our midshipmen off to new beginnings and knowing they will carry the values and memories LHJNA has instilled in them throughout their lives.
Amie Milan, LHJNA Board of Trustees President

An analysis of U-S Labor Department data by financial education organization Goat Academy finds Maryland leads the nation in the average wages stolen from workers. Maryland led all 50 states in the average amount of wages owed to employees, at more than 22-hundred dollars. Bay state neighbors Delaware and Virginia trailed Maryland with the second and third highest averages. Amy Gellatly, an attorney with the Public Justice Center, says those figures may just be the tip of the iceberg.

"There’s so many structural barriers to get a worker to the point where they feel confident that they know their rights are being violated; they decide they want to do something about it; they know where to go."

Gellatly adds that workers in certain industries historically have issues with wage theft, including those in construction, homecare, cleaning services, food services, and retail.

Misclassification, Gellatly says, is also a major issue in wage theft. That is where an employer classifies an employee as an independent contractor. Independent contractors do not receive the same benefits as an employee, like unemployment insurance or workers compensation if injured on the job. Gellatly says Maryland could, like other states, pass a law that a person who does work for another is considered an employee, not a contractor. She adds that a person could be considered a contractor if the person is really in business for themselves – and setting the conditions of their labor.

"What we’re seeing across the country is like the “gigafication” of work. So you have like the entity that really is in control of setting the terms and conditions of a person’s employment, but they won’t directly hire the worker, as a way to try to separate themselves from responsibility and then turn a blind eye."

 In total, more than 128-million dollars in back wages are owed to U-S employees.
An analysis of U-S Labor Department data by financial education organization Goat Academy finds Maryland leads the nation in the average wages stolen from workers.

NAS Patuxent River will participate in an annual force protection exercise, starting Feb. 3, 2025.

Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2025 (CS-SC25) 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.

“The annual Citadel Shield /Solid Curtain exercise is an opportunity for our security forces at Pax River to train with our mission partners here at home and throughout the U.S. so we’re ready to meet a variety of security challenges,” said Capt. Douglas Burfield, NAS Patuxent River Commanding Officer.

Citadel Shield, which occurs the first week, is the field training exercise (FTX) portion led by CNIC. Solid Curtain occurs the following week and is the command post exercise (CPX) led by USFFC. This two-part approach is designed to enhance the readiness of Navy security forces and ensure seamless interoperability among the commands, other services and agency partners in order to protect life, equipment and facilities.

CS-SC25 is a regularly scheduled exercise and is not being held in response to 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, particularly during the exercise’s second week. 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.

For information about potential impacts due to the exercise, please follow our social media platforms on Facebook, www.facebook.com/NASPaxRiver, Twitter, @NASPaxRiverPAO, and Instagram, www.instagram.com/nas_patuxent_river for updates. For direct emergency messages to your phone or workstation, sign up for AtHoc alerts (Wide Area Alert Network (WAAN)).

Student in possession of THC vaping device at La Plata High School: On January 30 at 12:05 p.m. a Youth Engagement Advocate at La Plata High School observed a student use a vaping device in a student restroom. The advocate recovered the vape, which tested positive for THC. The student will be charged with possession of cannabis on a juvenile civil citation and face disciplinary action in accordance with the Charles County Public Schools Code of Student Conduct. CPL Duley is investigating.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (January 30, 2025) – Patrol deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported assault in progress at a residence in the 21000 block of Liberty Street on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.

 

While enroute, officers were advised that the suspect was leaving the residence in a vehicle. Responding deputies located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The suspect refused to stop, and a pursuit ensued. The suspect stopped in the roadway at one point, then reversed, intentionally striking an occupied marked Patrol vehicle. The suspect then continued to attempt to flee, nearly striking another deputy. The suspect drove off the roadway without regard for public safety while attempting to elude.

 

The vehicle was immobilized near Three Notch Road and Valley Drive in Lexington Park. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident, and no injuries were reported.

 

The suspect, identified as Sabrina Brianna Thompson, 26, of Lexington Park, was arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown. Thompson was charged with two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault on a law enforcement officer, and malicious destruction of property. She was also cited for multiple traffic violations.

 

Further investigation revealed that Thompson had violated an out-of-state protective order and was charged accordingly.

 

[Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025] The County Administrator wishes to remind residents of changes to operating schedules for January. All offices, facilities, and services not listed will be operating their normal hours.

Monday, Feb. 10 (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.  

• Port Tobacco Recreation Center will be open for scheduled activities. 

• Waldorf Senior and Recreational Center is open from 2:30 p.m. -9 p.m. for recreation activities only. 

 

Monday, Feb. 17 (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 closed.

Operating status for other County affiliated agencies:

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

 

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

WASHINGTON - A multi-agency search and rescue operation is underway in the Potomac River after a small American Airlines aircraft collided with an Army helicopter near Reagan National Airport, authorities confirmed.

Plane crash near DCA

What we know:

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the midair collision occurred around 9 p.m. ET when American Airlines flight 5342, arriving from Wichita, Kansas, struck the military Blackhawk helicopter while approaching the airport runway. 

The jet, a Canadian-made Bombardier CRJ-701 twin-engine aircraft, was at an altitude of approximately 400 feet and traveling at about 140 miles per hour when it suddenly lost altitude over the Potomac River. American Airlines confirmed that 60 passengers and four crew members were on the aircraft, while three soldiers are believed to have been on the helicopter – which was on a training mission. 

Onlookers watch as emergency crews respond to the crash site near the Potomac River after a passenger jet collided with a helicopter while landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Arlington, Virginia, US, on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. A PSA

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Emergency responders, including DC Fire and EMS, the Metropolitan Police Department, and multiple federal agencies, are coordinating recovery efforts in the river.

During an early morning press conference, Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly, Sr. said that 300 first responders are helping at the rescue site, and that they are dealing with windy, choppy conditions, and cold water. 

FOX 5 meteorologist Mike Thomas reported that water temperatures in the Potomac River near the crash site were approximately 35.4 degrees Fahrenheit at the time of the incident. According to the National Weather Service, individuals exposed to such temperatures could lose consciousness within 10 to 15 minutes.

President Trump responds

What they're saying:

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Trump has been briefed on the crash and that officials will continue to provide updates as the search-and-rescue operation unfolds.

"I have been fully briefed on the terrible accident which just took place at Reagan National Airport. May God Bless their souls," Trump said in a statement. "Thank you for the incredible work being done by our first responders. I am monitoring the situation and will provide more details as they arise."

 

Authorities providing updates on collision at DCA

Local and federal authorities updating the collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet at Reagan International Airport.

The president also took to Truth Social to speculate on the cause of the crash: "The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport. The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT. The lights on the plane were blazing. Why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn? Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane? This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!"

Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas called the incident "nothing short of a nightmare." In a statement, he urged the public to pray for those affected.

"There are no words that can make telling this story any easier," Marshall said. "I ask the world to join me in praying for Kansas this evening, the first responders, rescue crews, and all those involved in this horrific accident."

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran shared an update via X, stating: "Learning that a plane inbound from Kansas was involved in a crash at DCA. I am in contact with authorities. Please join me in praying for all involved."

 

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - JANUARY 30:  Emergency response units assess airplane wreckage in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington Airport on January 30, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. An American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided with a helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser also addressed the tragedy, saying her prayers "are with everyone involved."

The Blackhawk helicopter involved in the crash was reportedly based at Fort Belvoir in Virginia, according to a defense official speaking on condition of anonymity.

The collision happened in some of the most tightly controlled airspace in the world, just over three miles south of the White House and U.S. Capitol. 

 

American Airline CEO Robert Isom responds to crash at Regan International

American Airline's CEO released a statement following a collision between an American Airline jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter.

FAA officials noted that air traffic controllers had asked flight 5342’s pilots if they could land on the shorter Runway 33 at Reagan National Airport, and the crew confirmed they could. Tracking data showed the jet adjusting its approach before impact.

Following the crash, the FAA extended the closure of Washington Reagan National Airport until 11 a.m. Thursday.  

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who was sworn in just days ago, stated that the Department of Defense is "actively monitoring" the situation, while newly appointed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he is "closely monitoring the situation" from FAA headquarters.

The Metropolitan Police Department said it received multiple calls reporting the crash around 8:53 p.m.

 

American Airlines plane collides with military helicopter

An American Airlines plane collided with a military helicopter Wednesday night. Earth cam captured the collision.

MPD’s helicopter was not involved in the crash but is assisting in coordinating the response. 

Are there any victims? 

What we don't know:

So far, authorities believe at least 67 people were involved in Wednesday's crash. However, none of the victims have been identified on either aircraft. The exact cause of the crash is also being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board. 

Fireboats are on scene, and further updates will follow as authorities continue to work on the recovery operation. It's unclear, at the moment, how long it will take crews to go through the wreckage and retrieve all the people aboard the plane and the military helicopter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assault at St. Charles High School: On January 29 at 12:22 p.m. a student at St. Charles High School approached two students in the hallway and began assaulting both students, causing a physical altercation to begin. A staff member attempted to intervene and was inadvertently struck by one of the students causing the staff member to fall to the floor. Two of the students were treated by the school nurse for minor injuries. The staff member was transported to an urgent care facility. Charges are pending for the student who began the altercation. The students will also face disciplinary action in accordance with the Charles County Public Schools Code of Student Conduct. PFC Watkins is investigating.

 

LEONARDTOWN, MD (January 29, 2025) – On Monday, January 27, 2025, deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a location in the 25000 block of Jones Wharf Road in Hollywood for an emergency medical services call. Upon arrival, deputies located a deceased individual.

 

The body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore and has been identified as Matthew Skye Keister, 19, of Hollywood.

 

Keister was reported missing to the Sheriff’s Office on Sunday, January 26; witnesses last saw him on January 20, 2025.

 

Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division have assumed the case, and anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Allison Mattera at 301-475-4200, ext. 8124, or by email at Allison.Mattera@stmaryscountymd.gov.

 

Tipsters can also call Crime Solvers 24/7 at 301-475-3333 or text Crime Solvers at 274637. In the message block, type "Tip239" and select SEND. After you get a response, continue your 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.

 

Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman today released the following statement in response to the Trump administration's decision to freeze disbursement of federal grants: 

“As Maryland’s Comptroller, I am charged by our state’s Constitution to exercise “general superintendence of the fiscal affairs of the State.” The Office of the Comptroller is dedicated to working in partnership with leaders across the state to build a state that is more equitable, more resilient, and more prosperous through the many levers of state government. 

“The decision by the Trump administration to attempt to freeze the disbursement of federal grants and loans is deeply concerning because of its potential impact on Maryland residents, communities, businesses, and nonprofits and because of the chaotic nature of the announcement. Although temporarily stayed by a federal court, this unilateral decision could put crucial programs and services for millions of Americans at risk. According to our agency’s single audit, during the 2023 fiscal year, the federal government awarded more than $23 billion in grant funding to the state of Maryland. This money was used to support Maryland families and communities – and is essential to our state’s continued economic viability.   

“I am resolute in my support for our federal, state, and local government workforce, our private businesses, and our nonprofit partners. I will continue to work in partnership with Governor Moore, Attorney General Brown, and Treasurer Davis—as well as our government partners throughout the country—to monitor and assess the impact of this administration’s policies on our state and work to mitigate the impact on our residents and our economy.   

“Throughout this current challenge and future ones, my agency will do everything we can to ensure Maryland communities are resilient and that our state is well-positioned for long-term economic growth and success for all.” 

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) recognizes the concerns raised by residents regarding smoke emanating from a large burning mulch pile located near Lawrence Hayden Road and Huckleberry Way in the Hollywood area. We empathize with the impact this issue is having on our community and want to provide an update on actions taken.

SMCG’s Department of Emergency Services (DES) is actively working with multiple partners to address this issue, who have provided the following updates for our residents:

• The Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD) is actively working with the property owner, who is fully cooperative, to address the situation. Today, they will begin pumping water from a nearby pond onto the burning areas.
  • Residents should be aware that this operation may temporarily increase smoke in the area. While the solution may take multiple weeks to extinguish the fire completely, it is expected to significantly reduce the overall timeline and impact, as the pile could otherwise burn for months if left unaddressed.
  • To minimize the smoke impact on residents, these operations will be conducted during times of day when barometric pressure is lowest, allowing smoke to rise more effectively. However, residents should note that weather conditions and times of higher pressure may result in smoke lying lower in the area.
• Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service personnel have conducted a risk analysis at the site. At present, there is no threat of fire spread to nearby forested land, but the pile will be monitored as weather conditions and drying may increase potential risks.    
• St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) has issued a Local Health Alert Notice providing guidance on protective health actions for residents affected by smoke. Residents can access this alert at https://smchd.org/2025/01/local-health-alert-air-quality-in-the-hollywood-area. For real-time, local outdoor air quality data and resources, please visit SMCHD’s Air Quality Dashboard at: https://smchd.org/breathewell.
• The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is monitoring the situation and encourages affected residents, especially sensitive groups such as children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals, to limit outdoor activities.
• State Fire Marshal’s Office: The Fire Marshal is aware of the situation but does not have regulatory authority or a response role in this matter.

The fire is consistent with spontaneous combustion of present materials, as opposed to a permitted open-air burn. The facility did not have an active permit for open-air burning when the fire began, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The location, organic composition, and size of the pile have made it difficult to address with standard methods. Additionally, inspection of the pile has confirmed that the burning materials are organic in nature (Class A materials) and do not include hazardous substances.

SMCG remains committed to keeping residents informed and ensuring collaborative efforts to address this situation. Residents are encouraged to follow SMCHD’s health guidance and monitor updates through our official communication channels.

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

 

The CSMC then presented a proclamation in recognition of National Burn Awareness Week.

 

The CSMC then convened as the Board of Health and heard a presentation from the St. Mary’s County Health Department on proposed updates to the Environmental Health fee schedule.

 

For their main agenda items, the Commissioners approved the requests for:

• A Public Hearing to increase the Rescue Tax for the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad.
• A Public Hearing to increase the Rescue Tax for Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad.

 

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

• Reviewed future CSMC meeting agendas.
• Denied the proposed agreement to lease First Colony Residential Pod #3, located off FDR Blvd., in California, to the Housing Authority of St. Mary's County.
• Approved the St. Mary’s County Transit (STS) Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan.
• Approved the FEMA Acknowledgement of Condition form, on behalf of the Department of Emergency Services. 

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

The Commissioners wrapped their business meeting with Commissioner Time.

 

The next CSMC business meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 9 a.m. 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 documents are available on the SMCG website in BoardDocs. Meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live on TV Channel 95 or on-demand via www.youtube.com/@StMarysCoGov.

Visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov for more information.

St. Mary's County and NAS Patuxent River will hold a joint event Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 from 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. at the Frank Knox Building, room 100 to discuss the county's community vision "St. Mary's 2050: Charting Our Tomorrow."

NAS Patuxent River and the Department of Land Use and Growth Management are seeking input from the community, including NAS Patuxent River personnel. 

Final Opportunity for Deer Hunters for the 2024-25 Season

Photo by Brendan Wolf, submitted to Maryland DNR Photo Contest.

Maryland’s Primitive Deer Hunt will be open Feb. 1 and from Feb. 3-4 statewide. Hunters with a valid hunting license, or those exempt from the hunting license requirement, may use primitive bows or muzzleloaders to hunt antlered and antlerless sika and white-tailed deer during these three days.

Primitive hunting devices are defined as long bows, recurve bows, flintlock, or sidelock percussion muzzleloaders. Hunters may not use compound bows, crossbows, drawlocks, and telescopic or other electronic aiming devices. However, fiber optic sights are permitted on otherwise legal primitive bows or muzzleloaders.

“The last few days of the 2024-2025 Maryland deer hunting season provide hunters a unique and challenging opportunity,” Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Karina Stonesifer said. “The Primitive Hunt gives hunters a chance to pursue deer using traditional methods of the past during some of the coldest weather of the year.” 

Hunters should note that the printed 2024-2025 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping contains typos in the season and bag limit tables regarding the statewide Primitive Deer Hunt dates. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources website provides corrected information.

Any deer harvested during the Primitive Hunt Days count against the hunter’s 2024-25 archery or muzzleloader bag limit for antlered and antlerless deer. An exception is in Region A – Allegany County, Garrett County, and the western portion of Washington County – where hunters may harvest one antlerless deer that will not count against their existing archery or muzzleloader bag limits.

Hunters are encouraged to consult the Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping for more information on the Primitive Deer Hunt and other deer hunting regulations. 

During the Primitive Deer Hunt days, Maryland requires deer hunters and their companions to wear daylight fluorescent orange or daylight fluorescent pink in one of the following manners: a cap of solid fluorescent daylight orange or pink, a vest or jacket containing back and front panels of at least 250 square inches of fluorescent daylight orange or pink, or an outer garment of camouflage daylight fluorescent orange or pink worn above the waist and containing at least 50 percent daylight fluorescent color.

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

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

On January 23, 2025, the St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission (MetCom) received a grant award from the Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT). Mr. Lawrence Bohlen, LGIT’s Deputy Executive Director presented a check to Chairman Gerald Meyerman in the amount of $14,054 providing the initial funding for the Commission to implement fleet telemetry and telematics into its vehicles.

 

From a risk management perspective, implementing fleet telemetry should reduce accident rates, help better assess incident claims and promote improved driving habits. Fleet telemetry will provide increased safety and security by helping quickly locate vehicle(s) and our non-motorized assets in case of theft, an emergency or coordinated response / recovery efforts in the event of a disaster. Features such as collision detection and emergency alert buttons will provide an additional layer of protection for our drivers. The forward-facing cameras will provide additional opportunities for training and evidence against potential false claims. They may also be used to monitor the safety of construction sites and traffic control operations.

 

Telematics also supports vehicle tracking, proactive vehicle maintenance scheduling, and leveraging vehicle diagnostics to predict and address issues before they result in potential accidents, breakdowns or costly repairs. Mr. Bohlen stated that LGIT would “welcome a follow-up request for additional funding once this program was in place.”

CDS Violation: 25-003967 On January 15, 2025, detectives from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) conducted a search and seizure warrant as part of an ongoing drug investigation. The warrant was executed on a vehicle traveling southbound on Rt. 4 near Auto Drive in Prince Frederick. The driver, identified as Thomas Wilson Brown, 59, of Sunderland, and the passenger, Andrew Leon Scott, 51, of Owings, were detained during the stop. A search of the individuals uncovered $2,130 in U.S. currency in Brown’s possession and a metal smoking device (crack pipe) in Scott’s possession. Following the traffic stop, detectives executed a second search warrant at a residence in the 6700 block of N Solomons Island Road in Sunderland. The search of the residence revealed: • 45.2 grams of a white powdery substance (suspected cocaine) packaged in multiple baggies. • 17.6 grams of a white rock-like substance (suspected crack cocaine) stored in various prescription pill bottles. • 18 pills of suspected oxycodone. • 26 pills of suspected acetaminophen with codeine. Brown and Scott were arrested and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center. Brown was charged with CDS: Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotics, CDS: Possession-Not Cannabis and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia. Scott was charged with CDS: Possession-Not Cannabis and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

 

CDS Violation: 25-003833 On January 15, 2025, DFC Lewis was patrolling the Prince Frederick area and observed a wanted subject walking along Fairground Road. Contact was made with Harry Albert Vredenburg, 58 of Prince Frederick, who had outstanding warrants. Vredenburg was detained without incident. Vrendenburg advised deputies he was possessing two cans of Spray-X Electronics duster with the intention of getting ‘high’. Vredenburg was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with CDS- Inhale Harmful Substance. 

 

CDS Violation: 25-004535 On January 17, 2025, Deputy Shuart conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Dares Beach Road and Central Drive in Prince Frederick, for a seatbelt violation. During the stop, K9 Atlas was deployed to perform a sniff of the vehicle, resulting in a positive alert for narcotics. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed an open package containing a 12 mg Buprenorphine and Naloxone strip, along with a capsule containing a white powdery substance suspected to be a controlled dangerous substance (CDS). The driver, Justin Lee Pagliocchini, 36, of Prince Frederick, was issued a traffic warning for the seatbelt violation and a criminal citation for CDS: Possession-Not Cannabis.

 

Damaged Property: 25-003475 On January 14, 2025, Deputy MacWilliams responded to the 9200 block of East Street in Owings, for a report of damaged property. The complainant stated that an unknown suspect (s) had damaged their fence. The gate lock was broken, and a board had been pulled off the frame. The estimated value of the damage is approximately $100.

 

Damaged Property: 25-003910 On January 15, 2025, Deputy Brown responded to the 12900 block of Pine Lane in Lusby, for the report of damaged property. The complainant advised that she arrived home and discovered her window screen had been damaged, and the glass window was shattered. A search of the area revealed an overturned, bent patio table and a broken ceramic potted plant. The estimated value of damaged property is $340.

 

Theft: 25-003110 On January 13, 2025, DFC McCourt responded to the 5700 block of Eucalyptus Drive in St. Leonard for a reported theft. The complainant reported that on January 10, between 3:45 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., an unknown suspect had stolen a package delivered to the residence. The estimated value of stolen property is $300.

 

Theft: 25-004498 On January 17, 2025, Sgt. Norton responded to the 7600 block of Bayside Road in Chesapeake Beach, for the report of a theft. The complainant reported her handicap placard was stolen from her vehicle and was last seen on Jan. 14. The estimated value of stolen property $30.

 

Theft: 25-004526 On January 17, 2025, DFC Lewis responded to the 2200 block of Plum Point Road in Huntingtown, for the report of a theft. The complainant advised his Garmin fishing equipment to include a Garmin Echomap UHD 94SV and a Garmin Panoptix Live Scope were stolen from a boat stored in a garage on the property. The estimated value of stolen property is $2,500.

 

Trespassing: 25-003877 On January 15, 2025, Deputy Blackistone responded to the area of Heritage Way in Prince Frederick, for the report of trespassing. Upon arrival, contact was made with Sean Edward Brady, 32 of no fixed address, who was wanted on an open bench warrant. Brady was located 4 inside a tent in the woods. Brady had been previously trespassed from the property. Brady was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with Trespassing Private Property. 

 

Trespassing: 25-005004 On January 19, 2025, DFC R. Jones responded to the Lusby Post Office located at 11575 Lusby Lane in Lusby, for the report of trespassing. Upon arrival, contact was made with Gary Edward Jackson, 56 of no fixed address. Jackson had been previously trespassed from the property for sleeping in the lobby. Jackson was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with Trespassing Private Property.

 

Weapons Violation: 25-003559 On January 14, 2025, Deputy Parrott observed a vehicle traveling 85 mph in a 55 mph zone in the area of Rt. 4 and Sweetwater Road in Lusby. Deputy Parrott attempted to conduct a traffic stop when the vehicle began to accelerate, reaching speeds exceeding 90 mph while weaving through traffic. Deputies pursued the suspect vehicle with lights and sirens activated, however the driver failed to stop. The vehicle continued southbound across the Thomas Johnson Bridge. Upon crossing the bridge, the driver, identified as Dylan Michael Barbieri, 22 of Port Republic, eventually pulled over and was taken into custody without incident. A search of Barbieri’s person revealed concealed deadly weapons to include a pair of brass knuckles and a butterfly knife. Barbieri was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with two counts of Concealing a Dangerous Weapon, Fleeing and Eluding, and Exceeding the Posted Speed Limit.

 

 

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Land Use & Growth Management (LUGM) is seeking input from the community on the vision, key planning themes, and goals to be considered as the county’s Comprehensive Plan is updated.  The “St. Mary’s 2050” plan will establish a cohesive, countywide vision for land use, economic development, and other quality-of-life goals, and will outline an actionable strategy to achieve this vision.

Four additional Community Visioning Sessions have been scheduled to the previously announced sessions, and the date for the session in Spanish has been rescheduled. The format for these sessions will be identical; attendees are asked to attend only one 90-minute session:

• Monday, February 3, 2025, at 5 p.m. at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Campus Center, located at 47600 Mill Field Drive in St. Mary’s City.
• New! Friday, February 7, 2025, at 9 a.m. at the Second District Fire Department, located at 45245 Drayden Road in Valley Lee.
• New! Monday, February 10, 2025, at 12 p.m. virtual session via Microsoft Teams.
• New! Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 7 p.m. virtual session via Microsoft Teams.
• New Date! Realizada en español. Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at the Lexington Park Library, located at 21677 FDR Blvd. in Lexington Park. This session, along with all activities will be conducted entirely in Spanish [Miércoles, 12 de febrero de 2025 a las 13:30 horas en la biblioteca Lexington Park. Esta sesión, junto con todas las exhibiciones y actividades, se llevará a cabo completamente en español].
• New! Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Leonardtown Library, located at 23630 Hayden Farm Ln. in Leonardtown.

Residents may join virtual sessions or get more information by visiting: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/StMarys2050.

About St. Mary’s 2050

St. Mary’s 2050: Charting Our Tomorrow is an update to the County’s existing Comprehensive Plan, which will guide future land use in the County through 2050 and beyond. St. Mary’s 2050 will chart the course for ensuring St. Mary’s County continues to be a great place to live, work, and play. Visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov/StMarys2050 today to learn more, stay engaged, and add your voice in shaping the future of St. Mary’s County.

Detectives serve search warrant in Marbury/Suspect arrested, drugs recovered: On January 23, detectives with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Enforcement Section served a search warrant at a home in the 4000 block of Vineyard Place in Marbury, Maryland as part of an ongoing drug investigation. The suspect, Jeffrey McIlwain Sr., 50 of Marbury, was arrested at the scene. During a search of the home detectives recovered over $9,000 worth of cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. McIlwain was charged with four counts of possession with intent to distribute drugs and several other related charges. He is currently being held at the Charles County Detention Center without bond.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary's County Government’s Department of Aging & Human Services (DAHS) is announcing that the Northern Senior Activity Center, located at 29655 Charlotte Hall Road in Charlotte Hall, will be open on Monday, January 27, 2025; however, operations will be limited due to continued emergency building maintenance.

Please note that access to certain rooms and activities may not be available. Please call the Northern Senior Activity Center at (301) 475-4200 ext. 3101 to inquire about the status of specific programs.

Congregate meal service will be provided as normal.

Status updates will be provided as they become available.

For more information on DAHS please visit: https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/aging or follow us on social media at www.facebook.com/SMCDAHS for regular updates.

UPDATE, PLEASE SHARE:  Richard Wilson Jr, 86, has still NOT been located.  There is considerable concern for his well-being at this point due to weather conditions and the extended time he has been missing.  The last information indicated he may have been in the Fort Washington area, but extensive search operations have not located him.

 

CCSO requesting the public's help in locating critical missing person: The Charles County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help to locate Richard Wilson Jr., 86, who is missing from the Constitution Hills area, off McDaniel Road in Waldorf, MD.

On January 25, 2025 at approximately 6:15 pm, CCSO officers responded to Sweetbay St. in Waldorf for a report of a missing person, after family members discovered he was not in the home. It is believed Mr. Wilson left the home prior to 4:00 pm. Mr. Wilson suffers from Alzheimer's disease. 

He is 5'6" tall, 150 pounds, and may be wearing clothing similar to this photograph, a tan winter coat, blue hat, and blue jeans. He may be in possession of a cell phone, but be unable to use it. 

It is possible Mr. Wilson may have left the Waldorf area by unknown means, and may possibly be in the Fairfax County or Prince George's County area. 

Anyone who believes they may have seen Richard Wilson is urged to call 911, contact the Charles County Sheriff's Office at 301-932-2222, or call your local police agency.

On Thursday, January 23, 2025, Detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, with assistance from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Team, executed a search and seizure warrant on a residence located in the 18000 block of Matthews Drive in Lexington Park, recovering unregistered firearms, a machine gun conversion device and a bag containing suspected cocaine.

 

At the scene, detectives located a .40 caliber semiautomatic handgun, a loaded magazine, a Glock 10MM slide with a machine gun conversion device, an empty 10MM gun magazine, a 10MM polymer gun frame, and a loaded 33-round capacity gun magazine for a 10MM firearm and suspected CDS. A search of law enforcement databases revealed the weapons were unregistered.

 

Dylan Lane Sullivan, 21, of Lexington Park, was taken into custody and has been charged with possessing a machine gun for an aggressive and offensive purpose, possession of a rapid-fire trigger activator, possessing a detachable magazine with a capacity of more than 10 rounds, CDS possession – not cannabis and machine gun failure to keep a register.

 

Sullivan was transported to the Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown to await a bond hearing.

 

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary's County Government’s Department of Aging & Human Services (DAHS) is announcing that the Northern Senior Activity Center, located at 29655 Charlotte Hall Road in Charlotte Hall, will be open on Friday, January 24, 2025; however, operations will be limited due to continued emergency building maintenance.

Please note that access to certain rooms and activities may not be available. Please call the Northern Senior Activity Center at (301) 475-4200 ext. 3101 to inquire about the status of specific programs.

Congregate meal service will be provided as normal.

Status updates will be provided as they become available.

For more information on DAHS please visit: https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/aging or follow us on social media at www.facebook.com/SMCDAHS for regular updates.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (January 24, 2025) – On January 21, 2025, The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Alcohol Enforcement Unit conducted a succession of tobacco compliance checks within St. Mary's County. The covert compliance checks involved using an underage Sheriff's Office confidential informant (CI). The 19-year-old CI was wearing athletic attire and was instructed to enter the store and retrieve a tobacco product from the business in an effort to purchase said product. The CI was accompanied by Sergeant Robert Merritt, who wore civilian attire and observed all underage tobacco transactions.

 

The Sheriff’s Office visited 23 business locations, and 19 businesses passed the compliance check and asked the CI for their driver’s license; four businesses failed to ask and/or verify any identification; therefore, tobacco products were sold to an underage person.

 

Businesses passing compliance checks:

           

Leonardtown Cigars - 40955 Merchants Lane Suite14, Leonardtown

Merchants Lane Fine Wine & Spirits - 40845 Merchants Lane, Leonardtown

Food Lion Store 656 - 40955 Merchants Lane, Leonardtown

Walgreens - 40955 Merchants Lane, Leonardtown

Centre Liquors - 40955 Merchant Lane, Leonardtown

Exxon Dash-In Store 099 - 26065 Point Lookout Road, Leonardtown

Pal Liquors & Gas - 25965 Point Lookout Road, Leonardtown

Leonardtown Birdies - 25355 Point Lookout Road, Leonardtown

Fastop Store 52 - 23952 Point Lookout Road, Leonardtown

Beacon Liquors - 20975 Point Lookout Road, Callaway

The Corner Store (Callaway Shell) - 20943 Point Lookout Road, Callaway

Bob's Sunoco - 20321 Piney Point Road, Callaway

Abell’s Tavern - 20281 Piney Point Road, Callaway

WJ Dent & Sons/Chief's Bar - 44584 Tall Timbers Road, Tall Timbers

P. Point Market - 17449 Piney Point Road, Piney Point

Russell's Store - 44894 Blake Creek Road, Valley Lee

Dollar General - 20877 Point Lookout Road, Callaway

St. Mary's Fine Wine & Spirits - 20141 Point Lookout Road, #13, Great Mills

Cooks Spirit - 18400 Point Lookout Road, Park Hall

 

The following four businesses failed to ask for identification and sold tobacco to an underage person.

 

Optimal Vapor - 40955 Merchants Lane, Leonardtown

The Toasted Foot Lounge- 20845 Callaway Village Way, Callaway

Sheetz Store #318- 20760 Old Great Mills Road, Great Mills

The Leonardtown Wine & Spirits- 25470-B Point Lookout Road, Leonardtown

The Board of Education of Charles County is hosting a virtual Town Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 7 p.m. through Zoom. The Board will determine its Town Hall focal topic next week. The event is open to the public through Zoom, but attendees must have an active Zoom account in order to join.

 

To access the Town Hall through Zoom, use the link below.

 

https://ccboe.zoom.us/j/81715226600?pwd=d3pc94vb0qTiGQv2GKGxR4xBGbZQWn.1

 

The Town Hall will also stream live on the Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) website at www.ccboe.com. Parents, staff, students and community members are encouraged to attend to ask questions or provide comments about the Town Hall topic. Participants will be able to provide comments and ask questions in the Zoom chat. A Spanish interpreter will be available in the Zoom.

 

Questions, comments and/or other ideas shared at the Town Hall should reference education-related topics. Questions or comments can also be submitted in advance through the form linked below. The form closes at noon, Monday, Feb. 3. The Board and CCPS staff may address submissions during the Town Hall as time permits.

 

Submit a question/comment

Student in possession of vaping device containing THC: On January 23 at 12:30 p.m., a student at Henry E. Lackey High School was found to be in possession of a vaping device that tested positive for THC. The student was charged on a juvenile civil citation with possession of cannabis. The student also faces disciplinary consequences from the Charles County Public Schools. The CCSO urges parents to talk with their students about the dangers of consuming products that could contain harmful and even deadly substances. PFC Barry is investigating. 

Heating fires peak during the winter months, with nearly half of all U.S. home heating equipment fires (46 percent) occurring between December and February. In response to this increased risk, the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) is sharing simple but critical ways to stay warm and safe during the colder months.

 

 

“Each winter, when heating systems kick into high gear, so do the number of home heating fires,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “Our goal is to make sure people know when and where home heating fires most often occur, along with ways to prevent them.”

 

 

According to the latest NFPA data, U.S. fire departments responded to an annual estimated average of 38,881 home heating equipment fires from 2019-2023, resulting in 432 civilian deaths, 1,352 injuries, and $1.1 billion in property damages. Space heaters and heating stoves were the type of heating equipment involved in nearly one-third (29%) of these fires, accounting for nearly eight out of 10 deaths (77 percent) and seven out of 10 (71 percent) of the injuries. 

 

 

Carli notes that colder temperatures across much of the country and fewer hours of sunlight result in people spending more time indoors, which means electricity is used more hours of the day, and, in many cases, households are doing more cooking, which represents the leading cause of home fires year-round.

 

 

In addition, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of carbon monoxide. Fatal carbon monoxide incidents reported in the news underscore these risks.

 

 

NFPA offers the following tips and recommendations to reduce the risk of home fires and associated hazards during the winter months:

 

 

Heating safety:

• Make sure all heating equipment is in good working order. Heating systems and chimneys should be cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from all heating equipment, including furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves, and space heaters.

• Always use the right kind of fuel, as specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters.

• Make sure space heaters are in good working order and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to sleep.

 Cooking safety:

• Keep a close eye on what you’re cooking; never leave cooking food unattended. For foods with longer cook times, such as those that are simmering or baking, set a timer to help monitor them carefully.

• Clear the cooking area of combustible items, keeping anything that can burn - such as dish towels, oven mitts, food packaging, and paper towels - at least three feet away from cooking equipment.

• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.

• Keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.

• Create a “kid and pet free zone” of at least three feet around the cooking area and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

Electrical safety:

• Only use one heat-producing appliance (such as a coffeemaker, toaster, space heater, etc.) plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time.

• Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets.

• Extension cords are intended for temporary use. Have a qualified electrician add more receptacle outlets so you don’t have to use extension cords.

• Call a qualified electrician or your landlord if you have frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers; a tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance; a discolored or warm wall outlet; a burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance; flickering or dimming lights; or sparks from an outlet.

Carbon monoxide safety:

• Choose a CO alarm that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.

• CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.

• Test CO alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

• If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries. If the battery is low, replace it. If it still sounds, call the fire department.

• If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel arrive.

• If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.

• During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.

• A generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings.

Smoke alarms, which reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (60 percent), must be installed in all required locations and working properly. Home escape planning is another essential element of home fire safety, as people may have as little as two minutes to escape a home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Knowing what to do when the smoke alarm sounds and using that time wisely can have life-saving impact.

 

 

NFPA offers a wealth of home heating safety tips, information, and resources to help better educate the public about ways to safely heat their homes. In addition, NFPA’s “Put a Freeze on Winter Fires” campaign with the U.S. Fire Administration works to promote a host of winter safety issues, including home heating.

 

 

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?nfpa.org. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed online for free at?nfpa.org/freeaccess. 

LEONARDTOWN, MD (January 23, 2025) – At approximately 6:55 a.m. today, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to a reported burglary at JMJ Firearms, located in the 29000 block of Three Notch Road in Mechanicsville. Upon arrival, deputies observed significant damage to the front door and windows of the business, which appeared to have been intentionally smashed. A preliminary investigation revealed that a vehicle had been used to strike the front of the business.

 

Detectives determined that the area of the business where firearms are stored was not accessed, and no firearms were taken. They are working with the business owner to identify any missing property. No injuries were reported.

 

The Criminal Investigations Division has assumed the case, and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective David Lawrence at 301-475-4200, ext. 8130, or by email at David.Lawrence@stmaryscountymd.gov.

 

Tipsters can also call Crime Solvers 24/7 at 301-475-3333 or text Crime Solvers at 274637. In the message block, type "Tip239" and select SEND. After you get a response, continue your 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.

 Student in possession of cannabis and vaping device at La Plata High School: On January 22, a school administrator at La Plata High School discovered a student was in possession of a vaping device and 1.5 grams of cannabis. The vaping device tested positive for cannabis. The school resource officer charged the student, age 18, on a civil citation with possession of cannabis. The student also faces disciplinary consequences in accordance with the CCPS Student Code of Conduct. The CCSO urges parents to talk with their students about consuming products that could contain harmful and even deadly substances. Cpl. Duley is investigating.  

 

Student in possession of vaping devices containing THC at Henry E. Lackey High School: On January 22, a school administrator at Henry E. Lackey High School discovered a student was in possession of three vaping devices in which all three tested positive for THC. The vape devices were recovered, and the school resource officer charged the student on a civil citation with possession of cannabis. The student also faces disciplinary consequences in accordance with the CCPS Student Code of Conduct. The CCSO urges parents to talk with their students about consuming products that could contain harmful and even deadly substances. PFC Miedzinski is investigating.

 

Detectives identify and charge three juveniles in armed robbery of business – vape cartridges stolen: On January 14, at 7:44 p.m., two suspects entered a business in the 3500 block of Crain Highway in Waldorf, and a third suspect remained at the door as a lookout. The suspects displayed a handgun and demanded tobacco products. The employees complied and the suspects fled after stealing a large quantity of vape cartridges. Detectives assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division initiated an investigation and developed three juveniles as suspects. Through further investigation, and help from a CCSO school resource officer, the suspects were identified as high school students. Detectives served three search warrants and recovered evidence linking the suspects to the robbery. Further, a replica handgun with an extended magazine was recovered during one of the search warrants. The suspects were arrested on January 16 and charged with first-degree assault, armed robbery, use of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and other related charges. Two of the suspects, age 16, were charged as adults and are being held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center. The third suspect, age 15, was charged as a juvenile in accordance with MD law. The Charles County Department of Juvenile Services released him to his parents on electronic monitoring. Detective Wimberly is investigating.  

Charles County Crime Solvers offering cash reward in robbery case: On January 14 at 7:30 p.m., officers responded to the 1100 block of Cornell Lane in Waldorf for the call of a citizen armed robbery. The victim reported he was walking to his vehicle when he was approached by three males who displayed firearms and demanded his wallet, phone, and expensive designer-brand coat. The victim complied and the suspects fled in a vehicle. There have been similar robberies throughout the region involving designer clothing and name-brand tennis shoes. Criminals often target individuals wearing expensive, designer-brand clothing. Stay vigilant and if confronted, prioritize your safety by complying with demands to avoid escalation. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Beach at 301-609-6513. Tipsters who want to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app. A cash reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for the tipster who provides information leading to an arrest in this case. The investigation is ongoing.

The Calvert County Department of Public Works, General Services Division, invites citizens to honor a World War II veteran with a memorial brick on the Veterans Patio at the “On Watch” memorial statue in Solomons.

The monument, unveiled in August 2007, is located at 14485 Dowell Road in Solomons, and commemorates those who served the United States during World War II at the Solomons Amphibious Training Base. This facility was the nation’s first amphibious training facility and was active from 1942-1945.

The cost of each brick is $100 and is tax deductible. An application is available online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/OnWatch, and the campaign runs through May 1, 2025. Purchasers will be notified when engraving and installation are complete. Funds from the paver purchases go toward the memorial brick campaign and are used for maintenance, care of the statue and grounds. For more information about the project, contact Sarah Rosado at 410-535-1600, ext. 2565.

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 Crime Solvers offering cash reward in fugitive case: Charles County Sheriff’s detectives are seeking the whereabouts of Cliffton Eugene Greenfield, 50, of Bryans Road, MD, who has an active warrant charging him with first-degree assault. On January 10, Greenfield stabbed a relative in the head and neck after an argument – reportedly over the use of a television remote control. The victim was transported to a hospital by another relative and was treated for severe injuries. Greenfield fled before police arrival. An arrest warrant was obtained, and detectives have been searching for Greenfield; however, he has not been located. Greenfield is 6’0”, weighs 220 pounds, and is missing his left arm.

 

 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Wagner in the Warrant Unit at 301-861-7875. 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 tipster who provides information leading to Greenfield’s arrest. Detective Burgess is investigating.  

Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman announced today that the 2025 Tax Filing Season will begin in Maryland on January 27, with a controlled rollout in accordance with IRS best practices. Full return processing is expected to begin on February 3.? 

Comptroller Lierman was joined for the announcement by Code for America?CEO Amanda Renteria, CASH Campaign of Maryland?CEO Robin McKinney, and Nancy Carr, associate state director for Communications for AARP Maryland.? 

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During the past two years, Comptroller Lierman has focused on building a modern and responsive agency for taxpayers to meet the needs of Marylanders and Maryland businesses. The next two years will continue those efforts, with tangible progress Marylanders can see and experience through modern upgrades to technology that will allow them greater access to their own tax information. 

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Maryland Launching Direct File?? 

Maryland is one of 25 states participating in IRS Direct File, which will allow 30 million Americans, including 870,000 Marylanders, to file their federal and state tax returns at no cost. During the press conference, Comptroller Lierman highlighted key features of Direct File, including allowing users to transfer certain information from their federal return to their state return, which will allow users to save time and money. Direct File is expected to be available on January 27, when tax season opens.? 

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“The IRS estimates the average American spends an average of $270 and eight hours filing their taxes. That is too much time and too much money spent on something that we require you to do,” Comptroller Lierman said. “This is an important and free alternative to relying on and paying an expensive tax professional or software company to do what many of us should be able to do for free.” 

 

Maryland’s filing tool is built and maintained by Code for America, which will provide support to Marylanders as they file their taxes through live chat and email, much like the IRS provides to Direct File users through the federal platform. Direct File is designed for use on mobile devices and is available in both English and Spanish.?? 

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“Free, easy online state tax filing will make transformational tax benefits more accessible to people across Maryland,” said Ms. Renteria. “Code for America is ecstatic about the opportunity to support this effort via our FileYourStateTaxes tool, which is proof of what’s possible when we focus on using technology to make government work well for everyone.” 

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The CASH Campaign assists more than 20,000 Marylanders each year with their tax returns and estimates that Marylanders pay an average of $378 to file simple returns.  

 

“We will always have the one-on-one interaction that we have through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. It’s always important for the population that needs it, that has complexity,” Ms. McKinney?shared. “But having something like Direct File at the federal level and the leadership we have in Maryland will empower people to finally do their own taxes.”  

 

AARP Maryland estimates that in 2022, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers assisted more than 40,000 Marylanders in securing over $27.5 million in federal refunds and nearly $2.8 million in state refunds.  

 

“We strongly believe the IRS Direct File program can further streamline tax filing, reduce associated costs, and benefit both our members and the broader community,” Ms.Carr said. “We fully support the Comptroller’s efforts to modernize tax and fee collection. At the same time, we recognize that some older taxpayers may still prefer in-person assistance when filing their taxes.” 

 

Marylanders interested in filing using Direct file are encouraged to review their eligibility using the IRS’s Eligibility Checker.? 

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#EarnedIt Campaign? 

During the press conference, Comptroller Lierman also announced the launch of the #EarnedIt Campaign, a campaign designed to encourage eligible Marylanders to file their taxes and claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credits (CTC), which help lower the taxes that working Marylanders and Maryland parents pay or increase the amount they receive in a refund.? 

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“My agency is leading a proactive approach to educating more Marylanders and encouraging them to claim the credits they qualify for,” Comptroller Lierman said. “In the coming days, you will begin to see images like the posters you see up here – on social media. We want Marylanders to know that they may be eligible for tax credits that allow them to keep more of the money that they have earned simply by filing their taxes.” 

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Tax Filing Webinars and Support? 

In an effort to expand access to tax resources and expertise available through the agency, the Comptroller’s Public Engagement team will host five webinars in January and February. The webinars, beginning January 22, will cover a range of tax filing resources and initiatives, including Direct File and available tax credits.? 

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The Office of the Comptroller also provides tax preparation assistance through its 11 branch offices across the state. Virtual appointments are also available.?Branch offices and call centers are open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.?Call centers will remain open for personal income tax assistance until 6 p.m. between February 3 and April 15, 2025.?? 

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Marylanders can make an appointment by calling 1-800-MD-TAXES or email taxhelp@marylandtaxes.gov.? 

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New Improvements to Expect in 2025? 

During the press conference, the Comptroller unveiled the agency’s new logo featuring a modern, meaningful design rooted in the mission to work in partnership to create a state that’s more equitable, more resilient and more prosperous so that every Marylander can reach their full potential. 

 

The new design includes three elements: 

• A key, a nod to the seal, symbolizes stewardship of Maryland’s resources.? 

• A scale, represents a commitment to justice, fairness, and fiscal responsibility.? 

• A capital building, reflecting strength and authority as a pillar of state government.? 

 

Comptroller Lierman also highlighted that in the next year, the Comptroller’s Office will increase accountability and transparency with the launch of new tools to improve interactions and the customer experience, including a new Comptroller of Maryland website, and the launch of MYCOMConnect, a new platform allowing the agency to better track progress in interactions with customers, including calls and emails.? 

LA PLATA, MD—Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Thursday, January 16, 2025, Charles County Circuit Court Judge Donine Carrington Martin sentenced Marvin Ernesto Funez-Martinez, 23, of White Plains, to 38 years in prison for the Second-Degree Murder of Marco Alexander Pulido-Castro and the Wear and Carry of a Dangerous Weapon with the Intent to Injure. Funez-Martinez will be on supervised probation for five years upon release.

 

On July 26, 2024, a Charles County jury found Funez-Martinez guilty of the aforementioned charges.

 

In the early morning hours of October 29, 2023, officers responded to a residence in White Plains for the report of an assault and stabbing. While at the scene, officers located victim Pulido-Castro in the trunk of a Nissan Sentra. The victim was found unresponsive in the fetal position and had numerous stab wounds. Unfortunately, the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

 

An investigation revealed that Funez-Martinez hired the victim to drive him and two other individuals to a club in Washington, D.C. The victim went into the club with the occupants of the vehicle. The victim then drove Funez-Martinez and the other individuals back to their home in White Plains. Before they arrived in White Plains, the victim stopped at a gas station, where he requested additional money for gas. The victim’s vehicle began overheating at the gas station; however, he was still able to drive the occupants to their home.

 

On the way to White Plains, Funez-Martinez and the victim were involved in a small argument because the victim requested more money.

 

Upon arrival at the residence, the victim’s engine continued overheating, and the victim remained outside. Funez-Martinez, who was already carrying a pocketknife, went inside his residence and retrieved a larger knife from the kitchen. The victim was checking under the hood of the vehicle when Funez-Martinez returned outside, and Funez-Martinez began stabbing the victim repeatedly. The victim tried to escape to a yard across the street, but Funez-Martinez followed him and continued to stab him. Funez-Martinez ultimately stabbed the victim 59 times and knocked out multiple teeth. After the stabbing, Funez-Martinez dragged the victim to his vehicle and placed his body in the trunk. He then fled to the rear of his residence. Witnesses reported Funez-Martinez’s location to responding officers, who apprehended him that morning. At the time of arrest, Funez-Martinez had multiple cuts on his hand.

 

During the investigation, Funez-Martinez admitted to the murder. The victim’s blood was found on Funez-Martinez’s hands, the knife used in the attack, as well as the sweatshirt that Funez-Martinez was wearing.  

 

At sentencing, Assistant State’s Attorney Constance Kopelman told the judge, “The defendant was particularly violent, extraordinarily dangerous. He needs to be incarcerated for as long as possible. He committed the most brutal murder I have ever seen. This was an awful way for Marco Alexander Pulido-Castro to die.”

 

She furthered, “The defendant killed the victim over a really small amount of money that he actually owed the victim. [The victim] suffered. It was just cruel. It just doesn’t get more cruel than what he did to Marco Alexander Pulido-Castro. – He was brutally killed for working. He didn’t get to enjoy his later years. He didn’t deserve to take his last breath on Gateway Boulevard, face to the ground, being stabbed.”

 

Sentence

 

Count 1 – Second Degree Murder

 

• 40 years with all but 35 years suspended

 

Count 2 - Wear and Carry of a Dangerous Weapon with the Intent to Injure

 

• 3 years

• Consecutive to Count 1

5 Years of Supervised Probation

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Land Use & Growth Management (LUGM) is seeking input from the community on the vision, key planning themes, and goals to be considered as the county’s Comprehensive Plan is updated.  The “St. Mary’s 2050” plan will establish a cohesive, countywide vision for land use, economic development, and other quality-of-life goals, and will outline an actionable strategy to achieve this vision.

Two additional Community Visioning Sessions have been scheduled to the  previously announced sessions. The format for these sessions will be identical; attendees are asked to attend only one 90-minute session:

• Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Charlotte Hall Library located at 37600 New Market Road in Charlotte Hall.
• New! Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, located at 13820 Point Lookout Road in Ridge, Maryland
• New! Monday, February 3, 2025, at 5 p.m. at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Campus Center, located at 47600 Mill Field Drive in St. Mary’s City.
• Sesión en español! Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in Meeting Room A of the Lexington Park Library located at 21677 FDR Blvd. in Lexington Park. This session, along with all exhibits and activities will be conducted entirely in Spanish [Esta sesión, junto con todas las exhibiciones y actividades, se llevará a cabo completamente en español].

LUGM is working with local partner organizations to schedule additional sessions, to be announced as they are confirmed. For questions or additional information, please contact LUGM via email to: stmarys2050@stmaryscountymd.gov.

About St. Mary’s 2050

St. Mary’s 2050: Charting Our Tomorrow is an update to the County’s existing Comprehensive Plan, which will guide future land use in the County through 2050 and beyond. St. Mary’s 2050 will chart the course for ensuring St. Mary’s County continues to be a great place to live, work, and play. Visit https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/StMarys2050 today to learn more, stay engaged, and add your voice in shaping the future of St. Mary’s County.

 

LEONARDTOWN, MD – Due to the cold temperatures expected this week, St. Mary’s County Government is announcing the availability of warming centers for the public, open Tuesday, January 21, 2025, through Thursday, January 23, 2025. Residents who need to take refuge in a warm place can go to one of the following locations:

Charlotte Hall Library 37600 New Market Road, Charlotte Hall 9 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.   Garvey Senior Activity Center 23630 Hayden Farm Lane, Leonardtown 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.   Leonardtown Library 23600 Hayden Farm Lane, Leonardtown 9 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.   Lexington Park Library 21677 FDR Blvd, Lexington Park 9 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Loffler Senior Activity Center 21905 Chancellor’s Run Road, Great Mills 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.   Northern Senior Activity Center 29655 Charlotte Hall Road, Charlotte Hall 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.             Three Oaks Center 46905 Lei Drive, Lexington Park 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Times listed above are normal business hours and may change.

St. Mary’s County is currently under a Cold Weather Advisory from Tuesday, January 21, 2025, until Thursday, January 23, 2025. Visit www.ready.gov/winter-weather for tips on staying safe during extreme cold. Always remember to check on your neighbors and loved ones, especially if they are elderly or have functional needs.

Knowing what to do before, during, and after an emergency is a critical part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count. To learn about potential disasters and hazards, and how to be prepared and stay informed, please visit: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/es.

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding President Trump’s inaugural address:

 

“Today, the President painted a dystopian picture of America that was full of lies and distortions. Our country does face clear challenges, but most of the ‘solutions’ President Trump outlined will not fix them. For example, while I support targeted tariffs in strategic sectors, the broad and sweeping tariffs he has proposed will only drive prices higher for working Americans. And while I’m for greater government efficiency, his plan to replace merit-based federal civil servants with political cronies will do the opposite and open the door to large-scale corruption. When it comes to effective border security and public safety, it’s clear there is more we can do, but mass deportations by our military will not cure our problems. I am always willing to work with those who want to build an economy that works for all, but I will fight tooth and nail against any effort to turn our country backwards and provide tax cuts to the super-rich at the expense of everyone else.

 

“Today, as we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., our country would have been much better served by a speech that focused on our common humanity, rather than one aimed at scapegoating and catering to fear and division.” 

Calvert Library is excited to announce the release of an enhanced version of its popular library app, which was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide safe and convenient services to the community. The upgraded app builds on the original’s success, offering a host of powerful new features designed to make accessing library resources easier than ever.

"When we introduced the app during the height of the pandemic, our goal was to ensure people could safely check out books and access library services from their personal devices," said Executive Director Carrie Willson. "This new version also significantly improves customers’ experience with finding the library events they love and getting great reading recommendations. It’s much more engaging visually and best of all, it enables families to manage everyone’s account in one place.”

What’s New in the Enhanced App:

• Multiple Card Login: Seamlessly manage all your library cards in one app—perfect for families and power users.
• Improved Catalog Search: Discover and reserve materials effortlessly. Place holds, choose pickup locations, pause or cancel holds, and more with an upgraded search experience.
• Integrated Room Booking: Reserve library meeting spaces directly in the app, with the ability to cancel reservations if plans change.
• Event Registration Made Simple: Far more easily explore, register for, and cancel attendance at library events, all within the app.
• Apple Wallet Integration: Add your library card to Apple Wallet for quick, contactless access to your library account.
• Self-Checkout: A carryover from the original app, customers can still check out materials directly from their smartphones

Whether you’re booking a meeting room, managing your holds, or checking out books, the app brings the library to your fingertips like never before.  The new app is available now for download or update on the App Store and Google Play. If you’re already using the app, simply update to access the new features. New users can search for “Calvert Library” to get started today.  Or visit our website for easy access to apps for all our services.

For assistance or additional information, visit Calvert Library or call 410-535-0291.

This month is National Blood Donor Month, and blood donor groups are making sure people know the importance of giving blood. Blood can't be manufactured, so people need to donate blood at their local blood bank. Nearly 400 people a day donate blood to the American Red Cross in the D-M-V metro area. Bethany Bray Patterson with the American Red Cross says donor blood is used in a variety of medical situations.

"Donated blood goes to people who are heading into surgery, fighting cancer, newborn babies in the NICU and people who are living with sickle cell disease and other chronic illnesses."

Patterson adds someone in the U-S needs a life-saving blood transfusion every two seconds.

However, only three percent of eligible donors donate each year. According to America’s Blood Centers, if just one percent more Americans donated, blood shortages would be alleviated. Patterson says the blood supply in the country is stable, but organizations like the Red Cross are also on the look out for universal donors.

"There is an increased need right now for 'type O' blood donation and platelet donations. Type O blood is always in demand. It’s often going out to hospitals faster than it’s coming in through blood donation, because it is the universal blood type. It’s used the most by hospitals."

You can find blood donation locations and schedule an appointment at redcrossblood.org

Earlier this week, Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) expanded its long-term contract with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to provide more wildlife technicians in the state to dispose of dead waterfowl, raptors, and other birds that could be carrying Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.

The federal agency specializes in eliminating and removing sick or dead wild birds. Their staff are trained and prepared to handle the biosecurity risks associated with these activities. The $30,000 contract expansion will enable the agency to provide additional staff and services to the state for these operations through September. 

Anyone who sees sick or dead birds in the wild should not handle or move the birds, but should report them to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service by calling 1-877-463-6497. USDA Wildlife Services operators are available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on state holidays. Those with phone numbers outside of Maryland should call 410-349-8055. Voicemails will be promptly returned.

DNR’s regular contract with USDA’s APHIS is $80,000 per year, which helps the state triage approximately 30,000 calls related to sick, injured, or dead wildlife. Key staff in DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service and Maryland Park Service are also trained and equipped to dispose of dead birds that may have contracted the disease and will be supplementing the disposal efforts of APHIS. The federal agency will direct either their staff or state staff to the locations of reports based on availability.

Earlier this month, laboratory testing provided preliminary confirmation of Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza (HPAI) in seven dead snow geese found in Worcester and Dorchester counties, and subsequently in several Eastern Shore poultry farms. Avian influenza, often called “bird flu,” is an airborne respiratory virus that spreads quickly among birds, and its presence should be considered endemic throughout Maryland’s wild bird populations, especially waterfowl and raptors. Risk to human health is considered low, but people who may handle or encounter wild birds should take precautions (see below) to help limit the spread of this virus. 

Hunting wild birds remains safe but some guidelines should be followed: Never harvest or handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead, wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer immediately after handling game; use disposable gloves when handling game and double-bag offal and feathers; and use dedicated clothing, boots and, tools for cleaning game that are not used around poultry or pet birds. Anyone preparing harvested waterfowl should cook it to 165 degrees to kill any viruses or bacteria. 

Anyone who fills birdfeeders for the winter should feel free to do so, as songbirds carry a very low risk of getting or spreading the virus. 

Hiking, photography, and other outdoor activities in areas where wild birds congregate are safe, although as with hunting, precautions should be taken to avoid sick or dead birds. 

More information on HPAI and how to mitigate exposure of domestic poultry to wild birds can be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is encouraging poultry farm and backyard flock owners are urged to follow these guidelines to prevent the spread of HPAI:

• Restrict access to poultry by posting “Restricted Access” signage, securing the area with a gate, or both.
• Take steps to ensure that contaminated materials on the ground are not transported into the poultry growing house or area.
• Provide the following items to anyone entering or leaving any area where poultry are kept:
  • Footbaths and foot mats with disinfectant;
  • Boot washing and disinfectant station;
  • Footwear change or foot covers.
• Cover and secure feed to prevent wild birds, rodents or other animals from accessing it.
• Cover and properly contain carcasses, used litter, or other disease-containing organic materials to prevent wild birds, rodents or other animals from accessing them and to keep them from being blown around by wind.
• Allow MDA to enter the premises during normal working hours to inspect your biosecurity and sanitation practices. 
• Report any unusual bird deaths or sudden increases in very sick birds to the MDA Animal Health Program at 410-841-5810 or after-hours to 410-841-5971. Also contact the USDA at 866-536-7593.

CDS Violation: 25-002531 and 002485 On January 10, 2025, detectives from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) observed a drug transaction occur in the parking lot of the Applebee’s located at 555 N. Solomons Island Road in Prince Frederick. Investigation revealed detectives recovered pills of Oxycodone Hydrochloride along with US currency. Anthony Arthur Perez, 31 of Prince Frederick, and Delano O’Brien Gray, 40 of Lusby, were taken into custody. Both males were transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with CDS: Distribution, CDS: Possession with Intent to Distribute, and CDS: Possession- Not Cannabis. 

 

Disorderly Conduct: 25-001976 On January 8, 2025, at approximately 5:30 p.m., Deputy Tunnell was dispatched to the Calvert Library at 860 Costley Way in Prince Frederick, for the report of a disorderly subject. The complainant advised that a male identified as Marvin Charles Dickerson, 40 of Prince Frederick, was consuming alcohol inside the library. He was observed removing his clothing and stumbling around. Upon arrival, Deputy Tunnell observed a bottle of liquor protruding from Dickerson’s backpack. Dickerson, who was too intoxicated to walk without falling, continued to shout profanities in the library's foyer, disrupting the patrons. Dickerson was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with Trespassing: Private Property, Disorderly Conduct, and Intoxicated Public Disturbance.

 

Motor Vehicle Theft: 25-002008 On January 8, 2025, at approximately 9:02 p.m., DFC Huy was alerted to a stolen vehicle entering Calvert County, traveling southbound on Southern Maryland Blvd. near Yellow Bank Road in Dunkirk. A Maryland State Trooper attempted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle near Country Plaza Shopping Center. Although the vehicle briefly slowed, the driver continued southbound, ignoring deputies and troopers in marked police vehicles with lights and sirens activated. The suspect vehicle reached speeds of 120 mph, fleeing from law enforcement, passing other vehicles on the shoulder, and running a red light at Chaneyville Road. It eventually made a U-turn, heading northbound in the turn lane at Town Center Blvd., where it ran another red light, resulting in a crash. The vehicle became disabled, and the driver fled on foot into the woods behind the BP Gas Station in Dunkirk. Deputies established a perimeter, and S/DFC Idol, along with his K9 partner Stryker, tracked the suspect through the woods. They located the suspect, identified as Xavier Leron Jett, 26 of Alexandria, carrying a black bag. A search of the bag revealed several fraudulent driver’s licenses and multiple manufactured VIN labels. Jett was taken into custody and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center. He was charged with Fleeing and Eluding, Unlawful Taking of a Motor Vehicle, Failure to Remain at the Scene of an Accident, Possession of Serial Numbers for Fraudulent Purposes, Possession/Use of a False Government Identification Document, and other traffic-related offenses.

 

Resisting Arrest: 25-002708 On January 11, 2025, Cpl. Shrawder initiated a traffic stop for multiple traffic violations on a vehicle in the area of Rt. 4 and Dowell Road in Solomons. Contact was made with the driver and sole occupant who failed to provide a driver’s license and registration upon request. The driver later identified as Quentin Leon Rice, 50 of Lusby, was observed to have a blank stare and very lethargic movements displaying a ‘cyclic’ behavior. Deputies asked Rice to exit the vehicle as it was determined he was unable to safely operate a motor vehicle. Rice refused to comply and began resisting arrest. Rice was placed into custody and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he was charged with Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving, Resisting/Interfering with Arrest, Obstructing/Hindering an Arrest, DWI, and other trafficrelated offenses.

 

Robbery: 25-002266 On January 9, 2025, at approximately 8:53 p.m., deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Bureau responded to R&J Liquors located at 2797 W. Chesapeake Beach Road in Dunkirk, for the report of an armed robbery. The complainant advised two suspects robbed the store at gunpoint and fled from the area. Calvert Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB) responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. A preliminary investigation revealed a motor vehicle collision in the area had caused a power outage. Approximately 15 minutes after the power went out, two suspects wearing dark clothing held the victims at gunpoint and demanded the contents of the cash register as well as the victim’s phones. A broken bottle of liquor and a rack of miscellaneous products were observed on the floor inside the store. The suspects fled in unknown direction in an unknown vehicle. The estimated value of stolen property is $1353.00. Detectives continue to investigate.

 

Theft: 25-001956 On January 8, 2025, Deputy MacWilliams responded to the District 1 office located at 10600 Southern Maryland Blvd. in Dunkirk, for the report of a theft. Contact was made with the complainant who advised her black carpenter speed square had been stolen from her front porch. The complainant noticed the Carpenter square went missing on Dec. 18, 2024. The estimated value of stolen property is $17.00.

 

Theft: 25-002510 On January 10, 2025, DFC Strong responded to a residence in the 3100 block of Cox Road in Chesapeake Beach, for the report of a theft. The complainant advised her wallet with credit cards 4 had been stolen from an unknown location. The victim was notified by her bank that her card was used at multiple establishments and large purchases had been made. The total sum of money purchased on the card was $1,286.49.

Assault at JP Ryon investigated: On January 16 at 2:55 p.m., a student at JP Ryon Elementary School assaulted another student in the classroom. When a teacher intervened, the student assaulted the teacher. School administrators were called and upon intervention, one administrator was bitten, and the other administrator was punched. In accordance with Maryland law, the student cannot be criminally charged due to their age. The student does face disciplinary action by the school per the Charles County Public Schools Student Code of Conduct and was referred to the Department of Juvenile Services. PFC Hancock is investigating.

Danielle Mitchell, Assistant Deputy County Attorney, was joined by Joseph Green of G.S. Proctor & Associates to hold the first legislative update of the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session. During the state legislative session, commissioners will receive regular updates on bills submitted as a part of the Charles County state legislative package and bills that could have significant impacts on the county.

Briefings

• Jacob Dyer, Acting Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services, and TaTanya Bowman, Assistant Chief of Budget, briefed commissioners on Proposed Bill 2025-01: Charles County Government Bond Authority. The bill, if passed, would authorize a new bond authority of $375 million. The amount is based on currently existing projects and planned projects for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027. Commissioners unanimously voted to introduce the bill and schedule a public hearing for Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025 at 6 p.m.
• Deborah Hall, Acting County Administrator; Alexis Blackwell, Director; and Megan Donnick, Deputy Director of the Department of Human Resources, discussed the Employee Holiday Leave Calendar.

Charles County staff were surveyed for requests on county holiday policies. From the survey, human resources staff recommended that for Major holidays (except Christmas and Thanksgiving), the county would observe either the Monday directly prior or the Friday directly following the holiday.

Thanksgiving and Christmas had separate recommendations:

• • Thanksgiving
    • Close full day Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
  • Christmas Eve
    • Close at noon if Christmas Eve falls on a weekday (Tuesday through Friday).
    • Close full day if Christmas Eve is on Monday.
  • Day After Christmas
    • Close full day for the day after Christmas if Christmas day falls Monday through Thursday.

Staff also presented recommendations for three new holiday observances: Easter Monday, Eid al-Adha, and Eid al-Fitr. Commissioners then voted 2-1 to approve the 2025 employee leave calendar with amendments to give additional holidays for Super Bowl Monday and a give Thursday off for any holiday that falls on a Wednesday.

• Commissioners received a briefing on a request to approve an agreement for a tax-exempt loan for a fire truck for the Bryans Road Fire Department. Commissioners voted unanimously to introduce the bill and schedule a public hearing for Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025 at 6 p.m.

• Amy Blessinger, Planner III, and Charles Rice, Planning Director, held a briefing on Proposed Bill 2025-02: Zoning Text Amendment 23-179 Multifamily Uses and Infill Development in the Residential Office (RO) Zone. The bill would allow the development of multifamily residential units with conditions in the Residential Office zone around Crain Highway and Old Washington Road. Commissioners voted to introduce the bill and scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 6 p.m.
• Jenifer Ellin, Acting Deputy County Administrator; Bill Kidwell, Chief Information Officer; and Matt Jacobson, Network Specialist III, briefed commissioners on Rural Broadband Task Force activities. The presentation included an update on grant-based broadband infrastructure grant projects to expand broadband access in the county. The update also included information on the County’s long driveway grant program which is still accepting applications from residents. 
• Doria Fleisher, Assistant Chief of Media Services, and Kayla Hunt, Communications and Engagement Specialist, reviewed the 2024 Citizens Academy Spring and Fall Cohorts. 39 residents from areas including Bryans Road, Newburg, and Waldorf participated in the two cohorts with curriculums that included presentations from Charles County Government departments and divisions, introductions to partner agencies, and field trips to unique locations around the county.  Both cohorts completed class projects on improving community engagement in county government. Recommendations from these projects included the creation of an annual Community Guide and the establishment of a Citizens Academy Ambassador Commission.
• Britta Hertling, Chief of Capital Services; Brian Kagarise, Assistant Chief of Capital Services; and Candis Stretcher, Capital Services Project Manager II, presented a Capital Service Update, which included updates on the Western Parkway and La Plata Library update projects.
• Commissioners discussed a potential adjustment to the county code related to Contributions Made by the County to Pension Plans. Commissioner Gilbert “BJ” Bowling (District 1) requested the topic to codify protections for employee pensions. Jacob Dyer, Acting Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services, discussed determining the contributions for the county employee and sheriff’s office pension plans. Commissioners were advised to allow for pension committees to have flexibility in determining the contribution with the consultant to ensure a balanced budget.

 

Public Hearings

Commissioners held a public hearing on Proposed Bill 2024-17: Operation of Golf Carts on Cobb Island. Following the hearing, the Commissioners adopted the bill, which becomes effective February 28, 2025. The bill amends Chapter 276 of the Charles County Code to allow the use of golf carts between dawn and dusk on County roads located on Cobb Island when operated by a licensed driver.  The Commissioners were granted the power to create the golf cart regulation via the passage of House Bill 43 during the 2024 Maryland General Assembly Session.

Commissioners also unanimously rejected Bill 2024-18: Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 23-181 Restaurant, Fast Food, and Drive Through with Direct Access to a Public Road in Core Employment/Residential (CER)Zone. If passed, the bill would allow for a drive-through restaurant with direct access to the public road in the development zone along Billingsley Road and Maryland 210 if a special exception is obtained for the establishment.

Proclamations

Commissioners recognized the following proclamations for the month of January:

• 2025-01 National Mentoring Month
• 2025-02 National Pan-Hellenic Council Recognition Month
• 2025-03 National School Choice Week
• 2025-04 Catholic Schools Week
• 2025-05 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service and Beyond

 

Approval Items

Commissioners approved:

·       A budget transfer request of $172,160 to cover the purchase of a gearbox for a reactor at the Mattawoman Waste Water Treatment Plant.

·       A change order of $520,228.02 to provide additional funding to cover the costs for unit quantity increase for the flow monitoring activities for the Mattawoman inflow and infiltration Project.

• The Commissioners approved the final document Indenture Docket 250 Villages at Swan Point following the Work Session that was held December 3, 2024. The process for the amendment first came before the Planning Commission in 2023, with a public hearing held on July 17, 2023. County Commissioners originally held a public hearing on the matter in May 2024. During the work session on December 3, 2024, Heather Kelley, Planning Supervisor, and Charles Rice, Planning Director discussed several amendments to the original proposal. The Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the proposal with staff’s recommended changes.  

·       A modification to the Billingsley Road access management table.

·       A letter of support for the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom applications for Friendship Farm Park and Stagg Hall for official designation.

Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 7-1-1 (Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258).

###

Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the U.S. Marshals Service, have arrested Charles Henry Thompson, 30, of Lexington Park, Maryland, in connection with a shooting on October 30, 2024, in the 22000 block of Valley Estates, Lexington Park.

 

Thompson was located and arrested without incident in South Carolina. He was extradited to St. Mary’s County on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, and is being held at the Detention and Rehabilitation Center on charges including attempted first- and second-degree murder.

 

Two additional suspects, Mark Albert Fenwick Jr., 32, of Park Hall, Maryland, and Jarrell Raheim Johnson, 36, of Prince Frederick, Maryland, were arrested in November 2024 and remain in custody awaiting trial.

 

---------------------------------

UPDATE: Detectives Apprehend Two Suspects in Lexington Park Shooting; One Suspect Still Sought

 

LEONARDTOWN, MD (November 1, 2024) – Detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, apprehended Mark Albert Fenwick, Jr., 32, of Park Hall, MD, and Jarrell Raheim Johnson, 36, of Prince Frederick, MD, today in Prince Frederick. The two suspects were taken into custody in connection with a shooting that occurred on Wednesday, October 30, in the 22000 block of Valley Estates in Lexington Park.

 

Charles Henry Thompson, 30, of Lexington Park, MD, remains at large. Thompson is a black male approximately 6’ tall, weighing 162 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. The Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information regarding Thompson’s whereabouts to call 301-475-8008 immediately.

 

Fenwick faces nine charges, including attempted first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, aggravated assault, armed robbery, robbery, theft of $100 to under $1,500, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, and rogue and vagabond. Johnson is charged with accessory after the fact. Following their apprehension, both suspects were transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown.

 

-MORE-

 

 

The case remains under investigation. Detective Kortnie Marsch is the lead detective, and anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact her at 301-475-4200, ext. 8179, or via email at Kortnie.Marsch@stmaryscountymd.gov.

 

--------------

Original News Release

 

St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Responds to Shooting in Lexington Park; Incident Appears Isolated

 

LEONARDTOWN, MD (October 31, 2024) – Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported shooting in the 22000 block of Valley Estates Drive in Lexington Park on Wednesday, October 30, at approximately 8:15 p.m. On arrival, deputies found a male victim with multiple gunshot wounds. Deputies applied immediate first aid, and the victim was subsequently airlifted to a regional hospital for further treatment.

 

Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division have taken over the case, and preliminary findings indicate this appears to be an isolated incident with no broader threat to public safety.

 

Anyone with information about this incident should contact Detective Kortnie Marsch at 301-475-4200, ext. 8179, or via email at Kortnie.Marsch@stmaryscountymd.gov.

 

Tipsters can also call Crime Solvers 24/7 at 301-475-3333 or text Crime Solvers at 274637. In the message block, type "Tip239" and select SEND. After you get a response, continue your 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 – St. Mary's County Government (SMCG) is announcing that the Chesapeake Building, located at 41770 Baldridge Street, will be closed on Friday, January 17, 2025, for continued emergency building maintenance.

Regular operations are expected to resume Tuesday, January 21, 2025. For operational status on Monday, January 20, 2025, visit: https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/pio/docs/2025-009NewsReleaseMLKDayOperations.pdf.

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

Following an extensive investigation, deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office executed a search and seizure warrant on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at a residence in the 30000 block of Gershwin Road in Charlotte Hall, MD, in connection with a suspected animal cruelty case.

 

The ensuing investigation revealed that the residents of the house had been performing illegal procedures on the dogs, and evidence of these procedures was recovered at the scene. 

 

Officers from the Animal Services Division of St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Emergency Services seized 36 dogs living in unsafe and unhealthy conditions. Many of the dogs appeared malnourished, underweight, and lacking medical care. The rescued animals were transported to the St. Mary’s County Animal Adoption and Resource Care Center for evaluation and treatment.

 

Kelvin Lovern Shepherd, 51, and Dominique Tiasha Parrish, 35, both of Charlotte Hall, were taken into custody and face multiple charges, including aggravated animal cruelty, animal cruelty, and unlawful surgery on a dog.

 

During the search, deputies also discovered a Ruger 9mm handgun and ammunition. Shepherd, who is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior conviction for a disqualifying crime of violence, was charged with illegal possession of a firearm.

 

This case remains under investigation.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Animal Services Division of St. Mary's County Government’s Department of Emergency Services, in partnership with the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, conducted an animal control investigation on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, in Charlotte Hall, Maryland. The operation resulted in the removal of over 30 dogs from a home where they were living in unsanitary and unsafe conditions. Seized animals have been transported to the St. Mary's County Animal Adoption and Resource Center, where they are receiving medical attention, behavioral assessments, and care.

“Our primary focus is ensuring these animals receive the care they need,” said Jen Utz, Director of the Department of Emergency Services. “The health and safety of our community and its animals remain our top priority.”

While this is an ongoing investigation, no additional details can be shared at this time. St. Mary's County Animal Services and the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we work to resolve this case.

Community members who wish to support the animals during their recovery are encouraged to consider donating supplies, serving as a foster home, or volunteering at the Center. If you can help, please email Animal.Control@stmaryscountymd.gov.

Please note the Center is closed on Thursdays, per regular operating schedules, and is expected to resume normal operations on Friday, January 17, 2025. If you find a stray animal, please visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov/LFpets or call our Animal Control Division at (301) 475-8018.

For more information on the Animal Adoption & Resource Center, please visit: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/AnimalShelter or follow at: Facebook.com/SMCAnimalServices.

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NAS Pax River Gate 1 Closure Jan. 17, 2025

NAS Patuxent River's Gate 1 will close to inbound and outbound traffic Friday, Jan. 17 from 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. for scheduled maintenance.

NAS Pax River's Gates 2 and 3 will be open to traffic during this time.

Student in possession of box cutter at Davis Middle School: On January 16, a school administrator at Davis Middle School was notified that a student was in possession of a box cutter. The box cutter was recovered from the student. In accordance with MD law, the student was not charged due to their age. The student faces disciplinary consequences in accordance with the Charles County Public Schools Code of Student Conduct and was referred to the Department of Juvenile Services. PFC Douglas is investigating.

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. 18, 2025, at Mt. Hope Convenience Center, located at 96 Pushaw Station Road in Sunderland

·      Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, at Huntingtown High School, located at 4125 Solomons Island Road in Huntingtown

·      Saturday, March 15, 2025, 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.

The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners announces county offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, 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. 20, with normal operating hours.

·         The Solomons Septage Receiving Facility will be open Monday, Jan. 20, with normal operating hours.

·         The Water & Sewerage billing and customer service office will be closed Monday, Jan. 20.

·         Calvert County senior centers will be closed Monday, Jan. 20, and Meals on Wheels will not be delivered. Meal delivery is scheduled to resume Tuesday, Jan. 21.

·         All community centers will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20.

·         There will be no county bus service Monday, Jan. 20; service will resume Tuesday, Jan. 21.

·         Calvert Library locations will be closed Monday, Jan. 20. 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. 20. 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. 20.

·         Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center will be open with normal operating hours on Monday, Jan. 20.

·         Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center will be open Monday, Jan. 20, 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. 20.

·         Chesapeake Hills Golf Course is scheduled to be open with normal hours Monday, Jan. 20, but please check Facebook at www.facebook.com/chesapeakehills for current weather updates as it has been closed recently due to snow cover.

·         Flag Ponds Nature Park and Kings Landing Park will be open on Monday, Jan. 20, with normal operating hours. Battle Creek Cypress Swamp and trails will be open with normal hours, but the nature center remains closed due to fire damage.

·         Breezy Point Beach is closed for the season.

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) is announcing that the Chesapeake Building, located at 41770 Baldridge Street, will be closed for the remainder of today, January 16, 2025, for emergency building maintenance.

The closure impacts several departments housed within the Chesapeake Building, including County Administration, Finance, Legal, and the Public Information Office. Additionally, please note the following changes to meetings scheduled to take place in the Chesapeake Building:

• The Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting will take place as scheduled at 1 p.m., however the location has been moved to the conference room at the St. Mary's County Regional Airport Terminal (44200 Airport Rd, California, MD 20619).
• The Police Accountability Board (PAB) meeting has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for a later date.

Meeting documents are available on the SMCG website in BoardDocs. Meetings are open to the public and can be viewed post-production via www.youtube.com/@StMarysCoGov.

Regular operations are expected to resume Friday, January 17, 2024.

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

LEONARDTOWN, MD (January 16, 2025) – On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at approximately 6:33 p.m., patrol units from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a serious motor vehicle collision near Three Notch Road and Old Village Road, Mechanicsville, MD, with one ejected.  

 

The preliminary investigation revealed a 2000 Infinity G20 operated by Melissa Marie Stallings, 28, of Mechanicsville, was traveling eastbound on Old Village Road, failed to yield the right of way, crossing over Three Notch Road, and was struck by a 2011 Toyota 4Runner, operated by Dawn Marie Kirkland, 45, of Bryantown, who was traveling southbound on Three Notch Road.  Melissa Stallings and two passengers were air-transported to area trauma centers, where Stallings was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival.  The two occupants are reported to be in stable condition.

 

Due to the seriousness of the collision, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Collision Reconstruction Unit responded and assumed the investigation. At this time, speed does not appear to be a factor in the accident. 

 

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or any events leading up to the collision and has not already provided a statement is asked to call Corporal Rachael Roszell at 301-475-4200, ext. 8108, or e-mail rachael.roszell@stmaryscountymd.gov.

 

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary's County Government (SMCG) is announcing that the Chesapeake Building, located at 41770 Baldridge Street, will open at noon today, January 16, 2025, to allow for emergency building maintenance.

The delayed opening impacts several departments housed within the Chesapeake Building, including County Administration, Finance, Legal, and the Public Information Office. Regular operations will resume at noon.

We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we address this matter to ensure a safe and functional facility for staff and visitors.

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

Detectives charge juvenile suspect in distribution of child pornography case: Charles County Sheriff’s detectives have charged a suspect in connection with the distribution and possession of child pornography. The facts of the case are as follows:

In September of 2023, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office received a Cyber tip, which was reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) by a cloud storage provider. The tip outlined a user who was storing child pornographic files in their cloud storage account. Detectives initiated an investigation. Soon after, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office received a Cyber tip, which was reported to NCMEC by a social media provider. The tip outlined an account holder who was uploading child pornographic files to their social media account and was trading and selling child pornographic files using the social media platform.  

Leads in both cyber tips revealed they were related and led detectives to the same residence. A 16-year-old juvenile was identified as the suspect. A search and seizure warrant was served at the residence, at which time several electronic devices were recovered. The CCSO’s Digital Forensics Unit found further evidence of the possession and distribution of child pornography.

On December 23, 2024, in accordance with Maryland law, the suspect was charged on a juvenile offense report with five counts of possession and 33 counts of distribution of child pornography. In the cases in which the suspect was charged, the images recovered showed children around the age of 10 years old; there is no indication that any of the images recovered in this investigation depict children from our area. Detective Horrocks is investigating.   

The CCSO urges parents to learn the signs of online exploitation and the terms affiliated with sending, buying, and selling images online and through social media. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's Net Smart program helps parents and caregivers identify trends and offers prevention resources to address the evolving needs of kids and teens online. NetSmartz is NCMEC's online safety education program. It provides age-appropriate videos and activities to help teach children to be safer online, to prevent victimization, and how to make safer choices on and offline. 

On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, patrol deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office arrested two individuals and recovered suspected controlled dangerous substances (CDS), including fentanyl, crack cocaine, and marijuana, during a traffic stop.

 

Deputies initiated the traffic stop of a GMC Yukon Denali traveling along Three Notch Road near Buck Hewitt Road and approached the vehicle; after speaking to the driver, a deputy observed CDS paraphernalia in plain view, and the driver and passenger were asked to exit the vehicle. Upon exiting the vehicle, the passenger fled across southbound lanes of Three Notch Road before being apprehended. While being placed in custody, he actively resisted officers and attempted to discard numerous bags from his person, which were recovered containing suspected CDS. The bags recovered by deputies contained 146.2 grams of suspected fentanyl, 14.4 grams of suspected crack cocaine, and 15 grams of suspected cannabis; a search of his person yielded $1872 in US currency. The passenger is identified as Thomas Austin Goldring III, 44, of no fixed address,

 

During the subsequent vehicle search, deputies located packaging materials, manufacturing equipment, and 17 suboxone sublingual film packets. The driver, identified as Toney Leonard Daye, 58, of Lexington Park, was found in possession of suspected crack cocaine and CDS paraphernalia.

 

Goldring has been charged with the following offenses:

• CDS Possession with Intent to Distribute
• CDS Possession of a Large Amount
• CDS Possession Not Cannabis
• Resisting Arrest
• Disorderly Conduct

Daye has been charged with the following offenses:

• CDS Possession with Intent to Distribute
• CDS Possession of a Large Amount
• CDS Possession Not Cannabis
•  

Both suspects were transported to the Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown to await bond hearings.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The St. Mary’s County Animal Adoption & Resource Center is announcing an emergency closure for Wednesday, January 15, 2025. During this closure, the shelter will remain accessible for emergency cases but will not be open for adoptions. Owner surrenders will be accepted by appointment only. The center is closed on Thursdays, per regular operating schedules, and is expected to resume normal operations on Friday, January 17, 2025.

If you find a stray animal, please visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov/LFpets or call our Animal Control Division at (301) 475-8018. If you can help foster an animal in need, please email Volunteer@stmaryscountymd.gov.

For more information on the Animal Adoption & Resource Center, please visit: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/AnimalShelter or follow at: Facebook.com/SMCAnimalServices.

New public nomination process created for one of Maryland’s most prestigious environmental achievement awards

Vincent Leggett, longtime leader of the Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation who died in November, was named an Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay in 2003 by then-Gov. Parris N. Glendening. A new public nomination process for the prestigious award is being created in his honor. Maryland DNR photo.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is creating a new public nomination process for the Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay award to try to solicit a broad range of nominations for individuals who have organized communities, led restoration efforts, and helped improve the overall health of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed.

Instituted by Governor J. Millard Tawes in 1959, the Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay is a lifetime achievement award bestowed by the governor upon individuals who exhibit an extraordinary commitment to the conservation and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay.

The department is updating the process to try to solicit more nominations as a way to honor former historian and community organizer, Vincent Leggett, who died in November. Leggett was honored as an Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay in 2003 by then-Gov. Parris N. Glendening. Leggett worked throughout his career to highlight the often undertold stories about African-American maritime life and Black watermen on the Chesapeake Bay. In 2022, Leggett partnered with the Governor’s Office and the Department of Natural Resources to secure about $5 million in state funding to purchase Carr’s Beach in Annapolis–a Bay-front property that once hosted concerts by Chuck Berry, the Temptations, and Little Richard–to turn it into a public park. 

Leggett served as the longtime leader of the Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation. In his two books and frequent public appearances, Leggett sought to reveal the history of hardworking African American men and women who made their livings on or around the Chesapeake Bay by crabbing, oystering, fishing, guiding, and through other maritime pursuits. Without Leggett’s pioneering efforts and prolific storytelling, many of these important stories would have been lost to history or forgotten.

The new public nomination form for Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay will help ensure the Department and Governor is more aware of individuals whose work may not be well publicized, but have significantly benefited the Bay and Maryland’s environment. The nomination period will close March 31. The nominations will be reviewed by a new committee of staff volunteers at the Department of Natural Resources who will make a recommendation to the Secretary. Award winners will be announced publicly when chosen, as has occurred previously. The Governor and Department plan to announce this year’s award winners by June 1.

Ann Swanson, former executive director of Chesapeake Bay Commission, was named an Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay by Gov. Martin O’Malley in 2015. Maryland Governor’s Office photo.

Previously, nominations for the award were made directly to the Governor and Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and then chosen based on internal discussions. 

“The Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay is among the most important awards we bestow in Maryland and we want to make sure we’re receiving nominations from every part of the state that encompass the diversity of people and activities that improve the Chesapeake Bay,” said Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. “We’re reforming the nomination process to make it more accessible to all.”

Previous Admirals of the Chesapeake Bay–there are now more than 100–include Captain Eldridge Meredith, a waterman and charter boat captain who worked in and around the Bay for 80 years; Tom Horton, a news reporter and photographer who has written about the Bay for more than 40 years; and John Page Williams, a master naturalist and environmental educator who worked for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation for 46 years.

This month, the Department also published a new website featuring the names of previous Admirals of the Chesapeake Bay.

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 in recognition of National Mentoring Month.

 

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

• Reviewed future CSMC meeting agendas.
• Approved the Circuit Court Security Equipment Grant Award.
• Approved the FY25 Provider Solicitation for Comprehensive Case Management.
• Approved the resolution designating the St. Mary’s County Art Council as the official Arts Agency for St. Mary’s County.
• Approved the Housing Assistance Vouchers for the Villas at Lexwood. 
• Approved the employment contract for the new Director of Recreation and Parks.

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

 

The Commissioners wrapped their business meeting with Commissioner Time. The CSMC will reconvene this evening at 6:30 p.m. for a Public Forum.

 

There will be no CSMC business meeting on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. The next CSMC business meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 9 a.m. 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 documents are available on the SMCG website in BoardDocs. Meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live on TV Channel 95 or on-demand via www.youtube.com/@StMarysCoGov.

Visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov for more information.

[Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025] Charles County Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism is inviting the public to participate in the first public meeting to provide input on the design of a future Sports and Wellness Complex at St. Charles Town Center.

The meeting will be held at the former Sears building at St. Charles Towne Center in Waldorf on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Attendees are asked to use the upper-level exterior entrance adjacent to the JCPenney Store to reach the meeting location.

The meeting is the first in a series of community engagement activities to gather input from the public about the design and use of the 130,000 square foot facility. The future Sports and Wellness Complex is envisioned to be a state-of-the art multigenerational facility with amenities such as a natatorium, gymnasium, fitness center and more, depending on community feedback. The engagement process is expected to occur over the next few months and anticipated to conclude by June 2025.

Residents will have the opportunity to provide direct feedback to staff during the public meeting. A survey will also be conducted for all residents from January 29-February 17 to provide information that will help shape the future of this landmark facility. The meeting will also be recorded and shared with the community on the Stay Engaged Charles County web page for those who cannot attend the meeting in person.

Residents are encouraged to visit the Sports and Wellness Complex engage page for more information on the future project. In the event of inclement weather, the public meeting will be held on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025.

For more information visit www.CharlesCountyParks.com or call 301-932-3470.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County are pleased to announce the appointment of Ray Bivens as the new Director of the Department of Recreation & Parks. Mr. Bivens, a distinguished parks and recreation leader with more than 30 years of experience, will assume his new role on January 27, 2025.

Mr. Bivens began his career as a teenager in the Maryland Conservation Corps, developing a lifelong passion for natural resources and recreation management. His professional journey has included roles with the Maryland Park Service, Patuxent and Western Maryland 4-H Centers, Allegany County Board of Education, and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Division of Parks and Recreation.

Since 2013, Mr. Bivens has served as the Director of Delaware State Parks, overseeing the management of more than 26,000 acres of parkland, a $55 million annual budget, and over 700 employees. Under his leadership, Delaware State Parks earned the prestigious National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) Gold Medal Award twice, recognizing it as one of the best-managed park systems in the nation.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ray Bivens to St. Mary’s County,” said Commissioner President Randy Guy. “His exceptional track record in parks and recreation management and his commitment to innovation and community engagement make him the perfect choice to lead our Department of Recreation & Parks.”

Mr. Bivens has been honored with numerous awards, including the 2021 State Park Director of the Year and the National Association of State Park Directors Distinguished Service Award. He is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Parks and Recreation Administration and serves as Chair-Elect of the NRPA Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies.

“I am both humbled and honored to be selected to serve in this position,” said Mr. Bivens. “St. Mary’s County has a very strong recreation and parks program, and I look forward to working with community members, staff, and Commissioners to help make our system the best park system in Maryland.”

Mr. Bivens holds a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management from Frostburg State University and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Wilmington University. He is currently an adjunct graduate professor at Clemson University and an Honorary Commander for Dover Air Force Base.

For more information on St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks, please visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov/Recreate or follow R&P on social media at: www.instagram.com/stmarysrecandparks and www.facebook.com/stmarysmdrecreation.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary's County Government (SMCG) administrative offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, 2025, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Offices will resume normal operating schedules on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. 

The January 20 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 20:

• 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 (normal hours); Riverview Restaurant (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

 

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

 

The victim of last week's fatal house fire in Hughesville has been positively identified as 94-year-old Dora Lee Douglas, the homeowner. According to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the cause of death was attributed to thermal burn injuries and smoke inhalation. 

The Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Charles County Sheriff's Office continue investigating the exact origin and cause of the fire. While the exact cause of the fire has not been determined, investigators can not rule out the possibility that Douglas accidentally ignited her clothing by touching the kitchen stove. 

Charles County Sheriff's Office and EMS responded to a home on Driftwood Place in Hughesville just after 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 9th, to check on the homeowner after a friend could not reach her for several days. After making entry, emergency services personnel discovered the homeowner deceased with burn injuries; she was pronounced deceased on the scene.

"I extend my deepest condolences to the friends and family of Ms. Douglas, as well as the community affected by the tragic loss,"  stated Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal urges all Marylanders to stay vigilant in maintaining smoke alarms in their homes and following standard fire safety practices.

"As we enter 2025, this is a solemn reminder of the importance of fire safety in our homes and communities. This year, we encourage everyone to take a moment to review fire safety practices, check smoke alarms, and ensure that fire prevention measures are in place. Together, we can reduce the risk of such devastating losses in the future," Mowbray said.

Pepper spray recovered from student at Westlake High School: On January 13, administrators at Westlake High School were made aware of a student who was in possession of pepper spray. The pepper spray was recovered, and the student will be charged on a juvenile offense report with possession of a weapon on school property. The student will also face disciplinary consequences in accordance with the CCPS’s Code of Student Conduct. PFC Joffe is investigating.

The Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation announces restoration to the Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary Nature Center began on Jan. 10, 2025. The center will remain closed for the duration of the work, which is estimated to take about six months.

The renovations will include the basement, exhibit room and office spaces which were heavily damaged from a fire in November 2022. The sanctuary’s trail system will remain open during this time, but the outdoor animal exhibits will be closed.

Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary is a 100-acre nature sanctuary located at 2880 Grays 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 Parks & Recreation on Instagram @calvertcountyparksandrec.

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

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In light of severe cold temperatures forecasted in Calvert County, the Department of Public Safety has issued an animal safety alert for Tuesday, Jan. 14, through Friday, Jan. 17. During this period, animal owners or custodians are required to provide the following actions to protect their pets and livestock:

·         Dogs and cats should be brought inside. If a dog or cat is left outside, they must have free access to a solid structure that is heated or is set against the prevailing winds and allows the dog or cat to maintain their core body temperature.

·         Livestock and farm animals should have free access to protection from the weather that allows animals to maintain their core body temperature.

·         Livestock and farm owners should provide access to additional food to allow animals to recover from the loss of additional calories.

·         All animals outdoors must be continually monitored for signs of distress.

·         All animals must have access to clean, unfrozen water at all times.

Failure to comply with these safety measures may result in penalties, including fines up to $1,000 or 30 days in jail.

To report concerns, citizens may contact the Animal Control Division at 410-535-1600, ext. 2526, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After hours, concerns may be reported to the non-emergency line at 410-535-3491.

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’s Department of Land Use & Growth Management (LUGM) is seeking input from the community on the vision, key planning themes, and goals to be considered as the county’s Comprehensive Plan is updated.  The “St. Mary’s 2050” plan will establish a cohesive, countywide vision for land use, economic development, and other quality-of-life goals, and will outline an actionable strategy to achieve this vision.

The following Community Visioning Sessions have been scheduled; please note the format for these sessions will be identical; attendees are asked to attend only one 90-minute session:

1. Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 1 p.m. in Meeting Room A of the Lexington Park Library, located at 21677 FDR Blvd. in Lexington Park.
2. Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. in Meeting Room A of the Lexington Park Library, located at 21677 FDR Blvd. in Lexington Park.
3. Friday, January 17, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at the Charlotte Hall Library, located at 37600 New Market Road in Charlotte Hall.
4. Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in Meeting Room 2 of the Leonardtown Library located at 23630 Hayden Farm Lane in Leonardtown.
5. Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Charlotte Hall Library located at 37600 New Market Road in Charlotte Hall.
6. [Sesión en español] Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in Meeting Room A of the Lexington Park Library located at 21677 FDR Blvd. in Lexington Park. This session, along with all exhibits and activities will be conducted entirely in Spanish [Esta sesión, junto con todas las exhibiciones y actividades, se llevará a cabo completamente en español].

“We urge all members of our community to attend one of these Community Visioning Sessions,” said Commissioner President, James Randy Guy. “We are grateful to our team in LUGM for their hard work in organizing these sessions, and to the St. Mary’s County Health Department for their partnership in offering one session entirely in Spanish, helping to ensure all voices in our community are heard.” 

About St. Mary’s 2050

St. Mary’s 2050: Charting Our Tomorrow is an update to the County’s existing Comprehensive Plan, which will guide future land use in the County through 2050 and beyond. St. Mary’s 2050 will chart the course for ensuring St. Mary’s County continues to be a great place to live, work, and play. Visit https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/StMarys2050 today to learn more, stay engaged, and add your voice in shaping the future of St. Mary’s County.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Aging & Human Services (DAHS) is pleased to announce the Building Better Caregivers workshop, an evidence-based program to equip caregivers with tools and knowledge to enhance their caregiving journey.

Through the Building Better Caregivers program, participants will have the opportunity to: 

• Discover practical strategies for self-care and stress management. 
• Connect with fellow caregivers in a supportive and understanding environment. 
• Gain valuable insights into effective communication and problem-solving techniques. 
• Set personalized goals to enhance their caregiving experience. 

 

This workshop is designed for family caregivers (e.g., a parent taking care of a child, spouse supporting spouse, adult child taking care of an aging parent, or anyone providing care to another family member with a disability). Attendance for all sessions is highly recommended. This workshop is only for the caregiver not for their cared one. Respite grants available upon request; please inquire when registering.

This six-week workshop will meet Monday evenings, from January 27 through March 3, 2025, from 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Garvey Senior Activity Center. Please note there will be no meeting on Monday, February 17, due to President’s Day, that meeting will be scheduled for the following day, Tuesday, February 18, at 5 p.m.

This program is offered at no cost to participants thanks to funds provided by the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County and the Maryland Department of Aging Long-Term Care and Dementia Care Navigation Program.

For more information, visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov/aging, call DAHS at (301) 475-4200, ext. 1050, or email Brandy.Tulley@stmaryscountymd.gov.

Never miss an update! Follow DAHS at: www.facebook.com/SMCDAHS

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Recreation & Parks (R&P) will host a public meeting to gather resident input on a proposed Sports Complex, on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the CSMC meeting room, located on the 1^st floor of the Chesapeake Building at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown.

In February 2024, the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) and the Maryland Stadium Authority, entered a Memorandum of Understanding to provide architectural and engineering services related to the potential development of a new sports complex in the California, Maryland area. This new complex is anticipated to include an indoor facility (approximately 100,000 – 135,000 square feet) and an outdoor facility on approximately 36 acres of land.

We are excited to invite the community and other interested parties to this public input gathering. The purpose of this meeting is to allow the community to engage in meaningful discussions with the design team of Manns Woodward Studios of White Marsh Station, Maryland, and Ball architecture of Bethesda, Maryland. All community members, local organizations, and other interested parties are requested to provide their valuable input for consideration. The study is a Maryland Stadium Authority led preliminary design project.

A full Market & Economic Analysis report for a proposed new sports complex is available at: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/docs/SMCsportscomplexfinalreport2020.pdf.

Additional public input opportunities will be available online through surveys and additional meetings will be scheduled for Spring of 2025; details and locations to be announced.

Questions may be directed to R&P by contacting Christina Bishop at (301) 475-4200 ext. 1811 or via email to christina.bishop@stmaryscountymd.gov. Follow R&P on social media at: www.instagram.com/stmarysrecandparks and www.facebook.com/stmarysmdrecreation.

 

The Charles County Department of Health is alerting all citizens and visitors of an increase in rabies cases over the past month. One raccoon tested positive for rabies on December 22, 2024, in the vicinity of Charles Street/Penns Hill Road. Additionally, a fox tested positive for rabies on January 09, 2025, in the vicinity of Cooksey Road/ Penns Hill Road. This includes the LaPlata/ Dentsville area of Charles County.

We urge everyone to avoid contact with wildlife and unknown animals. Rabies is a disease of animals and people. The virus is spread through the saliva of a rabid animal. Usually, this occurs when a rabid animal bites or scratches another person or animal. However, secondary exposure can occur from saliva on the coat or fur of an animal that was exposed to a rabid animal. The virus can get into the body through open cuts or wounds, or through the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Domesticated animals like dogs, cats, and ferrets can get rabies from wild animals such as raccoons, foxes, skunks, bats, opossums, etc. Getting your pets vaccinated against rabies will prevent them from getting infected with rabies. Livestock may also be infected with rabies. You should contact your veterinarian for rabies information and vaccination for livestock. It is important to teach your children to stay away from wild and unknown animals.

A current rabies vaccination for your pet is vital. Please contact your local vet for an updated vaccine for your pets. You may also contact Charles County Animal Care Center at 301-932-1713 for any updated clinics that are scheduled throughout the Tri-County area. Petco, Banfield, and Tractor Supply are additional options that provide clinics.

On January 10 at approximately 7:15 a.m., a Charles County Sheriff’s patrol officer was traveling on Smallwood Drive West near St. Patrick’s Drive in Waldorf when he observed a body in the road on the eastbound side of the roadway. The patrol officer arrived on the scene simultaneously as a citizen was calling 9-1-1. The officer stopped, approached the individual, and determined she was unconscious and not breathing. The officer initiated CPR until EMS arrived. Once on the scene, EMS pronounced the victim deceased. Officers assigned to the Traffic Operations Unit responded and are investigating this as a hit-and-run; however, detectives assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division also responded. The victim sustained injuries that appear to be consistent with being struck by a car but there are no known witnesses and there were no calls to 9-1-1. Based on additional information, officers believe the victim was struck sometime between 6 a.m. and 6:40 a.m. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy.

Investigators identified the victim as Zarria Courtney McDade, 21, of Waldorf. Anyone who has knowledge of this incident or who may know someone who travels the roadway and has fresh damage to their vehicle is asked to call PFC Skodzinski at 301-609-3282. 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. Additional details will be released when they become available.

Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins II, Esq., has ordered the Charles County Flag be lowered to half-staff effective immediately and returned to full staff on the sunset of January 17, 2025, to honor former Maryland Delegate and Past Commissioner President Murray D. Levy, who passed away on Dec. 22, 2024.

"Charles County mourns the loss of Murray D. Levy, a dedicated public servant whose decades of leadership as Director of Finance, Director of Public Works, Commissioner President, and State Delegate left an indelible mark on our community,” Collins said, “His tireless commitment to public service and his visionary leadership will be remembered as a legacy of progress and excellence for generations to come."

Levy is remembered as a man of intellect, humor, and integrity who chose a life of service to the residents of Charles County. After serving in the United States Army from 1967 to 1969, he began working for the county in 1971. He served as Director of Finance until 1976 and became Director of Public Works from 1976 to 1980.

In 1996, Levy was elected President of the Charles County Board of County Commissioners and served in that role until 2004. He was then elected as a state delegate and represented Charles County in the Maryland General Assembly until 2011. Levy was also the owner of Cobb Island Market from 1977-2003.

"On behalf of Charles County, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Murray D. Levy’s family. Our community is grateful for his decades of dedicated service and leadership as both an executive leader and elected official," Deborah Hall, Acting County Administrator, said. "His work as Director of Finance, Director of Public Works, Commissioner President, and State Delegate has profoundly shaped our community, and his legacy of commitment and excellence will continue to inspire us for years to come."

Murray is survived by his wife Sherry and their Labrador, Otis. Funeral arrangements are private.

 On January 10, four students at Milton Somers Middle School were involved in an altercation inside the cafeteria. School staff and a school resource officer intervened and were able to separate the students. One student reported an injury sustained during the altercation and the SRO also sustained a minor injury while intervening. The students face disciplinary consequences in accordance with the CCPS Code of Student Conduct and charges are pending. Cpl. Upshaw is investigating.

CDS Violation: 25-001100 On January 4, 2025, Deputy Hill responded to the 500 block of Stamper Court in Prince Frederick, for the report of an assault. The complainant advised the aggressor was possibly under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance. Contact was made with Joseph Jerome Young, 40 of Prince Frederick. Young consented to a search that revealed multiple small white rocks of cocaine and a folded dollar bill with trace amounts of cocaine in his pants pockets. Young was placed under arrest and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he was charged with CDS: Possession-Not Cannabis.

 

CDS Violation: 25-000905 On January 3, 2025, members of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) were in the vicinity of 10200 Kirksville Lane in Dunkirk when they observed a drug transaction take place inside a vehicle. Deputies initiated a felony traffic stop, but the driver attempted to flee. The driver, identified as Paul Lester Johnson Jr., 43, of Annapolis, continued revving the vehicle in an attempt to elude deputies. Investigation revealed K9 Rico conducted an open air sniff of the vehicle, which led to a positive alert for narcotics. Further investigation revealed cocaine scattered across the floorboard along with a strong odor of cocaine emitting from the vehicle. A total of 214 grams of cocaine was recovered. Both the driver, Paul Lester Johnson Jr., and the passenger, Reco Ramone Johnson, 36, also of Annapolis, were taken into custody without incident. They were transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with CDS: Distribution of Narcotics, CDS: Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotics, and CDS: Possession-Not Cannabis.

 

Theft: 24-101687 On December 30, 2024, DFC Huy responded to the 100 block of Ponds Wood Road in Huntingtown, for the reported theft. The complainant advised FedEx had delivered a package to the victim’s residence and Ring Camera footage shows a black male wearing a black t-shirt and black shorts walk up to the door, grab the package and walk back to a white truck. The truck is described as an extended cab truck with big tires. The estimated value of stolen property is $429.

 

Theft: 25-000497 On January 2, 2025, Deputy Shuart observed a male walking south on Prince Frederick Blvd. in Prince Frederick, pushing a Weis shopping cart approximately .57 miles from the Weis Market. Contact was made with the individual identified as Brian Douglas Lesher, 44 of Huntingtown. Lesher was unable to provide authorization for removing the Weis Markets shopping cart from Weis Markets property. Lesher was issued a criminal summons and charged with Grocery Cart Removal. 

 

Theft: 25-000514 On January 2, 2025, Deputy Shuart observed a male walking west on Elizabeth Drive in Prince Frederick, pushing a Giant Food shopping cart approximately .58 miles from the Giant Food store located at 655 N. Solomons Island Road in Prince Frederick. Contact was made with the individual identified as Sterling Willis McClendon, 60 of Huntingtown. McClendon was unable 3 to provide authorization for removing the Giant Food shopping cart from Giant Food property. McClendon was issued a criminal summons and charged with Grocery Cart Removal.

Calvert County has launched a new, user-friendly online billing portal designed to make account management easier. The new portal is now available to Water & Sewer customers.

The portal, designed for Calvert County’s more than 5,000 water and sewer customers, offers several new features that will make managing accounts simpler:

·         Quick Pay to pay bills without logging in

·         Submit service requests directly online

·         Mobile-friendly design for easy access on any device

·         Access to past bills and consumption history

“The new portal is part of our continued effort to improve service delivery for our customers,” said Public Works Director JR Cosgrove. “By offering greater convenience and improved access, we hope to make it easier for customers to manage their accounts and request service.”

In addition to the new portal, bills will have a new, easier-to-read format.

A new tiered billing structure took effect July 1, 2024. The tiered billing structure charges a lower rate for quantities of water typically needed to support the basic needs of most households, with a progressively higher rate as usage increases. The tiers are as follows:

·         Tier 1: 0-4,500 gallons per quarter

·         Tier 2: 4,501-18,000 gallons per quarter

·         Tier 3: 18,001-108,000 gallons per quarter

·         Tier 4: over 108,000 gallons per quarter

These changes apply only to Calvert County Water & Sewer customers. Residents on municipal systems or those with private well and septic systems will not be impacted. Customers will also be provided detailed instructions and information about the new system in their December bill.

Calvert County has several resources to help Water & Sewer customers stay informed and engaged with news and updates:

• Payment Center: Access information about the new Utility Billing Portal at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/UtilityBilling.

·         Sign Up for Alerts: Stay updated on Water & Sewer news by signing up for notifications at www.calvertcountymd.gov/WSUpdates.

·         Online Billing Calculator: Customers can estimate their bill at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/RateCalculator.

·         Water Conservation Tips: Learn how to save water and reduce bills at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/SaveWater.

·         Tiered Billing FAQs: Answers to commonly asked questions at www.calvertcountymd.gov/WSFAQs.

·         Payment Assistance: Residents concerned about their ability to make utility payments may be eligible for assistance. The Department of Community Resources can help residents connect with available services: contact community.resources@calvertcountymd.gov or 410-535-1600, ext. 8803, or visit www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/CommunityResources.

 

For more information, contact the Water & Sewer Billing Office at 410-535-1600, ext. 2211 or email wsbilling@calvertcountymd.gov.

The Calvert County Department of Public Works is committed to providing essential services that maintain and improve the quality of life for residents, including water, sewer, road maintenance and public infrastructure projects.

Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay connected with Calvert County Government through the mobile app, newsletters, social media and more at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/StayInformed.

A joint investigation continues between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Charles County Sheriff's Office after a fire claimed the life of a 94-year-old woman Thursday afternoon. 

Just after 3:00 p.m., Charles County Sheriff's Office and EMS were called to a home on Driftwood Place in Hughesville to check on the homeowner after a friend could not reach her for several days. After making entry, emergency services personnel discovered the homeowner deceased with burn injuries. 

Charles County Sheriff's Office requested deputy state fire marshals to the scene to investigate further. While the cause remains under investigation, investigators can not rule out the possibility that the woman accidentally ignited her clothing by touching the kitchen stove. 

The victim was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore to determine the exact cause of death and where she will be positively identified. 

A joint investigation between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the local police department is a standard procedure whenever a fatal fire occurs.

(Indian Head, Maryland) – On Wednesday, January 08, 2025, at approximately 1424 hours, Troopers from Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack along with Charles County Sheriff Deputies responded to Maryland Route 344 in the area of Maryland Route 224 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 Dodge Durango operated by Gary McPhatter (64 yoa) of Indian Head, MD, was traveling south on Maryland Route 344 south of Maryland Route 224. For unknown reasons, the Dodge Durango traveled off the roadway and collided head-on with a tree. 

 

Charles County Sheriff Deputies and Emergency Medical Services performed life saving measures on Mr. McPhatter, however he was ultimately 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. (25-MSP-000656)

A coalition of 160 nonprofit organizations and 44 community leaders have united in calling on Governor Wes Moore and Maryland legislative leaders to adopt the Fair Share Maryland plan to address the state's structural budget deficits and protect vital community services.

In a letter to Governor Moore, Senate President Bill Ferguson, and House Speaker Adrienne Jones, from Maryland Nonprofits, the coalition emphasized the urgent need for revenue system reforms to prevent cuts to essential services while providing relief to low and moderate-income families.

"Our state faces worsening structural budget deficits, which has a devastating impact on the communities that nonprofits serve," said Heather Iliff, President & CEO of Maryland Nonprofits. "By adopting the Fair Share Maryland plan with common sense reforms in closing tax loopholes and modest increases on wealthy taxpayers, we can expand the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit to benefit 850,000 Marylanders while creating a more sustainable long-term budget for Maryland."

The diverse coalition includes organizations spanning healthcare, education, environmental protection, arts, and social services. The coalition urges building upon strategic investments made in the 2024 General Assembly session rather than scaling back future budgets. 

The Fair Share Maryland plan recognizes that low and moderate income Marylanders pay a higher share of their income in state and local taxes than wealthy Marylanders do.  Local businesses pay higher rates in taxes than many large corporations that can take advantage of tax loopholes.  Fair Share Maryland aims to create a more equitable tax system while securing the state's fiscal stability.

For more information about the Fair Share Maryland plan, visit fairsharemaryland.org.

 

--

 About Maryland Nonprofits

Founded in 1992, Maryland Nonprofits supports and advocates for over 1,800 member organizations, representing the 40,000+ nonprofits in Maryland. The organization provides expert consultation, advocacy, and educational resources to help nonprofits succeed.  

Maryland Nonprofits is the proud home of the Standards for Excellence Institute, Maryland Latinos Unidos (MLU), and the Maryland Association of Resources for Families and Youth (MARFY).

Maryland Nonprofits envisions an inclusive culture where dismantling racism and oppressive systems is an ongoing part of our awareness, work, reality, and outcomes. It is committed to challenging systems of power, aiming to provide full access to resources and opportunities for those affected by oppression, ensuring they have the chance to thrive and achieve a high quality of life. 

Learn more at www.marylandnonprofits.org. 

The Board of Education of Calvert County Public Schools will break ground for the replacement Northern Middle School on January 16, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The celebration will begin in the cafeteria and continue outside at the site of the new construction.

 

"The groundbreaking for the replacement of Northern Middle School represents our commitment to providing state-of-the-art learning environments that inspire our students, support our educators, and enrich our community," said Dr. Andraé Townsel, Superintendent of Calvert County Public Schools. "This project reflects our dedication to academic excellence and sustainability, ensuring that future generations of learners thrive in an innovative and environmentally responsible facility."

 

The building was designed by Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates Architects and will be built by Keller CM. The new school will be constructed on-site, to the north of the existing building. Once the new building is complete, the existing school will be demolished to accommodate parking and vehicular drop off/pick up zones. The 109,237 square foot middle school will have a State Rated Capacity of 796, and will be certified through Green Globes, making it Calvert County Public Schools’ third green building.

 

The new building will be ready for the 2026-2027 school year with the final phase of construction expected to be complete in Spring 2027.

[Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025] Charles County has received $5 million in Federal grant funding to support pre-construction and design efforts for the future Mallows Bay Heritage Center at the Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary. Investments into Mallows Bay are part of a $3.3 billion investment by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from the federal Bipartisan Inflation Act.

“Mallows Bay is a treasure that tells the story of resilience, innovation, and the bond between our community and the environment,” said Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins II, Esq. “This new heritage center will serve as a beacon for education, exploration, and economic opportunity, connecting visitors and residents alike to the wonders of the Potomac River and the stories it holds.”

The Mallows Bay—Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary has a rich commercial fishing heritage and historical connections to the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. It is the final resting place of some 100 historic shipwrecks, also known as the “Ghost Fleet,” wooden steamships constructed as part of the United States Emergency Fleet Corporation during World War I. Mallows Bay is recognized by the National Register of Historic Places and listed as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

This new heritage center in Charles County will make Mallows Bay a focal point for outdoor recreation and tourism through increased accessibility, educational opportunities and improved amenities for visitors, all of which will impact our community economically.  The future heritage center would also invite visitors to learn about its significant cultural impact, including the heritage of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe and the Piscataway Indian Nation. The traditional Piscataway tribal homelands include the land where the marine sanctuary now sits and is an essential part of the newly recognized Southern Maryland National Heritage Area.

“This remarkable project highlights our county's unique cultural and ecological treasures and directly supports the County Commissioners' goals of Resiliency & Sustainability as well as Economic Development,” said Deborah Hall, Acting County Administrator. “By preserving our rich history and fostering sustainable tourism, this investment will strengthen our community, bolster our economy, and ensure that Charles County remains a vibrant and resilient destination for generations to come."

On January 1, officers assigned to the Domestic Violence Unit, with assistance from the Prince George’s County Police Department, located and arrested Fernando Echemendia, age 24, of Fort Washington. Echemendia had active warrants charging him with failure to appear in court for violating a protective order and burglary. The protective order was issued in December following a burglary of the protected person’s home. Further, when the protective order was issued, Echemendia already had an active warrant for a previous violation of a protective order for an unrelated incident. Upon his arrest, Echemendia made statements that he would shoot and kill police officers during any potential future contact. Echemendia was charged with failure to appear in court. On January 4, a judge released Echemendia from the Charles County Detention Center on electronic monitoring. The investigation is ongoing.  

On January 2, detectives assigned to the Narcotics Enforcement Section served a search warrant which included a vehicle and a residence in the 12200 block of King Farm Place in Newburg. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle listed on the warrant, and detectives recovered approximately $2,000 worth of cocaine, cash, packaging materials, and a fully loaded firearm. The driver, Donnie David Campbell, age 63, of no fixed address, and passenger, Kelvin Nathaniel Marshall, age 64, of Newburg, were arrested. Each was charged with illegal possession of a firearm due to a prior felony conviction, drug trafficking with a firearm, possession with the intent to distribute drugs, possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle, and other related offenses. They are both currently being held at the Charles County Detention Center without bond. The investigation is ongoing.

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – NAS Patuxent River will observe holiday routine Jan. 9, 2025 for the National Day of Mourning of President James E. Carter, 39th President of the United States.

 

NAS Patuxent River’s Gate 1 will remain open for 24/7 operations, while Gate and Gate 3 will be closed Jan. 9, 2025. Webster Outlying Field Main Gate and NRC Solomons Gate remain open 24/7.

State is on track towards 5 million trees goal after plantings increased significantly in 2024

Maryland Forest Service staff, along with volunteers from MedStar Harbor Hospital and the National Aquarium, plant trees at MedStar Harbor Hospital in Baltimore in a 2024 planting for the 5 Million Trees Initiative. DNR photo

Before the close of 2024, Maryland planted more than 1 million trees towards the state’s 5 Million Trees Initiative.

The millionth tree was planted in western Maryland in the fall, according to Maryland Department of Natural Resources data.

The milestone came as the state saw a substantial increase in tree plantings in the past year. The rate of tree plantings for the initiative increased by more than 100% from 2023 to 2024.

“Maryland made an ambitious commitment with the 5 Million Trees Initiative, and we’re so excited to already have 1 million trees in the ground,” said Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. “These new trees will help improve the health of our communities, sequester carbon, purify our air and water, and aid in bolstering wildlife populations. These tree plantings are an investment in Maryland’s future. Thanks to the hard work of staff at the department and partners, we’re on track to meet the state’s lofty goal.”

The 5 Million Trees Initiative, established by the Maryland Tree Solutions Now Act of 2021, directed the planting of 5 million native trees on the state’s public and private lands by 2031. With 20% of the trees planted at three years in, and the rate of plantings increasing, the plantings are on track to meet the 5 million tree goal, said J.T. Bowers, deputy director of the Maryland Forest Service.

“Marylanders planted twice as many trees last year as the two years prior, including nearly 60,000 in underserved urban areas,” said Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain. “There is great power and efficiency in working together, which is what our agencies of state government are doing. Trees are so important to reaching our climate goals because they capture carbon from the atmosphere. We are thankful to all of the land owners, conservation groups, and landscaping companies who have partnered with us to make our state greener.”

The plantings are a coordinated effort by state government agencies, community programs, and individuals. The Maryland Department of the Environment coordinates the initiative and tracks the plantings on its 5 Million Trees Tracking Dashboard website, which does not yet reflect all plantings from this fall.

The Department of Natural Resources has planted more than two out of every three trees for the initiative. The department accounted for 673,000 trees planted since 2021, and planted 346,000 trees in 2024, which doesn’t include the latest data from this fall. These plantings are on top of the state’s standard levels of tree planting of about 100,000 trees annually, which are not included in the count.

“We’re starting to hit our stride with the number of trees we’re able to plant,” Bowers said. “DNR’s outreach specialists have done great work engaging new partners and building their networks to share the benefits of trees across the state. We’re finding that when we show up with the financial and technical resources, groups that previously wouldn’t have considered their property for tree planting are now eager to participate in the initiative.”

The increased plantings were possible with additional hirings of 10 outreach specialists and a staff member at the Ayton State Tree Nursery, which provides a majority of the saplings for the initiative.

This past year saw the month with the highest number of tree plantings yet, with 197,000 trees planted in March. Plantings are set to continue apace in 2025, including the largest planting yet of about 200,000 trees on Browns Branch Wildlife Management Area in Queen Anne’s County.

New trees in Piscataway Hills in Prince Georges County that were planted as part of the 5 Million Trees Initiative in November. DNR photo

By the summer, the state had also planted a total of 57,799 trees in underserved urban areas, which is a major part of the overall planting effort and a way to provide urban areas with tree-related benefits such as shade, cleaner air, and additional wildlife. This amounts to 12% progress toward the total goal toward the goal of 500,000 trees in urban areas. Bowers said urban plantings take more time and planning, but that partner groups have made significant progress and are setting the groundwork for more tree-planting projects in the upcoming years.

The 5 Million Trees Initiative is a part of Maryland’s ambitious climate goals, supporting Maryland’s 2031 Climate Pollution Reduction Plan and achieving net zero emissions by 2045. The additional trees will help to mitigate climate change by expanding the state’s carbon sinks – physical features that absorb more carbon than they release – allowing for greater carbon sequestration.

The trees will help to beautify communities and also reduce urban heat islands, which are areas without natural vegetation where buildings and pavement lead to increased temperatures. As part of the effort, DNR is targeting areas along waterways and coasts where trees act as riparian buffers, reducing pollutants that enter the water.

Individuals can help the state reach 5 million trees by planting their own trees and plotting the planting locations online, which registers the tree for the official count toward the 5 million tree planting goal, or by participating in an incentive program. DNR offers a $25 coupon toward the purchase of a tree from participating retail nurseries and garden centers, and donations through the Gift of Trees program also contribute to the goal. 

Individuals can also reach out directly to Isaac Whitmore, DNR’s 5 Million Trees program coordinator, at isaac.whitmore@maryland.gov for more information about how to have trees planted at a specific property.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (January 8, 2025) – On December 29, 2024, the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Alcohol Enforcement Unit conducted a succession of tobacco compliance checks. The covert compliance checks involved using an underage Sheriff's Office confidential informant (CI) who was 19 years old and wore jean pants and a long-sleeved shirt. The CI was directed to enter the store, retrieve a tobacco product, and try to purchase said product. During the compliance checks, either Sergeant Robert Merritt or Corporal Chad Hartzell accompanied the CI; both wore civilian attire and observed all underage tobacco transactions.

 

The Sheriff’s Office visited 19 businesses, and 16 businesses passed the compliance check by asking the CI for proof of age. The three businesses that did not pass the compliance check and failed to ask for any identification, allowing tobacco product sales to an underage person:

Lex Wine & Spirits: 46400 Lexington Village Way, Lexington Park
Tobacco Hut And Vape: 44920 Saint Andrews Church Road, California

King Smoke: 22741 Three Notch Rd, Unit #4, California

 

The businesses that passed compliance checks were:

 

ABC Liquors: 22741 Three Notch Road, California

Bradfords Neighborhood Market LLC: 23860 Hollywood Road, Hollywood

California Wine & Spirits: 23123 Camden Way, California

Early Bird: 23791 Mervell Dean Road, Hollywood

Jughead Liquor Wine Beer: 16036 Three Notch Road, California

Sign Of The Whale Liquors: 21899 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park

Twist Wine & Spirits: 22608 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park

Wildewood Wine & Spirits: 23415 Three Notch Road, California

Wawa: 23141 Three Notch Road, California

Donut Connection: 22807 Three Notch Road, California

Cloud Smoke Shop: 22811 Three Notch Road, California

Sheetz: 22711 Three Notch Road, California

7-Eleven: 22606 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park

TJ Liquors: 22576 MacArthur Boulevard, California

Wawa: 22530 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park

Peggs Road Shell: 22530 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park

 

Due to school closures, the School-Based Health Centers (SBHC) at Spring Ridge and Margaret Brent Middle Schools will be closed on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) main office in Leonardtown and Health Hub location in Lexington Park will open at their regular times. Community members scheduled for appointments at the SBHCs will be contacted directly to reschedule. 

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Dr. James A. Forrest Career & Technology Center (Forrest Center) will facilitate its twenty-fifth annual Forrest Center Tech Expo on Thursday, January 23, 2025. 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 22 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 30, 2025.

 

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

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will host a public informational workshop, 5-7 p.m. Thursday, January 16, to provide information and gather community input to improve pedestrian access and safety along MD 235 (Three Notch Road) in St. Mary’s County. The workshop will be held at Great Mills High School, 21130 Great Mills Road, Great Mills.

The MD 235 corridor between MD 237 (Chancellor’s Run Road) and MD 246 (Great Mills Road) is planned for safety improvements as part of the State Highway Administration’s Pedestrian Safety Action Plan, which identifies areas of need and prioritizes corridors for pedestrian and bicycle safety projects.

At the informational workshop, State Highway Administration staff will be available to discuss project-specific details. There will be no formal presentation. Attendees may arrive at any time during the workshop to view displays, ask questions and provide feedback. Materials also will be posted on the MD 235 Pedestrian Safety Action Plan Project Portal page.

Those requiring assistance to participate in the workshop, such as those seeking an interpreter for hearing/speech difficulties or assistance with the English language, may email SHATitleVI@mdot.maryland.gov in advance of the event. Please indicate the desired language in the subject line. Maryland Relay Service can assist teletype users at 7-1-1.

Questions about the informational workshop or general inquiries may be directed to State Highway Project Manager Mulowa Kajoba at MKajoba@mdot.maryland.gov, or Community Relations Manager, Holly Pearl at Hpearl@mdot.maryland.gov. The Pedestrian Safety Action Plan was published in May 2023, and five initial corridors were announced for improvements. Along with MD 235, seven additional corridors have been identified for PSAP projects: MD 528 in Worcester County, MD 214 and MD 201 in Prince George’s County, US 40 in Harford County, MD 3 Business in Anne Arundel County, MD 193 in Montgomery County and US 40 in Washington County. Working with community residents, officials and other stakeholders, the State Highway Administration is developing strategies to enhance safety for all roadway users along these corridors by increasing safety and mobility for pedestrians and bicyclists.

 

The Pedestrian Safety Action Plan is a key component of the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Complete Streets Policy, which prioritizes safe, reliable, equitable and sustainable travel across all modes to make roads safer and connect Marylanders to jobs, education and economic opportunity. Projects under the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan also support Maryland’s Vision Zero goal, which seeks to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries on state roadways by 2030.

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

 

NEW CARROLLTON, MD (January 6, 2025) - The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development announced a Calvert County nonprofit will be supported as part of $1.75 million in Fiscal Year 2025 tax credits through the Community Investment Tax Credit program. 

The Community Investment Tax Credit (CITC) program supports nonprofit organizations involved in community and economic revitalization activities. Nonprofit organizations use the tax credits as incentives for individuals and businesses to donate money, goods or real property to support operational and programmatic costs associated with projects that serve communities across Maryland.

“The Community Investment Tax Credit program is an important tool for nonprofit organizations to build connections with the communities they serve on an everyday basis,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “This tax credit encourages residents and business owners to directly invest with local nonprofit partners to improve the places where they live and work.”

The Department will provide $25,000 in tax credits to support Project Echo Inc. in Prince Frederick through the CITC program in Fiscal Year 2025. That support will go towards operating a trauma program targeted on bringing structure to its participants' lives by teaching them how to develop lifestyle routines that foster independence.

Businesses and individuals that donate to a qualified organization's approved project can earn tax credits equal to 50% of the value of the money, goods or real property contribution. These tax credits are in addition to the deductions on both Federal and State taxes as a result of the charitable contribution. The program has leveraged nearly $31 million in charitable contributions to approximately 770 projects across the state since its inception.

For the complete list of Fiscal Year 2025 CITC awardees and more information on the Community Investment Tax Credit program, visit the Department’s website.

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore this evening declared a State of Emergency? due to the expected threat of the winter storm forecasted to impact Maryland from Sunday, January 5 into Tuesday, January 7. The storm will cause hazardous road conditions and will affect public transportation, with the potential for significant snowfall throughout the state—including a projected 8”-12” in some regions. Marylanders are strongly encouraged to avoid travel, to follow local forecasts, and to stay prepared for winter storm hazards. State government will be closed on Monday, January 6.

 

“Keeping Marylanders safe is our top priority. Please stay off the roads during this storm. Prepare your home and family and charge your communications devices in case you lose power,” said Gov. Moore. “I signed an executive order declaring a State of Emergency and have directed the Maryland Department of Emergency Management to coordinate response with the Maryland Department of Transportation, State Police, and all State agencies. The State of Maryland will also be closed on Monday, January 6. Please—limit travel, listen to local weather updates and stay safe.” 

 

Snow is forecasted to begin falling in western Maryland on Sunday evening, January 5, and is expected to last into Tuesday morning, January 7. Snowfall will be heaviest after midnight on January 6. Areas within the most active part of the storm could see accumulation of 8”-12”, with 1”-2” potentially falling each hour. Threats from the storm are increased due to sustained low temperatures and windchill. Major hazards include icy roadways, frozen pipes, and extreme cold. 

 

Detailed snow and ice totals will be updated regularly at weather.gov/lwx/winter. 

 

The escalation to a State of Emergency from a State of Preparedness? means a shift from preventative measures to emergency powers; immediate actions are being taken to safeguard Marylanders. Law enforcement agencies are increasing staffing, with support standing by as needed, while public health, human services and utilities agencies continuously prepare for possible impacts from the storm. 

 

State and local government officials are also coordinating resources in preparation. State and county emergency operations centers have upgraded their activation levels across Maryland, with the Maryland Department of Emergency Management moving to a full activation on January 6. The State Highway Administration and Maryland Transportation Authority have completed pretreating roads. 

 

Preparing Your Home and Family for a Winter Storm

 

• Include blankets, hats, mittens, and other warm clothing in your preparedness kit during winter months.
• Bring pets inside if possible, or create a safe space for outdoor animal companions to keep warm, safe from the elements, and able to find food.
• Winterize your vehicle and keep your gas tank at least half full to keep ice from building up in your gas tank and fuel lines.
• Take precautions to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep a supply of driveway salt or non-clumping kitty litter ready to go. You can spread either on outdoor surfaces to combat ice and make them less slippery.
• Check your home's smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they work and have good batteries. 
• Check for updates from the National Weather Service, and sign up for MdReady text alerts to receive news about storms, watches, and warnings.

Information about assistance with energy bills is available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

 

Generator Safety 

 

• Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area.
• Learn more about safe generator use from the American Red Cross.

 

Staying Safe During Winter Storms

 

• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. 
• Watch for symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite - it can set in quickly, especially if you have exposed skin or have been outside in the cold for an extended period of time.
• Please avoid travel if possible. If you absolutely must travel, be sure to let someone know your route and destination before you go. 
• Know your evacuation routes.

If you're able, check on older neighbors or relatives who may live alone to see if they're doing well or need assistance.

For more information on preparedness, visit mdem.maryland.gov, follow MDEM on X at @MDMEMA, or follow MDEM’s Facebook page at facebook.com/MDMEMA. 

The Maryland State Police has activated the Snow Emergency Plan for Counties in Southern Maryland. 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.

LA PLATA, MD—Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Thursday, December 19, 2024, Charles County Circuit Court Judge H. James West sentenced Ryan Lamont Bell, 38, of La Plata, to 35 years in prison for Conspiracy to Commit the First-Degree Murder of Leon Nathaniel Inabinett, Jr. and the Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence. Bell will be on supervised probation for 5 years upon release.

 

Bell pled guilty to the aforementioned charges on November 14, 2022.

 

On June 20, 2021, officers responded to the Bryans Road Firehouse in the 3000 block of Livingston Road in Bryans Road. Upon arrival, officers discovered victim Inabinett suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in a hallway inside the firehouse. The victim was transported to a local hospital but, unfortunately, was pronounced deceased as a result of his injuries.

 

An investigation revealed that the victim attended a birthday party at the firehouse before the incident. Bell’s co-defendant, Jahad Karim Frierson, had an issue with the victim due to a prior incident. After learning the victim’s location, Frierson contacted Bell to help confront the victim. Frierson and Bell rode to the firehouse together and hid in bushes waiting for the victim to come out. At the end of the party, the victim was carrying a tray of cookies to put in a vehicle in the rear parking lot. Frierson and Bell approached the victim while he was outside. Frierson brandished a handgun given to him by Bell, struck the victim and then shot him several times. After the shooting was over, both Frierson and Bell fled in the same vehicle. The victim was able to make it inside the firehouse to try to get help but collapsed in the hallway.

 

An ankle monitor that Bell was wearing for a separate incident indicated that Bell’s location was at the firehouse at the time of the murder. Cell phone records also place Bell and Frierson in the area at the time of the murder. Surveillance video depicts the two confronting the victim and running away.

 

The handgun used to kill the victim was located in Bell’s vehicle. Bell reported to investigators that he took the gun after the murder and cleaned it.

 

At sentencing, Assistant State’s Attorney Constance Kopelman told the judge that the victim was “loved by so many people” and Bell and Frierson “took him away from all of his family, all of his friends, all of the people that he wanted to make a positive impact on.” She furthered that this was a “senseless act against an innocent man. – He had no idea he was about to be ambushed. They confronted an unsuspecting young man with cookies. It could only end in violence and the defendant understood that. It really doesn’t get more senseless than that. His life was senselessly snuffed out over nothing. He didn’t deserve it. He walked out with cookies and ended up being brutally murdered by Bell and Frierson.”

 

Before sentencing Bell, the Honorable Judge West stated, “Leon was a lot of things to a lot of people; very few people are inspirational. When people like that vanish from the community, the loss is felt more than what can be described here.” He furthered, “the loss is tremendous. The circumstances are extreme, harsh, and brutal.”

 

 

Sentence

 

Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder

• 100 years with all but 35 years suspended

 

Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence

• 20 years with all but 5 years suspended

• Concurrent

 

5 Years of Supervised Probation

LA PLATA, MD—Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Friday, December 20, 2024, Charles County Circuit Court Judge Monise A. Stephenson sentenced Delorean Andre Romond Skinner, 38, of Nanjemoy, to 25 years in prison for Sexual Abuse of a Minor and Second-Degree Rape. Upon release, Skinner will be on supervised probation for five years. Skinner must also register as a Tier III Sex Offender and be under lifetime supervision.

 

On October 3, 2024, Skinner was found guilty of the above charges by a Charles County jury.

 

On September 1, 2023, an officer with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office spoke with the 13-year-old victim’s father at the District 1 Station. The victim’s father reported that the victim was sexually abused by Skinner at his Nanjemoy residence.  

 

An investigation revealed that Skinner was in a trusted position of temporary care, custody, and responsibility for the supervision of the then 12-year-old victim over a course of time in 2023. During that time, Skinner performed fellatio on the minor and sent him numerous sexually exploitative text messages.

 

The victim’s father looked through the victim’s phone in August of 2023, where he saw inappropriate messages being sent by Skinner. Upon questioning, the victim told his father about the assault. His father then contacted police.

 

During sentencing, the assigned Assistant State’s Attorney told the judge that the incident was “a grave betrayal of trust” and that the defendant had “grooming and predatory behavior.”

 

Sentence
 

Count 1 – Sex Abuse of a Minor

• 20 years with all but 13 years suspended

 

Count 2 – Second-Degree Rape

• 15 years with all but 12 years suspended

• Consecutive to Count 1

5 Years of Supervised Probation

PATUXENT RIVER NAVAL AIR STATION, MD – NAS Patuxent River has suspended Trusted Traveler and has implemented 100% ID checks at all gates effective immediately per direction from U.S. Naval Forces Northern Command. Passengers who do not possess a valid DoD Common Access Card or DBIDs Pass/Credential, must display a valid REAL ID-compliant identification ( www.dhs.gov/real-id) and comply with escorting requirements in accordance with NAS Pax River’s Access Control Instruction. Drivers should anticipate greater wait times at gates due to this change.

 

Personnel and residents on base may also notice an increase in police presence by NAS Pax River Security personnel during this time. 

 

Charles County Sheriff Troy D. Berry is proud to announce six new officers will join the Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) after their graduation from the Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy (SMCJA) Police Entrance Level Training Program. The officers were among 17 candidates – four from Calvert County and seven from St. Mary’s County – who graduated on December 20. The officers pledged their Oath of Office earlier that morning, administered by Lisa Yates, Clerk of the Circuit Court Charles County.

 

"Pursuing a career in law enforcement requires dedication, and these six recruits have proven their commitment. Their graduation from the Academy is not only a personal milestone but a testament to their desire to protect and serve our communities. We commend their hard work and the sacrifices made by their families throughout this journey. A sincere thank you also goes to the outstanding leadership of the SMCJA staff and guest instructors, whose mentorship has been crucial in preparing these officers for their career in law enforcement,” said Sheriff Berry.

 

Class Coordinator Cpl. Matthew Nauman of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office began the ceremony by announcing the entry of the graduating class. SMCJA Director Bobby Jones, of Calvert County, welcomed the graduates and their families and spoke about the training program that started in May 2024 and included over 1,000 hours of instruction.

 

Ms. Danielle Baker performed the National Anthem, and members of all three counties’ Honor Guard teams presented the colors. Chaplain Gwendoline Bankins (St. Mary’s County) offered the invocation and benediction. Sheriff Steven Hall (St. Mary’s County) and Mr. Wayne Silver of the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions provided opening remarks. Charles County Sheriff’s graduate Officer Nicholas Oliver was the class speaker.

 

During the ceremony, SMCJA instructors presented awards to graduates who excelled in several categories:

• Officer Andrea Prichard (Charles) Scholastic Award with a GPA of 99.52 percent; 
• Officer Andrea Prichard (Charles) was also awarded the Physical Fitness Award with a score of 1311 out of a possible 1600;
• Officer Jeremy Steeber (SMCSO) was awarded the Firearms Award with a score of 99.25 percent with 100 percent on the written test;
• Deputy Thomas Dewey (SMCSO) was awarded the Emergency Vehicle Operations Award; and
• Deputy Nicholas Morgal (Calvert CSO) was awarded the Steve Allen Award, named after one of the original founders of the SMCJA who died of cancer several years ago. The Steve Allen Award recipient demonstrates attributes of leadership, initiative, motivation, and compassion throughout their attendance at the academy.

           

Cpl. Nauman, along with Class Leader, Officer Nicholas Morgal, and Guidon Bearer, Officer Masoero retired the Class Guidon.

 

The Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy congratulates the following graduates:

 

Charles County Sheriff’s Office:

• Bryce L. Duehring
• Jackson T. Ferguson
• Chloe D. Hart
• Arthur J. Masoero
• Nicholas M. Oliver
• Andrea J. Prichard

 

 

Calvert County Sheriff’s Office:

• Jake A. Angell
• Christopher B. Blackistone
• Nicholas A. Morgal
• Nathan C. Robey

 

St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office: 

• Matthew A. Camp
• Thomas J. Dewey
• Ian E. Flaherty
• Jason M. Ogas
• Alex M. Sams
• Cody T. Stamp
• Jeremy T. Steeber

 

To view pictures from the graduation, click here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/aVrodjgSYe3dVPHN7

 

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is hiring! Click https://www.ccso.us/recruiting/ for more information.   

On December 31, 2024, a Deputy from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office was conducting proactive patrol duties along Great Mills Road in Lexington Park when a juvenile victim approached and reported that his bicycle had been taken while he was in the Patuxent Crossing neighborhood playing football with friends. The victim also said the suspect had displayed what appeared to be a handgun in the waistband of his pants when demanding the bicycle.

 

The victim described the suspect to deputies, and another deputy observed an individual matching the suspect’s description in the Patuxent Crossing area. Upon being approached, the juvenile suspect denied taking the bike but was positively identified by the victim shortly thereafter.

 

The suspect was taken into custody and charged as an adult with the following offenses:

 

• Armed robbery
• Robbery
• First-degree assault
• Second-degree assault
• Theft of less than $100

 

Law enforcement agencies are prohibited from publicly identifying a juvenile, even when charged as an adult, due to legal protections safeguarding the juvenile’s identity throughout the judicial process.

 

On Wednesday, January 1, 2025, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies responded to a report of a subject with a firearm following an assault. Deputies arrived at approximately 7:52 p.m. at a residence in the 22000 block of Oxford Court in Lexington Park.

 

Witnesses reported that Timothy Ignatius Gatton, 22, had assaulted a female juvenile by kicking her in the ribs. Witnesses also informed deputies that a firearm was inside the residence. During the investigation, deputies located an unserialized 9mm handgun inside the home and confirmed it was unregistered and belonged to Gatton.

 

The juvenile victim’s mother reported that Gatton kicked the child in the ribs after being kicked in the face during horseplay. Emergency medical personnel treated the juvenile at the scene.

 

A male witness, who also resides at the Oxford Court home, reported a verbal altercation between himself and Gatton. During the argument, Gatton allegedly pulled the 9mm handgun from his waistband, pointed it, and pulled the trigger. The weapon did not discharge.

 

Gatton was arrested and charged with first-degree assault, child abuse, and unlawful possession of an unserialized firearm. He was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown.

 

After serving the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the citizens of Maryland for just over eight years, Acceleration Detection Canine Zorro will retire on December 31, 2024.  During his career, K-9 Zorro and his handler, Deputy Chief Fire Marshal and OSFM K9 Commander John Nelson, have responded to and assisted investigators on countless fire scenes throughout the State.  K-9 Zorro has also assisted allied agencies on scenes in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and the District of Columbia throughout his career. K-9 Zorro has met thousands of Marylanders through public education events, displays, and demonstrations.   

Zorro, a black Labrador retriever, is currently 9 years and 8 months old and began his career at Puppies Behind Bars.  This program trains incarcerated individuals to raise service dogs for veterans and first responders, facility dogs for police, and detection canines.  Zorro was then acquired by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), where he began training in accelerant detection. Nelson and Zorro graduated in ATF ADC Class #117 in December 2016.  

Known for their extraordinary sense of smell and steadfast commitment to their work, accelerant detection canines like Zorro have been instrumental in identifying accelerants such as gasoline, lighter fluid, kerosene, and even odorless solvents used in arson cases.  Zorro is a food-reward canine, which is the standard methodology ATF uses.  The daily training and repetitions total over 130,000 times Zorro has eaten from Nelson's hand over the 8 years of service. Now, Zorro can enjoy retirement and ring in the new year with a normal bowl of food.

K-9 Zorro is DCFM Nelson's second ATF Accelerant Detection K-9.  His former partner, K-9 Charlie, who passed away in 2018, worked from 2008 until 2016. 

"The Accelerant Detection K-9 Program has been one of my job's most rewarding and enjoyable parts. From working with these amazing dogs each day for the last 16 years to meeting some incredible investigators and touching the lives of children and adults alike during this time, I wouldn't change a thing. The work these K-9s do each day to help solve the crime of arson is invaluable, and I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with these two dogs."  said Deputy Chief  Nelson.

There are currently just under 70 ATF Accelerant Detection Canine teams across the United States & Canada.

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Deputy Chief & K9 Commander John Nelson & K9 Zorro

Deputy Chief John Nelson and K9 Zorro during one of his son's classroom presentations

Deputy Chief Nelson and K9 Zorro trained daily