State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that William Elliot Mitchell, Jr., 62, of Bushwood, Maryland, was sentenced to five years with eighteen months of active incarceration for the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle.

On April 21, 2025, deputies with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence on Woodbush Drive in reference to a report of a stolen Dodge Ram truck from a Waldorf car dealership. When deputies arrived, they observed the stolen Ram 2500 diesel pickup truck in question. The Ram truck had New Jersey plates and was attached to a dump trailer. Also observed on the property was a Kubota tractor. Both the trailer and the tractor were previously reported to have been stolen in 2023 by a separate victim.

“The theft of vehicles and other valuable equipment causes significant losses for businesses and property owners, which ultimately impacts our entire community,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute individuals who engage in property crimes.”

Assistant State’s Attorney John Cardozo prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.

Corporal William Rishel of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office was the lead investigator.

The Honorable Amy Lorenzini presided over the case.

The Calvert County Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management, will conduct additional outdoor warning siren testing beginning Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 9 a.m.

The supplemental testing follows the full-cycle test conducted June 1 and is intended to ensure all sirens are reaching the appropriate decibel levels throughout the surrounding areas.

The testing will involve randomly selected sirens located throughout Calvert County and near the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant emergency planning zone. Residents may hear siren activations intermittently during the testing period.

The sirens selected for testing include:

· Siren 1 – Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department (Old Field Road)

· Siren 61 – Mill Bridge Road

· Siren 55 – Route 760/Rousby Hall Road (near Patuxent High School)

· Siren 29 – Route 765 at South Plant Access/Nursery Road

· Siren 23 – Parran Road near Mackall Road

Testing is expected to begin at approximately 9 a.m. on June 4 and continue through the listed siren locations until completed.

Residents are reminded that this is only a test of the outdoor warning siren system. No action is required.

Visit the Calvert County Alert Notification System webpage to learn more about the county’s siren alert system and find additional emergency planning and mitigation information from the Department of Public Safety.

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.

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.

 

As part of the consent agenda, the CSMC approved letters of support for the Evergreen at Cedar Lane development and the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program.

 

The Commissioners then presented proclamations in recognition of LGBTQIA Pride Month, National Homeownership Month, and National Medicare Fraud Prevention Week.

 

The CSMC then presented a commendation to Susie Selzer in honor of her retirement.

 

The Commissioners then received a Board of Health briefing from Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer.

 

For their main agenda items, the Commissioners took the following action:

• Approved the request to schedule a public hearing on July 14, 2026, to consider a Resolution approving Verizon Maryland LLC’s application for a Cable Franchise Agreement.
• Approved a request to schedule a public hearing on June 23, 2026, to consider the proposed text amendments modifying development standards for use Type 60 (Fuel Sales) and creating new use types 76A (Small Box Discount Stores) and 77A (Vape Shops) and associated standards.

 

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

• Reviewed future CSMC meeting agendas.
• Approved the Federal Aviation Administration grant application to update the St. Mary’s County Regional Airport Master Plan.
• Approved the First Amendment to the Partnership Intermediary Agreement, effective June 25, 2021, between the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division and the CSMC.
• Approved the FY26 Federal Older Americans Act Notice of Grant Awards on behalf of the St. Mary's County Department of Aging & Human Services 

 

The Commissioners then wrapped up their business meeting with Commissioner Time.

 

 

The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County will have a joint meeting with the Commanding Officer of the Patuxent River Naval Air Station on June 9, 2026, at 9 a.m. This meeting will be held at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum; additional information is available at: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/pio/docs/2026-121NewsReleaseNASPAXJoint.pdf

 

The CSMC will reconvene that day for their regular business meeting at 11 a.m. in the CSMC Meeting Room, on the first floor of the Chesapeake Building, located at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. CSMC decisions and related documents are available on the SMCG website by clicking Board Documents from the home page. Meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live on SMCG TV Channel 95 or at www.youtube.com/@StMarysCoGov.

 

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

 

June 1, 2026

Photo by Tessa Farley, submitted to the 2021 Maryland DNR Photo Contest.

Maryland hunters harvested a total of 5,094 wild turkeys during the 2026 spring season. This year’s harvest was 5% higher than last year but remained below the record harvest of 5,356 set in 2023. 

“Favorable weather helped contribute to another productive spring season for Maryland turkey hunters,” Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Karina Stonesifer said. “While populations can fluctuate across regions and from year to year, turkey hunters continue to enjoy quality hunting opportunities across Maryland.” 

Garrett County reported the highest harvest with 542 turkeys, followed by Charles County with 452 and Worcester County with 430 turkeys. Allegany and Washington counties also reported over 300 birds each.

Youth hunters started the spring turkey season with the Junior Turkey Hunt, April 11-12. A total of 441 wild turkeys were taken during that weekend, representing 8% of the total. Sunday hunting accounted for 14% of the statewide harvest.

Hunting licenses for the 2026-27 season will be available starting July 1 on the Maryland DNR website. The major fall hunting seasons begin Sept. 1 with mourning dove season, and deer hunting begins with archery season on Sept. 11. 

Harvests by county for the past five seasons are below:

County	2022	2023	2024	2025	2026
Allegany	282	483	345	314	372
Anne Arundel	85	136	106	118	101
Baltimore	82	101	89	71	85
Calvert	72	99	107	101	100
Caroline	168	174	151	162	192
Carroll	94	132	125	118	130
Cecil	67	95	86	112	130
Charles	334	445	472	445	452
Dorchester	170	180	211	226	216
Frederick	343	391	322	281	294
Garrett	436	579	546	506	542
Harford	91	128	105	98	108
Howard	51	61	40	43	46
Kent	160	184	130	184	193
Montgomery	164	206	150	121	137
Prince George’s	115	164	135	129	123
Queen Anne’s	144	170	191	186	240
Somerset	176	199	202	175	184
St. Mary’s	204	253	226	282	293
Talbot	84	96	95	119	102
Washington	400	515	445	406	382
Wicomico	193	215	238	254	242
Worcester	293	350	442	400	430
Total	4,208	5,356	4,959	4,851	5,094

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The St. Mary’s County Planning Commission will conduct two public hearings as part of the St. Mary’s 2050 planning process. The hearings will provide opportunities for community members to share feedback on the draft Comprehensive Plan and applicant-driven Land Use Category Change Requests.

The St. Mary’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan will guide land use decisions through 2050 and help ensure the community grows responsibly while preserving its rural character, natural resources, and quality of life. Throughout the planning process, residents, businesses, and stakeholders have been invited to share their thoughts and ideas about the future of St. Mary’s County.

Public Hearing 1: Draft St. Mary’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan (June 29)

Community members are invited to provide feedback on the draft St. Mary’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan. The hearing will take place on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Commissioners Meeting Room, located at 41770 Baldridge St. in Leonardtown. A copy of the draft plan is available at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/stmarys2050.

Public Hearing 2: Land Use Change Requests (July 7)

Community members are invited to provide feedback on applicant-driven requests for Land Use Category changes associated with the St. Mary’s 2050 planning process. The hearing will take place on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Commissioners Meeting Room, located at 41770 Baldridge St. in Leonardtown. Information regarding Land Use Category Change Requests is available at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/stmarys2050.

For more information or assistance, please contact the Department of Land Use & Growth Management (LUGM) at (301) 475-4200, ext. 1500, or via email to St.Marys2050@stmaryscountymd.gov. Community members are also welcome to stop by the LUGM office to speak with a member of our team. Additional information, including office hours and location details, is available at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/LUGM.

About St. Mary’s 2050

St. Mary’s 2050: Charting Our Tomorrow is an update to the County’s Comprehensive Plan that will guide future land use and development decisions while supporting economic vitality, environmental stewardship, and quality of life. Continued community engagement is a key component of creating a plan that reflects a shared vision for St. Mary’s County’s future.

On May 30, 2026, at approximately 8:30 p.m., deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff's Office responded to a reported disturbance involving two individuals outside Traders Steak & Ale, located at 3855 Gordon Stinnett Avenue in Chesapeake Beach. Upon arrival, deputies located an adult male suffering from injuries consistent with an assault. An investigation revealed that the incident stemmed from a physical altercation between two men near the pavilion area at Kellam’s Field, located at 3825 Gordon Stinnett Avenue in Chesapeake Beach. During the altercation, the suspect, identified as Nathan Oliver White, 44, of Chesapeake Beach, allegedly stabbed the victim in the upper body with a flathead screwdriver. Following the assault, White fled the area but was quickly located and apprehended by responding deputies a short distance away. White was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with First-Degree Assault and Second-Degree Assault. The victim, identified as David Reidy Brosnahan, 54, of Washington, D.C., was transported to CalvertHealth for treatment of his injuries. While receiving medical treatment, Brosnahan became disorderly and threatened hospital staff. After being directed to leave the property, he refused to comply and was subsequently arrested. Brosnahan was charged with Disorderly Conduct, Trespassing, and Failure to Obey a Lawful Order. The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Det. Michael Mudd at Michael.mudd@calvertcountymd.gov. Please reference case #26-48089.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The St. Mary's County Board of Elections is reminding residents of important upcoming dates and resources related to the 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election and notifying the public of an updated date for the pre-Election Day mail-in ballot canvass.

The pre-Election Day mail-in ballot canvass, previously announced for June 1, has been rescheduled to Friday, June 5, 2026, at 9 a.m.

As voters prepare to participate in the upcoming election, residents are encouraged to verify their polling place, review voting options, and familiarize themselves with key election dates. Information on voter registration, mail-in voting, ballot drop box and polling place locations, sample ballots, and election results is available through the St. Mary's County Board of Elections website at www.stmaryscountymd.gov/elections.

To find their assigned polling place, voters may use the Maryland State Board of Elections Polling Place Search tool at https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/PollingPlaceSearch.

Key upcoming dates for the 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election include:

• Early Voting: Thursday, June 11, through Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Primary Election Day: Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 

The Board of Elections has announced the following canvassing dates for mail-in and provisional ballots for the 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election:

• Pre-Election Day Mail-in Ballot Canvass: Friday, June 5, 2026, at 9 a.m. (Updated date; Results will not be released until election night.)
• Post-Election Day Mail-in Ballot Canvass: Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 10 a.m.
• Provisional Ballot Canvass: Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 10 a.m.
• Final Canvass (Post-Election Day): Monday, July 6, 2026, at 10 a.m.

 

All canvassing activities will take place at the St. Mary's County Board of Elections office located at 23250 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Residents are encouraged to visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov/elections for the latest election information, including voter registration resources, polling place and ballot drop box locations, election calendars, and election results.

Questions may be directed to Wendy Adkins at wendy.adkins@stmaryscountymd.gov or by calling (301) 475-4200 ext. 1613.

License-free fishing days are great opportunities to give fishing a try or bring a friend who doesn’t have their license. Maryland DNR photo.

All state residents and visitors can fish without needing a fishing license, trout stamp, or registration on June 6, June 13, and July 4. 

Annual license-free fishing days provide a unique chance to explore the state’s diverse fishing opportunities. They are also a great time for licensed anglers to introduce a friend or family member to fishing.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hosts license-free fishing every year on the first two Saturdays of June and on Independence Day to take advantage of peak spring and summer fishing. On these days, any individual may catch and possess finfish for recreational purposes in any tidal and nontidal waters of Maryland. 

All anglers must follow current regulations, including size and catch limits found in the department’s fishing and crabbing guide.

DNR also has dozens of resources to help new and experienced anglers, including an interactive angler access map and fish identification charts. In addition, anglers of any level are encouraged to sign up for the weekly Maryland Fishing Report, which provides up-to-date fishing information.

Any angler looking to make a positive impact on the health of the Chesapeake Bay can use these free fishing opportunities to catch invasive species such as Chesapeake Channa (northern snakehead) and blue catfish. These fish threaten native species, but they are fun to catch and make a tasty, high-protein meal. There are no seasons or limits on catching invasive fish.

Aside from these free fishing days and certain license-free areas, anyone age 16 or older fishing in Maryland must possess a fishing license when fishing in Maryland. Licenses can be obtained or renewed online, in person at a department service center or participating retail sports license agents, or by phone at 866-344-8889. Fishing license, tackle, boat, and marine fuel purchases fund DNR’s fish conservation work.

Due to construction work occurring near the Environmental Health entrance and parking area at the health department on 21580 Peabody Street, Leonardtown, walk-in Environmental Health services will be limited to dropping paperwork off at the Main Entrance of the building on Monday, June 1, 2026.

Environmental Health staff will remain available to assist residents by phone at 301-475-4321 and by email at smchd.env@maryland.gov.

Normal walk-in services will resume on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 7:00 a.m.

Please note that this temporary closure only affects the Environmental Health walk-in services and entrance. All other St. Mary's County Health Department programs and services will continue to operate as usual. 

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience during this work.