PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – July 2, 2026 – The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for Calvert County, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 2, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, July 3. High temperatures combined with elevated humidity could result in heat index values of up to 108 degrees.

Calvert County Government will activate designated cooling centers at community centers Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, open to the public for residents seeking relief from the heat. Residents who need to take refuge in a safe, cool place may go to one of the following locations:

Harriet E. Brown Community Center

901 Dares Beach Road, Prince Frederick

Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Mt. Hope Community Center

104 Pushaw Station Road, Sunderland

Open 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Northeast Community Center

4075 Gordon Stinnett Ave., Chesapeake Beach

Open 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

*The second floor and balcony will be closed.

Southern Community Center

20 Appeal Lane, Lusby

Open 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Those using the cooling centers may bring medical equipment or use electrical outlets to charge devices. Bottled water will not be available, but the centers have safe drinking water available from drinking fountains and water refill stations.

Emergency cooling centers open when the need arises. Calvert County Emergency Management staff is closely monitoring the National Weather Service’s excessive heat warnings and will make a determination to keep certain cooling centers open past normal business hours if the need arises.

Calvert County residents are urged to take the following precautions to protect themselves and their families when temperatures rise: · Download the Calvert County Government mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enable push notifications for the latest weather updates and county press releases.

· Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration.

· Stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible and limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day. If you must be outdoors, wear sunscreen, seek shade when available and take frequent breaks in a cool location.

· Check on older adults, young children, people with chronic medical conditions and neighbors who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat.

· Know the signs of heat-related illness. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, headache and weakness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and may cause a high body temperature, confusion, loss of consciousness or hot, dry skin. Call 911 immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke or heat related illness.

· Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles, even with the windows down. Temperatures inside a vehicle can become deadly within minutes.

· Provide pets with fresh water and shade or bring them indoors during periods of extreme heat. Limit walks to cooler morning or evening hours and avoid hot pavement that can burn paws

For more information on safety recommendations visit www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/Heat. Sign up for alerts at the Calvert County alert page.

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.

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – ?July 1, 2026? – The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved a $420 million fiscal year (FY) 2027 general fund operating budget at the June 9 BOCC meeting. FY 2027 begins July 1, 2026.  

The approved budget reflects the commissioners’ commitment to maintaining and enhancing the quality of life for Calvert County residents. The budget sustains current service levels across all county departments and agencies while aligning with the county’s long-term vision of balancing economic growth with rural character, investing in every generation and ensuring a high quality of life for all residents.  

Local income and property tax rates remain unchanged in the new budget, with the income tax remaining at 3.2% and the property tax rate remaining at 96.7 cents per $100 of assessed value. While tax rates remain unchanged, residents may experience increases in their property tax bills due to rising property assessments conducted by the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation.  

Highlights of the FY 2027 budget include:  

• Local funding for the Calvert County Board of Education totaling $169 million, $9.2 million above the state’s Maintenance of Effort requirement, reflecting the county’s continued commitment to public education.  

• Six new school resource officer positions, which places an officer in each public school in Calvert County, reflecting the commissioners’ continued commitment to student safety and overall public safety. 

• A $10 million in road paving and transportation infrastructure to improve safety and quality of life for residents across the county.  

• Approximately $3 million for snow removal operations to support timely response efforts and ensure safety throughout the winter season. 

• Enterprise funds supporting essential services, including $12 million for water and sewer operations and $17 million for solid waste and recycling operations.  

• A six-year CIP totaling $579 million that outlines the county’s long-term capital investments. Education projects, including school construction, renovations and repairs, represent the largest share of the plan at $183 million.  

• A step increase and cost-of-living adjustment for Calvert County government employees, as well as FOP negotiated pay scale enhancements for the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center.  

Effective July 1, 2026, some fees will increase for the departments of Planning & Zoning, Public Works Solid Waste & Recycling Division and Parks & Recreation.   

To review the list of fee changes visit www.calvertcountymd.gov/FY27OperatingFees. To review the approved operating and capital budgets, visit the Finance & Budget page.    

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.  

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(PIKESVILLE, MD) – Maryland State Police are reminding motorists to drive responsibly ahead of the Fourth of July weekend.

Maryland State Troopers across the state will conduct high-visibility patrols from Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 5. The State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort (SPIDRE) team – a specialized unit trained to identify impaired drivers—will also work to reduce impaired driving-related injuries and deaths.

Maryland State Police initiatives are designed to prevent dangerous driving behaviors and to save lives. Initiatives can include partnering with allied law enforcement and state agencies to provide enforcement and community outreach via social media.

If you are attending a Fourth of July event:

• Designate a sober driver. Give that person your car keys.
• Avoid drinking if you are planning to drive.
• Consider using public transportation. Call a taxi or use a ride-share service.
• Do not let friends drive if you think they are impaired.
• Call the police if you see someone who you believe is driving impaired.
• Always buckle up.
• Do not text, drive distracted or use a cellphone that is not hands-free.

If you are hosting a Fourth of July event:

• Remember that you can be held liable if someone you served alcohol to ends up in an impaired driving crash.
• Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Ensure sober drivers or alternative modes of transportation are available.
• Have contact information for local taxi companies readily available.
• Take away the keys from anyone who is thinking about driving impaired.

A portion of the costs associated with the increased enforcement efforts will be paid through funds provided by the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office.

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – July 1, 2026 – The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Calvert County for July 1, and an Extreme Heat Watch has been issued for July 2-3. Calvert County reminds all residents to be prepared for extreme heat. You can prepare for extreme heat several ways. · Download the Calvert County Government mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enable push notifications for the latest weather updates and county press releases.

· Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration.

· Stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible and limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day. If you must be outdoors, wear sunscreen, seek shade when available and take frequent breaks in a cool location.

· Check on older adults, young children, people with chronic medical conditions and neighbors who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat.

· Know the signs of heat-related illness. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, headache and weakness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and may cause a high body temperature, confusion, loss of consciousness or hot, dry skin. Call 911 immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke or heat related illness.

· Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles, even with the windows down. Temperatures inside a vehicle can become deadly within minutes.

· Provide pets with fresh water and shade or bring them indoors during periods of extreme heat. Limit walks to cooler morning or evening hours and avoid hot pavement that can burn paws.

For more information and safety recommendations visit www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/Heat. Sign up for alerts at the Calvert County alert page.

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 (July 1, 2026) – The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office invites community members to register their neighborhoods now for participation in National Night Out, taking place Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

National Night Out is a nationwide campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to help make communities safer and more caring places to live.

Sheriff’s deputies, Maryland State Police, elected officials, volunteer fire departments and rescue squads, and other community representatives will fan out across St. Mary’s County on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, from 6 to 8 pm in participating neighborhoods.

National Night Out is proudly sponsored locally by SMECO.

Neighborhoods planning to participate are asked to register with the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, even if they have already signed up through the National Night Out website. This helps ensure your event is included in local planning, coordination, and outreach efforts.

The deadline to register with the Sheriff's Office is Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

To register your neighborhood event or let us know you've already registered nationally, visit www.firstsheriff.com/community/national-night-out or email smcnno@stmaryscountymd.gov.

Let’s work together to build stronger, safer neighborhoods across St. Mary’s County.

GLEN BURNIE, Md. (July 1, 2026) – As Marylanders celebrate America 250 parades and festivals across the State, the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration is reminding drivers the best way to celebrate is to plan for a safe and sober ride. Impaired driving is preventable and no celebration is worth risking a life. Before heading out, drivers are encouraged to designate a sober driver, use public transportation or a rideshare service or make plans to stay where they are celebrating.

“This summer, Marylanders have a unique opportunity to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary with family, friends and neighbors,” said Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer, who also serves as Governor Wes Moore’s Highway Safety Representative. “As you celebrate, please remember the responsibility that comes with getting behind the wheel. Always drive sober, drive the speed limit, eliminate distractions and always look twice for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists. Together we can make this historic celebration one that everyone remembers for the right reasons.”

Last July, 55 people were killed on Maryland roadways – the highest monthly traffic fatality total of the year. Every one of those tragedies was preventable. Whether traveling across town or across the state, motorists should make safety their top priority by planning ahead for a sober ride, obeying speed limits, buckling up, eliminating distractions and giving their full attention to the road ahead. Drivers should also use extra caution in neighborhoods and residential areas, where children may be walking, biking or unexpectedly entering the roadway while enjoying holiday celebrations.

Motor Vehicle Administration Branch Closures

In observance of Independence Day, the MVA will close all branch offices and Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) stations on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, 2026, in alignment with the state holiday calendar. MVA branch offices and VEIP stations will resume normal operations on Monday, July 6, 2026.

Customers can schedule an appointment at an MVA branch or complete more than 60 transactions with an account with myMVA Online Services – anytime, anywhere and at their convenience. Customers can also use self-service VEIP kiosks,?which are available 24-hours each day, throughout the holiday weekend.

View a complete list of 2026 closings here.

CDS Violation: 26-52650 On June 15, 2026, at approximately 9:50 p.m., Deputy Snyder responded to Safeway, located at 10276 Southern Maryland Blvd. in Dunkirk, for the report of a theft in progress. An investigation determined that Robert Patrick Kimberlin, 52, of Upper Marlboro, allegedly left the store without paying for merchandise valued at approximately $95, including three containers of Tide Pods. Store personnel confronted Kimberlin in the parking lot, where he became confrontational before returning the unpaid merchandise to the store. During the investigation, deputies observed suspected controlled dangerous substances and drug paraphernalia inside Kimberlin's vehicle. A probable cause search resulted in the recovery of suspected crack cocaine and multiple items of drug paraphernalia. Kimberlin was arrested and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with Theft Less Than $100, CDS Possession - Not Cannabis, and two counts of Possession of CDS Paraphernalia.

CDS Violation: 26-53056 On June 17, 2026, at approximately 10:44 a.m., DFC Parks conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle after observing it fail to stop at a stop sign near Costley Way in Prince Frederick. During the investigation, suspected drug paraphernalia was observed inside the vehicle, leading to a probable cause search. One passenger, Chelsea Lynn Lawrence, 31, of Lothian, admitted to possessing drug paraphernalia. Deputies recovered two crack pipes and suspected cocaine from her person. A spring-loaded switchblade was also located inside the vehicle. Further investigation revealed that passenger Matthew Blake Bernstein, 41, of Upper Marlboro, had provided deputies with a false name and was wanted on an outstanding warrant. Both passengers were found to have active warrants through Prince George's County and were taken into custody. Lawrence was charged with CDS: Possession—Not Cannabis and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia. Bernstein was charged with False Statement to a Police Officer, Concealing a Dangerous Weapon, and Obstructing and Hindering.

CDS Violation: 26-53532 On June 19, 2026, at approximately 4:21 a.m., DFC Sturdivant responded to the BP Gas Station, located at 2975 West Chesapeake Beach Road in Dunkirk, for the report of an individual who had been sleeping in a vehicle parked at a gas pump. Upon arrival, contact was made with the driver, Calvin Dennis Craney, 65, of Upper Marlboro, who was asleep in the driver's seat. During the encounter, deputies observed multiple alcoholic beverage containers in the vehicle's center console and detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from the vehicle. Drug paraphernalia was also observed in plain view. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of five hollow glass smoking devices with burnt ends and residue, a push rod with residue, a black digital scale, a small piece of copper, a plastic bag containing white powder residue, a camouflage folding knife with white powder residue on the blade, a multicolored folding knife with white powder residue on the blade, a blue pill cutter with white residue, 16 small white rocks of suspected crack cocaine, one large rock of suspected crack cocaine, and two bags of suspected marijuana. Further investigation revealed Craney had an active arrest warrant issued by Charles County. He was taken into custody and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center. Craney was charged with CDS: Possession – Not Cannabis and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

CDS Violation: 26-54049 On June 20, 2026, at approximately 11:39 p.m., Deputy MacWilliams conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle after observing it cross the center line on Bayside Road and turn the wrong way onto Mears Avenue in Chesapeake Beach. The driver, Tristan L. Morris, 30, of Madison, Mississippi, displayed signs of impairment. Morris admitted to consuming alcoholic beverages but declined to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. During the vehicle search, deputies located a prescription bottle containing a controlled dangerous substance, prescribed to another individual. Morris was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, related traffic offenses, and Possession of CDS – Not Cannabis.

Damaged Property: 26-53003/ 53010 On June 17, 2026, Cpl. Bucker responded to two incidents of property destruction involving political campaign signs in Huntingtown. The signs were located along northbound Route 4 just north of Bowie Shop Road and at northbound Route 4 and Mulberry Lane. The complainant reported that both campaign signs had been vandalized with red paint. The estimated value of the damaged property is $240.

Damaged Property: 26-53538 On June 19, 2026, at approximately 5:07 a.m., Deputy Madura responded to the 8100 block of D Street in Chesapeake Beach for the report of an attempted vehicle theft. The complainant advised that sometime between 4:00 p.m. on June 18 and 5:00 a.m. on June 19, an unknown suspect shattered the vehicle's rear passenger-side window and damaged the steering column and ignition cover in an apparent attempt to steal the vehicle. The estimated value of the damage is approximately $400.

Damaged Property: 26-53921 On June 20, 2026, at approximately 2:32 p.m., Deputy Connolly responded to the 8200 block of E Street in Chesapeake Beach for a report of vehicle tampering. The complainant reported that the driver's side door handle had been tampered with and was no longer operable. Deputies observed damage to the driver's side door and door handle consistent with an attempted forced entry into the vehicle. The estimated value of the damage is $2,000.

Disorderly Conduct: 26-53482 On June 18, 2026, at approximately 8:40 p.m., Deputy Parrott responded to the Rod & Reel Resort to assist staff with removing an intoxicated and disorderly guest from the property. The guest, identified as Patricia Kennedy Hammar, 62, of Dunkirk, refused repeated lawful orders to leave after being directed to do so by resort management. While being escorted from the property, Hammar continued to create a disturbance, refused multiple lawful commands, and was ultimately placed under arrest. During the arrest, Hammar actively resisted deputies' efforts to take her into custody. Due to her level of intoxication, Hammar was transported to CalvertHealth Medical Center for medical clearance. Hammar was later transported to the Calvert County Detnetion Center and charged with Disorderly Conduct, Intoxicated Public Disturbance, Trespassing on Private Property, Failure to Obey a Lawful Order, and Resisting Arrest.

Motor Vehicle Theft: 26-53340 On June 18, 2026, at approximately 11 a.m., deputies responded to the 8500 block of Bayside Road in Chesapeake Beach for the report of a stolen vehicle. Investigation revealed a white 2025 Lexus GX550 had been taken overnight from the parking lot of Horizons on the Bay. The estimated value of stolen property is $90,000.

Theft: 26-52860 On June 16, 2026, DFC R. Jones responded to the Calvert County Sheriff's Office located at 30 Church St, Prince Frederick, MD 20678 for the report of a lost/stolen tag. The complainant reported his front Maryland registration plate was stolen off his vehicle. The estimated value of stolen property is $100.

Theft: 26-53134 On June 17, 2026, at approximately 3:10 p.m., DFC Morrison responded to Walmart, located at 10600 Town Center Blvd. in Dunkirk, for a reported theft. The complainant observed Lea Nicole Kincaid, 35, of Dunkirk, conceal merchandise in her bag over the course of approximately one hour. Kincaid bypassed all points of sale and exited the store without paying before being stopped by loss prevention. Surveillance footage confirmed the theft. The recovered merchandise, consisting primarily of cosmetics, was valued at $354.23. Kincaid was cited for Trespassing and Theft: $100 to Under $1500.

Theft: 26-53966 On June 20, 2026, Deputy MacWilliams responded to the 7500 block of H Street in Chesapeake Beach for the report of a theft. The victim reported that an unknown suspect stole the victim’s 25-horsepower Yamaha outboard motor from a boat secured to a private pier behind the residence. The estimated value of stolen property is $5,000.

Trespassing: 26-52753 On June 16, at approximately 9:19 a.m., deputies observed Marvin Charles Dickerson Jr., 42 of Prince Frederick, at the Wawa convenience store located at 305 Market Square Drive in Prince Frederick. A records check confirmed Dickerson had an active trespass notice for the property. Deputies contacted Dickerson nearby and placed him under arrest without incident. He was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center, where he was charged with Trespassing: Private Property.