The Environmental Health Division of the St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) tests the water quality of public beaches in St. Mary’s County from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Water quality advisories for beaches monitored by SMCHD can be found online at smchd.org/beach. Results are typically updated weekly on Fridays, pending sampling schedule and processing.

Swimming in natural waters is never risk-free. Beachgoers should stay informed of water quality advisories and practice healthy beach habits for a safe and healthy beach experience this summer.

Information on conditions for beaches monitored across the state is available through the Maryland Healthy Beaches Program.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1 and the Calvert County Department of Public Safety, Emergency Management Division, urges citizen awareness and preparedness.

The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June to November, with most hurricane-like weather occurring between mid-August and late October. Calvert County is at risk for strong winds, heavy rain, inland flooding and other severe weather. Residents are encouraged to be “weather ready” by knowing how to receive information and warnings, having an emergency safety plan and adhering to best safety practices during and after a storm.

The National Weather Service notes hurricanes can cause coastline damage and destruction several hundred miles inland, often in the form of extreme winds, abnormally and dangerously high tides, flooding from torrential rains and even tornadoes. Residents can prepare for severe weather by following the below actions:

·         Stay tuned to local radio and TV stations for official weather information, alerts and warnings.

·         Follow instructions and advice given by emergency officials.

·         Know your evacuation route and have an emergency shelter plan.

·         Remain indoors during a hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.

·         If you live in a mobile home, plan alternate shelter. Mobile homes can be unsafe in high winds.

·         Have a family communication plan and easy-to-find meeting place in case you are separated when a storm or disaster strikes.

·         Consider specific needs of household members, such as medical needs, dietary needs, disabilities, languages spoken, pets or service animals, as well as babies and young children.

·         Sign up for Smart911. Smart911 allows citizens to provide additional details that 911 call takers may need to assist them during an emergency. The system recognizes your phone number and automatically displays your profile on the screen of the call taker who receives your call.

·         Build an emergency kit and store supplies in easy-to-carry containers. Recommended items for a basic kit include water, non-perishable food, battery-powered or hand crank radio, flashlight, first aid kit, whistle to signal for help, local maps, cell phone with chargers and backup battery, prescription medications, cash, important family documents, blankets and change of clothing. Prepare supplies for home, work and vehicles.

·         Fill a bathtub or large container with water for sanitary purposes, such as for cleaning and flushing toilets. This is important for those whose water runs on an electrical system.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepared in the event of any emergency by visiting www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/BeAwarePrepare and signing up for Calvert County Alert to receive timely information about various emergency and non-emergency situations in the county. Calvert County Alert messages can be received by cell phone, landline, email, text messaging, fax, pager and more.

The Department of Public Safety also offers a free “Calvert Prepare” app to put critical, real-time information at users’ fingertips in the event of a regional emergency and helps residents stay prepared. Those without internet can contact the Calvert County Division of Emergency Management at 410-535-1600, ext. 2638, to sign up for additional emergency preparedness information. To view more emergency-planning tips and information visit www.ready.gov.

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

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Government’s (SMCG) Department of Emergency Services has confirmed that the connection issues impacting non-emergency phone lines for the Emergency Communications Center, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, and Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack have been resolved.

Community members needing to report non-emergent issues may resume use of the non-emergency phone lines to the Emergency Communications Center (301-475-8016), St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (301-475-8008 and 301-475-4040), and Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack (301-475-8955 and #77).

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) today announced $16,587,073 in funding from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to bolster addiction treatment resources and support law enforcement agencies’ efforts to tackle illicit drugs in Maryland communities. 

The awards were made available through ONDCP’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) and Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) Local Drug Crisis programs.

• $16,487,073, Baltimore/Washington Region (HIDTA): To support law enforcement agencies that seize illicit drugs, prevent and reduce gun violence and other violent crime associated with drug trafficking, improve interdiction efforts through enhanced data sharing and targeting, and dismantle illicit finance operations.
• $50,000, Mosaic Community Services (CARA): For community-based solutions to address illicit drugs in Pocomoke City, Md.
• $50,000, Garrett County Health Department (CARA): For community-based solutions to address illicit drugs in Oakland, Md.

“Families devastated by the opioid epidemic can be found in every Maryland community, and fentanyl has only made matters worse. We must pursue a joint strategy to hold drug traffickers accountable to reduce the deadly flow of fentanyl and opioids across this country and to provide treatment for drug addiction to make our communities safer and healthier,” said the lawmakers. “We know what we’re up against, and Team Maryland is committed to providing the necessary funding to protect our communities, get these dangerous drugs off our streets, and get people the support they need — especially in regions with high overdoses.”

The ONDCP was established in 1988 under the Anti-Drug Abuse Act to lead and coordinate the nation’s drug policy. 

LEONARDTOWN, MD (May 30, 2024) – On Sunday, May 26, 2024, Deputy Anthony Cucinotta responded to a call from an employee at the Dollar General Store, 30547 Potomac Way, Charlotte Hall, MD, reporting a suspected skimming device attached to a debit/credit card machine.

The employee indicated that on May 25, the machine at one register was malfunctioning. Upon inspection, a plastic piece mimicking the keypad was found taped over the machine's keypad. The initial investigation revealed that this piece was deliberately placed to defraud customers.

Surveillance footage showed two individuals entering the store on May 24 at approximately 11:51 a.m. They separated, with one person attaching the device to the machine. Both suspects then exited the store and left on foot.

The individual who placed the skimming device is described as a white or possibly biracial male with bushy hair, a dark mustache, a dark-colored tattoo on the left side of his neck, and a piercing in his left ear. The second individual is described as a white or Middle Eastern male with darker skin, long dark hair, and a goatee.

Anyone with information about the suspects or this incident is urged to contact Lieutenant Ed Evans at 301-475-4200, ext. 8018, or Edward.Evans@stmaryscountymd.gov.

Customers who made purchases at Dollar General in Charlotte Hall between May 24 and 26 should check their bank or credit card statements for fraudulent activity. If you suspect you have been a victim, please call the Sheriff's Office non-emergency number at 301-475-8008 to file a report.

May 30, 2024

(INDIAN HEAD, MD) – Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred Wednesday night in Charles County.

The driver and sole occupant of a Chevrolet Suburban involved in the crash, identified as Tyvon Gray, 34, of Cheltenham, Maryland, was pronounced deceased on the scene by Charles County emergency medical services personnel.

Shortly before 9:30 p.m. Wednesday night, troopers from the Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack responded to the area of westbound Livingston Road, east of Marbury Freeland Place for a report of a single-vehicle crash. According to a preliminary investigation, the Chevrolet, operated by Gray, was traveling west on Livingston Road when for unknown reasons, lost control, traveled off the roadway and crashed. Investigators believe that weather may have been a factor in this crash.  

Livingston Road was closed for more than six hours for the crash investigation. Personnel from the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration responded to the scene to assist with the road closure.

The Maryland State Police Crash Team is leading the investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.  

Lucy Perez, 11, awarded for catching diversity of species

Master Angler Lucy Perez with a bluegill. Photo by Nick Perez

Lucy Perez of Cecil County has earned a Master Angler Milestone Award under the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) FishMaryland program. The award recognizes recreational anglers who catch ten different trophy-sized species of fish in Maryland. Perez, 11, is the tenth Master Angler since the program began in 2019, the first female angler, and the youngest by a decade.

“I think this award is such an amazing accomplishment for me – I’m only 11 years old and have been fishing for 10 years and did something so incredible,” Perez said. “Being able to catch so many cool kinds of fish and to have people excited to see me getting closer to this goal is what kept me trying to get this award – this was really a lot of fun.”

The FishMaryland program includes dozens of species from both salt and freshwater. Perez submitted entries for all ten catches and received individual certificates for each catch. The department plans to present the Master Angler Milestone Award certificate along with a gift card prize from Bass Pro Shops at its Arundel Mills store. Perez caught her tenth FishMaryland eligible fish, an American shad, on May 6, 2024.

Perez’ qualifying catches, in order, were:

• Chain pickerel, 27 inches
• White perch, 13 inches
• Bluegill, 11 inches
• Yellow perch, 14 inches
• Crappie, 15 inches
• Smallmouth bass, 20 inches
• Hickory shad, 18 inches
• Carp, 33 inches
• Pumpkinseed, 10 inches
• American shad, 24 inches

She regularly fishes with her father Nick, who has often submitted photos of Lucy’s impressive catches to DNR’s Maryland Fishing Report and Angler’s Log.

“Lucy has been an avid angler for as long as she was able to hold a fishing rod,” said Nick Perez. “Her love for the sport is almost unmatched, and her preferred method of fishing is actually on the fly. At 11 years old she has caught fish a lot of people have only dreamed of, from exotic clown knifefish, to wrangling the ‘fish of 10,000 casts,’ the muskellunge – she does it all.”

Lucy Perez also wants to pursue a marine biology degree when she is older and is considering a career in fisheries management.

FishMaryland is Maryland’s recreational fishing award program and is a fun way to explore year-round recreational fishing and enjoy affordable, accessible, diverse, and high-quality fishing opportunities. More information on the Master Angler Milestone Award and the FishMaryland program is available on the program’s website.

St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) was awarded a 2024 Health and Safety Award of Excellence from the State Employee Risk Management Administration (SERMA).

This award recognizes the SMCHD Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Safety & Compliance Committee for its ongoing efforts to promote positive safety behaviors and culture at SMCHD. The Committee has been working to:

• Increase team member safety awareness
• Increase knowledge of safety
• Contribute to safety in the work area 
• Positively enhance the safety of others
• Contribute to improving health and safety overall within the agency

“Our incredible SMCHD team members are working hard daily to serve this community and advance health for the county. Protecting them honors that dedicated service and creates a safer environment for their work,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “I’m very thankful to our agency's OSHA Safety & Compliance Committee for their diligence in improving workplace safety. The additional training, improved procedures, and coordinated responses to workplace safety incidents have been part of a wonderful cross-agency effort steered by the Committee.”

Valued members of the SMCHD OSHA Safety and Compliance Committee include Tressa Setlak, Christina Hane, Sonia Vance, Chris Schuhart, Ashley Mowatt, and Chris Shea.

To learn more about SMCHD and its programs, visit smchd.org.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Government’s (SMCG) Department of Emergency Services is reporting connection issues to the non-emergency phone lines for the Emergency Communications Center, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, and Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack.

The 911 emergency number is not affected by these issues and remains fully operational. In the event of an emergency, you should dial 911 immediately.

Connection issues may impact the ability to reach the non-emergency phone lines to the Emergency Communications Center (301-475-8016), the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (301-475-8008), and the Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack (301-475-8955 and #77).

If you need to report a non-emergency situation, please follow the below instructions for assistance:

• Emergency Communications Center: 301-475-4200 and press 9
• Sheriff’s Office: 301-475-4200 and press 6
• Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack: 301-536-0256

Patrol officers arrest suspect in non-fatal shooting on Ravenglass Road in Waldorf: On May 25 at 1:36 a.m., patrol officers responded to Ravenglass Road in Waldorf for the report of a shooting. Upon their arrival, officers observed the residence had been shot several times. Several people were inside at the time and one adult male sustained a minor injury to his head, when he was struck by debris. Through further investigation, officers were able to identify a suspect and obtained an arrest warrant and a search warrant for the suspect’s Waldorf residence and a vehicle. The suspect was located inside the home and was placed under arrest. During the search of the vehicle, a polymer handgun was recovered. DeWayne Carlos Murphy, 41, of Waldorf, was charged with attempted murder, loaded handgun in vehicle, use of a handgun during the commission of a felony, and other related charges. Murphy is currently being held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center. Detective J. Wilson is investigating.

CDS Possession / Handgun Violation: On May 28 at 1:58 a.m., Officer J. Gordon initiated a traffic stop in the 5100 block of Indian Head Highway in Indian Head for equipment violations on a vehicle. Upon contacting the driver, the officer noted the driver’s license was suspended. The officer also observed a bottle of cough syrup with codeine in plain view. Further investigation revealed the driver, Robert Terrance Fletcher, 26, of Indian Head, was also in possession of cocaine, crack cocaine, and codeine syrup. Additionally, a loaded 9mm handgun was recovered with a full magazine. The handgun had been reported stolen from Washington, D.C. A computer check revealed Fletcher is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior conviction for a crime of violence. Fletcher was charged with possession with the intent to distribute narcotics, possession of a stolen firearm, illegal possession of a firearm due to a prior felony conviction, and other related charges. Fletcher is currently being held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center. Officer Gordon is investigating.  

Accidental injury at CCSO firearms range: On May 22 at 8:30 a.m., during a firearms training exercise, a Charles County Sheriff’s officer accidentally discharged his weapon, striking his leg and causing a flesh wound. Staff immediately applied first aid and summoned EMS from Hughesville VFD and Bel Alton VFD. The officer was transported to a hospital, treated, and released.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (May 29, 2024)—The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is currently experiencing connection issues with its non-emergency phone lines. If you need to report a non-emergency situation, please call 301-475-4200 and press 6 for assistance.

The 911 emergency number is not affected by these issues and remains fully operational. In the event of an emergency, you should dial 911 immediately.

The Department of Information Technology is working with the phone service vendor to resolve the connection issues and restore full service to the non-emergency lines as soon as possible.

Please visit the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office website or follow our social media channels for updates.

The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) has partnered with Maryland-based technology firm WellCheck to launch the St Mary’s County Mentoring Exchange. The digital platform provides an opportunity for parents and caregivers to explore youth mentoring programs and events in the St. Mary’s County community, and connects local youth mentoring programs with resources to support their work. Community service providers can also use the platform to refer their clients to youth development opportunities in the county.

"Positive, healthy relationships with adult mentors can change a young person's life in an extraordinary way. Youth mentoring promotes life skills, academic success, a sense of belonging, and long-term health and wellness,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “We are thankful for our partners at WellCheck who have leveraged technology to support the development and well-being of St. Mary’s County youth.”

“We believe that technology can be a powerful tool for social good, particularly when it comes to fostering the growth and development of young people. We are honored to partner with the St. Mary’s County Health Department on the St. Mary’s County Mentoring Exchange, “ said Chris Nickerson, CEO of WellCheck.  “This platform not only facilitates vital connections between mentors and mentees but also enhances the support infrastructure for youth mentoring programs throughout the county. By integrating our technology with the passionate work of mentors and educators, we are helping to shape a future where every child in St. Mary’s County has the opportunity to thrive."

Visit smcmentors.org for more information about local youth mentoring opportunities.

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office handled 1400 Calls for service, including 11 Emergency Petitions from May 20 through May 26, 2024.

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

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

ARRESTS:

5/22/24 – Amanda Rae Bailey, 41, of Leonardtown, MD, by Corporal Vincent Pontorno for Motor Vehicle Unlawful Taking, Theft $100 to under $1500 and CDS: Possession – Not Cannabis.

5/23/24 – Jill Marie Knittel, 44, of Scotland, MD, by Corporal Vincent Pontorno for two counts CDS: Possession – Not Cannabis.

5/25/24 – Trisha Kathleen Jones, 47, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Bradley Kirscht for Failure to Return Rented/Leased Vehicle, Theft $25000 to under $100000 and Theft $100 to under $1500.

5/27/24 – Deaune Nathan Clybourne, 30, of Callaway, MD, by Deputy First Class Raymond Allebach for Theft of $100 to under $1500 and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

DUIs:

5/22/24 – Crystal Dawn Miller, 42, of Chaptico, MD, by Deputy Christopher Hill for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, and related charges.

5/25/24 – Aaron Edward Hall, 19, of Westfield, IN, by Deputy Patrick Hudson for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, and related charges. NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

5/25/24 – Celso Isidro Rangel Rodriguez, 24, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Mina Geric for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, and related charges. NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

SUMMONSES:

5/20/24 – Cordell Marquis Green, 22, of Laurel, MD, by Deputy Alexander Tasciotti for Theft: $25000 to $10000, Motor Vehicle Unlawful Taking, and Reckless Endangerment.

5/22/24 – Richard Alvin Nolan, 36, of No Fixed Address, by Deputy Bianca Melton for Motor Vehicle Theft and Theft Less than $100.

5/22/24 – Amy Leigh Burke, 37, of Leonardtown, MD, by Deputy Aaron Ocasio-Rivera for CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

5/24/24 – Derek Scott Lengenfelder, 29, of Johnstown, PA, by Corporal Rachael Roszell for Theft: $1500 to under $25000.

WARRANTS:
5/20/24 – Francisco Jav Rodriguez-Avila, 34, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Alexander Tasciotti for Escape Second-Degree

5/22/24 – Amari Danae Gardner, 21, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Darrell Stewart for three counts of Theft: less than $100 and Theft Scheme: $100 to less than $1500.

5/23/24 – Derrick Khalil Kelton, 24, of La Plata, MD, by Corporal Vincent Pontorno for Rape Second-Degree. NO CURRENT PHOTO AVAILABLE

LEONARDTOWN, MD (May 28, 2024) – On Monday, May 27, 2024, while conducting proactive traffic enforcement on Great Mills Road in Lexington Park, MD, Deputy Joseph Senatore observed a Ford Expedition with the exhaust system dangling beneath it and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The driver tried to evade the traffic stop by turning into a neighborhood and driving at a high rate of speed until ultimately stopping in a residential driveway.

Upon contacting the occupants of the vehicle, Deputy Senatore observed suspected CDS paraphernalia in plain view inside the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered additional suspected paraphernalia, suspected cocaine residue, and crack cocaine.

The driver of the vehicle, identified as Karim Martinez Bouarfa, 27, of Lexington Park, was arrested and transported to the Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown and charged with three counts of CDS: Possession – Not Cannabis and three counts of CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia and is awaiting a bond hearing.

Burglary: 24-38259
On May 14, 2024, Deputy R. Contic responded to the 7600 block of Meadow Run Lane in
Owings, for the report of a commercial burglary that had already occurred. Investigation
revealed sometime between April 7 and April 18, three air conditioning units were stolen from
the victim’s warehouse. The estimated value of the stolen property is $6773.00.

Burglary: 24-38130
On May 14, 2024, during the early morning hours, deputies from the Calvert County Patrol
Bureau responded to the T-Mobile Store located at 10119 Ward Road in Dunkirk, for an
intrusion alarm. Investigation revealed unknown suspects had forced entry to the building by
smashing the front door glass window with an unknown object, stole merchandise, and fled the
area. Further investigation revealed, that the Verizon Store located at 2969 Plaza Drive in
Dunkirk, was also a victim to burglary. The estimated value of the stolen property is unknown at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

CDS Violation: 24-39115
On May 17, 2024, CCSO received multiple reports of a possible impaired driver unable to stay in a travel lane nearly striking the guardrail and other vehicles. Sgt. Kreps observed the subject
vehicle straddle the yellow dotted line. A traffic stop was initiated on Sixes Road in Prince
Frederick. Upon making contact with the driver, Kevin Vinson Scott, 50 of Prince Frederick, a
cut straw with a white powdery residue was observed in plain view. The traffic stop resulted in
Scott performing a Standardized Field Sobriety Test, which Scott failed to complete
satisfactorily. Further investigation revealed Suboxone was located in the vehicle without a
prescription. Scott was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with
CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia and Driving Under the Influence.

CDS Violation: 24-39040
On May 17, 2024, members of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit
(DEU) observed a hand-to-hand drug transaction in the parking lot of the Walmart located at 150 Solomons Island Road in Prince Frederick. Detectives made contact with Robbie Lynn Parker, 51 of St. Leonard, who admitted to selling Oxycodone. Parker was arrested and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with CDS Distribution of Narcotics and CDS: Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotics.

CDS Violation: 24-39395
On May 18, 2024, DFC Crum responded to the 300 block of Dalrymple Road in Sunderland, for a welfare check on an individual stumbling in the roadway. Deputy Sylver located Jacob
Tanner Papanichola, 26 of Lusby, in a muddy field. Further investigation revealed a plastic bag
containing 19 grams of cocaine was found on Papanichola’s person. Papanichola was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he was charged with CDS: Possession-Not Cannabis, CDS: Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotics and Obstructing and Hindering.

CDS Violation: 24-39316
On May 18, 2024, Deputy Chase observed a vehicle with an equipment violation and initiated a traffic stop on SB Rt. 4 in the area of Sixes Road in Prince Frederick. Upon making contact with the driver, Kofi Agyei Sarpong, 28 of Woodbridge, VA, a cut straw was observed in plain view. Further investigation revealed numerous cut straws and foil pieces with burnt residue throughout the vehicle. Sarpong was charged with CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

CDS Violation: 24-39603
On May 19, 2024, Deputy Grabilll responded to NB Route 4 and Dares Beach Road in Prince
Frederick, for a traffic complaint. Callers reported a vehicle all over the roadway, unable to drive
right of center, and witnessed the car almost hit another vehicle head-on. Sgt. Livingston
observed the suspect vehicle unable to stay in its lane and initiated a traffic stop. A K9 sniff was conducted on the vehicle resulting in a positive alert. Further investigation revealed a pill bottle containing pills with a white powdery substance inside of each pill was found. A white paper fold containing a white powdery substance was also located. The driver, Wesley Levi Willison, 35 of Oldtown, MD, was arrested and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center. Upon arrival at the Detention Center, a secondary search was conducted and a cut straw with a powdery residue was located. Willison was charged with CDS: Possession-Not Cannabis, Possession of Contraband in a Place of Confinement, and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

Theft: 24-37905
On May 13, 2024, Cpl. Ward responded to the 2200 block of Deer Run Court in Huntingtown,
for the report of a theft. The victim advised various tools and accessories were stolen from his
vehicle parked in the driveway. The following stolen items include a DeWalt rachet/ socket set, a Milwaukee M18 fuel impact gun combination set, a Milwaukee shockwave drill/ drive bit set, a Milwaukee compact electric drill, two Milwaukee electric drill sets, a Milwaukee roller bag, and other miscellaneous items. The total value of stolen property is $2,200.00.

Theft: 24-38230
On May 14, 2024, Deputy R. Contic responded to Dunkirk Hardware and Home Center located at 10745 Town Center Boulevard in Dunkirk, for the report of a theft. The complainant advised that an unknown suspect entered the store through the backdoor and stole 11 different Sawzall blades. The total value of stolen property is $198.20. The suspect is described as a black male, 6 foot tall, approximately 40 years old, wearing all-black clothing and white shoes. The suspect was seen fleeing in a silver crossover-type vehicle.

Theft: 24-38513
On May 15, 2024, Det. Hudson responded to the 9200 block of Dayton Avenue in North Beach, for the report of a theft. The complainant advised that an unknown suspect(s) stole a wooden cabinet from the victim’s porch between May 13 and May 14. The estimated value of stolen property is $50.00.

Theft: 24-39515
On May 19th, 2024, Deputy Brown responded to Larry's Auto Service located at 9319 Pardoe
Road in Lusby, for the report of a theft. The complainant advised that a 1990 green skid steer had been stolen from the property between May 18 at 12:30 p.m. and May 19 at 11 a.m. The total value of stolen property is $10,000.00.

(Waldorf, Maryland) – On Monday, May 27, 2024, at approximately 0546 hours, Troopers from Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack responded to Maryland Route 5 (Leonardtown Road) in the area of Lakewood Place for a report of a person laying in the median of the roadway. The male subject was pronounced deceased on the scene and car parts were located near the person. 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 (Unknown Year/Model) Ford was traveling in lane number one of northbound Maryland Route 5 in the area Lakewood Place. At the same time, a pedestrian, later identified as Terry Anthony Dorch, (54 yoa) of Waldorf, MD, was walking in lane number one of Maryland Route 5 in the area Lakewood Place. The vehicle struck Mr. Dorch and did not remain on the scene. It is believed Mr. Dorch was struck sometime during the overnight hours. A left side mirror from the striking vehicle was located on the scene. The tow mirror is commonly available for the Ford Superduty, Expeditions and Excursion. Please refer to photograph(s) of mirror attached to this press release.

Anyone who may have witnessed this crash or has information on the striking vehicle is asked to contact Sergeant J. Zimmerman of the MSP CRASH Team at (301) 392-1200 or can email a statement to justin.zimmerman@maryland.gov. The investigation is continuing. (24-MSP-017008).

The Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Class of 2024 will be honored during outdoor graduation ceremonies set for May 28-31 at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf.

The Class of 2024 includes 2,102 graduates who earned a collective number of scholarships totaling almost $184 million. The total is likely to increase as graduates report scholarship offers to their respective high schools.

First in the CCPS high school graduation schedule is St. Charles High School at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28.

The graduation schedule is as follows. All graduations will stream live at www.ccboe.com.

· Tuesday, May 28: St. Charles High School, 9 a.m.

· Tuesday, May 28: Thomas Stone High School, 1 p.m.

· Wednesday, May 29: La Plata High School, 9 a.m.

· Wednesday, May 29: Westlake High School, 1 p.m.

· Thursday, May 30: Henry E. Lackey High School, 9 a.m.

· Thursday, May 30: Maurice J. McDonough High School, 1 p.m.

· Friday, May 31: North Point High School, 9 a.m.

Valedictorians and salutatorians for the Class of 2024 were announced this week and represent the top academic achievers among graduates at each school. These positions are determined by student GPAs.

Leading the Henry E. Lackey High School graduating Class of 2024 is Isabel Raleigh as valedictorian and Anna Martin as salutatorian. Raleigh heads to the University of Miami in the fall and plans to double major in marketing and graphic design. Martin will attend Auburn University and plans to major in psychology.

La Plata High School Class of 2024 leaders include valedictorian William Alcorn and salutatorian Alan Sebastian. Alcorn will attend the University of Alabama in the fall and plans to study accounting. Sebastian heads to the University of St. Thomas and is planning to study to become a Catholic priest.

The Maurice J. McDonough High School Class of 2024 is led by valedictorian Noah Cusack and salutatorian Aiden Gibney. Cusack plans to attend the University of Tennessee in the fall and study nuclear engineering. Gibney will attend the University of Maryland, College Park.

Valedictorian for the Class of 2024 from North Point High School is Samuel Stine and class salutatorian is Shreeya Chada. Stine plans to attend the College of Southern Maryland in the fall and major in engineering. Chada heads to UCLA in the fall and plans to study on a pre-law political science and anthropology track.

St. Charles High School senior Miracle Washington leads the Class of 2024 as valedictorian. Chloe Del Rosario is the class salutatorian. Washington plans to attend the University of Maryland, College Park and will study computer science. Del Rosario will also attend the University of Maryland, College Park and plans to study architecture.

Valedictorian for the Class of 2024 at Thomas Stone High School is Carley “Charlie” Bowie and class salutatorian is Noah Prado. Bowie will attend Boston University in the fall and plans to study political science. Prado plans to study at the College of Southern Maryland.

The graduating class from Westlake is led by valedictorian Margareth Dagamac and salutatorian Mason Wheeler. Dagamac plans to attend Johns Hopkins University and will major in neuroscience and biomedical engineering. Wheeler heads to Marshall University in the fall.

2024 graduation numbers by school (scholarship totals may increase as offers are reported).

Henry E. Lackey High School

Total graduates: 257

Scholarship offers: $25,850,900.

La Plata High School

Total graduates: 290

Scholarship offers: $25,382,648.

Maurice J. McDonough High School

Total graduates: 252

Scholarship offers: $19,431,206.

North Point High School

Total graduates: 429

Scholarship offers: $45,453,619.

St. Charles High School

Total graduates: 368

Scholarship offers: $29,915,648.

Thomas Stone High School

Total graduates: 230

Scholarship offers: $18,378,497.

Westlake High School

Total graduates: 276

Scholarship offers: $18,900,000.

Total Class of 2024 graduates: 2,102

Total scholarship offers: $183,312,518.

On Friday, May 24th, 2024, at approximately 7:15 a.m., Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO) responded to the 20000 block of Colby Drive in Park Hall, MD, for a report of a person not breathing. Upon arrival, deputies located a deceased male victim lying on the ground outside of the residence.

Detectives with the SMCSO Criminal Investigations Division (CID) and a Forensic Investigator from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner responded to the scene where CID assumed the investigation. The initial investigation revealed no indications of foul play.

The victim has been identified as 18-year-old Eyverson Tykinnley Baker of Park Hall.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact Detective David Lawrence at 301-475-4200, ext. 8130, or David.Lawrence@stmaryscountymd.gov. 

LEONARDTOWN, MD (May 24, 2024) – The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office urges all residents and visitors to make responsible choices and avoid driving under the influence during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.

To enhance road safety during the holiday weekend, the Sheriff's Office will increase traffic patrols throughout the county. These heightened efforts align with a nationwide campaign to prevent drunk driving and protect all road users.

Here are some tips to help keep our community safe:

Plan and designate a sober driver before any festivities begin.

Use public transportation or ride-sharing services if you have been drinking.

If you see a friend attempting to drive drunk, take their keys and help them find a safe way home.

Always wear your seatbelt and ensure that all passengers do the same.

Report any suspected impaired drivers to 911 immediately.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, made the following remarks following the latest vote in the Senate on border security.

“Our immigration system is broken. The situation at the border continues to be chaotic and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle know it. The American people know it. Yet when given a chance to pass strong bipartisan legislation that could directly address the problems, Republicans balked. Again. Republicans insisted that we could not pass a national security supplemental without border reforms. They said the situation was urgent, but they reversed course when President Trump instructed them to kill it for his own political gain. National security needs to come before politics. This legislation is not perfect, but it would have taken important steps forward in improving the situation at the border. It would address delays in the asylum system to allow for more timely and fair determinations, crack down on the flow of fentanyl entering the U.S. and surge resources to the border to help President Biden better manage the flow of migrants in a more orderly process.

“The Senate needs to keep voting on this border security package until Republicans remember that protecting our nation and supporting public safety and our economic security are more important than election-year politics. We should pass this bill plus more comprehensive reforms that recognize the critical value that immigrants bring to our country, including a pathway to citizenship for the Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and long-time undocumented residents that now call the United States home.”

The Calvert County Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management will conduct a full-cycle test of the alert and notification sirens throughout Calvert, St. Mary’s and Dorchester counties Monday, June 3, 2024, at noon.

The full-cycle test includes a three-minute activation of all sirens within the 10-mile area around Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant. Citizens are encouraged to be aware of the testing and relay this information to friends, family and neighbors.

The testing is conducted to check siren operation and increase public awareness of the alert and notification siren system. If the sirens sound at any other time outside of scheduled testing, residents should tune to one of the listed local radio stations for information and instructions.

Emergency Alert System stations include:

• WKIK FM 102.9 MHz - California
• WPRS FM 104.1 MHz - La Plata
• WTOP FM 103.5 MHz - Frederick and Washington, D.C.
• WMDM FM 97.7 MHz - Lexington Park
• WPTX AM 1690 kHz - Lexington Park
• WSMD FM 98.3 MHz - Mechanicsville
• WRAR FM 105.5 MHz - Tappahannock
• WNNT FM 107.5 MHz - Warsaw
• WCEI FM 96.7 MHz - Easton
• WKHZ AM 1460 kHz – Easton
• WGOP AM 540 kHz - Pocomoke
• WCEM FM 106.3 MHz - Cambridge
• WCEM AM 1240 kHz – Cambridge

Visit www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/AlertNotificationSystem to learn more about the Calvert County siren alert system and to find other emergency planning and mitigation information from the Department of Public Safety, Emergency Management Division.

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

On Tuesday, May 21, Barbara Farmer, Community Development Supervisor, presented a draft resolution for a Proposed Community Development Block Grant to Acquire Land for an Affordable Housing Development in La Plata, which would be built by Osprey Properties. A public hearing on the proposed grant was originally held on May 7, 2024, and the record was held for two weeks for additional input from residents.  Commissioners voted 3-2 to approve the resolution.

Briefings

• Meg Romero, Recycling and Litter Control Superintendent, and Frances Sherman, Chief of Environmental Resources, updated commissioners on Keep Charles County Beautiful Initiatives. The county participated in the Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup on Saturday, April 6, and hosted the Charles County Community Cleanup on Saturday, May 18. The community cleanup rained out on May 18, and participating sites made arrangements for alternate event days.  Residents can continue participation through the Adopt-a-Road and Adopt-a-Spot programs. Future litter control initiatives include establishing full-time litter control crews to mitigate trash found in area roadsides.
• Jason Groth, Acting Director of the Department of Planning and Growth Management, updated commissioners on a draft policy and procedures document for Developer Bond Releases. Groth stated that the department spoke with local and regional stakeholders on an approach for the policy. A formal recommendation on guidelines is expected before the end of July.

Annual Updates

Commissioners received updates on the activities of the Charles County Pension Plan Committee, The Sheriff’s Office Retirement  Plan (SORP) Committee, the Other Post Employment Benefits Committee and the Historic Preservation Commission.

Approval items

Commissioners approved:

• A budget amendment increase of $198,500 to support renovations for the county’s new rental space on Stonehaven Place. The site will hold additional office space for the Department of Emergency Services, Planning & Growth Management, and the Economic Development Department.
• A change to the Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) Plan to replace an investment fund. 
• A letter of support for the Piscataway Conoy Cultural Museum.
• A change in funding method to the Charles County Pension Plan.

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

Next Commissioners Session: June 11-12

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

May 23, 2024

(PIKESVILLE, MD) — Maryland State Police beginning Friday will increase enforcement efforts on impaired, aggressive and distracted driving through the Memorial Day weekend.

State troopers from all 23 barracks across Maryland will conduct saturation patrols from Friday to Monday. Increased enforcement efforts are funded by the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office.

The State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort team—a specialized unit trained to identify impaired drivers—will also work to reduce alcohol-related injuries and fatalities. SPIDRE is funded by a grant from the MDOT MVA Highway Safety Office.

Maryland State Police safety initiatives are focused on preventing 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 and billboards.

Among the planned initiatives:

• Eastern Region:Troopers from the Berlin, Centreville, Easton, Princess Anne and Salisbury barracks will conduct high-visibility enforcement on major corridors and routes including 50, 13, 301, 404 and 413.
• Central Region:Troopers from the College Park, Forestville, Golden Ring, Rockville, Waterloo and Westminster barracks will conduct high-visibility enforcement on interstates 495, 95 and 695.
• Western Region:Troopers from the Cumberland, Frederick, Hagerstown and McHenry barracks will conduct high-visibility enforcement in areas known to have a higher number of traffic-related incidents including Interstate 68 and Route 219. The McHenry Barrack additionally will participate in a joint DUI enforcement with the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office.  
• Northern Region:Troopers from the Bel Air, JFK Memorial Highway and North East barracks will conduct high-visibility enforcement along areas known to have a higher number of impaired driving crashes and throughout the counties. This includes routes 40 and 213.
• Southern Region:Troopers from the Annapolis, Glen Burnie, La Plata, Leonardtown and Prince Frederick barracks will conduct high-visibility enforcement along Route 50 and Interstate 97 and throughout the counties.

Nearly 44 million people are expected to travel Memorial weekend, according to the AAA. This is a 4% increase compared to 2023 and is expected to be the second highest since 2005, with a record of 44 million travelers. Police urge motorists to avoid impaired, aggressive and distracted driving.

If you are attending a Memorial Day 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 Memorial Day 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.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (May 23, 2024)— The St. Mary’s County Sheriff's Office strongly urges all residents to lock their car doors whenever they leave their vehicles unattended.  Recently, there has been an increasing number of reported vehicle break-ins in the county. Many of these incidents involved cars that were left unlocked, making them easy targets for criminals. Locked car doors are a simple yet highly effective measure to prevent theft.

We are dedicated to ensuring the safety of our community. As an added security measure for car owners, we are providing free steering wheel locks to county residents. These free locks add an extra layer of defense to your vehicle, helping to deter criminals.

Thanks to a generous donation from Kia/Hyundai, residents can pick up their free steering wheel lock at the following locations:

District 1 Station
37575 Charlotte Hall School Road, Charlotte Hall, MD

District 4 Station
21633 Great Mills Road, Lexington Park, MD

Steering wheel locks are available seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. while supplies last. The offer is limited to one per person, and proof of vehicle ownership is required.

The Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey, a cooperative effort between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), estimates 317 million blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay in 2024, compared to 323 million crabs last year.

The number of spawning age female crabs decreased from 152 million crabs in 2023 to 133 million crabs in 2024, but is still well above the management threshold of 72.5 million crabs. The threshold indicates whether the female crab population is being overfished or not. 

Adult male crabs also experienced a slight decrease from 55 million crabs in 2023 to 46 million crabs in 2024.

The number of juvenile crabs in the Chesapeake Bay has been below average for the past four years, but rose to 138 million juvenile crabs in 2024. Blue crab reproduction is naturally variable and influenced by many factors such as oceanic conditions, available nursery habitat, predation, and other environmental impacts. 

“An increase in juvenile recruitment is certainly welcome news, and the stock and population as a whole remains healthy,” said Maryland DNR Fishing and Boating Services Director Lynn Fegley. “However the continued relatively low recruitment numbers warrant a closer look at our approach moving forward.”

The consecutive years of low juvenile abundance prompted the Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee to plan a new stock assessment for blue crabs, which will begin this summer. The new assessment will allow fishery managers to take an in-depth look at their understanding of the ecology of this species, how it is modeled, and whether the reference points used for management should be revised.

Mandy Bromilow, DNR’s blue crab program manager, noted there has not been an overall reexamination of the data that contributed to the 2011 stock assessment on blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay.

“We haven’t had a real evaluation of the assumptions we have in the model, and there are new analytical methods that could be applied to the data,” she said. The stock assessment is set to be completed and published in March 2026.

In the meantime, the Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee will review the survey results for this year and provide their scientific advice for management. Following their advice, DNR will begin discussions with the state’s Blue Crab Industry Advisory Committee to provide guidance concerning management options for 2024 that promotes the health and sustainability of the Chesapeake Bay blue crab population and its fisheries.

The Winter Dredge Survey has been conducted cooperatively by Maryland and Virginia since 1990, and the results are reviewed annually in an effort to have consistent management efforts across the jurisdictions. Throughout the survey, biologists use dredge equipment to capture, measure, record and release blue crabs at 1,500 sites throughout the Chesapeake Bay from December through March. Detailed results are on the DNR website.

 State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that a St. Mary’s County Jury found Joshua Terrell Trippett, 28, of Lusby, Maryland, guilty of kidnapping and false imprisonment for an incident that occurred on November 16, 2023.

“The defendant kidnapped a car dealership employee under the guise of a vehicle test drive. He drove dangerously and refused to return to the dealership despite the victim’s multiple pleas to do so. The defendant maliciously exploited the employee’s good faith. Preying on the trust of others is reprehensible, and I hope the verdict brings the victim a sense of justice,” said State’s Attorney Sterling.

The defendant faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and will continue to be held without bond pending a sentencing hearing.

Detective Andrew Burgess of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office was the lead investigator.

Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Sarah Proctor prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.

The Honorable Joseph M. Stanalonis presided over the case.

Firearm Violation: On Thursday, April 11, 2024 Tpr. Miller conducted a traffic stop on a Honda Civic with expired registration in addition to motor vehicle alterations that deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive. The driver was identified as Jefferson Peralta, a 27 year-old-male of Williamsburg, VA. Peralta opened his glove box in search of his registration and a 9mm handgun was observed. After contacting the Maryland State Police Gun Center it was determined Peralta did not possess a Maryland concealed weapons permit. It was also learned that Peralta’s registration came back for another car. Peralta was placed under arrest and charged accordingly.

Criminal Trespass: On April 15, 2024 Tpr. Hernandez responded to the Fox Run Shopping Center in Prince Frederick for a report of a female trespassing at the Joann Fabric store asking strangers for money for alcohol. Tpr Hernandez located the female and identified her as Arneisha Barnes, a 28-year-old female, of Bowie sitting outside of the Applebees. Barnes was previously served a No Trespass order for the Fox Run Shopping Center. Barnes was observed with a 32 ounce beer in her hand. Barnes was placed under arrest and transported to Calvert County Detention Center and charged for Trespassing.

Possession of Controlled Substance: On Friday, April 19, 2024 Tpr. Miller conducted a traffic stop on a Toyota Camry for traffic violations. The driver of the car was later identified as Deborah Wilson, a 53 year-old-female of Brandywine. The traffic stop resulted in Wilson performing a Standardized Field Sobriety Test, which Wilson failed to complete satisfactorily. Cocaine was later located on her person. Wilson was ultimately charged with DUI and CDS Related offenses.

Threats of Mass Violence: On Friday, April 19, 2024 Tpr. Dill and TFC. Kreczmer responded to the Magic Tunnel Car Wash located in Prince Frederick, MD for a report of an assault in progress. Upon arrival the subjects were later identified as Brandon Robinson, a 18-year-old-male of Prince Frederick, and Dorian Dickerson, a 21 year-old- male of Prince Frederick fled the scene. While speaking with witnesses it was advised that Dickerson stated he would shoot up the car wash. Dickerson and Robinson were later located by the Maryland State Police Apprehension Team (MSAT). Robinson was served with a criminal summons and Dickerson was arrested and transported to Calvert County Detention Center and was charged accordingly. 

Sheriff Troy D. Berry is pleased to announce the graduation of Charles County Sheriff’s Officers Lieutenant Charles “Chuck” Gass, Jr. and Lieutenant Kevin Conley (CCDC) from Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command.

The School of Police Staff and Command is an intensive leadership and management education program that helps prepare experienced law enforcement professionals for success in senior command positions. “Participating in this rigorous academic program requires a great deal of time, commitment, and dedication from these officers and their families,” said Sheriff Berry. “I am extremely proud of their commitment and look forward to their continued success as leaders within our Agency.” 

The 10-week curriculum, during which officers stay on campus and receive instruction in a traditional classroom setting, provides upper-level college instruction on topics including:

• Planning and policies,
• Media relations,
• Organizational behavior,
• Budgeting and resource allocation,
• Human resources,
• Contemporary policing and more.

Each student is academically challenged through written examinations, projects, presentations, quizzes, and a staff study paper which are all required parts of the curriculum. Upon successful completion, students may be awarded six units of undergraduate credit from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.

The Center for Public Safety was established at Northwestern University in 1936 to expand university-based education and training for the Law Enforcement Community. Since its inception, the Center has broadened its original objective and now provides a variety of courses and programs in the area of Police Training, Management Training, and Executive Development. The School of Police Staff and Command has graduated more than 30,000 officers nationally and internationally since its first session in 1983.

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) was accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) in 2001 and has since earned the highest rating of Excellence. Established in 1658, the CCSO is one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the United States. For more information, visit www.ccso.us.

Charles County Crime Solvers offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest or indictment of a person responsible for a crime in Charles County. All individuals who provide tips through Crime Solvers will remain anonymous. Anyone with information about an unsolved crime or the location of a fugitive 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, which can be found in the Android Store and Apple Store by searching P3tips. For more information about the P3 program, click on this link: www.p3intel.com. 

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is seeking Aaron Dondre Medley, 24, No Fixed Address, for failing to turn himself in to serve a sentence at the Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown.

Medley was scheduled to report to the detention center on May 21, 2024, but did not appear. Efforts to contact him have been unsuccessful, and his current whereabouts are unknown.

Medley is a black male 6’ tall, weighing 158 pounds.

Anyone with information about Medley’s whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Joseph Bowling at Joseph.Bowling@stmaryscountymd.gov or 301-475-4200, ext. 1959.

Tipsters can also call Crime Solvers 24/7 at 301-475-3333 or send a text to Crime Solvers at 274637. Type "Tip239" in the message block and select SEND. After 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.

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Wes Moore today announced $1.75 million in tax credits for nonprofit organizations through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Investment Tax Credit program. The funding will assist nonprofits with capital and operating costs associated with local housing efforts and community revitalization projects and initiatives.

"Those closest to the problem are closest to the solution. Our local nonprofit leaders possess a deep knowledge of the challenges Marylanders face, and we have an obligation to elevate their work through partnership," said Gov. Moore. "The tax credit support we announce today will help leaders on the ground serve their communities and make Maryland safer, more competitive, and more affordable for all."

Community Investment Tax Credits support nonprofit organizations by awarding allocations of state tax credits to use as incentives to attract contributions from individuals and businesses that benefit local projects and services. Eligible activities include costs for strategic consultant services, staff, general operating expenses, marketing, IT upgrades and other costs directly associated with community revitalization and development projects. Projects and services must be located in or serve a community in a Priority Funding Area.

In the Fiscal Year 2024 round, $1.75 million was awarded to 70 projects across the state, leveraging $138.5 million.

Businesses and individuals who donate $500 or more 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. The tax credits are in addition to the deductions on both federal and state taxes as a result of the charitable contribution.

Non-profit organizations that are supporting the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse recovery efforts and are 501c3 organizations may be eligible to apply for the program. Community Investment Tax Credits can be a powerful tool to increase donations for projects or services that provide food, income and job security.

“The Community Investment Tax Credit empowers local nonprofits in their efforts to end poverty, connect Marylanders with opportunity, and improve quality of life,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “These tax credits are powerful tools with a successful track record of strengthening projects that invigorate communities and support our people.”

For more information on approved projects from prior CITC rounds, visit givemaryland.org.

Fiscal Year 2025 CITC applications will open May 22, 2024, and close at 5 p.m. on June 26, 2024. 

For more information about the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Investment Tax Credit program, visit https://dhcd.maryland.gov/communities/pages/programs/citc.aspx.

The Calvert County Department of Public Works, Project Management Division, announces upcoming improvement work to South Flint Hill Road in Owings. Work is expected to begin May 28, 2024, and last three weeks, weather permitting.

Crews will conduct tree trimming, storm drainage improvements, curbing installation in certain locations and paving between 7002 South Flint Hill Road and 7021 South Flint Hill Road. South Flint Hill Road will be closed for active construction between 6:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding holidays); the road will be open to traffic 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, on weekends and holidays. During closures, access will be available using North Flint Hill Road.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to continuously improve county road infrastructure. For questions, concerns or additional information, citizens may contact the Department of Public Works, Project Management Division, at 410-535-2204 or email public.works@calvertcountymd.gov.

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

LEONARDTOWN, MD (May 22, 2024) - The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) will be closed for employee training on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. This includes the main office in Leonardtown and all satellite offices. Services will reopen for community members at 11:30 a.m. for the remaining business hours.

Visit smchd.org for more information on SMCHD locations and services.

On May 20, three students at JP Ryon Elementary School assaulted another student. The student who was assaulted was taken to a medical facility by their parents for treatment of injuries sustained during the assault. The assault was reported to school administrators after school hours and the school resource officer was notified today. In accordance with MD law, the three students involved in the assault cannot be charged criminally due to their ages; however, the students face consequences from the CCPS. The school resource officer notified the Charles County Department of Juvenile Services. Anyone with information may contact PFC Hancock at 301-609-3282 ext. 0499.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – All St. Mary's County Government (SMCG) administrative offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2024, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Offices will resume normal operating schedules on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

The May 27 closure includes:

• All three St. Mary's County Libraries (Charlotte Hall, Leonardtown, and Lexington Park)
• All three Senior Activity Centers (Garvey, Loffler, and Northern), and there will be no home-delivered meals
• The St. Mary's Transit System (STS)
• Department of Recreation & Parks indoor programs and facilities (exclusions below)
• The six Convenience Centers and the St. Andrews Landfill
• The Animal Adoption & Resource Center

The following SMCG operations will be open on May 27:

• Great Mills Pool (11 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
• Wellness & Aquatics Center (6 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
• The St. Clements Island Museum, Piney Point Lighthouse Museum, and the Old Jail Museum (open for visitors from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
• The Wicomico Shores Golf Course and Riverview Restaurant

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

(LEONARDTOWN, MD) – The Maryland State Police Aviation Command on Monday rescued an injured hiker at St. Mary’s River State Park.

At approximately noon on Monday the Maryland State Police Aviation Command was requested to assist St. Mary’s County fire personnel with the extrication of an injured hiker, who was located three miles into St. Mary’s River State Park in Leonardtown, Maryland.

Trooper-7, based out of St. Mary’s Regional Airport, responded to the scene and maneuvered the AW-139 helicopter into a 120-foot hover. Once in place, a state trooper/flight paramedic was deployed from the helicopter to assess and prepare the patient to be hoisted into the helicopter.

Under direction and coordination between the flight paramedic and ground personnel, the hiker was placed into a patient extrication platform and successfully hoisted into the helicopter. Once the patient was brought into the helicopter, the flight crew transitioned into a medevac role and transported the hiker to the University of Maryland Capital Regional Medical Center in Largo, Maryland, for treatment of their injuries.

The Maryland State Police Aviation Command has served the Maryland since 1970 and operates a fleet of 10 AW-139 helicopters from seven bases throughout the state. Each aircraft provides round-the-clock coverage to Maryland residents and visitors. The agency’s missions include medevac, law enforcement, search and rescue, homeland security and disaster assessment. The success of the missions relies heavily on the cooperative efforts of local fire, rescue, EMS, law enforcement agencies and our partners at the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Park Police.

The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) will hold public hearings on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. to present and receive comments regarding proposed increases to the real property tax and county income tax rates. The public hearing will be held in the Commissioners Hearing Room, located in the Calvert County Circuit Courthouse, Second Floor, at 175 Main St. in Prince Frederick.

The public may dial in by phone (audio only) to participate remotely:

·         Toll-free: 301-715-8592

·         Meeting ID: 899 4188 8251

·         Passcode (if asked): #

·         To provide public comment: *9

The real property tax rate is proposed to increase by $.04 per $100 of assessed value, from $0.927 to $0.967 per $100 of assessed value. This is projected to yield an estimated increase of $5.8 million in revenue. Based on state-assessed values, the average impact on taxpayers will be $152. If approved, the new real property tax rate would take effect for the tax year beginning July 1, 2024.

The county income tax rate is proposed to increase from 3% to 3.2%. This increase will yield $3.6 million in additional revenues. If approved, the new county income tax rate would take effect for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2025.

The FY 2025 commissioners’ budget is available for public viewing at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/FY25. Hard copies are available at the public libraries or by contacting the Department of Finance & Budget at 410-535-1600, ext. 2441, or Dawn.Wood@calvertcountymd.gov.

To ensure full public access and transparency, the hearing will be streamed live during the regular June 4 BOCC meeting on the Calvert County Government YouTube page at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov. The meeting will also be broadcast live on Comcast channel 99 and 1070 HD. Reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities or linguistic barriers should be requested by contacting the BOCC office at 410-535-1600, ext. 2202, or TTY 1-800-735-2258.

Individuals may also submit written comments. Written comments may be submitted by email to Dawn.Wood@calvertcountymd.gov or mailed to the BOCC at 175 Main St., Prince Frederick, MD 20678.

Interested persons are encouraged to attend the public hearing in person or virtually. To learn more about the budget development process at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/FY25.

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

On May 18 at 8:50 p.m., officers responded to the 3400 block of Highgrove Drive in White Plains for the report of gunshots. When officers arrived, they did not locate anyone with gunshot wounds; however, it was discovered several shots were fired and one of the rounds struck a house with adults and young children inside. Further, the shooting may have stemmed from an argument that occurred minutes before outside in the neighborhood. Officers are working on leads and ask anyone with information to call Cpl. Rash at 301-609-3282 ext. 0598. Tipsters who want to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app. A cash reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for the tip that leads to an arrest in this case.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Commissioners of St. Mary's County (CSMC) started the day with a joint meeting at the St. Mary's County Metropolitan Commission (MetCom), which included updates and discussion on capital improvement projects, problem water and sewer areas, an EDU transfer program, and the EPA lead and copper rule. The CSMC wrapped the joint meeting by approving MetCom's FY2025 Capital Improvement Budget and FY2026-2030 Plan. Video of the joint meeting will be available post-production at: Youtube.com/@StMarysCoGov.

The CSMC reconvened at the Chesapeake Building for the remainder of their business meeting. They began with an invocation and the pledge, followed by approval of the consent agenda.

The Commissioners then presented proclamations in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, National EMS Week, National Transportation Week, and National Public Works Week.

For their main agenda item, the CSMC approved the FY2025 Operating & Capital Budgets.

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

• Reviewed future CSMC meeting agendas.
• Approved the budget amendment realigning revenues collected from the Commission for Women’s annual awards brunch to the Jane Hale Sypher Scholarship Fund. 
• Accepted Program Open Space funding for the Nicolet and Chaptico skate park projects.
• Approved the Waterway Improvement Fund grant award for needed repairs to the pier at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park.

The Commissioners then wrapped the meeting with Commissioner Time.

The Commissioners will not meet on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. The next CSMC business meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 9 a.m. in the CSMC Meeting Room, located on the 1^st floor of the Chesapeake Building at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. CSMC decisions and related documents are available on the county government website in BoardDocs. Meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live on Channel 95 or on-demand via www.YouTube.com/@StMarysCoGov. Visit stmaryscountymd.gov for more information.  

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office handled 1424 Calls for service, including 17 Emergency Petitions from May 13 through May 19, 2024.

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

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

ARRESTS:

5/15/25 – John Patrick Furey, 43, No Fixed Address, by Deputy Brandon Reynolds for Theft $100-$1500, CDS: Possession – Not Cannabis and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

5/17/24 – Aaron Dwayne Johnson Jr., 27, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Joseph Senatore for CDS: Possession with Intent to Distribute: Narcotics, CDS: Possession – Not Cannabis, CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia. Johnson was also arrested on a Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear: Driving Without Required License.

5/19/24 – Joseph James Mendoza, Jr., 24, of Great Mills, MD, by Deputy Tyler Nichols for CDS: Possession – Not Cannabis, Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, Driving While Impaired by Alcohol and Driving While So Impaired by Alcohol Cannot Operate Vehicle Safely.

DUIs:

5/13/24 – Jose Adan Sermeno Gomez, 28, of Hyattsville, MD, by Deputy First Class John Gardiner for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving While Impaired by Alcohol and related charges.

5/17/24 – David Weldon Sweeney Jr., 39, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy First Class Jessica Wilson for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving While Impaired by Alcohol and related charges. NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

SUMMONSES:

5/14/24 – Tammy Nannette McGinnis, 55, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy First Class Travis Wimberly for CDS: Possession – Not Cannabis and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

5/14/24 – Cecilia Paige Gehris, 25, of Mechanicsville, MD, by Lieutenant Edward Evans for Theft: $1500 to under $25000.

5/15/24 – Michael Joseph Miles, 36, of Mechanicsville, MD, by Deputy First Class Richard Wilhelmi for two counts CDS: Possession – Not Cannabis and two counts CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

5/18/24 – Ronald Hart Lord, 65, of Hollywood, MD, by Deputy Joseph Senatore for Theft Scheme: $100 to under $1500 and related charges.

5/18/24 – Pennie Arlene Platt, 57, of Hollywood, MD, by Deputy Joseph Senatore for Theft Scheme: $100 to under $1500 and related charges.

5/18/24 – Christina Marie Russell, 41, of California, MD, by Deputy First Class Alexander Wynnyk for Motor Vehicle Unlawful Taking, Assault Second-Degree, and Driving a Vehicle Without Owner Consent.

WARRANTS:
5/13/24 - Zhane Tkeyah Woodland, 29, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy First Class Travis Wimberly, Bench Warrant or Failure to Appear – Motor Vehicle Unlawful Taking, CDS: Possession Not Cannabis, and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia. Woodland was also served with a Criminal Summons for three additional CDS charges.

5/14/24 – Jawaan Montell Carroll, 39, of Great Mills, MD, by Deputy First Class Travis Wimberly for Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotics.

5/16/24 – Rodney Michael Barbour, 63, of California, MD, by Deputy Aaron Ocasio-Rivera for First-Degree Assault.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – There will be a full-cycle test of the alert and notification sirens throughout St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Dorchester counties on Monday, June 3, 2024, at noon.

This includes a three-minute activation of all sirens within the 10-mile area around Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant. All citizens should be aware of this scheduled testing and relay this information to friends, family, and neighbors.

The testing is conducted to check siren operation and increase public awareness of the alert and notification siren system. If the sirens sound at any other time, residents should tune in to one of the local radio stations for information and instructions.

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 more about how you can be prepared and stay informed, please visit:

• stmaryscountymd.gov/em
• calvertcountymd.gov/101/Emergency-Management
• dorchestercountymd.com/emergency-management-division

 Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will host an informational open house meeting to provide the public with an overview of the upcoming MD 231 improvements on May 21, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) in Prince Frederick. CSM is located at 115 J W Williams Road, Prince Frederick.
 
The proposed improvements aim to enhance safety and traffic flow at Skipjack Road, MD 508 (Adelina Road) and Toye Lane to Prince Frederick Boulevard.
 
The SHA MD 231 Project webpage will provide additional information and updates. Customers may also contact the MDOT SHA District 5 Office at 410-841-1000 or toll-free at 1-800-331-5603 for further information. 
 

CDS Violation: 24-37134
On May 10, 2024, at 1:30 a.m., DFC Crum initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle following a traffic complaint. The vehicle was observed driving at unsteady speeds, swerving into the opposite lane of traffic, and driving into the grass onto an embankment. Upon making contact with the driver, Steven Michael Vandevander, 55 of Prince Frederick, a strong odor of alcohol was emitting from his breath; cut straws and an open alcoholic beverage were observed in plain view. A vehicle search revealed several Suboxone strips throughout the vehicle with no prescription. Vandevander was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he was charged with CDS: Possession-Not Cannabis.

CDS Violation: 24-36690
On May 8, 2024, members of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit
initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for an expired registration. Investigation revealed the driver
Shamal Ulysses Weems, 48 of California, MD, was operating the vehicle with a suspended
license. Further investigation revealed K9 Rico conducted a K9 sniff of the vehicle resulting in a positive alert for narcotics. A vehicle search revealed a glass smoking device (crack pipe). A
passenger, Shannon Marie Seals, 38 of California, MD, advised she had prescription
medication concealed in her bra. A search of Seals revealed 12 pills of prescription medication
with no valid documentation. Seals and Weems were transported to the Calvert County
Detention Center and both charged with CDS: Possession-Not Cannabis and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

Damaged Property: 24-36492
On May 7, 2024, DFC Huy responded to the 3100 block of Beaver Dam Road in Chesapeake
Beach, for the report of damaged property. The complainant advised an unknown suspect had
keyed the victim's 2007 orange Harley Davidson Motorcycle parked outside the residence. The
seat to the motorcycle was missing and the cycle’s gas tank had been tampered with. The
estimated value of damaged property is $2400.00.

Disorderly: 24-36349
On May 7, 2024, Deputy Baxter responded to CalvertHealth Medical Center located at 100
Hospital Road in Prince Frederick, for a disorderly subject. Contact was made with Elijah Jah
Hetmeyer, 26 of Chesapeake Beach, who was extremely irate and cursing causing a disturbance
in the hospital's waiting room. Hospital staff advised deputies they wanted Hetmeyer trespassed from the property. Hetmeyer was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he was charged with Disorderly Conduct, Disturbing the Peace, and Trespassing: Private Property.

Disorderly: 24-36493
On May 7, 2024, at 5:12 p.m., Cpl. Robshaw responded to the area of Rt. 4 and Apple Way in
Dunkirk, for a disorderly subject. The Calvert Control Center received several calls advising a
white male with a beard was throwing things at cars along NB Rt. 4 causing them to slam on
their brakes. Upon arrival, contact was made with Brendan Christopher Meyer Swope, 31 of
no fixed address, who was observed throwing objects into the travel portion of Rt. 4 causing
multiple vehicles to swerve lanes to avoid getting hit. Swope was advised not to throw objects
into the roadway during rush hour traffic. Swope became disorderly and numerous cars passing
him slammed on their brakes while observing his actions. Swope continued to yell at deputies
while jumping in the roadway. Swope was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center
and charged with Disorderly Conduct.

Theft: 24-36351
On May 7, 2024, M/DFC Burgraff responded to the 2700 block of Cove Lake Street in Lusby,
for the report of a burglary. The complainant advised sometime between midnight and 5 a.m., an unknown suspect entered a shed on the property and stole five dirt bikes to include a 2014 KTM 200 SC-W, a 2016 Kawasaki KLX 140, a 2017 Yamaha YZ 85, a 2016 Yamaha PW 50, and a 2007 Yamaha TTR-90. The estimated value of stolen property is $15,500.00.

Theft: 24-37551
On May 11, 2024, Master Deputy Burgraff responded to the 10200 block of Tickle Lane in
Lusby, for the report of property destruction. The complainant advised a side entry garage door
window had been broken and a Toro push mower had been stolen. The estimated value of
damaged property is $400.00. The estimated value of stolen property is $400.00.

Theft: 24-37606
On May 11, 2024, DFC Huy responded to the Victoria Station Pond in Owings, for the report of a theft. The complainant advised sometime between 7:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m., the victim’s fishing rod was stolen. The rod is described as all-white with a white/gray camo reel and a deer antler symbol on the handle. The estimated value of the stolen property is $300.00.

Theft: 24-36715
On May 8, 2024, Deputy Morrison responded to the Safeway located at 80 W. Dares Beach
Road in Prince Frederick, for the report of a theft. The complainant advised a couple walked out of the store with a basket full of groceries passing all points of sale. Contact was made with Emily Brooke Bailey, 31 of Prince Frederick, who confessed to the theft. The total value of stolen property is $192.41.

Weapon Violation: 24-37880
On May 12, 2024, Cpl. Bowlan responded to the Quality Inn located at 255 Lore Road in
Solomons, for the report of a suspicious vehicle. Upon making contact with the driver, Nicholas Logan Tayman, 27 of Ridge, a digital scale, an open container of alcohol, and a marijuana cigarette were observed in plain view. Further investigation revealed that Tayman attempted to remove two large bags of cannabis (totaling 134 grams) from the vehicle. A vehicle search mrevealed a loaded Glock-style handgun, a bag of cannabis, one THC product, and 41 plastic bags.
Tayman was placed into custody and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where
he was charged with a Loaded Handgun in a Vehicle, CDS: Distribution with a Firearm, and
Possession/Distribution of Cannabis Packing.

The Department of Public Works advises citizens that a section of Main Street in Prince Frederick will be temporarily closed to all motor vehicle traffic as crews conduct overnight water line work for construction of the County Administration Building from May 21-23. A section of Main Street will close on the following schedule:

·         Main Street overnight closure begins Tuesday, May 21, at 6 p.m.

·         Main Street reopens to through traffic the morning of Wednesday, May 22, through 6 p.m. with steel plates in roadway to cover holes.

·         Overnight closure resumes Wednesday, May 22, at 6 p.m. Water and Sewer will temporarily turn off water to the courthouse and Lusby Hardware to tie in the new water line.

·         Water and Sewer will turn water back on after water line tie-in is complete and Main Street reopens to traffic the morning of Thursday, May 23.

·         Main Street closure resumes to complete work overnight Thursday, May 23 at 6 p.m.

Electronic message signs are posted to guide motorists to the detour route. Motorists are advised to slow down, stay alert and use caution around the work area. Thank you for your patience and understanding. For questions or concerns, please contact Public Works at public.works@calvertcountymd.gov  or 410-535-2204.

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.

###

Section of Main Street in Prince Frederick to Close Overnight for County Administration Building Construction

Posted About Two Years Ago

The Department of Public Works advises citizens that a section of Main Street in Prince Frederick will be temporarily closed to all motor vehicle traffic as crews conduct overnight water line work for construction of the County Administration Building from May 21-23. A section of Main Street will close on the following schedule:

·         Main Street overnight closure begins Tuesday, May 21, at 6 p.m.

·         Main Street reopens to through traffic the morning of Wednesday, May 22, through 6 p.m. with steel plates in roadway to cover holes.

·         Overnight closure resumes Wednesday, May 22, at 6 p.m. Water and Sewer will temporarily turn off water to the courthouse and Lusby Hardware to tie in the new water line.

·         Water and Sewer will turn water back on after water line tie-in is complete and Main Street reopens to traffic the morning of Thursday, May 23.

·         Main Street closure resumes to complete work overnight Thursday, May 23 at 6 p.m.

Electronic message signs are posted to guide motorists to the detour route. Motorists are advised to slow down, stay alert and use caution around the work area. Thank you for your patience and understanding. For questions or concerns, please contact Public Works at public.works@calvertcountymd.gov  or 410-535-2204.

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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Charles County Government June Holiday Schedule

Posted About Two Years Ago

The County Administrator wishes to remind residents of changes to operating schedules for the month of June: 

 

Tuesday, June 18

• The Department of Planning and Growth Management will be closed from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

Wednesday, June 19 (Juneteenth Day)

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

• All indoor and outdoor pools are closed.
• Elite Gymnastics will be 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 Health Department: www.CharlesCountyHealth.org
• Charles County Public Schools: www.ccboe.com

 

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.

 

 On Saturday, May 18, 2024, Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call for a motor vehicle accident with injuries in the 21000 block of Great Mills Road.  Several witnesses reported the operator of one vehicle had fled the scene of the accident on foot.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered a head-on collision involving two vehicles. The operator of the at-fault vehicle was confirmed to have left the scene. Witnesses provided information to the deputies, who then, through a subsequent search, located and identified Patrick Shawn Daly Jr., 35, of Lexington Park, as the driver who fled.

The driver of the second vehicle sustained injuries and was transported to MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment.

Daly was arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown. He has been charged with Failure to Remain at the Scene of an Accident with Injuries and other related offenses.

On Tuesday, May 14, Jacob Dyer, Acting Director of the Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services, and Ms. TaTanya Bowman, Assistant Chief of Budget, held the final recap of the Fiscal 2025 General Operating Budget and the Fiscal Year 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Projects. The briefing included a final review of budget changes, including commissioner changes to the general fund and the capital improvement projects. Afterward, Commissioners then voted unanimously to approve the fiscal 2025 budget, including the general fund budget, the capital improvement program, enterprise fund budgets, and the County’s fees & charges list.

Briefings

·       Dr. Dianna Abney, Health Officer, provided the bi-annual report from the Charles County Department of Health. Presentation highlights include an update on the Nursing Program, a Virtual Narcan training program, Mental Health Awareness Month events, and the second-annual “Prep 4 Pride” Festival, scheduled for Saturday, May 18, from noon - 6 p.m.

• Julie Walton, Director of the Charles County Community Mediation Center at the College of Southern Maryland, provided a briefing on the center’s activities.
• Joseph Green, Director of Strategic Partnerships at GS Proctor & Associates, provided a briefing on the Brighter Tomorrow Act, which affects Solar Energy Generating Systems in the state. The law, passed during the 2024 Maryland General Assembly, requires the establishment of the Small Solar Energy Generating System Incentive Program, extending the duration of renewable energy credits, and other changes.
• Martin Harris, Director, Charles A. Strawberry, Jr., Capital Services Program Manager, Department of Public Works, and Kelly Robertson-Slagle, Director of the Department on Economic Development., provided a presentation on the feasibility of placing a logo on a Water Tower to promote the county. The presentation discussed the current and future towers in the county, the visibility of each current tower, and sample pricing for placing a logo on a tower. The Commissioners discussed the potential for the Bryan’s Road tower as a promotional vehicle for the Charles County Western Technology Corridor and asked that staff begin to develop policies pertaining to placing logos on water towers.

Public Hearings

Commissioners held a public hearing on Bill 2024-09: Zoning Map Amendment 23-03 Martin Knapp Properties. The bill would change the zoning of 8.1 acres along Leonardtown Road and Moses Way from Central Business to High-Density Residential. Commissioners voted 3-2 to close the record and pass the bill. Commissioners also held a public hearing for the draft Proposed Amendment to Indenture Docket 250 Villages at Swan Point. The bill would include definitions for Time-Share properties and fractional Ownership, as well as other changes. Commissioners voted unanimously to keep the record open for thirty days.

Commissioners also voted unanimously to adopt Proposed Bill 2024-10: Amendments to the Charles County Building Code.

Approval items

Commissioners approved:

• A letter of response to the Board of Fire and Rescue regarding the Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Assessment Final Report.
• A joint use agreement between Charles County Public Schools and the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism.

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

Next Commissioners Session: May 21 – May 22

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

BALTIMORE, MD (May 20, 2024) – On March 26, 2024, the state of Maryland suffered an unthinkable tragedy when a marine vessel struck the I-695 Francis Scott Key Bridge. The tragic loss of six lives will remain with us forever. Marylanders and visitors continue to adjust driving routes and habits with the Key Bridge no longer one of our Baltimore Harbor Crossings. The southeast section of I-695 is closed on Outer Loop at MD 173 (Exit 1) and the last exit from the Inner Loop is MD 151/North Point Boulevard (Exit 42). For more information visit https://mdta.maryland.gov/keybridgenews. --more-- The I-95 Fort McHenry Tunnel and I-895 Harbor Tunnel remain essential routes for motorists during this time. It is important to note that there are hazardous material and width & height restrictions at these facilities. Vehicles carrying hazardous or explosive materials, including bottled propane gas in excess of 10 pounds per container (maximum of 10 containers) are prohibited from using both tunnels. It does not matter whether the bottles are turned on or off, or for personal or business usage. These vehicles should use the western section of I-695 around the tunnels. More on vehicle restrictions here: https://mdta.maryland.gov/TunnelRestrictionsAndVehiclePermits. The MDTA Police Commercial Vehicle Safety Unit (CVSU) diligently monitors these areas to enforce compliance with safety regulations. Work zones are present within the heavily traveled I-95 corridor. MDTA urges all motorists to focus, slow down and stay alert when driving through or near work zones.

MARYLAND SHOREBOUND?

**For 24/7 real time Bay Bridge traffic information call 1-877-BAYSPAN (1-877-229-7726) or visit Baybridge.com. For real-time updates on major incidents on Maryland toll roads follow https://x.com/TheMDTA on X/Twitter.** More than 330,000 vehicles will cross the Bay Bridge between Friday, May 24, and Memorial Day Monday, May 27. Expect travel delays in both directions – often simultaneously – at the bridge and along the US 50 corridor throughout the entire holiday travel period when traveling peak hours. Motorists should stay on US 50 on both sides of the bridge to keep local roadways open for first responders and residents. The best times to travel across the Bay Bridge this holiday period will be off-peak, generally before 8 a.m. and after 10 p.m. Specific off-peak times for each day of the holiday period include: •

Eastbound 

Thursday, May 23 – before 10 a.m. and after 10 p.m. 

Friday, May 24 – before 8 a.m. and after 10 p.m.

Saturday, May 25 – before 7 a.m. and after 4 p.m.

Sunday, May 26 – before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.

Memorial Day Monday, May 27 – before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.

Tuesday, May 28 – before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m. •

Westbound

Thursday, May 23 – before 11 a.m. and after 8 p.m.

Friday, May 24 – before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m. 

Saturday, May 25 – before 11 a.m. and after 5 p.m.

Sunday, May 26 – before 11 a.m. and after 5 p.m.

Memorial Day Monday, May 27 – before 9 a.m. and after 10 p.m.

Tuesday, May 28 – before 6 a.m. and after 6 p.m.

Weather and traffic permitting, two-way operations will be implemented to help prevent eastbound delays from becoming gridlock at the Bay Bridge. Two-way operations may be limited based on westbound traffic volumes, as bridge officials strive to mitigate delays on both sides of the bridge. Two-way operations are prohibited during bridge wind warnings/restrictions, fog/limited visibility or times of precipitation, and may be prohibited during incidents. Historically, heavy traffic volumes and related delays have occurred consistently in both directions at the Bay Bridge during the summer travel season. Drivers who travel during peak hours should expect significant delays when crossing the bridge. The core issue is traffic volume exceeding lane capacity, not two-way operation timing nor management. This has been observed routinely for many years on Sundays where three lanes westbound are not constrained by two-way traffic, yet heavy westbound delays are still present.

Lane signals apply to travel lanes BEFORE, ON and AFTER the bridge wherever lane signals are present. • RED X: Means the lane is closed. You MUST NOT enter or travel in any lane over which a RED X signal is shown. --more-- • YELLOW X: Prepare to vacate the lane beneath the YELLOW X signal and move to a lane with a DOWNWARD GREEN ARROW. • DOWNWARD GREEN ARROW: Motorists can drive in the lane beneath the GREEN ARROW signal. Police enforcement continues for motorists failing to obey the lane-use control signals on the US 50 approaches and on the bridge. Commercial vehicles must travel across the Bay Bridge in the right lane. STAY ON SAFETY STREET Protect yourself, your family and other travelers this Memorial Day weekend by following these rules of the road: • Remember that Maryland’s Move Over law applies to all stopped vehicles displaying any type of caution signals or warning lights. If you cannot safely move over into an available lane that’s not immediately adjacent to the stopped vehicle, slow down. • Allow for extra time to get to your destination. • Adhere to speed limits. Speeding gives you less time to react and increases the severity of a crash. • Avoid distractions when driving. It only takes a second to wreck it. • There’s no excuse for impaired driving. Designate a sober driver, call a taxi or ride-share service or use Maryland Transit Administration’s public transportation options. • Look twice for motorcycles. Riders must have a valid motorcycle license and should stay up to date on motorcycle safety. • Secure your load in vehicles and trailers before traveling. Items that can shift, slide or fall onto the roadway can lead to serious vehicle crashes, especially on roads with no shoulders like bridges and tunnels. • Make sure your vehicle is road ready. If your vehicle breaks down, exit the roadway. If that isn’t possible, remain inside your vehicle and call #77 for assistance. • Double (side-by-side) separation of lanes where Solid–White travel is in the same direction, indicates lane changing is prohibited. Changing lanes in tunnels and on bridges can be hazardous, especially with minimal or no shoulders. MDTA Police will remain vigilant and target dangerous drivers, seat belt violations and criminal activity throughout the holiday travel period. To report aggressive or dangerous driving on Maryland toll roads, call MDTA Police Dispatch at 410-537-7911. PAY TOLLS YOUR WAY! Tolls in Maryland are collected through E-ZPass, Pay-By-Plate and Video Tolling. E-ZPass is the most cost-effective, saving drivers up to 77% versus the higher rates –and also saving the additional paperwork – that comes with Video Tolls. With Pay-By-Plate, tolls are automatically billed to the driver’s registered credit card as they use Maryland toll facilities, with no need for a transponder or pre-paid deposit. Pay-By-Plate rates are the same as former cash rates. Learn more and enroll in E-ZPass or sign up for Pay-By-Plate at https://www.driveezmd.com/acct-types/. If using a rental vehicle over the holiday, you can add vehicle information temporarily to an E-ZPass or Pay-By-Plate account. Otherwise, be sure to alert the rental car company before traveling a route that includes a toll facility. DriveEzMD Customer Service Centers will be closed Saturday, May 25, and Monday, May 27. Visit DriveEzMD.com, download the DriveEzMD mobile app or use the automated system at 1-888-321-6824 for 24/7 account maintenance or to make payments.

A report finds the number of state legislators from working-class backgrounds are scarce in Maryland and nationwide. Researchers from Duke University and Loyola University Chicago found that nationally only 1-point-6-percent of state lawmakers currently or last worked jobs considered to be working class; in Maryland that number is 1-percent. Working-class jobs included construction workers, service-industry jobs such as waiters or bartenders, clerical positions, or labor union jobs. Study co-author Nicholas Carnes says the absence of an entire economic class of people from the legislative process will determine the kind of problems addressed and the solutions proposed.

"If no one in the room has been on what we used to call food stamps, is the $15-a-month reduction a big deal? No, it's not a big deal. Well, yeah, it actually is a big deal for some people."

The study found Alaska has the highest number of working-class legislators at 5-percent.

Researchers found that nationally out of more than 73-hundred lawmakers, only 116 were working class, including about 1-percent of Republicans and 2-percent of Democrats. In 10 states, there are no legislators from working-class jobs. Carnes pointed to the time and expense of running for office as a major barrier to entry.

"It's not that they're not good enough, it's not that voters don't like them, it's just that running for office is really burdensome, and so you would not expect people who are burdened in their economic lives to be able to take on this other burdensome activity."

Carnes says targeted interventions are needed to make running for office more accessible to working-class people.

Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Police Officers conducted high visibility traffic enforcement along US-50 near the Bay Bridge on Friday in an effort to reduce crashes and educate motorists prior to Memorial Day weekend and the busy summer travel season. MDTA Police Officers were joined by troopers from the Maryland State Police, officers from the Anne Arundel County Police Department and deputies from the Queen Anne’s County Office of the Sheriff. Officers focused on leading causes of crashes including aggressive and distracted driving as well as violations of the “Red X” overhead lane signals near the Bay Bridge. Officers conducted 189 traffic stops and issued a combined 277 citations, warnings and repair orders during the initiative. One driver was charged with driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and two drivers were charged with drug offenses. Additional enforcement efforts are planned at the Bay Bridge and other MDTA facilities throughout the summer travel months. To report dangerous driving on Maryland toll roads, contact MDTA Police Dispatch at 410-537-7911. Those charged with a crime are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

On May 16, 2024, an overflow of raw wastewater was discovered north of Briarwood Drive, in Waldorf, releasing over 10,000 gallons of wastewater into the area.

The Department of Public Works is working to stop the overflow. The area is being posted with signs and residents are cautioned to avoid the area. If you have questions, please contact the Department of Public Works at 301.609.7400.

 On Thursday, May 16, 2024, deputies from the Patrol and Criminal Investigations Division were conducting proactive traffic enforcement near FDR Boulevard and MacArthur Boulevard in California, MD. During this operation, they observed a Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Shawn Maurice Dickens, 41, of Great Mills, who was known to the officers and confirmed to have a suspended Maryland driver’s license due to unpaid child support.

As the Tahoe approached the intersection of FDR Boulevard and Buck Hewitt Road, deputies saw Dickens throw an object from the vehicle, immediately turn, park, exit, and walk away. The deputies detained Dickens and searched the area, recovering suspected drug-related paraphernalia. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed additional suspected paraphernalia and suspected cocaine.

Dickens was arrested and charged with CDS: Possession – Not Cannabis and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia and transported to the Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown.

 Charles County Sheriff’s investigators are seeking the whereabouts of Mack Lee Cleckley, age 40, of no fixed address. Cleckley has an active warrant for revocation of bond due to violating the conditions under which he was released. The facts of the case are as follows: In August 2023, detectives assigned to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Enforcement Section presented a drug distribution case to a Charles County Grand Jury which charged Cleckley with possession with the intent to distribute drugs, possession of drugs, possession of drug distribution equipment, and other related charges. A warrant was issued for Cleckley’s arrest. Cleckley was located in April 2024 in Prince George’s County by members of the U.S. Marshals Capital Area Regional Task Force. Cleckley was transported to the Charles County Detention Center.

On May 2, a judge ordered Cleckley could be released on electronic monitoring. On May 3, detectives learned Cleckley cut off the electronic monitoring device. On May 7, a judge issued a bench warrant for Cleckley’s arrest.

Cleckley has no fixed address but has ties to Baltimore and Prince George’s County. He is 5’6”,  weighs approximately 140 pounds, and has tattoos on both arms. If seen, do not approach Cleckley; he has previous firearms charges and has assaulted officers during previous arrests.

Tipsters are asked to contact 9-1-1. Tipsters who want to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app. A cash reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for the tip that leads to Cleckley’s arrest.

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Moore today announced $19.6 million in Fiscal Year 2024 awards through a new Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development program to help more Marylanders access high-speed, affordable internet. Home Stretch for Difficult to Serve Properties, administered by the department’s Office of Statewide Broadband, will provide internet access to approximately 2,400 unserved Maryland households in its first round. 

"To leave no one behind, we need to get everyone online – especially those who have been historically beyond the reach of traditional efforts to narrow the digital divide" said Gov. Moore. "By moving in partnership, we are extending broadband access to more Marylanders, meeting people where they are, and creating new pathways to prosperity for all."

Home Stretch for Difficult to Serve Properties is part of the department’s new initiative to serve remaining Maryland households without internet access. As of April 2024, 21,000 Maryland households are unserved. Awards for the second program under the initiative, Home Stretch for Public Housing, will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Funded through the U.S. Treasury’s American Rescue Plan Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, both programs are the newest additions to the Office of Statewide Broadband’s Connect Maryland initiative, which provides financial assistance to local jurisdictions to advance the state’s digital access efforts. 

"Access to high-speed internet is essential to building equitable pathways to economic, educational, and social opportunities for all Marylanders," said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. "These funds will help the Office of Statewide Broadband partner with local governments and internet service providers to close critical, 'home stretch' gaps in their broadband infrastructure to provide that essential access for unserved homes in their communities." 

Home Stretch for Difficult to Serve Properties funds help address distance from broadband infrastructure or other geographic issues that may discourage an internet service provider from delivering broadband service. In the first round, 18 jurisdictions received awards and every jurisdiction that applied for the program received funds. To view a full list of awards for Home Stretch for Difficult to Serve Properties, visit the Department of Housing and Community Development’s website.

The Office of Statewide Broadband works to ensure that all Maryland households have access to broadband through its programs to expand infrastructure and increase digital equity. Since the office was created in 2017, it has invested more than $270 million into broadband infrastructure and programs. Those efforts have provided high-speed internet access to an estimated 52,000 previously unserved homes and businesses statewide.

For more information on the Home Stretch initiative and the Office of Statewide Broadband, visit dhcd.maryland.gov/Broadband.

On May 16 at 3 p.m., officers responded to the 3000 block of Gallery Place in Waldorf for the report of the sound of multiple gunshots. When officers arrived, they canvassed the area but did not locate any victims; however, they did locate shell casings between two apartment buildings. Further, officers found a vehicle had been struck and a house on Alehouse Court was damaged. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call PFC Halterman at 301-609-3282 ext. 0732. Tipsters who want to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app. The investigation is ongoing.

Detectives assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division have identified and arrested a man wanted in connection with an armed robbery case. On February 22, a male and a female entered a home improvement store on Jefferson Place in Waldorf. They picked up several items and approached a cashier. The female paid for her items; however, the male concealed merchandise and left the store without paying. He was approached by a loss prevention officer at which time the male displayed a handgun.  The suspect fled in a car with the female. Through investigation, the male suspect was identified as DeShawn Grant, age 35, of no fixed address. An arrest warrant was obtained, and Grant was located. A search warrant was served at the location where Grant was staying, and detectives recovered evidence. Grant was charged with armed robbery, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and other related charges. Grant is currently being held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center. Detective Beach is investigating.  

St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Deputies from the Patrol and Criminal Investigations Divisions arrested and charged Danielle Lynette Washington, 37, of Lexington Park, with CDS: Possession With Intent to Distribute Narcotics, CDS: Possession with Intent to Distribute, and two counts CDS: Possession - Not Cannabis.

On Thursday, May 16, 2024, while conducting proactive traffic enforcement on Great Mills Road, deputies initiated a stop on a Chevrolet Uplander for suspected illegal window tint. During the stop, a K9 free air scan alerted deputies to the presence of CDS within the vehicle. During the subsequent search of the minivan, deputies located cash and multiple tied-off plastic bags. The bags were found to contain suspected oxycodone hydrochloride pills, suspected cocaine, and suspected crack cocaine.

Following the arrest, Washington was transported to the Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown to await a bond hearing.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (May 17, 2024) - The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) will not be able to process vital record requests on Friday, May 17, 2024, from 12:00 PM to close of business. SMCHD will resume normal processes on Monday, May 20, 2024.

To learn more about obtaining a vital record from the SMCHD, including document requirements, fees, and application downloads, please visit smchd.org/applications-forms-records.

Student at Henry Lackey High School charged with destruction of property and possession of a concealed deadly weapon on school property: On May 16 at 6:40 a.m., officers responded to a home in the 6800 block of Arbor Lane in Bryans Road for the report of a vandalism in which a suspect slashed the tires of a vehicle and threw eggs on the house and car. Through further investigation, officers identified the suspect as a student at Henry E. Lackey High School. The school resource officer and school administrators were notified and located the student. A knife was recovered from their backpack. The student was charged on a Juvenile Offense Report with destruction of property and possession of a deadly weapon on school property. The student was released to a guardian. Anyone with information is asked to contact PFC Bagwell at 301-609-3282 ext. 0680. The investigation is ongoing.

Narcotics investigators recover guns and large quantity of fentanyl pills: On May 15, pursuant to an ongoing drug investigation, detectives assigned to the Narcotics Enforcement Section served a search warrant at a residence on Jameson Court in Indian Head. The subject of the investigation, Carlos Leon Baker, age 35, of Indian Head, was arrested on-site. During the search, detectives recovered two handguns, more than 500 fentanyl pills, and a large amount of cash. Baker was charged with possession with the intent to distribute narcotics, illegal possession of firearms due to a previous felony conviction, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and other related charges. Baker is currently being held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center.

Starting with the 2024-2025 school year, Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) will offer additional space in its prekindergarten program for three-year-old students. To be considered for a three-year-old PreK space, a child must be three years old on or before Sept. 1, 2024. The child's family must also meet income eligibility requirements to apply and live in Charles County. Three-year-old children with an active IEP are also eligible for a PreK space. The application opens Wednesday, May 15, and closes July 1. Admission for three-yearold students is not guaranteed and spots are limited. Applications for the program must be completed online using the CCPS registration system in ParentVue. The program will be housed at the Early Learning Center (ELC), La Plata; ELC, Waldorf; Mary H. Matula and Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy elementary schools. The program will operate as a full day program and will follow the CCPS Parent Handbook/Calendar with the first day of PreK starting on Sept. 3, 2024. Parents will need to meet income eligibility requirements. The household income must be 185% of the Federal Poverty Level or less to apply. Income eligibility guidelines are below with additional requirements posted on the CCPS website at https://www.ccboe.com/departments/prekindergarten. Income eligibility must be verified with one of the following: • Copy of current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, approval letter listing date range the supplements are valid and household members. • Three recent, consecutive paystubs for each earner in the household. • Completed and signed Tax Return for 2023. • To verify homeless or foster care status, contact the Office of Student Services at 301-934-7326. Parents with children already enrolled in CCPS can use their active ParentVue account to register a child for prekindergarten. After logging in, parents can select Online Registration from the upper-right hand corner. The application will not be available in ParentVue until May 15.

Parents new to CCPS will need to create a ParentVue account to complete an online prekindergarten application. This process requires a valid email address. Click here to access ParentVue or visit www.ccboe.com and select ParentVue from the top right menu. Application requirements All required documents must be uploaded before an application can be processed. Applications that have incorrect or missing documentation will be denied. These documents include: • Income verification documents for each wage earner in the household. • Two proofs of domicile. • Child’s birth certificate. • Child’s immunization record. • Copy of parent/guardian driver’s license. Parents with questions about the required documents can visit https://www.ccboe.com/parents/online-registration. Additional information about the CCPS prekindergarten program is posted on the CCPS website at https://www.ccboe.com/departments/prekindergarten. Parents who need assistance with the 

LEONARDTOWN, MD (May 16, 2024) - The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) hosted a site visit for Maryland’s Commission on Public Health on April 19, 2024.

The visit highlighted some of the local public health initiatives of SMCHD and tours of both the St. Mary’s County Health Hub and the Spring Ridge Middle School-Based Health Center. The Health Hub offers a wide range of services, including behavioral health screening, crisis counseling, a jail diversion program, community mediation, and primary care medical services. The School-Based Health Centers – located at Spring Ridge Middle School and Margaret Brent Middle School – offer routine and urgent medical care, rapid testing and treatment for colds and chronic illnesses, sports physicals, and treatment of minor injuries for SMCPS students and employees during school hours and for all community members after school dismissal.

“We were honored to welcome members of the Commission on Public Health to Maryland’s mother county and highlight the work of our local health department,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “This site visit was an opportunity for the Commission to better understand local public health in Maryland and how important it is for local health departments to be able to navigate the unique needs of their jurisdictions.” 

Maryland’s Commission on Public Health is tasked with studying the foundational public health capabilities of state and local health departments in Maryland and the state’s ability to respond to major public health challenges. The Commission will make recommendations for reform in several areas, including the organization of public health departments; information technology, information exchange, and data analytics; workforce; procurement; funding; and communication and public engagement.

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

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

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

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 proclamations in recognition of National Drug Court Month, Stroke Awareness Month, Lyme Disease Awareness Month, Older Americans Month, and Historic Preservation Month.

The CSMC and Department of Land Use & Growth Management then presented the annual Historic Preservation Awards. The Historic Preservation Commission invites all residents to attend their upcoming lecture on “Early Southern Maryland Tobacco Barns” taking place on May 30, 2024, at 6 p.m. in the CSMC Meeting Room.

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

• Reviewed future CSMC meeting agendas. 
• Approved the letter of intent to the Maryland Higher Education Commission for funding to renovate Building A on the College of Southern Maryland Leonardtown campus.
• Approved the update to the American Rescue Act grant plan.
• Heard an update on the County’s financial health and update on the Committed Fund Balance from First Tryon Advisors; and approved the recommended change to the Committed Fund Balance and calculation of County Reserves.

The Commissioners then wrapped the meeting with Commissioner Time.

The next CSMC business meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 9 a.m. beginning offsite with the Joint Meeting of CSMC and the St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission at 23121 Camden Way in California, MD. The CSMC will reconvene at 11 a.m. in the CSMC Meeting Room (1^st floor, Chesapeake Building, 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown) for remaining business. CSMC decisions and related documents are available on the county government website in BoardDocs. Meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live on Channel 95 or on-demand via www.YouTube.com/@StMarysCoGov. Visit stmaryscountymd.gov for more information.  

 Following an ongoing investigation by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, Jontae Lamont Proctor, 21, of No Fixed Address, was apprehended on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in connection with the April 2 shooting at Applebee’s in California, MD.

Proctor was arrested without incident in the parking lot of a business in Mechanicsville on open warrants for Attempted First-Degree Murder, Attempted Second-Degree Murder, Assault First-Degree, Assault Second-Degree, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime of Violence, related firearms charges, and Violation of Probation.

During the arrest, Proctor was found to have a fully loaded handgun on his person and was charged with six additional counts of firearms violations.

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

####

Original News Release

St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Shooting at Local Restaurant

LEONARDTOWN, MD (April 3, 2024)—On April 2, 2024, at approximately 11:11 p.m., deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Applebee’s Restaurant on Miramar Way, California, MD, for the report of a shooting.

Detectives and Crime Lab personnel from the Criminal Investigations Division assumed the investigation and determined there was an altercation that led to one victim being shot while inside the restaurant. Deputies administered life-saving measures until the victim was transported to an area trauma center for medical treatment.

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Warren Forinash at 301-475-4200, ext. 8072, or Warren.Forniash@stmaryscountymd.gov.

Tipsters can also call Crime Solvers 24/7 at 301-475-3333 or send a text to Crime Solvers at 274637. Type "Tip239" in the message block and select SEND. After 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. If your information leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will offer license-free fishing days for all state residents and visitors on June 1, June 8, and July 4. These annual events provide anglers a unique opportunity to explore the state’s diverse fishing without needing a fishing license, trout stamp, or registration. 

The department hosts license-free fishing every year on the first two Saturdays of June and on the Independence Day holiday 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 all current regulations, including size and catch limits found in the department’s fishing and crabbing guide. 

The department also has dozens of other resources to help new or experienced anglers, including angler access maps 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. 

This year the department is encouraging anglers to catch invasive species such as snakeheads and blue catfish, which are affecting the overall Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. Both fish are great options for eating and a wide variety of recipes are available on the Maryland’s Best website.

Aside from these free fishing days, and certain license-free areas, anyone 16 or older fishing in Maryland must possess a license, which can be obtained or renewed online, through the department’s mobile app, or in person at a department service center, a participating retail sports license agent in the state, or by calling 866-344-8889 during normal business hours.

Unofficial 2024 Presidential Primary Election Results for Saint Mary's County

Last refreshed: 05/15/2024 05:00:05 AM

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NR: not reported

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President of the United States

Democratic Candidates - Vote for 1

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

Republican Candidates - Vote for 1

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

Congressional District 5

Democratic Candidates - Vote for 1

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

Republican Candidates - Vote for 1

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

U.S. Senator

Democratic Candidates - Vote for 1

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

Republican Candidates - Vote for 1

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

Representative in Congress

District 5

Democratic Candidates - Vote for 1

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

Republican Candidates - Vote for 1

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

Judge of the Circuit Court

Circuit 7

Democratic Ballots - Vote for 1

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

Republican Ballots - Vote for 1

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

Delegates to the Republican National Convention

District 5

Republican Candidates - Vote for up to 3

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

Alternate Delegates to the Republican National Convention

District 5

Republican Candidates - Vote for up to 3

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

Delegates to the Democratic National Convention

District 5
*Winners based on the Delegate Selection Plan

Democratic Candidates - Vote for up to 9

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

Board of Education At Large

Non-Partisan Candidates - Vote for 1

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

Board of Education

District 2

Non-Partisan Candidates - Vote for 1

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

District 4

Non-Partisan Candidates - Vote for 1

(28 of 28 election day precincts reported)

Unofficial 2024 Presidential Primary Election Results for Charles County

Last refreshed: 05/15/2024 05:00:05 AM

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President of the United States

Democratic Candidates - Vote for 1

(34 of 34 election day precincts reported)

Republican Candidates - Vote for 1

(34 of 34 election day precincts reported)

Congressional District 5

Democratic Candidates - Vote for 1

(34 of 34 election day precincts reported)

Republican Candidates - Vote for 1

(34 of 34 election day precincts reported)

U.S. Senator

Democratic Candidates - Vote for 1

(34 of 34 election day precincts reported)

Republican Candidates - Vote for 1

(34 of 34 election day precincts reported)

Representative in Congress

District 5

Democratic Candidates - Vote for 1

(34 of 34 election day precincts reported)

Republican Candidates - Vote for 1

(34 of 34 election day precincts reported)

Delegates to the Republican National Convention

District 5

Republican Candidates - Vote for up to 3

(34 of 34 election day precincts reported)

Alternate Delegates to the Republican National Convention

District 5

Republican Candidates - Vote for up to 3

(34 of 34 election day precincts reported)

Delegates to the Democratic National Convention

District 5
*Winners based on the Delegate Selection Plan

Democratic Candidates - Vote for up to 9

(34 of 34 election day precincts reported)

Board of Education At Large

Non-Partisan Candidates - Vote for 1

(34 of 34 election day precincts reported)

Unofficial 2024 Presidential Primary Election Results for Calvert County

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resident of the United States

Democratic Candidates - Vote for 1

(18 of 18 election day precincts reported)

Republican Candidates - Vote for 1

(18 of 18 election day precincts reported)

Congressional District 5

Democratic Candidates - Vote for 1

(18 of 18 election day precincts reported)

Republican Candidates - Vote for 1

(18 of 18 election day precincts reported)

U.S. Senator

Democratic Candidates - Vote for 1

(18 of 18 election day precincts reported)

Republican Candidates - Vote for 1

(18 of 18 election day precincts reported)

Representative in Congress

District 5

Democratic Candidates - Vote for 1

(18 of 18 election day precincts reported)

Republican Candidates - Vote for 1

(18 of 18 election day precincts reported)

Delegates to the Republican National Convention

District 5

Republican Candidates - Vote for up to 3

(18 of 18 election day precincts reported)

Alternate Delegates to the Republican National Convention

District 5

Republican Candidates - Vote for up to 3

(18 of 18 election day precincts reported)

Delegates to the Democratic National Convention

District 5
*Winners based on the Delegate Selection Plan

Democratic Candidates - Vote for up to 9

(18 of 18 election day precincts reported)

Board of Education

District 3

Non-Partisan Candidates - Vote for 1

(18 of 18 election day precincts reported)

 Angela Alsobrooks was named the projected winner of the Democratic Maryland Senate primary, beating opponent David Trone.

Angela Alsobrooks was named the projected winner of the Democratic Maryland Senate primary, beating opponent David Trone. (7News)

The race was one of the closest in Maryland.

Alsbrooks has served as Prince George’s County Executive for eight years.

She will face former Governor Larry Hogan, the Republican primary winner in the General Election in November. 

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office handled 1313 Calls for service, including 4 Emergency Petitions from May 6 through May 12, 2024.

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

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

ARRESTS:

5/06/24 – Timothy Wayne Downs, 41, of Prince Frederick, MD, by Deputy Ryan McLean for Burglary First-Degree, Malicious Destruction of Property less than $1000, Theft: $100 – less than $1500, and Theft Less than $100.

5/07/24 - Kandice Lynn Drinks, 30, of New Port News, VA, by Detective Kortnie Marsch for Child Abuse Second-Degree: Custodian.

5/09/24 - Austin Brent Leaman, 29, of Lusby, MD, by Deputy First Class Zachary Jerew for CDS: Possession - Not Cannabis and two counts of CDS: Possession Paraphernalia. Leaman was also arrested on a Warrant for Attempted Theft less than $100.

5/12/24 - Scott Eric Broome, 54, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Bradley Kirscht for CDS: Possession - Not Cannabis and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia. Broome was also arrested on a warrant for Malicious Destruction of Property of more than $1000 and Theft: $100 to less than $1500.
 

DUIs:

5/04/24 – Cholak Mani Upadhya, 43, of Callaway, MD, by Deputy Joseph Senatore for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving, and related charges.

5/05/24 – Kaleb Spencer Twigg, 28, of Hollywood, MD, by Deputy Helen Deitrich for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving, and related charges.

5/11/24 – Phillip Chainey Farrell, 38, of Coltons Point, MD, by Deputy First Class Austin Edelen for Driving a Vehicle While So Far Impaired by a Controlled Dangerous Substance Cannot Drive Safely, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, and related charges. NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

5/11/24 – Jose Erin Guzman Pineda, 36, of Silver Spring, MD, by Deputy Aaron Ocasio-Rivera for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol and Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol.

5/12/24 – Colette Jane Gibson, 61, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Devin Absher for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, and related charges.

On Tuesday, May 14, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted a balanced General Fund budget of $561,338,600, an increase of 6.4 percent over last year. The approved budget does not increase the current property or income tax rate while expanding investments in education, public safety, and recreation priorities. It also boosts employee compensation through merit and cost-of-living increases and a $750 base-pay increase for eligible full-time employees in July.

"The Fiscal 2025 budget underscores our dedication to meeting the diverse needs of our community, emphasizing crucial areas such as education, public safety, and infrastructure, and increasing funding for youth programs," said Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins, II, Esq. "This allocation reflects our unwavering support for our public schools, the Sheriff's Office, and the essential services provided by County Government, and highlights our commitment to addressing the needs of young people in our community.”

Budget Highlights

The General Fund budget funds the ongoing costs of government and includes:

• $12.64 million increase for Charles County Public Schools, which exceeds maintenance of effort by nearly $11.7 million and doubles last year’s total funding increase, in part to pay for costs associated with the Blueprint for Maryland’s future. It also includes funding to support salary increases for their employees and the opening of the Waldorf Early Learning Center for Pre-K students. The total allocation, which also includes funding for the Charles County Public Library and College of Southern Maryland, is $248.77 million, or 44.3 percent, of the General Fund budget.
• $9.28 million increase for the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, with a total allocation of $130.59 million, or 23.3 percent of the General Fund budget. It includes funding for 10 new sworn officers, the continuance of the body-worn camera program to include four new record technicians, two other positions, and salary increases for staff.
• $10.36 million increase for County Government operations. The total allocation is $100.07 million, or 17.8 percent, of the General Fund budget. New spending is proposed for emergency services with the addition of 10 emergency medical technicians (EMTs), additional staff for recreation and community services, a new position to support commercial development in the County’s Western Technology Corridor, and administrative tools and support for technology, security, equity, and accountability.
• Debt service totals $32.6 million for FY25 and remaining items are $27.4M for a combined 10.7% of the General Fund Budget.
• A total allocation of $21.85 million, or 3.9 percent, for other government functions, including the State’s Attorney’s Office, Health Department, Circuit Court, Election Board, and other local government agencies.

The fiscal year 2025-29 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget is $1.07 billion. It provides for county infrastructure, including schools, county buildings, roads, parks, water and sewer facilities, and stormwater management. A detailed summary of the CIP budget is located here.

The real property tax rate is maintained at $1.141 for County Government and $0.064 for Fire and Rescue per $100 of assessed value. The income tax rate of 3.03 percent remains unchanged.  The adopted fiscal 2025 budget details are available online.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Calvert – St. Mary’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (C-SMMPO), the board that administers the transportation planning process in designated areas of Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties, will hold a council meeting on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. in the Waterfront Lounge at the Calvert Marine Museum, located at 14150 Solomons Island Road in Solomons, MD. This meeting is open to public attendance; residents may also participate virtually via Zoom:

• Meeting ID: 430 427 6617
• Call-in number is (301) 715-8592
• Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4304276617?omn=88681279280

The C-SMMPO Council meeting will include discussion and action on the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) FY 2025. The UPWP establishes transportation planning activities to be completed with federal, state, and local resources during the next fiscal year. Community members are encouraged to view the update of the UPWP online at: www.calvert-stmarysmpo.com/DocumentCenter/View/536

Questions may be directed to Karly Maltby, Calvert–St. Mary’s MPO Administrator, with St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Land Use & Growth Management at (301) 475-4200 ext. 1507 and comments regarding the UPWP should be sent via email to: Karly.Maltby@stmaryscountymd.gov. If you need special accommodations, please notify the C-SMMPO at least 72 hours prior to the date of the scheduled meeting so that necessary arrangements can be made to facilitate participation.

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

The Calvert – St. Mary’s Metropolitan Planning Organization is the designated policy board that administers the metropolitan transportation planning process, in partnership with federal and state transportation officials. Each year the C-SMMPO must update the UPWP. St. Mary’s County Government is collaborating with Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Calvert County to finalize updates to this plan during May 2024. Learn more about the C-SMMPO at: www.calvert-stmarysmpo.com

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) today announced $35,046,616 in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funding for 17 Maryland housing authorities to renovate, improve and build public housing throughout the state.

“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. That’s why, as a delegation, Team Maryland is committed to finding solutions and increasing affordable options to address the housing crisis that has impacted so many in our state. These federal dollars will help provide a safe, dignified space for more Marylanders in need of an affordable place to live,” said the lawmakers. 

The following housing authorities received awards:

1. $21,865,262, Housing Authority of Baltimore City
2. $3,017,295, Hagerstown Housing Authority
3. $2,338,316, Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis
4. $1,192,353, Housing Authority of the City of Cumberland
5. $1,180,247, Housing Commission of Anne Arundel County
6. $1,120,357, Frederick Housing Authority
7. $1,025,970, Housing Authority of Prince George’s County
8. $1,009,997, Housing Authority of Crisfield
9. $497,018, Wicomico County Housing Authority
10. $360,007, Housing Commission of Talbot
11. $300,056, Rockville Housing Enterprises
12. $250,489, Housing Authority of the City of Frostburg
13. $249,306, College Park Housing Authority
14. $213,056, Elkton Housing Authority
15. $197,760, Glenarden Housing Authority
16. $170,395, Havre de Grace Housing Authority
17. $58,732, Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County

The awards were made available through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Capital Fund Program, which the lawmakers supported and increased funds through the Senate FY 2024 THUD bill.

The Calvert County Department of Planning & Zoning is pleased to announce it has been awarded two grants to fund a Nontidal Water Monitoring Program. Calvert County has been awarded the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Chesapeake Small Watershed Grant (SWG) and the Cove Point Natural Heritage Trust Nontidal Water Monitoring Grant, for a combined total of $95,000.

The SWG program funds projects within the Chesapeake Bay watershed that promote community-based efforts to protect and restore the diverse natural resources of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers and streams.

When the program begins in 2025, Calvert County will use these grants to sample nontidal streams throughout the county and to analyze land use in impaired watersheds to assess future watershed restoration needs. The project will establish water quality trends for 27 nontidal stream sites, gain knowledge on interactions with downstream tidal rivers, and guide future land use planning and implementation of best management practices.

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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LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) are pleased to invite the entire community to attend the 2024 Flag Day Celebration on Friday, June 14, 2024, at 6 p.m. on the St. Mary’s County Governmental Center Lawn, located at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. This annual community event features:

• A procession by various color guards and veteran groups from around St. Mary’s County.
• A special Flag Day Service, highlighting the history of the American Flag.
• An official Flag Retirement Ceremony, demonstrating the dignified and proper method of disposing of worn, torn, or tattered flags.
• Hand-held American Flags, food, music, fun for the kids, and more!

We are pleased to welcome the cast from the Recreation & Parks 42^nd Annual Summerstock Production, Cinderella who will sing our National Anthem and St. Mary's County Song during the event. For more information on Summerstock, visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov/summerstock or follow the show dates on Facebook at https://fb.me/e/1HXIRlyuG.  

Seating will be provided, but attendees are also welcome to bring blankets and chairs to enjoy the festivities from the comfort of the lawn. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will relocate to the inside of the Leonard Hall Recreation Center, adjacent to the lawn.

Citizens may drop off flags in need of retirement to the Chesapeake Building, located at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. For more information, contact the Public Information Office at (301) 475-4200, ext. 1340 or via email to PIO@stmaryscountymd.gov.

Stay up to date with St. Mary’s County Government news and events! Visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov/signup to sign up for News Releases or follow us on social media at: Facebook.com/StMarysCountyGovernment or on Twitter and YouTube @StMarysCoGov.

State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that Latres Javontae Cockerham, 26, of California, Maryland, was convicted of the first-degree murder of a 19-year-old victim and the attempted first-degree murders of five additional teenagers for his participation in a drive-by shooting that occurred on January 12, 2022.

“The Defendant deliberately maneuvered his vehicle as his co-defendants rapidly fired bullets into another vehicle on a busy road in broad daylight, which provided for the murder of one teenager and the extreme endangerment of five others, while putting the neighboring community and all other drivers on the road at risk. It is no small miracle that additional lives were not lost,” said State’s Attorney Sterling. “Our thoughts remain with the victims and their families. We hope that this verdict brings them some comfort.”

The Defendant will be held without bond pending a sentencing hearing. He faces a maximum penalty of six consecutive life sentences, plus eight years for related firearm charges.

Sergeant Austin Schultz and Detective Taylore Nauman of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office were the lead investigators.

Senior Assistant State’s Attorneys Jeff Maylor and Donna Pettersen prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.

The Honorable David W. Densford presided over the case.

The Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation (CCPR) is excited to announce its Community Appreciation Day event, set to take place at Hallowing Point Park on Sunday, June 2, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is free and open to people of all ages.

Community Appreciation Day aims to foster a sense of unity, pride and gratitude within our community, by acknowledging the diverse talents and hard work of our community members and to thank them for their positive impact and continued support.

The event will feature a variety of activities designed to entertain and engage attendees of all ages, including live music and interactive games. Families, friends and neighbors are invited to come together in a festive atmosphere and enjoy the beauty of Hallowing Point Park, located at 4755 Hallowing Point Road in Prince Frederick.

For more information about Community Appreciation Day and other upcoming events, please contact CCPR at parksandrecreation@calvertcountymd.gov or 410-535-1600, ext. 2649.

The Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation strives to enhance the health, economy and well-being of the Calvert County community through sustainable practices, leisure opportunities and environmental stewardship. For more information about Parks & Recreation facilities and programs, visit online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/ParksandRecreation.

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

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

CDS Violation: 24-34711

On April 30, 2024, deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) observed a hand-to-hand drug transaction at the corner of Lake Drive and Pine Lane in Lusby. Contact was made with a male who advised he purchased crack cocaine from a female identified as Chelsea Lee Hoofnagle, 37 of Lusby. Detectives observed Hoofnagle riding a mini bike on a walking path nearby. Contact was made with Hoofnagle who admitted to selling the male crack cocaine. Hoofnagle was 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.

CDS Violation: 24-35108

On May 2, 2024, Deputy Tunnel observed a seatbelt violation on a vehicle traveling south on Rt. 4 in the area of Dares Beach Road in Prince Frederick. Deputy Hendrickson initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle in the parking lot of the Walmart located at 150 Solomons Island Road in Prince Frederick. Further investigation revealed K9 Atlas conducted an open-air sniff of the vehicle resulting in a positive alert. During the vehicle search, 17 Suboxone strips were located. The driver, David Lee Strawser, 52 of Prince Frederick, was arrested and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he was charged with CDS: Possession-Not Cannabis.

Damaged Property: 24-35065

On May 2, 2024, DFC Tavares responded to the 400 block of Hawthorne Drive in Lusby, for the report of property destruction. The complainants advised that between 8 pm on May 1 and 7 am on May 2, a cluster of mailboxes were destroyed by a blunt object. The estimated value of damaged property is $600.00.

Damaged Property: 24-35871

On May 5, 2025, DFC. Dymond responded to the Prince Frederick Dodge Dealership at 265 S. Solomons Island Road in Prince Frederick, for a report of property destruction. A white 2023 Chevrolet Camaro had its passenger-side window shattered. The estimated value of damaged property is $300.00.

Disorderly Conduct: 24-34946

On May 1, 2024, Sgt. Foote responded to the 14000 block of S. Solomons Island Road in Solomons, for a disorderly subject. The complainant advised an unknown male was causing a disturbance at the Solomons boat ramp shouting derogatory racial remarks and making threats. The subject identified as Howard Fawcett Heston, 65 of no fixed address, was asked numerous times to leave the property and failed to comply. Heston was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with Disorderly Conduct.

Indecent Exposure: 24-34397

On April 29, 2024, Deputy Brown responded to the 11000 block of Big Sandy Run Road in Lusby, for a disorderly subject. The complainant advised there was a verbal dispute with Mary Beth Honeycutt, 62 of Lusby, and Honeycutt proceeded to expose herself. Children were playing in the cul-de-sac at the time of the incident and witnessed Honeycutt’s actions. Honeycutt was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where she was charged with Disorderly Conduct and Indecent Exposure.

Theft: 24-35646

On May 4, 2024, DFC Shoemaker responded to the 300 block of Clubhouse Drive in Lusby, for a theft report. The complainant advised the air conditioning unit had been tampered with and the side panels, refrigerant hose, and refrigerant were missing. The estimated value of damaged and stolen property is $6,000.00.

Theft: 24-34704

On April 30, 2024, at 6:45 p.m., Deputy Morrison responded to Ulta Beauty located at 845 N. Solomons Island Road in Prince Frederick, for the report of a theft. The complainant advised three black females in their twenties, wearing face masks entered the business, grabbed shopping bags, and proceeded to steal multiple fragrance products. The suspects fled the store in a gray 2022 Honda SUV registered to Avis Budget Rental, LLC. Deputy Lee observed the suspect vehicle northbound on Rt. 4 and Towne Center Blvd. in Dunkirk and attempted a traffic stop. The suspect vehicle fled from the traffic stop and struck Deputy Lee as he was out of his vehicle. Deputy Lee was transported to Calvert Health with non-life-threatening injuries. The estimated value of stolen property is $2,000.00+. Anyone with information in regards to this case is asked to contact Det. McDowell at Wyatt.McDowell@calvertcountymd.gov. Please refer to case number 24-34704.

Theft from Vehicles

The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office is investigating multiple thefts from motor vehicles and vehicle tampering cases that occurred on May 5, 2024, between the hours of 2:45 a.m. and 3:15 a.m. in the Chesapeake Village subdivision in Chesapeake Beach. The theft reports were received from victims residing on Cavalcade Drive, Cannoncade Court, and Meridan Court. The investigation is ongoing.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (May 10, 2024) – St. Mary’s County Sheriff's Office Deputies recovered drugs and cash following two separate traffic stops.

On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Patrol and Criminal Investigations Divisions conducted a vehicle stop in the area of Briarwood Court and Fox Ridge Road in Lexington Park, MD, for equipment and traffic violations.

During the traffic stop, the operator and sole occupant, Rico Kinta Keyes, Jr., 29, of Lexington Park, MD, fled on foot into a nearby wooded area, where he was quickly apprehended. A subsequent search warrant was conducted on a nearby residence in relation to Keyes and this traffic stop.

Deputies located cocaine and crack cocaine packaged in quantities and a manner indicative of an intent to distribute, United States currency, ammunition, and additional firearms-related evidence as a result of this investigation. 

Keyes was arrested and transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center (SMCDRC) and charged with CDS: Possession – not marijuana, CDS: Possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and Resisting Arrest.

At approximately 10:41 p.m., on May 8, 2024, Deputy First Class Tyler Westphal initiated a traffic stop on a 1993 Ford Taurus at the intersection of Lexwood Drive and Lexwood Court in Lexington Park, MD, for a traffic violation and for operating a vehicle registered as a “historic motor vehicle” in violation of Mayland Traffic Law. Upon approaching the vehicle, Deputy Westphal saw suspected cocaine in the center console area and initiated a probable cause search of the vehicle. Suspected crack cocaine and suspected buprenorphine were located in the vehicle.

The driver of the Ford was identified as Charles Edwin Compton, 38, of Lexington Park, MD. Compton was arrested and transported to SMCDRC and charged with two counts of CDS: Possession – not marijuana.

The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter will remain closed to the public through Monday, May 13, to provide veterinarian care and assessments to dogs rescued in an animal control investigation. The shelter will reopen to the public on Tuesday, May 14, by appointment only for meet and greets with potential adopters.

Calvert County Animal Services removed more than 70 dogs from a residence in Calvert County on Thursday, May 8, 2024. Because this is an ongoing investigation, additional details are unable to be released at this time.

During the closure, the shelter will remain accessible for emergencies and intakes for stray animals but will not be open for adoptions or owner surrenders, unless special accommodations are made for surrenders by contacting the shelter directly at 410-535-7387.

Animal Control officers are not impacted by the closure and have normal hours of operation. For questions or concerns related to Animal Control services, contact 410-535-1600, ext. 2526.

 “The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter remains committed to finding loving forever homes for all the animals in our care,” said Public Safety Director Dave McDowell. “An investigation like this involves a great deal of time, attention and workload. This is a collaborative effort and we will rely heavily on our community during this time. The shelter and staff are appreciative of the ongoing support as we work toward a positive outcome for these animals.”

The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter encourages residents to consider adoption or fostering animals in need when the shelter reopens. Animals will also be available for rescue pull.

The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter, located at 5055 Hallowing Point Road, in Prince Frederick, is an open-admission animal shelter managed by the Animal Shelter Division of the Calvert County Department of Public Safety. Contact 410-535-7387 for inquires or to schedule an intake appointment. For updates on available animals, how you can help, and more information about adopting from the Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter, visit www.CalvertCountyAnimalShelter.com.

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

On May 9, 2024, around 1:35 a.m., deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Bureau responded to the Yardley Hills neighborhood in Prince Frederick, for the report of a stabbing.

A preliminary investigation revealed an altercation ensued between the victim and suspect, escalating into a physical confrontation resulting in the victim, Calvin Antonio Robertson, 37 of Prince Frederick, receiving multiple stab wounds. The victim was flown by Trooper 7 of the Maryland State Police Aviation Command to an area trauma center for medical treatment, where he is currently in stable condition.

The suspect,  Anthony Joseph Holland, 60 of Lusby, initially fled the scene but was found hiding in the brush. Holland was apprehended and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center where he is facing charges of Attempted First-Degree Murder, First-Degree Assault, and Second-Degree Assault.

This appears to be an isolated incident. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to please contact Detective M. Mudd at 410-535-2800 or via email at Michael.Mudd@calvertcountymd.gov. Please reference case # 24- 36865. Citizens may remain anonymous through the ‘Submit a Tip’ feature on the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office mobile app. To download, visit https://apps.myocv.com/share/a39520678 . Tipsters may also email ccsotips@calvertcountymd.gov.

The investigation is ongoing. 

LEONARDTOWN, MD (May 9, 2024) – State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that Devron Ny’Quez Murray, 20, of Lexington Park, Maryland, was sentenced to life in prison plus five years consecutive to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for the shooting homicide that took place at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department Carnival on July 15, 2022.

Following an eight-day jury trial in November 2023, a St. Mary’s County jury convicted Murray of first-degree murder for the death of a 16-year-old victim and the attempted first-degree murder of a 17-year-old victim.

“The Defendant’s actions terrorized and shook our community to its core. I hope this sentence provides justice to all who attended the Carnival and experienced one of the most tragic events in St. Mary’s County, especially for the families of the victims,” said State’s Attorney Sterling. “The Defendant’s sentence appropriately reflects the gravity of the senseless acts of violence he committed and his absolute disregard for human life during one of our community’s most cherished events.”

Senior Assistant State’s Attorneys Alena Mosier and Sarah Proctor prosecuted the case on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.

Detective Tyler Payne and Deputy First Class Daniel Sidorowicz of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office were the lead investigators.

The Honorable Amy D. Lorenzini presided over the case.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (May 9, 2024)—The St. Mary’s County Health Department will not be able to process vital record requests on Friday, May 10, 2024, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

To learn more about obtaining a vital record from the SMCHD, including document requirements, fees, and application downloads, please visit smchd.org/applications-forms-records.

Charles County is pleased to announce that the 2023 Annual Report is available online for public viewing. The Annual Report offers a comprehensive look back at 2023 and is organized by departments, showcasing the county’s accomplishments and key milestones.

"The 2023 annual report showcases Charles County's significant strides in achieving our goals and objectives.” Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins, II, Esq. said, “I’m pleased with what our county departments and the Board of Commissioners have accomplished to drive progress together.”

The Annual Report uses local area photos and charts to cover the achievements in education, health, public safety, and quality of life in 2023.

Visit www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/AnnualReport, to view or download a Portable Document Format (PDF) version of the annual report. Adobe Reader is required to view PDF files. 

To request a copy of the report, email PressRoom@CharlesCountyMD.gov or 301-885-2779. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is seeking Dimarian Eltreek Logan for escape. On Tuesday, May 7, 2024, Logan, an incarcerated individual at the Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown, was wearing a GPS device while on an approved furlough. Correctional Officers received a tamper alert from the GPS device and responded to the location of the alert, where the device was found in a bathroom trashcan.

Logan is a black male, 6’ tall, weighing 175 pounds.

Anyone with information about Logan’s whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Joseph Bowling at Joseph.Bowling@stmaryscountymd.gov or 301-475-4200, ext. 1959.

Tipsters can also call Crime Solvers 24/7 at 301-475-3333 or send a text to Crime Solvers at 274637. Type "Tip239" in the message block and select SEND. After 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.

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) is composed of 38 schools and four educational learning centers. Historically, CCPS schools, centers and facilities are either named for a person, geographic location or region. Board of Education of Charles County Policy 7230 guides the school naming process. Following the policy, school names must meet specific criteria and model CCPS/Board core values, mission and goals.

The Board in 2023 revised Policy 7230 to include a detailed process it would follow to rename any existing CCPS facility or school. In recent years, the school system and Board have heard concerns from community members about CCPS school names. In February 2024, representatives of the Charles County Branch of the NAACP asked the Board to review the name of several CCPS schools named for individuals who owned enslaved people. The NAACP asked the Board to first review the name of General Smallwood Middle School.

The Board asked Superintendent of Schools Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D., to collect community feedback about the school name General Smallwood Middle School. CCPS is hosting community meetings to hear from stakeholders in the Smallwood and feeder school communities.

Smallwood feeder schools – schools zoned for Smallwood – include Dr. James Craik, Gale-Bailey, Indian Head, J.C. Parks and Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy elementary schools and Henry E. Lackey High School. The meetings, while intended for the Smallwood and feeder school communities, are open to the public.

Monday, May 20: An in-person meeting is set for 6-7:30 p.m., Monday, May 20, at Smallwood. Smallwood is located at 4990 Indian Head Highway in Indian Head. This meeting is intended for the Smallwood and feeder school communities. RSVPs by May 17 are required, as food will be provided. Attendees can RSVP here.

Thursday, May 23: A virtual meeting is set for 6 p.m., Thursday, May 23. To join the meeting, attendees must have a Zoom account. Click here to register for the virtual meeting.

Following the meetings, attendees will be asked to take a brief survey. The presentation and survey will be posted to the Smallwood website May 24. Additional feedback sessions have been coordinated specifically for Smallwood students and staff members. A summary of feedback will be shared with the Board at its June 11 meeting. Read more about Board Policy 7230.

For questions, contact Sylvia Royster in the Office of Community Engagement and Equity at sroyster@ccboe.com.

History of General Smallwood

General Smallwood was born in 1732 and grew up in Charles County. He fought in the Revolutionary War and by 1790, owned 4,350 acres in Charles County with 56 enslaved persons on his plantation. He also served as Maryland’s governor for three years. In February 1969, the Board of Education approved the renaming of the then old Lackey Junior/Senior High School to General Smallwood Middle School.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen took to the Senate floor late Tuesday to update their colleagues and the nation on the latest news from Baltimore and the recovery after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. They continued their push to fulfill President Joe Biden’s commitment that the federal government pay the full cost of replacing this essential thoroughfare. Just over one month ago, in the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 26, the Francis Scott Key Bridge was struck by a container ship that had lost power. Within seconds, the bridge collapsed into the Patapsco River and onto the ship. Since then, first responders and salvage workers have worked day in and day out to recover the six victims and fully clear the channel to the Port of Baltimore. As of yesterday, the body of the last remaining victim was recovered – providing closure to the family of the deceased Marylander. Efforts will now accelerate to remove bridge debris, refloat the Dali, and reopen the 50-foot channel to the Port.

“It is critically important that we replace this bridge as quickly as possible,” Senator Cardin said in his remarks. “We have the Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act that Senator Van Hollen and I have filed. We have also filed it as an amendment to the FAA bill. We are looking for the first opportunity to get this bill to the finish line. And I would urge our colleagues to find a way to get that bill passed as quickly as possible … This is a disaster of national significance.”

“The impact of the bridge collapse continues to reverberate across Baltimore, across Maryland, and in fact, across the country,” Senator Van Hollen said in his remarks.“This is a national tragedy… America has come together, not just in sympathy but to demonstrate support.” He added: “The entire Maryland delegation has been united in introducing legislation that would make good on the Presidents’ commitment for 100 percent funding,” concluding, “I ask – along with Senator Cardin – our colleagues to make sure we move on this legislation as quickly as possible. This is why Senator Cardin and I have offered it as an amendment to the FAA legislation that is in front of this body right now. That's an expression of the urgency with which we take this challenge.”

Senator Cardin’s floor remarks can be viewed here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU8WS04u9zg

Senator Van Hollen’s floor remarks can be viewed here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuRXVE4zwQw

Senators Cardin and Van Hollen continue to work with their colleagues to find the most appropriate and timely vehicle for passage of their legislation, S. 4114, the “Baltimore Bridge Response Invests and Delivers Global Economic Relief Act,” or “Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act.” Their bill would amend the federal cost-share requirement for Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Emergency Relief Program for Disaster-Damaged Highways and Bridges for this project. Emergency Relief funding automatically has a 100 percent federal cost share for the first 270 days after the disaster. Maryland already has received $60 million in Emergency Relief funds.

The Baltimore BRIDGE Relief Act reiterates current law that requires any funds recovered from applicable insurance or liable parties will reimburse the taxpayers for the cost of replacing the Francis Scott Key Bridge. There has been ample precedent for the federal government taking on 100 percent of the recovery costs after a major disaster, ranging from the Northridge earthquake in Southern California, the I-35W bridge collapse in Minnesota, and numerous major hurricanes nationwide.

 On May 8, school administrators and the school resource officer were notified of a sexual assault that occurred yesterday at John Hanson Middle School. A preliminary investigation showed a student lured another student into a bathroom and groped and inappropriately touched the student.  The involved student will be charged with 4th-degree sex offense and second-degree assault. The student also faces disciplinary consequences from the CCPS. Anyone with information is asked to contact PFC Hancock at 301-609-3282 ext. 0499. The investigation is ongoing.

On Tuesday, May 7, Jacob Dyer, Acting Director of the Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services, and Ms. TaTanya Bowman, Assistant Chief of Budget, held additional 2025 budget work sessions with the Commissioners. Tuesday’s briefing focused on the commissioner’s add/delete forms for the general fund and the Fiscal 2025-Fiscal 2029 capital improvement program. Add/delete forms are the commissioner's way of making changes to the budget before formal adoption. For detailed information on the proposed Fiscal 2025 Budget, read the full news release here. Formal adoption of the proposed 2025 budget is scheduled for May 14.

Briefings

• Commissioners received highlights on the activities of the Department of Emergency Services, the Department of Planning and Growth Management, the Office of the County Attorney, and the Office of the County Administrator.
• Jenifer Ellin, Acting Deputy County Administrator; Evelyn Jacobson, Chief Information Officer; Matt Jacobson, Network Specialist II, briefed commissioners on the Rural Broadband Taskforce's ongoing activities. Staff from ThinkBig Networks participated in the presentation and highlighted the Nanjemoy-Cobb Neck Broadband buildout.  This project was completed in February 2024, bringing new fiber optic networks that passed over 1500 Nanjemoy and Cobb Neck residents. The presentation included a briefing on an additional Northern Nanjemoy project slated to pass about 290 properties by Aug. 31, 2025. Commissioners were also briefed on the progress of fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2023 network infrastructure projects carried out by Comcast and Verizon.
• Jacob Dyer, Acting Director, and Ms. TaTanya Bowman, Assistant Chief of Budget, provided commissioners with a third-quarter fiscal 2024 general fund review.
• Jenifer Ellin, Acting Deputy County Administrator, and Kelli Scherer, Budget Analyst II, provided an update on the county’s use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

Public Hearings

Commissioners held two public hearings on the county's proposed Community Development Block Grant Application uses. They approved Resolution 2024-08 to submit the grant application to acquire a residence for use as a domestic violence shelter for women. They voted 3-2 to keep the record open until May 20 on the second Community Development Block Grant Application, to procure land for an affordable housing development in La Plata.

Commissioners also held a public hearing on 37 local legislative proposals. After hearing from residents, they voted unanimously to keep the record open until June 7. A follow-up work session is scheduled for June 11.

Annual Reports

County Commissioners received updates on the activities of the Commission for Veterans Affairs.

Approval items

Commissioners approved:

• A resolution to declare Charles County a “Stroke Smart County.”
• A letter in support of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office to seek a grant from the fiscal 2026 Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program.

Actions on Boards and Commissions

Commissioners took the following actions on county boards and commissions:

• Reappoint Darnelle Brown as a citizen member of the Area Council on Aging.
• Reappoint Linda Hamel as nurse, William Morgan as nonprofit social services representative, and Albert Williams as attorney on the Adult Guardianship Review Board.

Proclamations

Commissioners recognized the following proclamations:

• Foster Care Awareness Month
• National Drug Court Month
• National Mental Health Awareness Month
• Older Americans Month
• National Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
• Jewish American Heritage Month
• National Small Business Week
• Business Appreciation Week
• Economic Development Week
• Public Service Recognition Week
• National Public Works Week
• National Travel and Tourism Week
• National Correctional Officer Appreciation Week
• National Police Week
• National Salvation Army Week
• Emergency Medical Services Appreciation Week
• Emergency Medical Services for Children Day
• National Bike to Work Day
• Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma Awareness Day
• Law Day
• No Menthol Sunday
• World No Tobacco Day
• Childrens Mental Health Awareness Week

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

Next Commissioners Session: May 14 – May 15

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

For Maize Wimbush, the wheels started turning early in her life. Almost literally.

“I don’t know if I can take credit for it,” her father, Mark Wimbush, said. “I was riding my bike and she kept wanting to ride with me. She was so persistent about it.”

Wimbush was only around 6 years old at the time — her father was a road cyclist. He was riding the kind of bicycles that are best suited for long distances and racing, not the sort that is for tooling around a neighborhood like a little kid was used to.

But Wimbush didn’t let up and eventually her father gave in. She got her first road bike for her seventh birthday. By the time Wimbush was 8, she was riding 20 to 30 miles with her dad each time they went out. “Now when she goes out, it’s nothing for her to do 100 miles,” Mark said.

Wimbush was introduced to road racing by a fellow rider. She won her first race, the Dawg Days of Summer in Crofton, when she was 9. At 10, she won the Mid-Atlantic Bicycle Racing Association (MABRA) BAR for Girls ages 9 and 10 and placed third the following year in the MABRA BAR. By the age of 13, she was recruited by the women’s cycling team, Twenty20, to join its junior development program and started to race adult women. In 2021, Wimbush made history when she became the first Black female to win the junior women’s category at the USA Cycling Amateur Road National Championships in Florida.

In some circles, she’s known as “aMAIZEn,” and now at 18, Wimbush is on the verge of graduating from North Point High School on May 31 and moving on to even bigger goals.

Wimbush is a member of Twenty24 Pro Cycling, one of the top women’s cycling teams in the U.S. Twenty24 is known for developing and supporting female cyclists who have their sights set on making it to one of — if not the biggest — international stage.

“The goal is the Olympics,” Wimbush said of the 2028 LA summer games. “Who wouldn’t want to qualify for the Olympics?”

To get there, Wimbush continues to train, and train, then train harder. “Race harder than you train,” she hears her father’s voice telling her. “You should be training harder than you race.”

She cycles every chance she gets which helps with her fitness goals and gets up well before school starts at 8:05 a.m. each morning to work out.

Cycling has given her more than a past time or active outlet. The sport offers a sense of community. “The community is great, it’s diverse. There are people from different backgrounds,” Wimbush said. “I’m always learning so many different things that I may not have learned in other sports about life and about myself.”

There’s also the traveling. Wimbush has been to 17 states for races. Her teammates on Twenty24 scattered throughout the country. She’s been to Spain three times, particularly the cycling-friendly city of Girona, where she hopes to move. About 60 miles outside of Barcelona, Girona is home to many professional and amateur cyclists who train there. It would be a perfect place for an aspiring Olympian to set down roots.

The cycling season in Maryland usually stretches from early February to August, said Wimbush, who has named Nelson Vails, Justin and Cory Williams, and Ayesha McGowan as some of her inspirations and heroes in the cycling community. She trains throughout the year, save for October when she takes the month off. Wimbush would like to see drivers and cyclists taken safety more seriously when it comes to sharing the road. It is something she, her dad and other cyclists will continue to advocate for, she said. There are too many accidents that could be avoided just by paying attention to the road.

And she’s still a high school student. Other than cycling, she was into dance for a while. She hangs out with her friends and goes to concerts and parties with them. She likes to paint and try new foods. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Academic Eagles at North Point. Wimbush is a positive force at school, Principal Dan Kaple said.

“She brings great energy to our building,” he said. “Her positive attitude and kindness are characteristics of her personality that shine brightly.”

Wimbush was recently asked to contribute to the book, “Dear Rebel, 145 Women Share Their Best Advice for the Girls of Today,” a compilation of stories, letters, poems and essays from teens and women on topics like overcoming obstacles, discovering passions and realizing dreams. Wimbush wrote about her journey as a young, Black female cyclist. A copy of the book is now in the North Point library.

The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter announces the shelter will be closed to the public on Wednesday, May 8, and Thursday, May 9, for administrative duties related to an animal control investigation.

During the closure, the shelter will remain accessible for emergencies and intakes for stray animals but will not be open for adoptions or owner surrenders.

Animal Control officers still will be available to respond to emergencies during the planned closure on Wednesday, May 8, and will have normal hours of operations on Thursday, May 9. For questions or concerns related to animal control services, contact 410-535-1600, ext. 2526.

The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter, located at 5055 Hallowing Point Road, in Prince Frederick, is an open-admission animal shelter managed by the Animal Shelter Division of the Calvert County Department of Public Safety. Contact 410-535-7387 for inquires or to schedule an intake appointment. For more information about adopting from the Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter visit www.CalvertCountyAnimalShelter.com.

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

Multiple students involved in assault at Henry E. Lackey High School: On May 7 at 9:53 a.m., several students assaulted another student in a school hallway at Henry E. Lackey High School over a vape device. The students were separated, and the situation was de-escalated. One student was treated for minor injuries. The school resource officer has initiated an investigation and the students face potential criminal charges and disciplinary consequences from the CCPS. Anyone with information is asked to call Pfc. K. Barry at 301-609-3282 ext. 0574.

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 proclamations in recognition of National Nurses Week, National Skilled Nursing Care Week, and National Travel and Tourism Week.

For their main agenda item, the CSMC adopted the formal application for the Program Open Space conversion between Great Mills Swimming Pool and the Gymnastics Center properties.

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

• Reviewed future CSMC meeting agendas. 
• Approved the budget amendment increasing the Commissioner's Emergency Reserve account in the amount of $139,374 due to salary savings.
• Approved the budget amendment increasing Highway Division snow removal accounts.
• Approved Resolution 2024-14, supplementing Resolution 2022-20, authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds of the County by designating additional projects authorized to be financed with the proceeds from the sale of such bonds.

The CSMC then then wrapped the meeting with Commissioner Time.

The CSMC will reconvene today at 1:30 p.m. for a Budget Work Session and again this evening at 6:30 p.m. for a Public Forum. Budget documents, recordings of all budget work sessions, and an online community feedback forum are available at: http://bit.ly/SMCGFY25Budget.

The next CSMC business meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 9 a.m., followed by a Budget Work Session (BWS) at 1:30 p.m. Meetings and BWS are held in the CSMC Meeting Room, located on the 1^st floor of the Chesapeake Building at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. CSMC decisions and related public documents are available on the county government website in BoardDocs. Meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live on St. Mary’s County Government Channel 95 or on-demand at YouTube.com/@StMarysCoGov. Visit stmaryscountymd.gov for more information.  

Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision on St. Charles Parkway: On May 6 at 11:34 p.m., officers responded to the area of St. Charles Parkway and St. Ignatius Drive in Waldorf for the report of a single-vehicle collision. The Traffic Operations Unit was notified and responded to assume the investigation. A preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of a Chevrolet Impala was traveling on St. Charles Parkway, left the roadway for unknown reasons, and struck a tree. The passenger, Daunte Marqui Butler, age 26, of Baltimore, was transported to Charles Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. The driver sustained injuries that were not life-threatening. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Cpl. D. Spence in the Traffic Operations Unit at 301-932-3514. The investigation is ongoing.

Students from the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center recently participated in the 51^st Annual SkillsUSA Maryland State Championships which took place in the Carroll County area.  The contests that Forrest Center students competed in were as varied as the program offerings at the center.

At the awards ceremony, 40 Forrest Center students medaled. In addition to the medalists, two students were elected to state-wide office and two students were selected as National Voting Delegates.  Results are as follows:

Telecommunications Cabling

Gold - Connor Ferrall (Electrical Wiring)
Silver - John Praktish (Electrical Wiring)
Bronze - Jahdane Thaxter (Electrical Wiring)

Customer Service

Gold - Kayden Thompson (Hospitality & Tourism)
  

Principles of Engineering Technology

Silver - Kimberly Valdivia (Engineering)

3-D Visualization and Animation

Gold - Sylvia Suckow (CADD), Abigal Cronkright (Graphic Communications)

Early Childhoood Education

Gold - Colbie Miller (Teacher Academy)

Bronze - Riley Day (Teacher Academy)

Promotional Bulletin Board

Bronze - Melanie Scott, Taylor Howell, Jenna Bradburn (Teacher Academy)

Engineering Technology/Design

Gold - Makayla Porter (CADD), Brianna Rourke (Engineering), Harmony Clark (IT Networking)

Bronze - Brady Weimert, Bradey Barr, Logan Grimm (Engineering)

Information Technology Services

Silver - Cole Bowser (IT Networking)

Interactive Application and Video Game Design

Gold - Ian Day, Vincent Churilla (Engineering)

Audio/Radio Production

Gold - Jessica Abernethy, Haley Carroll (Digital Media Production)

Bronze - Dominic Perrotta, Craig Donaldson (Digital Audio & Podcasting)
  

Emergency Medical Technician – EMT

Silver - Shane Jackson, Megan Williams (Firefighting/EMT)

Bronze - Rachel Montfort, Jason Scully (Firefighting/EMT)

Automotive Refinishing Technology

Bronze - Jennifer Tippett (Automotive Refinishing and Repair)

Basic Health Care Skills

Silver - Abigail Eberly (Academy of Health Professions)

Quiz Bowl

Bronze – Makenna Porter (CCMA), Bryce Burch, Landon Palmer, Titus Coogan, Nathan Gonzalez (IT Networking)

Technical Drafting

Bronze - Michael Owens (CADD)

Photography

Silver - Mancil Gray (Graphic Communications)

Collision Damage Appraisal

Gold – Ryan Tucker (Automotive Refinishing and Repair)

Career Pathways – Industrial and Engineering Technology

Silver - Richard Guzman-Moran, Valeria Cervantes-Corona, Kylie Abell (Electrical Wiring)

Officer Elects:

SkillsUSA Maryland State Officer – Bryce Burch (IT Networking)

SkillsUSA Maryland State Officer – Damien Maines (IT Networking)

National Voting Delegates:

Makenna Porter (CCMA)

Camille Van Erp (IT Networking)

All gold medal winners are qualified to compete at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference to be held in Atlanta, GA the week of June 24, 2024.  The state officers and National Voting Delegates also attend the National Conference as part of the state’s leadership and participate in the national delegate assembly.

Fifteen Forrest Center students have the opportunity to represent the state of Maryland in Atlanta, Georgia this year. Fundraising efforts are currently underway. If you would like to donate toward the students' trip, please contact the school at 301-475-0242 and ask for Ms. Mary Thompson or Mr. Mike Stevens.

In recognition of Stroke Awareness Month, Calvert County is proud to announce it has partnered with the Calvert County Health Department, CalvertHealth, Calvert County Board of Education, and other community partners to become a “Stroke Smart” county. Calvert County Government for outreach and education in the community. This effort, with the State of Maryland and other jurisdictions, aims to enhance community awareness and response to strokes, the fifth leading cause of death in the United States.

“Strokes can happen to anyone at any time, and knowing how to recognize the signs and respond quickly can save lives," said Public Safety Director Dave McDowell. "Our goal in becoming a Stroke Smart county is to equip every resident with the knowledge and tools they need to act fast during a stroke emergency.”

Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability and it is estimated that nearly 800,000 people in the U.S. suffer a stroke each year. Yet, quick intervention can significantly decrease the brain damage that strokes often cause.

Residents are encouraged to learn the BE FAST method to recognize the symptoms of a stroke:

·         Balance: Watch for sudden loss of balance.

·         Eyes: Check for vision loss.

·         Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.

·         Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

·         Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "The sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated correctly?

·         Time to call 911: If someone shows any of these sudden symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and get them to the hospital immediately.

Learn about stroke symptoms, risk factors and prevention tips at HealthyCalvert.org.

For more information on the Stroke Smart initiative and health screening events in Calvert County, visit www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/StrokeSmart.

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 St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office handled 1311 Calls for service, including 12 Emergency Petitions from April 29 through May 5, 2024.

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

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

ARRESTS:

5/01/24 – Michael Joseph Brooks, 57, of Great Mills, MD, by Deputy First Class Travis Wimberly for two counts each of CDS: Possession Not Marijuana and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

5/03/24 – Brandon David Cather Sr., 34, of Mechanicsville, MD, by Deputy Elijsha Munn for Second-Degree Assault on a Division of Corrections Employee.

5/04/24 – Ashley Danielle Major, 40, of Charlotte Hall, MD, by Deputy First Class Jessica Wilson for three counts of Second-Degree Assault and Second-Degree Child Abuse Custodial.

DUIs:

4/27/24 – Clark Edward Lutz, 68, of Lexington Park, by  Deputy Cody Donaldson for Attempting to Drive a Vehicle While So Far Impaired by Drugs and Alcohol Cannot Drive Safely. NO PHOTO AVAILABLE.

4/29/24 – Travon Dalonte Washington, 24, of La Plata, MD, by Deputy Bianca Melton for Driving While Impaired by a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving, and related charges. NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

5/01/24 – Robert Allan Long Sr., 66, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy First Class Nicholas Hill for Driving a Vehicle While So Far Impaired by Drugs and Alcohol Cannot Drive Safely, Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Negligent Driving, Reckless Driving, and related charges.

5/01/24 David Price Miller, 32, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Joseph Senatore for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, Negligent Driving, Reckless Driving, and related charges. NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

5/03/24 – Maurice Davonne Patterson, 35, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Bianca Melton for Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Negligent Driving, and Reckless Driving.

5/04/24 – Christy Ella Lee, 46, of Mechanicsville, MD, by Corporal Vincent Pontorno, for Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Negligent Driving, Reckless Driving, and related charges.

5/04/24 – Gregory Maurice Pate, 57, of Temple Hills, MD, by Deputy First Class Michael Rycyzyn for Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Negligent Driving, Reckless Driving, and related charges.

5/04/24 – Dale Clinton Young Jr., 32, of Lusby, MD, for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol Per Se, Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Negligent Driving, Reckless Driving and related charges.

5/05/24 – Benjamin Hall Farrell, 18, of Avenue, MD, by Corporal Vincent Pontorno, for Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol, Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, and related charges. NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

SUMMONSES:

4/29/24 – Darius Antonio Varlack, 43, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Bianca Melton for First-Degree Burglary, Fourth-Degree Burglary, Theft $100-$1500, and Malicious Destruction of Property.

WARRANTS:
5/01/24 – Kevin Leroy Jackson, III, 28, of Washington D.C., by Deputy First Class Jessica Wilson for two counts of Theft of $1500-$25,000 and Theft Scheme.

5/03/24 – Jacob Dakota Beagle, 27, of Silver Spring, MD, by Deputy Elijsha Munn for Fourth-Degree Burglary of Storehouse.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Announced on April 22 that the Popes Creek Waterfront Park Living Shoreline Design was one of 22 recipients of funding through the federal Coastal Zone Management Act.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources submitted the project and secured $120,865 in funding to be awarded to the Resilience Authority of Charles County. The project will transform the former site of the Gilligan’s Pier restaurant into a nature-based park.

"By repurposing the former Gilligan's Restaurant into a public park, we're not only enhancing recreational opportunities by providing access to the water, but also addressing the impacts of climate change with the planned shoreline and habitat restoration,” Sam Drury, Deputy Director of the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism, said. 

The Popes Creek Waterfront Park Living Shoreline Design project will utilize nature-based solutions to mitigate sea level rise, erosion, and storm events to ensure the park's long-term health. According to a summary of the project, the design “effectively demonstrates equitable climate resilience grounded in the connection between healthy biodiverse ecosystems and healthy human communities.”

The design features vegetated headlands to reduce erosion and native marsh plantings to aid in shoreline stabilization, create habitats for aquatic organizations, provide aesthetically pleasing features, and improve water quality.

Overall, the improvements to the shoreline will further protect the Future Pokes Creek Waterfront Park, which will sit on 17 acres of waterfront property and include amenities such as a boardwalk and bike trail, wetland fishing and crabbing areas, a nature center, and other outdoor activities.

“The ongoing collaboration between the Charles County Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism and the Charles County Resilience Authority highlights our dedication to creating resilient and accessible public spaces," Stacy Schafer, Executive Director of the Resilience Authority of Charles County, said.

Click here to view more about the future Popes Creek Waterfront Park.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provided a grand total of $59.8 million for 22 coastal management program projects. For a full list of awards, click here.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – It’s time to clean out your filing cabinets and desks to get rid of confidential, private, or important personal documents that you no longer need to keep! 

St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) will host their 16^th annual Community Shredding Event on Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 8 a.m. – noon at the St. Andrews Landfill, located at 44837 St. Andrews Church Road.

This community event gives residents the opportunity to have their confidential, private, and important documents destroyed by a professional shredding service at no cost. This type of shredding turns sensitive documents into confetti-sized pieces, ensuring that confidential material cannot be copied. All paper material shredded during the event will then be recycled.

Please refrain from bringing materials that are not confidential in nature, such as newspapers and magazines (acceptable for recycling at the six Convenience Centers) as they will cause the truck to fill up more quickly. The shredder can handle simple staples, paper clips, spiral notebooks, and thin metal prongs, however it cannot accept 3 ring binders.  Please limit the number of boxes you bring to 3 standard bankers’ boxes (10"H x 12"W x 15” D) per person so we can serve as many residents as possible.

For more information, please call DPW&T at (301) 475-4200, ext. 3550.

The Department of the Navy and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 3, with concurrence from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), are beginning a Five-Year Review of existing Record of Decision (ROD) documents and ongoing remedial (environmental cleanup) actions at the Webster Outlying Field in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, and completed the Sixth Five-Year Review of existing Record of Decision (ROD) documents and ongoing remedial (environmental cleanup) actions at the Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River in St. Mary’s County, Maryland. A Five-Year Review is required by Section 121 of Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) for remedial actions which result in any hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants remaining at a site at levels that do not allow for unlimited use and unrestricted exposure.

The purpose of the Five-Year Review was to ensure that these remedial actions are providing adequate protection of human health and the environment..

The First Five-Year Review for the Webster Outlying Field contains information on one Munition Response Site:  UXO-0001 Former Aerial Bombing Range. The Navy will submit draft findings of this Five-Year Review to MDE in June 2024. The final report will be made available to the public in September 2024.

The completed Sixth Five-Year Review for the NAS Patuxent River contains information on the following Environmental Restoration Sites:  Site 1 Fishing Point Landfill and Site 12, Landfill Behind Rifle Range, Operable Unit (OU)-1, Site 6/6A, OU-1 – Bohneyard Site, Site 11 OU-1 and OU-2- Former and Current Sanitary Landfills, Site 17, OU-1 – Pesticide Shop (Building 841), Site 31 – Tire Shop Building 307, and Site 39 – Waste Tetrachloroethene (PCE) Storage Area (Building 503). The final report has been reviewed by EPA and MDE and will be made available to the public in April 2024.

Community members who have questions or information about the effectiveness of the remedies and protection of human health and environment are encouraged to contact the Public Affairs Officer:

Patrick Gordon

NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs

22268 Cedar Point Road, Building 409

Patuxent River, MD 20670-1154

patrick.a.gordon10.civ@us.navy.mil

All relevant environmental documents are available for review at the NAS Patuxent River Public Website, Administrative Record at https://go.usa.gov/xSjbt and the Webster Outlying Field Public Webster, Administrative Record at https://go.usa.gov/xSjbJ

St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) is suspending wet season perc testing effective Friday, May 3, 2024. The suspension is due to declining groundwater levels, made clear by observing conditions within a network of monitoring wells in the county.

All perc test applications that were not scheduled and evaluated will be prioritized for scheduling when groundwater levels are adequate for the next wet season, expected in 2025. Applicants may also request a refund; however, they must then reapply when the wet season returns and will lose their place/priority for scheduling during the next perc testing season.

For more information, please contact the SMCHD Environmental Health Division at (301) 475-4321.

For additional information on perc testing, please visit smchd.org/perc-testing.

The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 7 p.m. to present and receive comments regarding the fiscal year (FY) 2025 commissioners’ recommended operating and capital improvement budget. The public hearing will be held in the Commissioners Hearing Room, located in the Calvert County Circuit Courthouse, Second Floor, at 175 Main St. in Prince Frederick.

The public may dial in by phone (audio only) to participate remotely:

·         Toll-free: 301-715-8592

·         Meeting ID: 899 4188 8251

·         Passcode (if asked): #

·         To provide public comment: *9

The FY 2025 commissioners’ budget document will be made available for public viewing in advance of the hearing at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/PublicHearings. Hard copies will be available at the public libraries or by contacting the Department of Finance & Budget at 410-535-1600, ext. 2441, or Dawn.Wood@calvertcountymd.gov.

To ensure full public access and transparency, the meeting will be streamed live on the Calvert County Government YouTube page at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov. The meeting will also be broadcast live on Comcast channel 1070 HD.

Reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities or linguistic barriers should be requested by contacting the BOCC office at 410-535-1600, ext. 2202, or TTY 1-800-735-2258.

Individuals may also submit written comments. Written comments may be submitted by email to Dawn.Wood@calvertcountymd.gov or mailed to the BOCC at 175 Main St., Prince Frederick, MD 20678.

Interested persons are encouraged to attend the public hearing in person or virtually. To learn more about the budget development process at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/FY25.

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) announces the postponement of the public hearing originally scheduled to take place on May 7, 2024, to adopt the Maryland Building Performance Standards (MBPS) announced this March by amending the St. Mary's County Code, specifically Chapter 203 titled "Building Construction" and Chapter 223 Article IV titled "Inspection Fees."

This public hearing has been rescheduled to take place on June 4, 2024, at 10:15 a.m. during the Commissioner of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) business meeting, in the CSMC Meeting Room, located on the 1st floor of the Chesapeake Building at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown.

"We have maximized our efforts to engage additional stakeholders over these past few weeks, and our efforts are paying off. Postponing the public hearing allows us to continue these conversations and to evaluate the recommendations we are receiving to include them in the proposed update,” said Jessica Andritz, LUGM Director. “My hope is that when this legislation is presented to the Commissioners for adoption, it will reflect a common-sense approach to building construction that finds the right balance between public safety, economic development, and housing opportunities for all.”

St. Mary's County Government encourages all interested parties, including residents, builders, contractors, and relevant stakeholders, to participate in the upcoming public hearing on June 4, 2024. Your input is invaluable in shaping the future of our community.

Public comment on this topic will be accepted through June 11, 2024 (one week post hearing). More information on public hearings and how to participate is available at: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/PublicHearings.

For more information on this hearing or the proposed amendments, please contact Amber Thompson with LUGM at (301) 475-4200, ext. 1542 or via email to Amber.Thompson@stmaryscountymd.gov.

Maryland Department of State Police Superintendent Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr. presented awards for outstanding service on Tuesday. Two of those recognized were Deputy State Fire Marshals Timothy McDonald and Cory Hurst for their lifesaving efforts. 

On December 12, 2022, Deputy State Fire Marshals Timothy McDonald, Kirby Travers, Christopher McIntyre, and Alex Chinn were having lunch in a restaurant on Nanticoke Road in Salisbury, Maryland. During their lunch, a woman entered the restaurant seeking assistance for her elderly mother, who was in medical distress inside a store beside the restaurant. All of the deputies quickly responded to the call for service. When they arrived, Senior Deputy McDonald found the woman lying on the floor and immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The other deputies worked to control pedestrian traffic and assist responding Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel. Once EMS arrived, they confirmed a pulse, assumed lifesaving measures, and transported the female to the hospital. Senior Deputy State Fire Marshal McDonald was awarded a Lifesaving Award for his continuous and exhaustive efforts. 

On January 27, 2024, Master Deputy State Fire Marshal & Bomb Technician Cory Hurst traveled to the University of Maryland campus from the Eastern Shore around 8:00 a.m. for a bomb squad assignment involving a sweep and standby at a Big Ten basketball game. While traveling across the Bay Bridge, he found himself at the front edge of a multi-vehicle crash in the heavy fog. Master Deputy Hurst maneuvered his vehicle evasively and managed to avoid collisions. He notified the Centerville Barrack and requested assistance. 

Master Deputy Hurst began to assess and triage many vehicle occupants for injuries. He was told that someone ahead was suffering from a completely severed arm. Master Deputy Hurst found that a citizen had already applied a ratchet strap around the victims' arm, and they were applying direct pressure.

Master Deputy Hurst took control of the situation, properly applied his agency issued tourniquet, and comforted the victim until EMS arrived. Master Deputy Hurst remained on the scene for hours, assisting in different ways. 

His professional and calming reaction to this stressful situation stabilized the patient until the fire department and EMS arrived. For his heroic efforts, Hurst received a Superintendent's Commendation. 

The annual Maryland State Police Awards Ceremony was held at the Maryland State Fairgrounds. It was attended by the award recipients' families, friends, and co-workers. Awards were also presented for incidents involving troopers and employees who went above and beyond the call of duty while serving and protecting the people of Maryland.

The Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) recently recertified Berry Elementary School, Henry E. Lackey high School and Thomas Stone High School as 2024 Maryland Green Schools. Eight other schools achieved Sustainable Schools level by MAEOE this year. Gale-Bailey Elementary School achieved Sustainable Bronze level due to the schools’ participation and support of the Green Schools program for 18 years. Schools must apply every four years to retain Green Schools status and this year 16 CCPS schools have the status. This is a 12% increase from 2023. The CCPS schools that have the status include Arthur Middleton, Berry, Dr. James Craik, Gale-Bailey, J.C. Parks and William B. Wade elementary schools; Theodore G. Davis, John Hanson, General Smallwood, Piccowaxen, Milton M. Somers middle schools; Henry E. Lackey, North Point, St. Charles, Thomas Stone and Westlake high schools; and the Robert D. Stethem Educational Center. The Maryland Green School program honors schools for their commitment to developing stewards of the Earth and reducing environmental impacts. The theme for this year is Healing Ourselves as We Heal the Earth. The program “provides a platform for schools to present environmental literacy and student connections to academics and their local environment,” Laura Johnson Collard, executive director of MAEOE, said. The Green School application process takes two years to complete and requires schools to demonstrate efforts to integrate sustainable practices, classroom integration of environmental issues, conservation practices and examples of existing community partnerships to enhance environmental learning. Schools must apply for recertification every four years and continue to demonstrate environmental education efforts. The Maryland Green Schools program also is aligned with the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement goals and supports the Maryland State Department of Education graduation requirements. Thirty-four percent of schools in Maryland have active Green Schools, and 45 Green Centers. MAEOE will celebrate Green Schools and Green Centers at the 25th annual Maryland Green School Youth Summit set for May 30 at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis. Visit www.maeoe.org for information on the Green Schools program.

NAS Pax River Gate 1 Closure Friday, May 3

NAS Patuxent River will close Gate 1 Friday, May 3 from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. for scheduled maintenance.

NAS Pax River's Gate 2 will keep three lanes open for inbound traffic during that time.

Prince Frederick, Md. – May 2, 2024  – The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter front parking lot is closed until further notice due to damage to pavement. The shelter will remain open with normal operating hours while the parking lot is repaired. Visitors are advised to use caution and obey signage.

The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter, located at 5055 Hallowing Point Road, in Prince Frederick, is an open-admission animal shelter managed by the Animal Shelter Division of the Calvert County Department of Public Safety. Shelter hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please call 410-535-7387 for questions or to schedule an intake appointment. For more information about the Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter visit www.CalvertCountyAnimalShelter.com.

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

LEONARDTOWN, MD (May 2, 2024)—The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office is aware of a recent trend where students role-play in a game known as "Senior Assassin” and cautions this is an unsafe and potentially dangerous pastime. "Senior Assassin" is a game often played by high school seniors in which participants are assigned targets, typically other students, whom they must "assassinate" by various means, such as squirting them with water guns or tagging them with stickers. While it may seem harmless on the surface, this game has the potential to escalate quickly and result in serious consequences.

On Monday, April 29, 2024, deputies from the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office responded to a call reporting suspicious individuals wearing masks and knocking on doors in a neighborhood, only to discover that the incident was connected to the "Senior Assassin" game. Concerned citizens mistook participants for potential threats, leading to unnecessary alarm and diversion of law enforcement resources. This incident underscores the serious implications of engaging in activities like "Senior Assassin," which can inadvertently contribute to public anxiety and strain community safety resources.

The Sheriff's Office urges parents to speak with their children about the risks associated with participating in "Senior Assassin" and to discourage them from doing so.

On Tuesday, April 30, Jacob Dyer, Acting Director of the Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services, and Ms. TaTanya Bowman, Assistant Chief of Budget, held additional 2025 budget work sessions with the Commissioners. Tuesday’s briefing focused on Special Revenue funds, which account for certain revenue sources that are legally restricted or committed to expenditures for specific purposes, and a recap on the budget proposals discussed during previous 2025 budget work sessions. For detailed information on the proposed Fiscal 2025 Budget, read the full news release here. Formal adoption of the proposed 2025 budget is scheduled for May 14.

Briefings

Staff updated Commissioners on a request to establish February as African American Heritage Month instead of Black History Month in the county. Renesha Miles, Chief Equity Officer, stated that a collaborative effort would be made to discuss a potential name change with county partners over the summer.
Sam Drury, Deputy Director; Ju'Wann Jones, Chief of Recreation; Tim Drummond, Chief of Parks and Grounds, and Ashley Chenault, Chief of Tourism, Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism, presented the county's State of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism. The Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism is working on moving into a new facility at Centennial Street and bringing broadband and electric service to Mallows Bay. Future development plans include a feasibility study for the Mallows Bay Visitor Center and a long-range functional master plan for the department.
Approval items

Commissioners approved:

A budget amendment increase to the Environmental Services Program of $390,000 to purchase a 77-acre parcel adjacent to the old Pisgah Landfill. The purchase would allow for the acquisition of the contaminated land, access to a groundwater monitoring well, and provide a potential area for a future mulching operations site.
A lease agreement on Stanhaven Place in White Plains for additional space to allow for s Economic Development, Department of Emergency Services staff, as well as transit staff for the Department of Planning and Growth Management.
A request to light Charles County Government Buildings in Green for Mental Health Awareness Month.
A change order credit for $227,527.78 to close out the Hunt Club Estates/Bridle Path Stream restoration project.
A request to apply for a Department of Justice Community-Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative grant.
A change order of $189,666.26 for costs to increase the size of the emergency generator on the Landfill Leachate Pretreatment Facility project.
Actions on Boards and Commissions

Commissioners took the following actions on county boards and commissions:

Appoint Robert Ansell as Citizen Member to the Board of Fire & Rescue.
Appoint Timothy Huntt as Delegate member and Edward Godwin as Alternate member to the Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board, Inc. 
Viewing option of the meeting and the Commissioner Listening Session: Click Here

Next Commissioners Session: May 7 – May 8

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

Patrol officers locate and apprehend suspect in citizen armed robbery case: On April 23 at 6:37 p.m., patrol officers responded to the area of Lexington Drive and Lexington Place in Waldorf for the report of an armed robbery that had just occurred. A preliminary report showed the victim was walking on Lexington Drive when he was approached by a passenger car. The driver pointed a handgun at the victim and told him to get in the car. Once the victim was in the car, the suspect pointed the gun at the victim and demanded his name-brand shoes. The victim complied and was then told to exit the car. Through investigation, officers developed information and responded to the area of Daffodil Place in Waldorf where they located the suspect and the car he was driving. The suspect, Joshua Dylan Marable, age 18, of Indian Head, was arrested and the victim’s shoes were recovered. Marable was charged with armed robbery, first-degree assault, use of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and other related charges. He is currently being held at the Charles County Detention Center with no bond. Cpl. Bier is investigating.

Michael Joseph Brooks, 57, of Great Mills, MD, was arrested on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, following a traffic stop in Great Mills for two counts each of CDS: Possession Not Marijuana and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

While conducting proactive traffic enforcement, Deputy First Class Travis Wimberly initiated a traffic stop on a 2003 Dodge Caravan for operating a vehicle registered as a “historic motor vehicle” in violation of Maryland Traffic Law. After making contact with the driver, later identified as Brooks, DFC Wimberly saw suspected cocaine on the driver's side floorboard and initiated a probable cause search of the vehicle. Suspected crack cocaine and drug-related paraphernalia were located in the vehicle.

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

Detectives investigating homicide on Ruston Place in Waldorf: On April 30 at 10:40 p.m., officers responded to the 4500 block of Ruston Place in Waldorf for the report of an injured man. When officers arrived, the man had been pronounced deceased by EMS who also responded. A preliminary investigation showed the victim, Kemo Key, 29, of Waldorf, was outside of his residence and had been shot. There were no reported calls about gunshots before Key was found. Detectives are following leads and ask anyone with information to call Detective Bringley at 301-609-6499. 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 is being offered for the tip that leads to the arrest of the suspect in this case.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Emergency Services (DES) urges community members to be prepared for the next Atlantic hurricane season, which starts on June 1, 2024, and goes through November 30, 2024. While severe weather can happen outside of this timeframe, it is the most active for hurricane and tropical storm activity.

In effort to support community preparedness, the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) will provide self-service sandbag pickup for residents on Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 8 a.m. to noon, at the St. Andrews Landfill located at 44837 St. Andrews Church Road.

Residents are encouraged to stock up on sandbags now so that they are prepared before a storm strikes our area. Sandbags are not pre-filled and are limited to 10-25 bags per person, while supplies last. Community partners and DES will also be onsite distributing free hurricane preparedness supplies and information.

“We all know that storm systems can move and change rapidly,” said Commissioner President James R. Guy. “Distributing sandbags in advance is the best way to ensure our residents have what they need should a storm system threaten our area.”

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

• Make emergency kits: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/kit
  • Home Kit: include a flashlight, batteries, blankets, spare clothing, a battery-operated radio, hygiene supplies, medication, a first aid kit, food that is easy to open and prepare, and clean drinking water. 
  • Be sure to consider the needs of your family, including infants and children, the elderly, those with functional needs, and pets.
• Have a plan: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/plan
  • Know Your Zone and plan your evacuation route ahead of time. Identify a safe place to go, and a way to get there, if an evacuation is ordered by local officials.  Keep your gas tank full in case you need to evacuate quickly.
  • Discuss with loved ones how you will communicate before, during, and after a potential emergency or severe weather event.
• Sign up for local emergency notifications at: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/CodeRed
• Hurricane preparedness basics:
  • Secure or bring indoors all outdoor toys, furniture, and items that could be moved by heavy winds; de-clutter drains and gutters; and consider hurricane shutters.
  • Check on your neighbors, friends, and family members, especially if they are elderly and/or have functional needs. 
  • Bring your pets indoors during severe weather.
  • Know where the main valves and switches are for gas, water, and electricity – and ensure someone you trust can operate them in case you need to shut them off.
  • Follow the instructions of local emergency management officials.

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.

Learn more about and prepare for potential emergencies at: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/em.

BALTIMORE, MD – The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation today announced extending the 2024 deadline to submit annual reports and personal property tax returns to June 17 as part of the Moore administration’s response to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

“Alongside the entire Moore administration, it is our top priority to support the thousands of workers and businesses impacted by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge,” said Interim Director Dan Phillips. “By extending this filing deadline, businesses already in good standing with the state will remain in good standing for an extra two months to be eligible for crucial relief programs.”

All domestic and foreign business entities must file an annual report to maintain their “good standing” status with the Department. Businesses in most jurisdictions that own, lease, or use personal property in Maryland may also need to file a personal property tax return with the annual report. The deadline extension announced today applies regardless of whether a business already requested an extension, and will allow businesses already in good standing to remain in good standing for an additional two months. Good standing status is often a requirement to be eligible for business relief programs.

The quickest and easiest way to submit these filings is through the Department’s award-winning Maryland Business Express site. When submitted online, annual reports are updated to a filed status on the business’ Maryland Business Express page the same day as online submission.

Earlier this month, Governor Wes Moore launched the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse Response Website, which serves as a central hub for Marylanders in search of federal, state, and local resources and programs related to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The website includes information on relief programs for impacted workers and businesses, major traffic updates for commuters, and guidance on in-person resources available through Maryland Business Recovery Centers.

This annual report and personal property tax return extension was made pursuant to Executive Order 01.01.2024.12 issued by Governor Wes Moore on April 11, 2024, with the intent to support businesses in accessing economic and financial relief programs related to the bridge collapse.

A copy of the formal deadline extension notice can be found here.

On April 30 at 10: 40 a.m., three students became involved in a fight inside St. Charles High School. The fight drew numerous students who began instigating and challenging each other. Staff members intervened and attempted to gain control, but several students remained uncooperative. Additional officers were called to the school to assist. The school was placed on a hold status until the students were dispersed and the situation de-escalated. The students involved will face disciplinary sanctions from the Charles County Public Schools and charges are pending. Anyone with information is asked to contact PFC Watkins at 301-609-3282 ext. 0721.

On April 29, 2024, at approximately 6:26 p.m., deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Bureau responded to the 3700 block of Chaneyville Road in Owings, for the report of a motorcycle crash. Upon arrival, units discovered a motorcycle just off the roadway and the operator of the motorcycle was deceased. The Crash Reconstruction Team was notified and responded to the scene.

Preliminary investigation revealed a 2004 Harley Davidson was traveling north on Chaneyville Road. The operator of the motorcycle was identified as Richard Evan Ganyon Jr., 52 of North Beach. The motorcycle left the roadway for unknown reasons and Ganyon lost control on the unpaved shoulder.

The investigation is ongoing. Deputy First Class Mike Lewis of the Crash Reconstruction Team is investigating the crash. Anyone with information is asked to contact DFC Lewis at 410-535-2800 or via email Mike.Lewis.Jr@calvertcountymd.gov. Please reference case 24-34379.

The St. Mary’s County Strategic Plan for Overdose Response is now updated and available online. The 2023 update describes progress and new goals since the prior versions of the plan in 2019 and 2017. Many local partners - including the St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD), law enforcement, health care providers, schools, EMS, and Fire Rescue - have been working together to prevent overdose fatalities and mitigate the harms of substance use.

The Strategic Plan for Overdose Response proposes new strategies to address overdoses and substance use and highlights the work already established in the county. The plan describes four major categories of effort related to substance use, including:

• Preventing new cases of misuse
• Improving early identification and intervention
• Expanding access to services
• Enhancing data collection, sharing, and analysis

The St. Mary’s County Strategic Plan for Overdose Response will continue to be updated as additional response strategies and resources are identified to help curb substance use behaviors at every stage of prevention and recovery.

SMCHD thanks the many partner organizations and community members who have been involved in developing and implementing the county’s Overdose Response Plan. The plan is posted on the SMCHD website at smchd.org/opioid.

About one-quarter of 1% of students who take the ACT each year earn a perfect score. In 2022 — the last year for which statistics are available — that was 3,376 students out of 1.34 million who earned a composite score of 36.

It’s not known how many students have taken the ACT in 2024 yet. But Will Alcorn, a senior at La Plata High School, is one of those who reached perfection — a 36. 

The ACT contains multiple-choice tests in four areas — English, mathematics, reading and science. It also has an optional writing test which is not included in the composite score. The test is a curriculum-based achievement exam that measures what students have learned in school. Students who earn a 36 composite score have likely mastered all of the skills and knowledge they will need to succeed in first-year college courses in core subject areas, according to a news release from the ACT. “Earning a top score on the ACT is a remarkable achievement,” Janet Goodwin, ACT CEO, said.

Alcorn has taken the ACT four times. The first time he didn’t do well, probably because he was well hydrated and had to use the restroom. “It sounds silly,” he said. Alcorn advises test takers not to drink too much water the night before or morning of the test — “or else that problem arises,” he said.

Study habits

He pored over the same ACT study book his older brothers used. “I mainly studied some of the geometry material since I missed half of that class due to Covid and English punctuation and grammar because I was never quite good with grammar,” Alcorn said.

Alcorn, currently ranked No. 1 in La Plata’s Class of 2024, has committed to the University of Alabama where he plans to study accounting. At La Plata, he has participated in the Key Club, has been on the It’s Academic team each year since ninth grade and a member of the National Honor Society and the math team since he was a sophomore. He is currently the vice president of the Student Government Association (SGA) and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Alcorn has been active in Unified Sports taking part in Unified tennis earlier this year and is a member of the Unified track team.

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 27,765 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

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 proclamations in recognition of Hurricane Preparedness Week and Small Business Month. They then presented a commendation for Sue Veith in celebration of her retirement after 30 years of service with St. Mary’s County Government. 

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

• Reviewed future CSMC meeting agendas. 
• Approved the FY2025 Heroin Coordinator application for the Overdose & Drug Awareness Coordinator Grant Program from the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office.
• Approved the FY2025 Sex Offender Compliance & Enforcement grant application from the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office.
• Approved the FY2025 Gun Violence Reduction grant application from the St. Mary’s County State's Attorney's Office.
• Reviewed the St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission’s FY2025 Capital Improvement Budget and FY2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan.
• Approved excise tax reimbursement for Habitat for Humanity for the construction of an affordable housing unit.
• Approved the funding application for Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant program to support the county's Energy Efficiency & Conservation Project.

Commissioners then received a legislative update from the Office of the County Attorney and Government Relations Consultant, and then wrapped with Commissioner Time.

The CSMC will reconvene this evening at 6:30 p.m. for a Public Hearing on the proposed revision to the Animal Ordinance. More information on public hearings and how to participate is available at: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/PublicHearings. The next CSMC business meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 9 a.m. in the CSMC Meeting Room (1^st floor, Chesapeake Building, 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown). The CSMC will also hold a Budget Work session that day at 1:30 p.m. and a Public Forum at 6:30 p.m. CSMC decisions and related documents are available on the county government website in BoardDocs. Meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live on Channel 95 or on-demand via www.YouTube.com/@StMarysCoGov. Visit stmaryscountymd.gov for more information.  

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office handled 1413 Calls for service, including 12 Emergency Petitions from April 22 through April 28, 2024.

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

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

ARRESTS:

4/23/24 – Dewayne Anthony Dickens, Jr., 19, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Alexander Tasciotti for Assault Second-Degree on a Division of Corrections Employee.

4/23/24 – Glenn Alan Townshend, 28, of Thurmont, MD, by Deputy James Morgan for Assault Second-Degree on a Division of Corrections Employee and Assault Second-Degree.

4/24/24 – Vivian Monesha-Andrea Anthes, 23, of Great Mills, MD, by Deputy Richard Stillwell for Assault First-Degree and Assault Second-Degree.

4/25/24 – Darius Antonio Varlack, 43, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Elijsha Munn for CDS: Possession Not Marijuana, CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia and Possession of Contraband While in Confinement.

4/27/24 – Kevin Bryan Wright, 39, of California, MD, by Deputy James Morgan for Assault Second-Degree on a Division of Corrections Employee and Assault Second-Degree.

DUIs:

4/17/24 – Jeremy Wayne Wigglesworth, 36, of Callaway, MD, by Deputy James Morgan for Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol, Driving While Impaired by Alcohol and related charges.

SUMMONSES:

4/24/24 – Deodis Lee Clyburn, Jr., 29, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Joseph Senatore for Theft Scheme $100 - <$1500 and five counts of Theft Under $100.

4/24/24 – John Larry Dickerson, 34, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Joseph Senatore for CDS: Possession Not Cannabis and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

4/25/24 – Marilyn Elaine Christiani, 66, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy First Class Zachary Jerew for Theft Scheme $100 - <$1500 and Theft Under $100. NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

4/25/24 – Melissa Elizabeth Geimer, 58, of Hollywood, MD, by Deputy Presont Dixon for CDS: Possession Not Marijuana and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

4/26/24 – Mark Anthony Buckler, Jr., 41, of Leonardtown, MD, by Deputy Richard Stillwell for CDS: Possession Not Marijuana and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

WARRANTS:
4/26/24 – Andrew Lamont Short Sr., 54, of Lexington Park, MD, by Deputy Devin Absher, for Sex Offense Fourth-Degree Sex Contact and Assault Second-Degree.