Damaged Property: 26-26381 On March 21, 2026, Deputy Armbruster responded to the 100 block of Calvert Beach Road in St. Leonard for a reported firearms complaint. The complainant advised that sometime between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on March 20, an unknown individual fired a bullet through the front window of the residence. Upon arrival, deputies observed a hole in the upper left pane of the front window, next to the front door, consistent with a bullet strike. While inside the home, deputies located a hole in a kitchen cabinet directly in line with the window damage. The size of the hole and the number of items penetrated are consistent with a rifle round. No injuries were reported. The estimated value of the damaged property is $400.00.

Damaged Property: 26-26537 On March 21, 2026, DFC Fleenor responded to a residence in the 700 block of Ox Bow Lane in Lusby for a report of property destruction. The complainant advised that an unknown individual had fired a BB gun at the front windows of the residence. Upon arrival, deputies observed a small brass BB lodged between the windowpanes. The estimated value of the damage is between $300 and $500.

Theft: 26-26075 On March 20, 2026, at approximately 10:26 a.m., DFC Lewis responded to 73 Sherry Lane, Prince Frederick, MD, for a reported theft. The complainant advised that on March 19, 2026, at approximately 8:32 p.m., an unidentified male entered the establishment, took a bottle of D’Ussé Cognac and a bottle of Casamigos, and left the store without making payment. The suspect is described as a Black male wearing a black jacket and blue jeans. The estimated value of the stolen property is $63.00.

Theft: 26-26250
On March 20, 2026, at approximately 9:24 p.m., DFC Claggett was dispatched to Giant, located at 10790 Town Center Boulevard in Dunkirk, for a reported theft. The complainant advised that a male entered the store, retrieved a box of bananas, and dumped the contents onto the floor, leaving the box partially empty. The suspect then filled the box with various meats, including six packages of Beef Top Round, six London Broils, and twelve Salmon Fillets, totaling $889.31. The suspect fled the store without paying and yelled profanities at a store associate while exiting. He was described as a black male, approximately 5’6” in height, weighing between 120–150 lbs., and wearing all black clothing. The suspect was observed entering a gold Hyundai before leaving the area. This case remains under investigation.

Theft: 26-26354
On March 21, 2026, at approximately 9:16 a.m., Deputy Parrott responded to the 8600 block of Baywalk Square in Chesapeake Beach for a reported theft. The complainant reported that an iPhone 17 had been delivered via FedEx; however, when the package was opened, it was found to be empty. The phone’s estimated value was $1,250.00. Later that same day, Deputy Parrott responded to the 2200 block of 5th Street in Owings for a second reported theft. In this incident, the complainant also reported ordering an iPhone 17 delivered by FedEx, and upon opening the package, discovered it was empty. The estimated value of the phone was $1,470.00. This case remains under investigation.

Theft: 26-26245
On March 20 at approximately 9:06 a.m., DFC Crum responded to Walmart, located at 50 North Solomons Island Road in Prince Frederick, for a reported theft. An investigation revealed that Robert Lee Andujar, 46, of Lusby, and his son, Joshua Dillard Andujar, 23, of Lusby, were observed stealing merchandise from the store. Deputies made contact with Joshua inside the store, where multiple unopened packs of NFL cards were located in his pockets. Contact was then made with Robert at his vehicle. In plain view, deputies observed multiple opened and unopened packs of NFL cards inside the vehicle. Deputies also observed a rolled dollar bill covered in a white powdery substance. Robert advised that the substance was heroin and fentanyl. Both individuals were placed into custody and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center. Joshua Dillard Andujar was charged with Theft: $100 to under $1,500 (Shoplifting). Robert Lee Andujar was charged with Theft: Less than $100 and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

Theft: 26-26478
On March 21, 2026, DFC Crum responded to the Giant located at 655 North Solomons Island Road in Prince Frederick for a reported theft. The complainant advised that at approximately 4:15 p.m., a male suspect exited the store with a shopping cart filled with merchandise. The items included multiple Tide detergent canisters and three 12-packs of Bounty paper towels. The suspect was described as a white male, approximately 5’11” tall, weighing around 160 lbs., and wearing light blue jeans, a gray sweatshirt, and a white cap. The estimated value of the stolen property is $435.00. This case remains under investigation.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) have approved the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Recommended Budget for public hearing, advancing it for community review and input.

The CSMC will hold the annual Budget Public Hearing to present the FY27 Recommended Budget and receive public comment on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Chopticon High School (CHS), located at 25390 Colton Point Road in Morganza.

The hearing will take place in the CHS auditorium. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and sign-up sheets for those wishing to speak will be available in the school foyer.

Community members are encouraged to attend and share their feedback on the proposed budget. Those wishing to address the Commissioners may participate in person or provide feedback via:

• Email to: csmc@stmaryscountymd.gov 
• Mail to: PO Box 653 Leonardtown, Maryland 20650

The deadline to submit public comments is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. All submissions will be considered by the CSMC at the Public Hearing and for up to seven days following the hearing. Additional details regarding the Public Hearing are available at: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/publichearings.

The FY2027 Recommended Budget Book will be available for public review online by the close of business on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/budget.

Appropriate accommodation for individuals with language or other special needs will be provided upon request. To support these needs, we respectfully ask for one week’s prior notice. Please contact the Public Information Office at (301) 475-4200, ext. 1340 or via email to pio@stmaryscountymd.gov by April 14, 2026, to arrange.

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

Charles County, MD… On March 31, murder suspect Dayton Webber, age 27, of La Plata, MD, was extradited from Virginia, and transported to the Charles County Detention Center (CCDC). Webber was transported from the Albemarle County Detention Center in Virginia by members of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Judicial Services Section and booked in accordance with CCDC procedures. As with all individuals in the custody of the CCDC, housing and care decisions are made in accordance with facility policies and applicable laws.

Due to Webber’s specific medical and mobility needs, appropriate accommodations will be provided in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), established correctional standards, and best practices. Webber is currently being held pending a bond review, which will be conducted remotely as is standard procedure for incarcerated individuals at the CCDC.

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) understands that the unusual circumstances of this case generate many questions about how certain procedures are adapted and how provisions of the ADA are specifically met. However, the CCSO will not provide additional information regarding booking processes, housing, equipment, or techniques beyond what is described above. Further, for safety and operational reasons, the detention center does not release information regarding transport schedules, housing assignments, or specific security procedures.

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – Communities surrounding Naval Air Station Patuxent River are advised that noise-generating testing events are scheduled to take place March 31, 2026 from 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.  

Pilots at NAS PAX will be conducting Field Carrier Landing Practices (FCLPs). FCLPs are simulated carrier landings conducted to prepare the pilot to land safely on an aircraft carrier.  The practices consist of series of touch-and-go maneuvers, called “bounces.” Airspeed, altitude and power are all precisely choreographed in order for a pilot to approach the ship within an acceptable window to land on the deck safely. FCLP training is essential for the precision and safety of our military pilots and the success of their mission. Residents may notice increased noise levels due to these operations. 

As with all operations, NAS Patuxent River takes precautions to lessen the impact of testing activities on the community. For more information, call 1-866-819-9028. To view all current NAS PAX noise advisories please click the following link: https://www.cnic.navy.mil/PaxRiverNoise. 

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) is proud to announce that John Sterling Houser, Deputy County Attorney, has been named a 2026 honoree in The Daily Record’s Leaders in Law awards, receiving the Generation J.D. Award. This recognition honors attorneys admitted to the bar for 10 years or less who demonstrate professional accomplishment, community service, and a strong commitment to the legal profession early in their careers. 

Through the Leaders in Law awards, The Daily Record and the Maryland State Bar Association honor outstanding legal professionals across Maryland who are serving businesses, clients, and individuals while making communities stronger. Mr. Houser’s dedication to upholding the law and serving the residents of St. Mary’s County has earned him this well-deserved recognition.

“We are proud to see John Houser recognized through The Daily Record’s Leaders in Law program,” said Commissioner President Randy Guy. “This recognition is well deserved, and we are grateful for the professionalism and integrity he brings to our organization each day.”

Houser expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “I’m honored to be named among this year’s Leaders in Law.  It is a privilege to serve St. Mary’s County, and I am grateful for the guidance and support of the mentors who have shaped my work in county government over the past five years.”

The 2026 Leaders in Law honorees will be celebrated on April 20, 2026, at the Hilton BWI in Linthicum Heights, Maryland. The event will bring together top legal professionals from across the state to highlight their achievements and dedication to public service.

For more information about the Leaders in Law program, please visit The Daily Record’s website at: https://thedailyrecord.com/event/leaders-in-law.

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – March 30, 2026 – The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners announces county offices will be closed Friday, April 3, 2026, in observance of Good Friday. In addition:

· The Appeal Solid Waste Facility, which includes the landfill and transfer station, and all county convenience centers will be open with normal operating hours Friday, April 3, and Saturday, April 4. All facilities will be closed Sunday, April 5.

· The Solomons Septage Receiving Facility will be open Friday, April 3, with normal operating hours.

· The Water & Sewerage billing and customer service office will be closed Friday, April 3. · Calvert County senior centers will be closed Friday, April 3, and Meals on Wheels will not be delivered. Meal delivery is scheduled to resume Monday, April 6. · All community centers will be closed Friday, April 3. · There will be no county bus service Friday, April 3; service will resume Saturday, April 4.

· Calvert Library locations will be closed Friday, April 3. Downloadable materials and virtual services are available 24/7 at calvertlibrary.info/. · The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter and Animal Control Division will be closed Friday, April 3. Animal control officers will be available for emergencies at 410-535-3491. · The Calvert Marine Museum and Museum Store will be open with normal hours Friday, April 3. · Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center will be open under normal hours Friday, April 3. · Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center will be open Friday, April 3, with normal hours. · All recreation parks including Dunkirk District Park, Ward Farm Recreation & Nature Park, Hallowing Point Park and Cove Point Park will be open with normal hours Friday, April 3. · Chesapeake Hills Golf Course is scheduled to be open with normal hours Friday, April 3. · Flag Ponds Nature Park, Kings Landing Park and Battle Creek Cypress Swamp will be open Friday, April 3, with normal operating hours.

· Breezy Point Beach is closed for the season.

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

LEONARDTOWN, MD (March 30, 2026) – State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that William Francis Dixon, 53, of Mechanicsville, Maryland, was sentenced to 53 years in prison for attempted kidnapping, armed robbery, and dangerous weapon charges.

“This was a predatory and horrifying attack by a convicted felon with a demonstrated history of extreme violence against women on an innocent victim who was a complete stranger to him,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling.

On March 17, 2025, Dixon targeted a woman after seeing her at a shopping center and followed her vehicle to her child’s school bus stop. While she waited for her child, Dixon, armed with handcuffs and a knife, attempted to kidnap her by dragging her towards his vehicle. The victim fought back, escaped to her car, and called 911, providing a detailed description of the attack and her assailant. Following an investigation, officers identified and located Dixon. A subsequent search of his home led to the recovery of the victim’s personal belongings.

Dixon was previously convicted for a brutal 1994 offense in which he stabbed a St. Mary’s County woman approximately 50 times with a screwdriver, raped her, and left her for dead. The victim survived. Dixon was subsequently sentenced to LIFE in prison, with 40 years of active incarceration. He was released with good time credit after serving just under 25 years.

“With this new sentence, the Defendant will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars. This victim and the previous victim, along with every potential victim, are now safe from him,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “I want to sincerely thank the detectives, the incredible prosecution team, and especially our office’s Evidence Review Unit. I am certain these results would not have been possible without their endless hours of investigation, dedication, and brilliance.”

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

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

The Honorable Timothy J. Doory presided over the case.

CDS Violation: 26-23955 On March 13, 2026, at approximately 2:29 p.m., Deputy McIntosh conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle after observing multiple traffic violations along Southern Maryland Blvd. and Ferry Landing Road in Dunkirk. Upon making contact with the driver, identified as Denzil Marquet Bonner, 29, of Lusby, deputies detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. During the investigation, deputies observed several medium-sized glass jars containing individually packaged baggies of suspected marijuana in plain view. A subsequent search revealed four large glass jars containing approximately 4,034 grams of suspected marijuana, with an estimated street value of $46,520. Bonner was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Cannabis and Possession of Cannabis Over the Civil Use Amount.

CDS Violation: 26-24300 On March 14, 2026, at approximately 7:40 p.m., DFC Huy initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation in the area of Route 260 and northbound Route 4. Contact was made with the driver, identified as Jennifer Marie Thomas, 29, of Lothian, who was found to be operating the vehicle without a valid driver’s license. Further investigation revealed that Thomas was possessing a with a white, rock-like substance suspected to be crack cocaine, as well as a glass smoking device containing white residue, also suspected to be crack cocaine. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered an additional improvised smoking device with white residue and a clear plastic bag containing white residue, both suspected to be cocaine. Thomas was placed under arrest and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center. During transport, Thomas spat throughout the prisoner compartment, defacing the police cruiser. Thomas was charged with Driving Without a License, CDS: Possession – Not Cannabis, CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia, and Malicious Destruction of Property (value under $1,000).

Damaged Property: 26-23933 On March 13, 2026, DFC Hill responded to Charley’s Cheesesteaks & Wings, located at 823 Prince Frederick Blvd. in Prince Frederick, MD, for a report of property destruction. The complainant reported that an unknown suspect carved words into the drywall. The estimated value of the damage is $300.

Disorderly Conduct: 26-22663 On March 9, 2026, at approximately 5:11 p.m., DFC Sylver responded to the area of Hilltop Road and Comstock Drive in Lusby for the report of an unresponsive male lying in the roadway. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with Kendall Mitchell Oliver, 23, of Lusby. Oliver appeared disheveled and was observed lying in the roadway. Oliver became irate and made multiple threats of violence toward deputies on scene. Neighbors exited their homes and observed Oliver yelling and using profanity. Due to causing a disturbance in the neighborhood, Oliver was placed under arrest and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center, where he was charged with Disorderly Conduct.

Fleeing and Eluding: 26-24378 On March 15, 2026, at approximately 3:25 a.m., DFC Huy initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for speed while traveling 80 mph in a posted 45 mph zone in the area of Rt. 4 and Ward Rd in Dunkirk. The suspect vehicle accelerated and continued southbound at a high rate of speed (150 mph in a posted 55 mph zone), running red traffic lights and turning its headlights off. Deputies successfully deployed stop sticks, and the vehicle ultimately pulled into the Walmart parking lot in Prince Frederick. Upon making contact with the driver, Ishmael Shaquan McNeal, 27, of Philadelphia, PA, a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage was emitting from his person. A vehicle  search revealed numerous open alcohol containers and multiple cannabis packages. McNeal was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with Fleeing and Eluding, DWI, DUI, Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving, and other traffic-related offenses.

Mail Tampering / Theft: 26-23016 On March 10, 2026, Master Deputy Burgraff responded to the 2000 block of Crows Nest Lane in St. Leonard for a reported mail tampering/theft complaint. The complainant reported receiving a greeting card that had been ripped open. After contacting the sender, she determined that $20 in cash that had been included in the card was missing.

Theft: 26-23129 On March 11, 2026, at approximately 3:14 a.m., DFC Campbell responded to Giant, located at 655 N. Solomons Island Road in Prince Frederick, for a reported theft in progress. An investigation revealed that three members of a floor cleaning crew were observed on store surveillance attempting to steal merchandise. The individuals were seen concealing grocery items in a black trash bag and a black backpack. The suspects were identified as Yafred Santos Jeronimo, 19, of Baltimore, Victor Ariel Bermudez Ventura, 33, of Baltimore, and Enrique Elias Bermudez Ventura, 31, of Baltimore. The total estimated value of the stolen property was $182.30. All three individuals were charged with Theft: $100 to Under $1,500.

Trespassing: 26-24274 On March 14, 2026, Senior Deputy Idol responded to the Oakland Hall subdivision in Prince Frederick for a traffic complaint. The complainant reported two individuals operating dirt bikes on the roadway at an estimated speed of approximately 60 mph. Upon arrival, deputies heard dirt bikes operating near the powerline easement within the subdivision. As deputies approached, both riders attempted to leave the area. One rider, identified as Derek Isaiah Mackall Mitchell, 19 of Prince Frederick, exited the powerline area and was taken into custody. A second rider, a juvenile, was issued a citation and released to a parent. Mitchell was operating a 2022 Kawasaki KLX300 dirt bike that did not display a current registration and lacked the required safety equipment in accordance with Maryland law. He was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with Trespassing: Private Property, Malicious Destruction of Property, Disorderly Conduct, Disturbing the Peace, Failure to Obey a Lawful Order, and OffRoad Vehicle on Private Property.

Trespassing: 26-24549 On March 15, 2026, at 4:13 p.m. DFC T. Bowen responded to Safeway, located at 80 W. Dares Beach Road in Prince Frederick, for the report of trespassing. The complainant advised Evan Michael Franklin, 27 of no fixed address, was inside the store and had been previously trespassed indefinitely from the property. Franklin was placed into custody and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with Trespassing: Private Property.

Weapons Violation: 26-24373 On March 15, 2026, at approximately 2:42 a.m., DFC Campbell initiated a traffic stop in the area of Traskers Boulevard in Prince Frederick for an equipment violation. The vehicle was slow to stop and was observed making aggressive furtive movements toward the floorboard and glove compartment. The driver’s movements were so abrupt that he jerked the steering wheel, nearly causing the vehicle to strike the curb. Further investigation revealed the driver, Qui Mirr Tajee Heyward, 28, of Richmond, Virginia, was operating the vehicle on a suspended license. A search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of a Sig Sauer P365 handgun with a magazine inserted containing 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Located next to the firearm was a magazine carrier holster containing two additional magazines, each loaded with 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Heyward did not possess a valid Maryland handgun permit. He was taken into custody and charged with Handgun in a Vehicle and Loaded Handgun in a Vehicle. 

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) is warning residents of a scam involving fraudulent emails requesting payment of “Application Review and Approval Fees” to the St. Mary’s County Planning Commission.

The Department of Land Use & Growth Management (LUGM) has received reports of fraudulent emails claiming to be from the St. Mary’s County Planning Commission. These messages reference specific properties or projects, indicating that an application has been reviewed and is ready for approval pending payment of a fee, and directs recipients to reply for wire transfer instructions and submit payment to proceed.

The emails originate from non–St. Mary’s County Government email addresses, including “Dept.St.Marys.County_Commission@usa.com”. Official communications from St. Mary’s County Government will always come from an address ending in “@stmaryscountymd.gov”.

These emails are fraudulent and are not associated with St. Mary’s County Government, LUGM, or the St. Mary’s County Planning Commission.

Residents who receive this type of message should disregard it. If you have questions about fees or payments related to your project or application, contact the Department of Land Use & Growth Management directly to verify.

Individuals who believe they have been targeted and have sent payment should contact the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office at (301) 475-8008 to report.

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

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) will be constructing a new traffic signal at the intersection of Pegg Road and proposed FDR Boulevard, located approximately 500 feet west of the MD 235 and Pegg Road intersection.

Work to install the traffic signal foundations will take place between Monday, March 30, 2026, and Friday, April 3, 2026, from 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. A traffic control plan will be implemented for the duration of this work on Pegg Road, between Spring Valley Drive and MD 235. Travel lanes in each direction may be reduced from 2 lanes to 1 lane of traffic while work is underway. 

Message boards and signage will be deployed in the area prior to and during the project to serve as a reminder. Motorists are advised to use caution and follow signage and flagging. Please remain alert to work crews, changing traffic patterns, and equipment and consider alternate travel routes to avoid delays in traffic.

Questions may be directed to John Norris with DPW&T at (301) 475-422, ext. 3510, or Allen Settle with DPW&T at (301) 475-4200, ext. 3525.

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

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – March 27, 2026 – On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and 250 years of American freedom.

The 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding offers an opportunity for Marylanders to reflect on the enduring ideals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, the ongoing evolution of American democracy, and the many ways Marylanders have shaped the nation’s past, present and future.

The Calvert 250 Committee is encouraging an inclusive, yearlong celebration throughout 2026. In Calvert County, residents and visitors are invited to take part in a variety of educational programs, historical commemorations, cultural events and community gatherings throughout the year.

Events include the Echoes of the Past History Hike, War of 1812 Living History Program, Discovering Archaeology Day, Maritime Performance Series: Music of the American Revolution, Dispelling the Myths and Securing the Legacy of the Maryland 400, and Cosmic Symphony: Salute to the States, among others.

For additional information and a full schedule of Calvert County events and commemorations honoring America’s anniversary, visit www.VisitCalvert.com/Calvert250.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (March 27, 2026) – St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that a request for early release filed by Jerry Lee Beatty, 59, one of the men who kidnapped, raped, and murdered Stephanie Roper in 1982, has been denied.

State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling and Special Assistant State’s Attorney Gavin Patashnick successfully argued against Beatty’s release. Beatty was eligible to file the request pursuant to the Juvenile Restoration Act because he was 17 years old at the time of the offense.

In a written opinion, Judge Elizabeth Morris denied Beatty’s request and rejected his claim to minimize his role in the crimes, stating in part:

This Court … rejects Mr. Beatty’s attempts to portray himself as a mere bystander who succumbed to the whims of an influential adult … Mr. Beatty made the independent decision to chase and recapture [Stephanie] even after he knew of Mr. Jones’s plan to murder her … As a result, this Court finds that Mr. Beatty’s role in Ms. Roper’s kidnapping, rape, and murder is a direct result of his choices.

“Beatty was not a passive participant, but an active and willing perpetrator. The Court’s decision is a powerful affirmation of justice for Stephanie Roper, her mother, Roberta Roper, and the rest of the family,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “For more than four decades, Roberta has carried the weight of this unimaginable loss with strength and dignity while zealously fighting to protect the rights of all crime victims. This ruling recognizes the gravity of what was taken from the Roper family and ensures it is not diminished.”

Sterling further added, “I would like to extend a special thanks to my co-counsel Gavin Patashnick, who is highly regarded throughout the State as an expert in the emerging field of the Juvenile Restoration Act. His assistance was invaluable in our successful prosecution to keep the Defendant from an early release.”

St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling and Special Assistant State’s Attorney Gavin Patashnick, Chief of the Special Victims Unit of the Cecil County State’s Attorney’s Office, represented the State on behalf of the citizens of St. Mary’s County.

The Honorable Elizabeth S. Morris presided and issued the written opinion.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (March 27, 2026) – Detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division arrested two individuals on Thursday, March 26, following an investigation into suspected drug trafficking.

Search and seizure warrants were executed at a residence in the 20000 block of Spring Hill Road in Lexington Park.

Tavoy Kelly Summerville, 47, and Shadona Rockele Reed, 40, were taken into custody after detectives located suspected drugs, drug paraphernalia, and a loaded unserialized .12-gauge firearm.

Seized narcotics included 40.3 grams of suspected fentanyl, four unidentified white tablets, seven individually packaged quantities of suspected fentanyl, and 3.5 grams of suspected cocaine.

Summerville was charged with 12 counts, including

• CDS possession with intent to distribute
• CDS possession of a large amount: fentanyl
• Possession of a regulated firearm after having been convicted of a disqualifying crime
• Possession of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime
• Wear/carry/transport a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime
• Possession of ammunition after having been convicted of a disqualifying crime
• Possession of a firearm without a required serial number
• Possession of CDS: fentanyl
• Possession of CDS: cocaine
• Keeping and maintaining a dwelling where controlled dangerous substances or controlled paraphernalia are manufactured, distributed, dispensed, stored, or concealed illegally
• Possession of a digital scale and baggies adopted for the production of a controlled dangerous substance: fentanyl
• Use of an assault weapon magazine with a capacity of more than 10 rounds of ammunition in the commission of a felony

Reed was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent to use paraphernalia.

Both were transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center. Reed was released pending a future court date. Summerville is being held pending a bond review.

The Charles County Department of Health, Division of Environmental Health Services will begin to schedule wet season percolation testing on Monday, March 30, 2026. Due to below normal water table conditions in the county, an extended treatment zone will be used.   The treatment zone for shallow and deep trench conventional systems will be 6 feet and, for sandmound systems, will be 4 feet.  

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

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

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

As part of the consent agenda, the Commissioners authorized the FY2027 Transportation Program Priorities letter, as amended to reflect the changes requested during the March 10 meeting. The CSMC also approved appointments to local Boards, Committees, and Commissions.

The CSMC then presented proclamations in recognition of Equal Pay Day and National Agriculture Day.

The Commissioners then received the annual State of the College update from Dr. Yolanda Wilson, President of the College of Southern Maryland.

For their main agenda item, the Commissioners approved the proposed amendments to the St. Mary’s County Building Excise Tax Ordinance.

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

• Reviewed future CSMC meeting agendas.

• Authorized the Procurement Officer to award the asphalt overlay services contract for calendar year 2026 to Amrize Mid-Atlantic Inc.

• Approved the FY2027 St. Mary’s Transit System (STS) Annual Transportation Plan grant application. 

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

The CSMC wrapped their business meeting with Commissioner Time and reconvened at 10:45 a.m. for a Budget Work Session.

The Commissioners reconvened at 2 p.m. for a Ribbon Cutting celebrating the Runway Extension and Terminal Upgrades at the St. Mary's County Regional Airport.

·       Watch the event video at: www.youtube.com/@StMarysCoGov

·       View the event photos: https://www.flickr.com/stmaryscountygovernment

The next CSMC Meeting will be on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 9 a.m. in the CSMC Meeting Room, on the 1^st floor of the Chesapeake Building, located at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. CSMC decisions and related documents are available on the SMCG website, by clicking Board Documents from the home page. Meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live on TV Channel 95 or at www.youtube.com/@StMarysCoGov.

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

[Thursday, March 26, 2026] The County Administrator wishes to remind residents of changes to operating schedules for April. All offices, facilities, and services not listed will be operating at their normal hours.

Friday, April 3 (Good Friday)

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

• All indoor pools will be open from noon - 5 p.m.
• Waldorf Senior and Recreational Center is closed for recreational activities.
• Elite Gymnastics Recreational Center is open.

Monday, April 6 (Easter Monday)

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

• All Indoor pools will be open from 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Elite Gymnastics Recreational Center is closed.

Operating status for other County affiliated agencies:

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

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

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – March 26, 2026 – The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners announces county offices will be closed Friday, April 3, 2026, in observance of Good Friday. In addition:

· The Appeal Solid Waste Facility, which includes the landfill and transfer station, and all county convenience centers will be open Friday, April 3, with normal operating hours.

· The Solomons Septage Receiving Facility will be open Friday, April 3, with normal operating hours.

· The Water & Sewerage billing and customer service office will be closed Friday, April 3. · Calvert County senior centers will be closed Friday, April 3, and Meals on Wheels will not be delivered. Meal delivery is scheduled to resume Monday, April 6. · All community centers will be closed Friday, April 3. · There will be no county bus service Friday, April 3; service will resume Saturday, April 4.

· Calvert Library locations will be closed Friday, April 3. Downloadable materials and virtual services are available 24/7 at calvertlibrary.info/. · The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter and Animal Control Division will be closed Friday, April 3. Animal control officers will be available for emergencies at 410-535-3491.

· The Calvert Marine Museum and Museum Store will be open with normal hours Friday, April 3. · Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center will be open under normal hours Friday, April 3. · Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center will be open Friday, April 3, with normal hours. · All recreation parks including Dunkirk District Park, Ward Farm Recreation & Nature Park, Hallowing Point Park and Cove Point Park will be open with normal hours Friday, April 3. · Chesapeake Hills Golf Course is scheduled to be open with normal hours Friday, April 3. · Flag Ponds Nature Park, Kings Landing Park and Battle Creek Cypress Swamp will be open Friday, April 3, with normal operating hours.

· Breezy Point Beach is closed for the season.

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

DNR accepting local applications for federal program; webinar for applicants scheduled April 9

Photo by Alexander Minkovsky

The Maryland Department of the Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting preliminary applications for the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant program. 

This funding opportunity allows local governments with eligible projects to apply for grants ranging from $50,000 to $3 million. The program aims to support the development of new outdoor recreation spaces, the revitalization of existing parks, and the creation and enhancement of connections between people and the outdoors.

The department is accepting applications through June 24 at 5 p.m. A webinar will be held on April 9 at noon to provide further details on the program and application process.  Additional details and application information are available on the DNR’s Land and Water Conservation Fund webpage. 

Following the submission of preliminary applications, Maryland DNR will review all submissions and invite the highest-scoring applications to prepare a final application package for submission to the National Park Service, which runs the Land and Water Conservation Fund program.

Municipalities, counties, and state agencies that meet the eligibility criteria may apply for up to 50% matching fund assistance from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Local matching funds may include money received from the Maryland DNR through the Program Open Space – Local or Community Parks and Playgrounds programs. 

Interested jurisdictions can submit applications and address questions to Molly Pickel at molly.pickel@maryland.gov. 

LA PLATA, MD— Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Thursday, March 19, 2026, Charles County Circuit Court Judge Monise A. Stephenson sentenced Corey Daniel Claggett, 46, of Waldorf, to 12 years in prison for Possession With Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Illegal Possession of a Regulated Firearm after being Convicted of a Crime of Violence, and a violation of probation stemming from a separate Possession With Intent to Distribute Fentanyl conviction.

On September 4, 2025, members of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Team, Charles County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Enforcement Section, and Charles County Sheriff’s Office Neighborhood Enforcement Team executed search and seizure warrants at two residences associated with Claggett.

During the execution of the warrants, law enforcement recovered multiple controlled dangerous substances in quantities consistent with distribution, including Cocaine. Digital scale equipment commonly used for the weighing and packaging of narcotics were also discovered, as well as firearms and ammunition.

Claggett was found inside the master bedroom of one of the residences and took ownership of the items located within the home.

Claggett was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior Second-Degree Murder conviction in 1998, as well as a separate Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl conviction in 2024.

The total estimated street value of the recovered controlled dangerous substances was approximately $10,940.00.

 Sentencing

C-08-CR-25-000527

• Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine: 12 years in prison
• Illegal Possession of a Firearm: 5 years concurrent to the Possession Charge

C-08-CR-23-000061

• Violation of Probation for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl: 12 years in prison concurrent to other charges

###

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – March 25, 2026 – Calvert County will participate in National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Northeast Community Center, 4075 Gordon Stinnett Ave. in Chesapeake Beach, and the Southern Community Center, 20 Appeal Lane in Lusby.

The Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse (CAASA), Calvert County Health Department, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and Maryland State Police, Barrack U, are partnering to sponsor the countywide collection events.

National Drug Take Back Day is a national campaign promoted by the Drug Enforcement Administration to reduce the risk of misuse by encouraging residents to clear out unused and expired medications.

Residents are encouraged to safely dispose of unused or expired medications by dropping them off at either location. Medications should be in their original packaging to allow for easy disposal. Law enforcement officers and volunteers from CAASA will be on hand to assist with collection and provide resource information.

For those unable to participate on April 25, three 24/7 medication drop boxes are available year-round at the following locations:

· Calvert County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), 30 Church St., Prince Frederick

· CCSO Dunkirk Station, 10500 Southern Maryland Blvd., Dunkirk

· Maryland State Police, Barrack U, 210 Main St., Prince Frederick

For more information, contact CAASA at 410-535-3733. For treatment and recovery information visit www.hope4calvert.org or contact Calvert County Behavioral Health at 410-535-3079.

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

Lusby, MD (March 25, 2026) – The Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center recently wrapped up another successful, safely executed spring refueling outage, investing nearly $90 million in equipment upgrades and bringing significant economic impact to the Calvert County area.

“Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center reliably powers the equivalent of more than 1.3 million homes with emissions-free energy, while creating thousands of jobs and economic opportunity locally because of the annual maintenance and refueling outages,” said Pete Moodie, Site Vice President. “This year’s 27-day outage focused on multi-million-dollar equipment upgrades that will ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of Calvert Cliffs Unit 1.”

The outage brought more than 1,500 skilled electricians, pipefitters, welders, carpenters, laborers, steamfitters and other tradespeople to Calvert County for close to a month, filling area hotels, restaurants and other shops to capacity. The workforce also raised $30,000 dollars that will be distributed among selected local charities.

“We are very fortunate to have Constellation here in Calvert County,” said Kathryn Maney, President and CEO, Calvert County Chamber of Commerce. “Traditionally, the winter months are a slower season for hospitality, retail and restaurants. The influx of personnel during the outages brings increased consumer activity that delivers an economic lift to local businesses. This increased spending drives growth and encourages reinvestment within the community when it’s needed most.”

"The outage at Calvert Cliffs is a lifeline for Springhill by Marriott Prince Frederick during the lull between the winter holiday season and the spring,” said Manager Kim Mina. “Springhill PF is one of the top performing Marriotts in the area specifically because of the outage. Our rooms are filled, translating to significant revenue for the hotel."

Many types of businesses look forward to the outage, including local eateries.

"For us here at Adam's Ribs, the best part of the winter is knowing that the outage is coming,” said Jaime Padilla, owner of the Prince Frederick restaurant. “They are great people. They support us all the time. We are happy to have them and hate to see them go.”

“The staff looks forward to everyone coming into town,” said Brandon Harrington, owner of Buckets in Lusby. “It's a very active three to four weeks. We have been happy to extend our hours while they are in town, and we hope to keep doing it."

Located on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, the Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center is Maryland's only nuclear energy facility and one of the largest economic engines in the state. It contributes $21 million annually in property taxes and employs more than 800 full-time employees. The station is home to two pressurized water reactors capable of delivering 1,756 megawatts, which is roughly 40 percent of Maryland’s total power generation and 80 percent of the state’s clean power generation.

The thousands of tasks performed during the outage included the installation of a new $4.8 million, 151-ton transformer transported to Maryland from Alabama. The transformer is responsible for adjusting voltage so electricity can be delivered safely and efficiently to the grid. A $14.9 million upgrade to the unit’s electrical equipment was also performed. Skilled workers also inspected, replaced, refreshed or overhauled various pumps, valves and systems that will keep the unit operating safely for the next 24 months. These investments support long?term grid reliability and reinforce Constellation’s role as a cornerstone of Maryland’s energy infrastructure.

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – March 25, 2026 – The Calvert County Department of Public Works, Water & Sewerage Division, will begin its annual fire hydrant inspections Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Lusby. Inspections are expected to last approximately two weeks, with completion expected by April 14, 2026.

The inspections will begin at Southern Connector Boulevard in Lusby and proceed south toward Solomons. The contractor will inspect the hydrants for proper operation, perform annual maintenance and conduct flow testing, which may result in temporary water discoloration. Residents who experience discolored water are advised to run their tap until the water clears.

The department appreciates the public’s patience and understanding during this essential maintenance. For questions or concerns, call the Water & Sewerage Division at 410-535-1600, ext. 2329.

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

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. and WALDORF, Maryland — March 17, 2026 — Space Foundation and Charles County Public Schools are partnering once again for Space in the Community (SITC), bringing a week of space exploration and STEM fun to Charles County Public Schools in Waldorf, Maryland, from March 23–27, 2026.

“Through our partnership with Charles County Public Schools, we are able to bring the Space in the Community program to Waldorf and offer free STEM experiences for teachers, students and families, including the chance to meet a real-life astronaut,” said Heidi Vasiloff, senior director, Space Foundation Discovery Center. “By bringing space exploration directly to students, we hope to inspire curiosity, build interest in STEM and help young people imagine themselves as the scientists, engineers and explorers of tomorrow.”

Space Foundation’s Space Workforce team will visit elementary, middle and high schools across the school system, providing teachers with space-focused lesson plans that integrate easily into the classroom. Students will participate in hands-on STEM activities, learn about NASA’s Artemis program and meet former NASA astronaut Kathryn Thornton.

Thornton flew four space shuttle missions over her 12-year career, spending more than 975 hours in space, including more than 21 hours on spacewalks. She made history as the first woman to participate in a classified U.S. government space mission and was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2010.

“On behalf of Charles County Public Schools, I value the partnership the school system has with Space Foundation. The partnership, which was first launched nearly 20 years ago in 2007, has provided hundreds of professional development opportunities and sessions for our teachers in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math, known as STEM. In turn, our teachers take what they learn and infuse it into instruction and learning for students,” Charles County Superintendent of Schools Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D., said. “Our teachers help children develop a love for STEM education. I am excited that through our partnership, the Space Foundation is bringing the Space in the Community outreach program to Charles County so we can expand STEM education further into the community. I encourage the community to learn about this partnership, as well as STEM education, by attending the March 27 free event at the Science Center featuring astronaut Dr. Kathryn Thornton.”

In addition, a peer mentor event will be held March 27, 2026, from 7:45–10:25 a.m. at St. Charles High School, 5305 Piney Church Road, Waldorf, Maryland. High school students will meet local STEM industry professionals and explore careers and opportunities in the growing space industry. The event will include a presentation by astronaut Kathryn Thornton, followed by a question-and-answer session.

Later that day, a community night will take place from 4:30–6:30 p.m. at the James E. Richmond Science Center, also at 5305 Piney Church Road in Waldorf. Students, families and community members can enjoy hands-on STEM activities and hear a presentation from Thornton. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet her and take photos.

Community Night Event Highlights

• Meet astronauts: Connect with Kathryn Thornton, a former NASA astronaut.
• STEM activities: Enjoy hands-on learning experiences such as straw rockets, become an Artemis Astronaut, coloring activity books and pages, impact crater experiments, and a design-and-build challenge focused on the Orion spacecraft.
• Family fun for all ages: Enjoy hands-on, educational activities designed to inspire curiosity and a passion for STEM.
• Interactive learning: Discover cutting-edge space science and technology through Science on a Sphere and planetarium presentations at the James E. Richmond Science Center.

Space Foundation will also host a Teacher Professional Development workshop March 25, 2026, from 1:45–4:15 p.m. Focused on high school physics and project-based learning, the workshop will explore space science through waves and magnetism. Teachers will gain new tools and classroom-ready activities to help students discover how invisible signals can reveal some of the universe’s biggest mysteries.

For more information on the Space in the Community program and to get involved, visit discoverspace.org/space-in-the-community.

About Space Foundation 

Space Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1983 as a gateway to advance the global space community. Space Foundation uniquely educates, collaborates and informs the entire space workforce, from early education through post-secondary (college, non-college, vocational), to the start of their careers as new professionals, and ultimately as leaders at the highest levels of government and commercial industry. As a charitable organization, Space Foundation receives support from corporate members, sponsors, individual giving, and grants. Visit Space Foundation at www.SpaceFoundation.org, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

LA PLATA, MD— Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Friday, March 20, 2026, a Charles County jury, after a 5-day trial, found Amar Julio Barrera, 44, guilty of Home Invasion, Kidnapping, and related charges.

On September 25, 2025, officers with Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center for a reported assault. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the victim in the emergency room lobby. The victim had visible facial injuries and reported that he had been assaulted and kidnapped at his residence on September 23, 2025.

An investigation revealed that during the evening hours of September 23, 2025, the victim was inside his residence when Barrera and three other co-defendants – one of whom was a relative of the victim – entered the house. The victim was physically assaulted by two of the male co-defendants and attempted to defend himself. During the assault, Barrera tased the victim leaving him incapacitated. The co-defendants then dragged the victim from the home, bound his wrists and ankles, and placed him in the back seat of a white Ford F-150 driven by Barrera.

The victim was transported to his relative’s house in Clinton, where he was restrained and beaten by the two male co-defendants. Barrera and the two males threatened to kill the victim and his family if he attempted to leave. On September 25, 2025, the victim was picked up by another relative and brought back to Charles County. The victim’s mother then took him to the hospital for treatment of his injuries.

Text message exchanges showed that Barrera planned the home invasion and kidnapping. He coordinated the attack with the victim’s relative, who was also his girlfriend, and his two other co-defendants, believing the victim had taken his property.

A sentencing date for Barrera has been set for May 21, 2026, at 1 p.m. He faces 85 years in prison.

 Guilty

• Home Invasion

• Kidnapping

• Conspiracy to Commit Home Invasion

• Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping

• Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Assault

(ST. MARY’S CITY, MD) – Two juveniles were taken into custody early Monday morning after Maryland State Police attempted a traffic stop on their vehicle, which was reported stolen through the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.

Shortly before 5:30 a.m., a trooper assigned to the Maryland State Police Leonardtown Barrack was operating in the area of Willows Road when he observed a black Kia Rio that had been reported stolen. According to a preliminary investigation, the trooper attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the Kia subsequently fled. A short time later, the Kia was observed in the area of Maryland Route 5, north of Mattapany Road, and a second trooper deployed stop sticks in the roadway. The Kia struck the stop sticks and subsequently crashed into another vehicle.

The juvenile driver, a 14-year-old male, and the passenger of the Kia, identified as a 15-year-old male, were transported to a local hospital by Maryland State Police Aviation Command. No other injuries were reported on scene.

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration responded to the scene to assist with traffic management. The Maryland State Police Crash Team is assisting with the active and ongoing investigation.

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – March 23, 2026 – The Calvert County Department of Public Works, Water & Sewerage Division, will begin its annual fire hydrant inspections Monday, March 23, 2026, in Lusby. Inspections are expected to last approximately two weeks, with completion expected by April 6, 2026.

The inspections will begin at Southern Connector Boulevard in Lusby and proceed south toward Solomons. The contractor will inspect the hydrants for proper operation, perform annual maintenance and conduct flow testing, which may result in temporary water discoloration. Residents who experience discolored water are advised to run their tap until the water clears.

The department appreciates the public’s patience and understanding during this essential maintenance. For questions or concerns, call the Water & Sewerage Division at 410-535-1600, ext. 2329.

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

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (March 23, 2026) —  The Office of the Comptroller of Maryland today announced that Maryland has joined the States’ Unclaimed Retirement Clearinghouse (SURCH), a national initiative designed to help workers and retirees more easily locate and recover lost or unclaimed retirement funds.

Administered by the National Association of State Treasurers in partnership with participating states, SURCH provides a centralized, multistate platform for retirement plans and financial institutions to transfer unclaimed retirement assets to state unclaimed property programs. By joining SURCH, Maryland is enhancing its ability to reconnect residents with retirement funds that may have been lost due to job changes, relocations, or outdated account information.

“Too many Marylanders have retirement savings out there that they have forgotten about or don't know how to locate,” said Comptroller Brooke Lierman. “This partnership helps cut through the confusion and puts people back in control of their money so they can have a more stable retirement.”

Each year, millions of dollars in retirement assets nationwide go unclaimed when individuals change jobs, move, or lose track of accounts over time. Through SURCH, retirement plan administrators and recordkeepers can report unclaimed retirement funds across multiple participating states using a single, streamlined process. Once transferred, those funds are held securely by state unclaimed property programs, which use data matching, outreach, and publicly searchable databases to reunite individuals with their money. For Maryland residents, this means an easier, more reliable path to recovering retirement savings that might otherwise have been lost.

“SURCH has created a new opportunity for state unclaimed property programs to now return missing retirement funds to retirees,” said Shaun Snyder, Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of State Treasurers. “Maryland’s leadership contributes to a unique and forward-thinking partnership between the retirement industry and states to tackle a multi-billion-dollar problem. Combined with Maryland’s recent upgrade to its unclaimed property system and the refreshed national search database of missingmoney.com, SURCH will help return this money to its rightful owners when it's needed most, during their retirement years.”

“Our program exists to reunite people with what’s rightfully theirs,” said Mahesh Seegopaul, director of unclaimed property for the Office of the Comptroller. “SURCH gives us another powerful tool to find owners, match records, and return retirement funds quickly and securely.”

Marylanders can search for unclaimed property, including retirement funds, at any time by visiting the Comptroller’s website, www.claimitmd.gov. Claims can be filed free of charge, and the office encourages residents to check regularly, particularly after changing jobs or moving. 

In FY2025, the Comptroller’s Office returned more than $121 million in unclaimed property to Marylanders, including money found in dormant bank accounts, insurance benefits, stock dividends, utility deposits, and items from safe deposit boxes.

The addition of Maryland to SURCH reflects a growing collaboration among states to address the nationwide challenge of unclaimed retirement assets and to protect the financial security of workers and retirees. For more information about the States’ Unclaimed Retirement Clearinghouse, visit statesurch.org.

###

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary's County Government (SMCG) administrative offices will be closed on Friday, April 3, 2025, in observance of the Good Friday and Easter holidays. Offices will resume normal operating schedules on Monday, April 6, 2025.

The April 3 closure includes:

• All three Senior Activity Centers (Garvey, Loffler, and Northern), and there will be no home-delivered meals.
• The St. Mary's Transit System (STS), including ADA and SSTAP.
• St. Mary’s Soil Conservation District

The following SMCG operations will be open on April 3:

• All three St. Mary's County Libraries (Charlotte Hall, Leonardtown, and Lexington Park).
• St. Mary's Animal Adoption & Resource Center.
• The six Convenience Centers and the St. Andrews Landfill.
• St. Clements Island Museum*, Piney Point Lighthouse Museum, and the Old Jail Museum.
• The Wicomico Shores Golf Course and the Riverview Restaurant.
• Department of Recreation & Parks programs and facilities.

Additionally, the following SMCG operations will be CLOSED on Sunday, April 5:

• Department of Recreation & Parks programs and facilities (excluding museum locations, which are OPEN).
• St. Mary's Animal Adoption & Resource Center.
• The Lexington Park Library.
• The six Convenience Centers and the St. Andrews Landfill.
• The St. Mary's Transit System (STS), including ADA and SSTAP.

*Note: the St. Clement’s Island Museum is operating on a limited basis due to construction. Additional details can be found here: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/pio/docs/2025-163NewsReleaseSCIMuseumConstructionClosure.pdf.

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

Detectives charge suspect in murder case on Radio Station Road in La Plata: On March 22 at 10:25 p.m., officers with the La Plata Police Department were flagged down by two people near the area of La Plata Road and Radio Station Road in La Plata. A preliminary investigation revealed the witnesses were in the back seat of a car when the driver, Dayton James Webber, 27, of La Plata, shot and killed the front seat passenger during an argument. Webber pulled over in the area of Radio Station Road and Llano Drive and asked the passengers to help pull the victim out of the car; however, the witnesses refused, got out of the car, and left the scene. Webber then fled with Wells still in the car. All occupants of the car are known to each other. Charles County Sheriff’s patrol officers responded and assisted in canvassing the locations to which Webber may have fled. Nearly two hours later, a resident in the 10000 block of Newport Church Road in Charlotte Hall, MD called 9-1-1 to report a body in a yard. Officers responded and found the victim, Bradrick Michael Wells, 27, of Waldorf, who was pronounced deceased at the scene. Detectives from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office obtained a warrant for Webber’s arrest, and located Webber’s car in Charlottesville, Virginia. Webber was found at a nearby hospital seeking treatment for a medical issue.

Upon being released from the hospital, Webber was arrested by officers with the Albemarle County Police Department and was charged as a fugitive from justice. He is awaiting extradition to Charles County where he will be charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and other related charges. Anyone with additional details about this case is asked to call Det. R. Johnson at 301-609-6453. Tipsters who want to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app. The investigation is ongoing.

(CAMP SPINGS, MD) — Maryland State Police arrested a man for suspected impaired driving after striking two Maryland State Troopers early Sunday morning in Prince George’s County.

The accused is identified as Avery Alexander Bost, 31, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Bost, the operator of a Maserati sedan involved in the crash, is charged with suspected impaired driving and other related traffic charges.

Shortly before 1:30 a.m., troopers from the Maryland State Police College Park Barrack responded to a report of a crash involving two Maryland State Troopers in the area of northbound Branch Avenue near Allentown Road.  The preliminary investigation indicates that the first trooper’s marked patrol vehicle was parked behind the unoccupied vehicle parked in the left lane of Branch Avenue, and the second trooper’s marked patrol vehicle was parked behind the first trooper. Both vehicles had their emergency lights activated.

The Maserati struck the rear of the second trooper’s vehicle, subsequently causing the vehicle to strike the trooper who was outside of his vehicle and the rear of the first trooper’s vehicle. Both troopers were transported by ambulance to a local hospital and have since been released.

Troopers from the Maryland State Police College Park Barrack are leading the active and ongoing investigation.

As we move through the spring months, we would like to share a few important calendar reminders and updates regarding the end of the third marking period and student makeup days resulting from inclement weather.

Third Marking Period and Report Card Updates

• Wednesday, April 8, 2026, End of the Third Marking Period
• Friday, April 10, 2026, Early Dismissal – Teacher Work Time
• Friday, April 17, 2026, Third Marking Period Report Cards Available

Student Make-Up Days Due to Inclement Weather

• Friday, May 1, 2026 – Student makeup day for the January 27 closure
  • Middle School: A Day
  • Elementary School: E Day

• Wednesday, June 10, 2026 – The previously scheduled early dismissal will no longer occur
  • Middle School: B Day
  • Elementary School: E Day

• Thursday, June 11, 2026 – Student makeup day for the January 28 closure
  • The previously scheduled early dismissal will no longer occur
  • Middle School: B Day
  • Elementary School: A Day

• Friday, June 12, 2026 – Student makeup day for the February 23 closure
  • This will be a two-hour early dismissal day
  • Middle School: B Day
  • Elementary School: B Day
  • Last Day for Students

PATUXENT RIVER NAVAL AIR STATION, MD – Communities surrounding Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Webster Outlying Field, Smith Island, Maryland and residents of the Northern Neck of Virginia are advised of an inshore weapons separation testing event Monday, March 23 and Tuesday, March 24 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This test flight has the potential to generate a sonic boom that could be heard and potential felt throughout the surrounding communities.

As with all operations, NAS Patuxent River takes precautions to lessen the impact of testing and training activities on the community. For more information call 1-866-819-9028.

Noise Advisory – NAS Patuxent River Sets Noise Advisory for March 30-April 10, 2026

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – Communities surrounding Naval Air Station Patuxent River are advised that noise-generating testing events are scheduled to take place March 30 to April 10, 2026 from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Pilots at NAS PAX will be conducting Field Carrier Landing Practices (FCLPs). FCLPs are simulated carrier landings conducted to prepare the pilot to land safely on an aircraft carrier. The practices consist of series of touch-and-go maneuvers, “bounces.” Residents may notice increased noise levels due to these operations.

As with all operations, NAS Patuxent River takes precautions to lessen the impact of testing activities on the community. For more information, call 1-866-819-9028. To view all current NAS PAX noise advisories please click the following link: https://www.cnic.navy.mil/PaxRiverNoise.

DNR Office of Outdoor Recreation Supports Growth with New Business Directory

The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that activity related to boating and fishing brought in more than $700 million in added value to Maryland’s economy. Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo

Maryland’s outdoor industry generated 1.9% of Maryland’s gross domestic product in 2024, according to a recent report by the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis, generating $10.6 billion through boating, hiking, hunting, fishing, cycling, RVing, camping, skiing, and much more. The recreation industry generated more than $5 billion in total compensation for Marylanders for the first time in 2024, and employed more than 85,000 people.

“The latest data reinforces what we see every day across Maryland — outdoor recreation is an economic engine and a quality-of-life asset,” said Sandi Olek, Director of the Maryland Office of Outdoor Recreation. “In a state defined by vibrant urban centers and treasured natural resources, investing in outdoor access, sustainable infrastructure, local businesses, and stewardship ensures that our communities remain healthy, resilient, and economically competitive for years to come.”

Since its establishment in 2021, the Maryland Office of Outdoor Recreation has supported this growing industry by hosting conferences and community events, as well as supporting accessibility for adaptive users and underserved communities. The office launched the Maryland Outdoor Recreation Business Directory last year, an interactive map listing more than 650 recreation-related businesses in the state. DNR’s goal for the directory is to connect the public with Maryland businesses to amplify economic growth. 

Recreational businesses support numerous jobs in Maryland, including equipment and gear manufacturers, trail builders, mechanics, boat captains, instructors, guides, park rangers, retail specialists, and many others.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that activity related to boating and fishing brought in more than $700 million in added value to Maryland’s economy. A full breakdown of economic impact by activity can be found on the bureau’s website.

“Our Chesapeake Bay is unique, and it is certainly a big part of who we are and why we live here,” said John Stefancik, Executive Director, Marine Trades Association of Maryland. “With 3,190 miles of shoreline, our waterways and watersports are explored and fished by boaters who have a $4.2 billion economic impact in Maryland and support an industry of 16,871 jobs throughout the state.”

The figures from the bureau show that Maryland’s outdoor recreation economy is growing faster than the national average. The sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product of Maryland increased 5.6% between 2023 and 2024, compared to 4% nationally. The Bureau of Economic Analysis is a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“The State of Maryland, our counties, towns, local communities, residents and small independent businesses all benefit greatly from the immense dollars spent on camping, RV’ing and other outdoor recreation in our beautiful state,” said Deb Carter, Executive Director of the Maryland Association of Campgrounds. “Camping attracts people from all walks of life looking for a time to create memories, reduce stress and reconnect with nature. After all, camping just comes naturally in Maryland!”

Maryland’s Outdoor Recreation Business Directory includes 30 recreation categories, including new categories for history and heritage to celebrate Maryland 250, and an agritourism category to highlight the office’s partnership with the Department of Agriculture. Results can be filtered by county and business type 

Some activities supported by the Office of Outdoor Recreation for 2026 include MD 250 events celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary, three AgriTrails: Sip & Shuck (February-March), Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail (Memorial Day-Labor Day), and Bikes & Brews (September-November); and a gathering of the outdoor recreation community at the Maryland Outdoor Recreation Summit in Ocean City in September.

Detectives with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office are seeking the identity of a man who was fatally struck by a vehicle more than four decades ago and whose identity remains unknown. On July 9, 1983, officers responded to a report of a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian on southbound Crain Highway in the area of the truck stop near the then Harry Nice Bridge. The pedestrian was transported to a hospital but was pronounced deceased due to his injuries. The driver involved in the collision remained on the scene and fully cooperated with officers. A preliminary investigation revealed the pedestrian was walking in the travel portion of Crain Highway at the time he was struck. Officers canvassed the area along Crain Highway and found witnesses who interacted with the man earlier; he indicated he was traveling, possibly to North Carolina.

Despite efforts throughout the years, the identity of the pedestrian remains unknown. Detectives have fingerprint records associated with this case and multiple databases have been searched; however, no viable leads have been developed. At the time of his death, the individual was described as approximately 60 years old, 5’7”, and weighing approximately 107 pounds.

This case and the individual’s actual photo from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner are currently listed in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NAMus), and bulletins seeking his identity were distributed to law enforcement investigators in North Carolina. Anyone who may have information that could help identify this individual is asked to contact Detective Sgt. Elliott at 301-609-6497.

Next week, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will implement the next phase of Operation Clean Sweep – its statewide litter pickup effort along highly traveled State-maintained roadways.

This daytime maintenance work – scheduled Monday, March 23 through Friday, March 27 - may require temporary shoulder or lane closures.

Drivers are reminded to remain alert for highway crews and reduce speeds when approaching these operations.

Customers can help by reporting litter on State roads by clicking here or they may contact the SHA District 5 Office at 410-841-1000 or 800-331-5603. 

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – March 19, 2026 – The Calvert County Department of Community Resources, Calvert County Homeless Service Board and LifeStyles of Maryland will host a Community Resource Fair to connect community members with multiple services at one central location. The fair will be held Friday, March 27, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the College of Southern Maryland Prince Frederick Campus, 115 J.W. Williams Road in Prince Frederick.

More than 40 local agencies and service providers will be there to help residents. Participants can connect to resources related to housing, utilities, employment, family needs, veteran resources, transportation, food, medical and personal care, legal services and vital records.

LifeStyles of Maryland is providing free shuttle services the day of the event. Shuttles will run on a rotating basis every 30 minutes from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shuttle pick-up and drop-off locations are Calvert Library Prince Frederick, Project ECHO and Department of Social Services.

The Community Resource Fair is sponsored by the Calvert County Homeless Service Board, Calvert County Department of Community Resources, LifeStyles of Maryland Inc., Calvert-Charles-St. Mary’s Local Homeless Coalition, College of Southern Maryland and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. For more information, including more transportation options and a list of participating agencies, visit www.calvertcountymd.gov/CommunityResourceFair.

For additional information, call the Calvert County Department of Community Resources at 410-535-1600, ext. 8803.

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

[Thursday, March 19] On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Charles County Commissioners held their first work session on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. This work session focused on the proposed budgets for Water and Sewer, Recreation, Landfill, Stormwater, Environmental Services, Inspection and Review, Cable, and Community Reinvestment and Repair Funds, and associated fees and charges. The proposed Tax Differential for the Town of La Plata and the Town of Indian Head was also presented.

Residents who wish to give feedback on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget can do so until March 31, 2026, by visiting the  Charles County Fiscal Year 2027 Budget engage page and participating in the online survey. Budget work sessions will continue through April 28, 2026. The Commissioners will hold a Public Hearing on the budget on April 29, 2026. The budget is expected to be adopted on May 12, 2026.

Briefings

• Vincent DeMarco from Maryland Health Care for All Coalition led a presentation to the Charles County Commissioners on Maryland’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) and ongoing efforts to reduce the cost of prescription medications for residents. The presentation explained how rising drug prices affect families, employers, and government budgets, and outlined the state’s approach to addressing these costs through the PDAB, created in 2019 and later expanded to set upper payment limits on certain high-cost drugs.

• Staff from the Department of Emergency Services, Department of Public Works, and the County Attorney’s office presented an overview highlighting how the County’s Emergency Medical Services & Special Operations Division (EMS&SOD) is planning for Capital Improvement Projects to add EMS Station Locations to meet community needs.  The presentation outlined a detailed statistical analysis of proposed locations for new career EMS & SOD stations in growing areas of the County to improve coverage, reduce response times, and better serve increasing call volumes.

• Christie Burnett, Executive Director of the Charles County Charitable Trust, led a presentation to the Charles County Commissioners, providing an overview of the Trust’s annual report and its impact on the local nonprofit community.  Burnett shared that the Trust awarded 25 grants totaling just over $1 million in Fiscal Year 2025. The presentation highlighted how the Trust administers grant funding to support nonprofit organizations that deliver critical services to residents, including housing, food assistance, health care, education, and community development programs.

• Planning and Growth Management staff led a presentation to the Charles County Commissioners, providing an update on the County’s Water Supply Program and ongoing efforts to ensure a reliable and sustainable water system for current and future residents. The presentation outlined both short- and long-term strategies to meet growing demand, including a planned interconnection with the WSSC water system to bring additional treated surface water into Waldorf and reduce reliance on groundwater sources. Staff also discussed plans for a future water treatment plant to expand capacity and support long-term growth, as well as improvements in water quality through blending and treatment processes. The update highlighted project timelines, funding through the County’s Capital Improvement Program, and the importance of planning for population growth and environmental sustainability.

Actions on Boards and Commissions

• Commissioners appointed LaVon Proctor as an At-Large member and Kerry-Ann Williams as a District 2 Member to the Board of License Commissioners (Liquor Board).

Legislative Update

• Danielle Mitchell, Acting Deputy County Administrator, provided an update on the 2026 Maryland General Assembly. Commissioners reached consensus to support SB987, which would remove tax deductions for the cost of direct advertising of prescription drugs to consumers. The status of the bills proposed by the Commissioners to the Charles County Delegation remains unchanged since the last update.

Approval Items

Commissioners approved:

• A budget transfer request for $65,700 to support the cost of updating the Land Preservation Parks and Recreation Plan.
• A letter of support for the Banana Ball World Tour at Blue Crabs Stadium.
• A letter of support for Fiscal Year 2027 Congressional Earmark funding for Melwood’s Nanjemoy Campus.
•  

[Thursday, March 19] On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Charles County Commissioners held their first work session on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. This work session focused on the proposed budgets for Water and Sewer, Recreation, Landfill, Stormwater, Environmental Services, Inspection and Review, Cable, and Community Reinvestment and Repair Funds, and associated fees and charges. The proposed Tax Differential for the Town of La Plata and the Town of Indian Head was also presented.

Residents who wish to give feedback on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget can do so until March 31, 2026, by visiting the  Charles County Fiscal Year 2027 Budget engage page and participating in the online survey. Budget work sessions will continue through April 28, 2026. The Commissioners will hold a Public Hearing on the budget on April 29, 2026. The budget is expected to be adopted on May 12, 2026.

Briefings

• Vincent DeMarco from Maryland Health Care for All Coalition led a presentation to the Charles County Commissioners on Maryland’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) and ongoing efforts to reduce the cost of prescription medications for residents. The presentation explained how rising drug prices affect families, employers, and government budgets, and outlined the state’s approach to addressing these costs through the PDAB, created in 2019 and later expanded to set upper payment limits on certain high-cost drugs.

• Staff from the Department of Emergency Services, Department of Public Works, and the County Attorney’s office presented an overview highlighting how the County’s Emergency Medical Services & Special Operations Division (EMS&SOD) is planning for Capital Improvement Projects to add EMS Station Locations to meet community needs.  The presentation outlined a detailed statistical analysis of proposed locations for new career EMS & SOD stations in growing areas of the County to improve coverage, reduce response times, and better serve increasing call volumes.

• Christie Burnett, Executive Director of the Charles County Charitable Trust, led a presentation to the Charles County Commissioners, providing an overview of the Trust’s annual report and its impact on the local nonprofit community.  Burnett shared that the Trust awarded 25 grants totaling just over $1 million in Fiscal Year 2025. The presentation highlighted how the Trust administers grant funding to support nonprofit organizations that deliver critical services to residents, including housing, food assistance, health care, education, and community development programs.

• Planning and Growth Management staff led a presentation to the Charles County Commissioners, providing an update on the County’s Water Supply Program and ongoing efforts to ensure a reliable and sustainable water system for current and future residents. The presentation outlined both short- and long-term strategies to meet growing demand, including a planned interconnection with the WSSC water system to bring additional treated surface water into Waldorf and reduce reliance on groundwater sources. Staff also discussed plans for a future water treatment plant to expand capacity and support long-term growth, as well as improvements in water quality through blending and treatment processes. The update highlighted project timelines, funding through the County’s Capital Improvement Program, and the importance of planning for population growth and environmental sustainability.

Actions on Boards and Commissions

• Commissioners appointed LaVon Proctor as an At-Large member and Kerry-Ann Williams as a District 2 Member to the Board of License Commissioners (Liquor Board).

Legislative Update

• Danielle Mitchell, Acting Deputy County Administrator, provided an update on the 2026 Maryland General Assembly. Commissioners reached consensus to support SB987, which would remove tax deductions for the cost of direct advertising of prescription drugs to consumers. The status of the bills proposed by the Commissioners to the Charles County Delegation remains unchanged since the last update.

Approval Items

Commissioners approved:

• A budget transfer request for $65,700 to support the cost of updating the Land Preservation Parks and Recreation Plan.
• A letter of support for the Banana Ball World Tour at Blue Crabs Stadium.
• A letter of support for Fiscal Year 2027 Congressional Earmark funding for Melwood’s Nanjemoy Campus.
•  

LEONARDTOWN, MD (March 19, 2026) – On Feb. 26, 2026, at approximately 3 p.m., the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Alcohol Enforcement Unit conducted a series of alcohol compliance checks at licensed establishments across St. Mary’s County. The covert operation involved a 19-year-old confidential informant (CI) working under the supervision of Corporal Kristi Nelson of the Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division.

The CI, dressed in camouflage pants and a T-shirt, entered restaurants and retail establishments and attempted to purchase an alcoholic beverage to assess whether businesses were complying with Maryland’s age-verification laws. Cpl. Nelson, also in plain clothes, monitored the compliance checks.

During the operation, they visited 13 businesses. Twelve establishments followed Maryland law and requested identification from the CI. One business failed to request identification or verify the CI’s age and proceeded with the sale of an alcoholic beverage.

The businesses that passed the compliance check:

7th District Bar & Grill 36786 Bushwood Wharf Road, Bushwood

Atrium Wine and Spirit 37680 Mohawk Drive, Charlotte Hall

Captain Sam’s 22664 Colton Point Road, Bushwood

Fred’s Liquors 30075 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall

Leonardtown Wine & Spirits 25470 Point Lookout Road, Leonardtown

Lighthouse Liquors 30411 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall

Merchants Lane Fine Wine & Spirits 40845 Merchants Lane, Leonardtown

New Market Wine & Spirits 29233 Three Notch Road, Mechanicsville

Race-N-In 26755 Stone Corner Lane, Mechanicsville

St. Mary's Gas Station 23950 Colton Point Road, Clements

Village Liquors 25731 Budds Creek Road, Chaptico

Vino 2 Wine & Liquor: 30320 Triangle Drive, Charlotte Hall

The business that did not pass the compliance check and failed to ask for any identification:

Murphy's Town & Country 21270 Oakley Road, Avenue

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to enforcing alcohol laws to protect the health and safety of the community’s youth. Businesses are reminded of their responsibility to comply with state laws regarding the sale of age-restricted products.

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – March 19, 2026 – The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing Tuesday, March 24, at 7 p.m. to present and receive comments on the Fiscal Year (FY27) Staff-Recommended Operating and Capital Improvement Plan. The public hearing will be held in the Chesapeake Hearing Room on the first floor of the County Administration Building at 150 Main St. in Prince Frederick.

Residents may participate in the public hearing in person or dial in by phone (audio only) to participate remotely:

· Phone number: 929-229-2458

· Meeting ID: 202-970-551

· Passcode: #

Written comments may also be submitted in the following ways: · Email: BudgetTeam@calvertcountymd.gov

· Mail: Department of Finance & Budget, 150 Main St., Prince Frederick, MD 20678.

· Hand delivery: Department of Finance & Budget, 150 Main St., Fourth Floor, Prince Frederick, MD 20678

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 FY27 staff-recommended budget is now available for review in advance of the public hearing at www.calvertcountymd.gov/FY27Budget. Hard copies will be available at the public libraries or by contacting the Department of Finance & Budget at 410-535-1600, ext. 2435, or by emailing BudgetTeam@calvertcountymd.gov.

This budget was guided by Calvert County’s vision to remain a safe and thriving community that balances economic growth with rural living, invests in every generation and provides opportunity and quality of life for all residents. In support of that vision, the county’s mission emphasizes effective communication, responsible growth and the delivery of meaningful services across every stage of life.

The FY27 Staff Recommended Budget is balanced at $411 million in revenues and expenditures and sustains current service levels across all county departments and agencies.

Operational funding for Calvert County Public Schools is currently recommended at $163 million, which exceeds the state’s required maintenance of effort by approximately $3 million. In addition, funding for six School Resource Officers for the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office is included. This investment highlights the county’s continued commitment to public education.

This budget includes a request to appropriate $12 million of prior year fund balance to support the pay-go component of the FY27 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The total FY27 CIP is $86 million and continues to prioritize school construction, renovations and systemic infrastructure repairs. The Enterprise funds, Water & Sewer and Solid Waste, are balanced at $12 million and $17 million, respectively.

The staff-recommended budget may be substantially modified, revised, amended or otherwise change based upon comments received at the public hearing.

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

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (March 19, 2026) —  Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman joined Governor Wes Moore and Treasurer Dereck Davis yesterday for a meeting of the Board of Public Works. 

During the meeting, the Board of Public Works approved a series of contracts and agreements supporting infrastructure, economic development, and community investments across Maryland. 

Comptroller Lierman also asked questions regarding several Department of Human Services contracts (Items 16 through 18, and Item 40) related to youth placements and care services. She acknowledged the Administration’s progress in expanding kinship care and strengthening placement stability, while emphasizing the importance of continued oversight, quality assurance, and long-term solutions to reduce hospital over-stays and ensure safe, supportive environments for youth. 

“I do want to acknowledge the progress that has been made,” said Comptroller Lierman. “The Department, under this Administration, has seen an 86% increase in kinship caregivers in just one year. That is real, meaningful progress, that is going to make a difference for families and for youth. But even with that progress, one case is still one too many.” 

In all, the Board of Public Works approved 83 items, representing a total State expenditure of $1,442,727,657.31. This includes: 

• Grant agreements for 12 recipients for 12 projects located in 7 counties and Baltimore City, with a total value of $4,650,000.

• Five items awarding $2,387,679.13 to certified small business primes. 

• Six items awarding $2,500,009.78 to certified minority business enterprise primes. 

• Two items awarding $1,097,180.33 to Employment Works Program providers. 

• Eight items awarded with established participation goals for minority business enterprises. 

• Two items awarded with established participation goals for veteran-owned small business enterprises. 

Meeting documents for today’s meeting can be found here. 

The next meeting of the Board of Public Works will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Burglary: 26-20563
On March 3, 2026, F/Sgt. Denton responded to the 1600 block of M.I. Bowen Road in Prince Frederick for a reported burglary and theft of multiple off-road vehicles. The investigation revealed that unknown suspect(s) gained entry to a pole barn on the property by breaking a window. The suspect(s) stole three four-wheelers: a red Honda, a yellow 2000 Honda 400EX, and a gray 2024 Yamaha 449cc. The estimated value of the stolen property is $10,500. Damage to the exterior door is estimated at approximately $900. This incident remains under investigation.

Damaged Property: 26-22148
On March 8, 2026, at approximately 12:37 a.m., Deputy Brown responded to the 8400 block of Stock Drive in Lusby for a reported burglary. The complainant advised that they heard a loud noise and subsequently discovered the front door of the residence wide open, with damage to the doorframe. The estimated value of damaged property is $1,500. Nothing appears to have been stolen. The incident remains under investigation.

Theft: 26-20393
On March 2, 2026, at approximately 1:01 p.m., DFC A. Plant responded to Walmart in Prince Frederick for a reported theft. Investigation revealed a heavy-set black male, approximately 30–40 years old, wearing black pants, tennis shoes, and a hoodie, had stolen a phone and fled the store. DFC Plant observed an individual matching the description near Main Street and made contact with the suspect, identified as Lavonte Lewis Grimes, 30, of Hyattsville. During the investigation, Grimes became noncompliant and fled on foot. Officers issued verbal commands to stop, and he was quickly apprehended. During the arrest, Grimes removed a phone from his pocket and dropped it on the ground. The device was identified as the stolen property, valued at $210.94. Grimes was arrested and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center, where he was charged with Theft ($100 to under $1,500 – shoplifting), Obstructing and Hindering, and Second-Degree Assault.

Theft: 26-21789
On March 6, 2026, DFC Hendrickson responded to the area of 80 Central Drive in Prince Frederick for a reported theft. Investigation determined that Roger Luther Vermes, 68, of no fixed address, had stolen food from Outback Steakhouse. Vermes was taken into custody and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center, where he was charged with Theft: Less than $100.

Trespassing: 26-20566
On March 3, 2026, at approximately 5:33 a.m., Deputy H. Jones responded to the WaWa located at 305 Market Square Drive in Prince Frederick for a welfare check. Upon arrival, deputies located Evan Michael Franklin, 27, of no fixed address, asleep in the bathroom. Investigation revealed that Franklin had previously been issued a trespass notice for the property. He was taken into custody and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center, where he was charged with Trespassing: Private Property.

Trespassing: 26-22216
On March 8, 2026, at approximately 9:15 a.m., DFC Parks observed an individual lying in the lawn at 481 Main Street in Prince Frederick. The individual was identified as Matthew Leo Greening, 37, of no fixed address. Greening had previously been trespassed from the property. Greening was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center, where he was charged with Trespassing: Private Property.

Weapons Violation: 26-21141
On March 4, 2026, Deputy McIntosh conducted a traffic stop on an unregistered vehicle at the intersection of Ward Road and Southern Maryland Blvd. in Dunkirk. During the investigation, it was determined that Corey Antonio Paul, 36, of Washington, D.C., was in possession of a loaded black Canik TP9SFX handgun within arm’s reach. Paul was taken into custody and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center. Paul was charged with Illegal Possession of a Regulated Firearm, Handgun on Person, Handgun in a Vehicle, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Loaded Handgun in a Vehicle, Loaded Handgun on Person, and Illegal Possession of Ammunition.

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – March 18, 2026 – The Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation, Natural Resources Division, advises residents that the Maryland Forest Service will conduct controlled burns Wednesday, March 18, at Flag Ponds Nature Park, 1525 Flag Ponds Parkway, Lusby.

The park will be closed to the public during the burns. Smoke will be visible in the immediate area of the burns and emergency vehicles and personnel will be stationed in the area. If necessary to complete the work, the controlled burn may continue Thursday, March 19.

Controlled burns help rejuvenate meadow vegetation by removing excessive thatch buildup, invasive plant species and stimulating germination of native season grasses.

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

LEONARDTOWN, MD (March 18, 2026) – The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents that operating unregistered vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), dirt bikes, and other off-road motorcycles, on public roadways is illegal and unsafe.

These vehicles are built for off-road use and are not equipped with the safety features required for travel on public streets.

Under Maryland law, operating an unregistered motor vehicle on a public roadway can result in a $290 citation, and the vehicle may be towed. Individuals who allow someone else to operate an unregistered or uninsured vehicle on a roadway may also face charges.

Off-road vehicles may only be used on private property with the property owner’s permission or in designated riding areas. They are not permitted on public roads, bicycle lanes, sidewalks, or trails such as the Three Notch Trail. They are also prohibited in St. Mary’s County parks, except in designated areas.

The Sheriff’s Office encourages riders to use proper safety gear, including a Department of Transportation-approved helmet, eye protection, gloves, and protective footwear.

Information about legal riding locations is available through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Shredding services, medication collection, and safe disposal of medical sharps will be offered, free of charge!

Participants may bring up to five boxes of documents to the site. Materials accepted include all types of paper. Participants are asked to refrain from bringing materials that are not confidential in nature, such as newspapers and magazines, as they will cause the truck to fill up 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 five standard bankers boxes (10″H x 12″W x 15” D) per person, or the equivalent volume in alternate containers, so we can serve as many participants as possible.  

For more information, please contact, Community Programs & Outreach Manager, Nicoletta Pollice at Nicoletta.Pollice@stmaryscountymd.gov or 301-475-4200, ext. 1074.

For information on safe disposal of medication and medical sharps such as needles, lancets, and syringes, please visit smchd.org/disposal.

This event is made possible by the St. Mary’s County Department of Aging & Human Services, in partnership with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, St. Mary’s County Government, and the St. Mary’s County Department of Public Works & Transportation. St. Mary’s County Health Department appreciates these partners for their continued commitment to promoting safe disposal practices and protecting the health and environment of our community.

A 17-year-old male was in possession of a loaded firearm

18-year old Asomani Hasan Savage-El was in possession of a firearm without a serial number

A 15-year old and another 17 year old were also in the car.

The clothing that had been stolen was recoverd from the vehicle as well.

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 welcomed a special guest, Sunny the Squirrel, who stopped by with an invitation for the upcoming Cherry Blossom Festival and Easter Egg Festival.

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

• Reviewed future CSMC meeting agendas.
• Approved the Professional Services Agreement with GetResQ911 for certified contract Public Safety Dispatchers. 

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

The CSMC wrapped their business meeting with Commissioner Time. The CSMC reconvened at 1:30 p.m. for a Budget Work Session.

The next CSMC Meeting will be on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 9 a.m. in the CSMC Meeting Room, on the 1^st floor of the Chesapeake Building, located at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. CSMC decisions and related documents are available on the SMCG website, by clicking Board Documents from the home page. Meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live on TV Channel 95 or at www.youtube.com/@StMarysCoGov.

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

WALDORF, MD — An exciting new After-School Program in Applied Physics is coming to Arthur Middleton Elementary School thanks to a $4,000 micro-grant awarded to Pure Play Every Day through the Community Impact Awards program by the United Way of Southern Maryland. 

This 10-session program will run from Monday, April 13 through Friday, April 24, giving students the opportunity to design and build their own Rube Goldberg Machines. These machines are creative chain-reaction devices that use multiple steps to accomplish a simple task. Through this engaging, hands-on experience, students will explore foundational physics concepts such as force, motion, gravity, and energy transfer in a dynamic and meaningful way. 

Beyond learning physics principles, students will gain essential lifelong skills. Building Rube Goldberg Machines requires collaboration, persistence, critical thinking, and resilience. As students test, redesign, and problem-solve together, they learn that mistakes are part of the process, and that perseverance leads to innovation. 

“This program shows students that learning can be hands-on, creative, and empowering,” said Patty Stine, Executive Director of Pure Play Every Day. “As they build their Rube Goldberg Machines, they’re not just exploring physics—they’re developing problem-solving skills, resilience, and confidence that will benefit them far beyond the classroom.” 

The Applied Physics curriculum has already proven successful. It was previously implemented at the College of Southern Maryland with homeschooled students, where it received enthusiastic feedback and strong engagement. 

Pure Play Every Day is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting people through play. 

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Emergency Services (DES) urges community members to be prepared for severe storms that will impact our area beginning this afternoon, Monday, March 16, 2026. While rain and thunderstorms may occur throughout the morning and early afternoon hours, the most severe weather is anticipated between 3 – 7 p.m. for our area. A powerful cold front will bring a squall line into the area, bringing damaging wind gusts and large hail with the possibility of tornados. Wind gusts may be as high as 70 – 80 mph. This brings the potential to cause significant tree and power line damage, which could lead to extended power outages. It is important to know the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning: • Tornado Watch: Conditions are favorable for the development of a tornado in the area. Essentially this means a tornado could happen soon. • Tornado Warning: A tornado has actually been sighted by spotters or indicated on radar and is occurring in the warning area. This means a tornado is happening. Severe Storm & Tornado Preparedness • If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area: o Move to the lowest level of your home. o Move to an interior room without windows, like a closet or a bathroom. o If you have a basement, this is the best option. o Cover your head and neck to protect yourself from falling debris. • When thunder roars, go indoors! Always remember that if you can hear thunder, it is possible to be struck by lightning. • Be prepared for severe weather and always plan for the worst scenario. o 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. o Have emergency supplies nearby such as flashlights, water, and portable chargers. o Check on your neighbors, friends, and family members, especially if they are elderly and/or have functional needs. o 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. o 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. For more information on SMCG programs and operations, visit: www.stmaryscountymd.gov or follow St. Mary’s County Government on Facebook, X, and Instagram for regular updates.  

TORNADO WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE FOR WT 67
NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK
1050 AM EDT MON MAR 16 2026

TORNADO WATCH 67 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 700 PM EDT FOR THE
 FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

MDC003-005-009-013-015-017-019-021-025-027-031-033-037-039-043-
045-047-510-162300-
/O.NEW.KWNS.TO.A.0067.260316T1450Z-260316T2300Z/

MD
.    MARYLAND COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

ANNE ARUNDEL         BALTIMORE           CALVERT
CARROLL              CECIL               CHARLES
DORCHESTER           FREDERICK           HARFORD
HOWARD               MONTGOMERY          PRINCE GEORGES
SOMERSET             ST. MARYS           WASHINGTON
WICOMICO             WORCESTER

MARYLAND INDEPENDENT CITIES INCLUDED ARE

BALTIMORE CITY

LEONARDTOWN, MD (March 16, 2026) - On Sunday, March 15, at 4:35 p.m., deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the intersection of Three Notch Road and Hollywood Road for a motor vehicle collision.

The investigation determined that a 2016 GMC Sierra, operated by Austin Schultz of Leonardtown, was making a left turn from northbound Three Notch Road onto Hollywood Road at the traffic signal when a 2013 Toyota Camry, operated by 42-year-old Keith Mersing II of Charlotte Hall and traveling south on Three Notch Road, ran the red light. The Camry was reportedly using the shoulder to bypass vehicles stopped at the intersection when it struck the GMC pickup.

Mersing and the front-seat passenger of his vehicle, 35-year-old Troy Coley of New Carrollton, were transported to a local hospital, where both succumbed to injuries sustained during the collision. The operator of the GMC pickup and a juvenile passenger were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

Currently, it appears that excessive speed and reckless driving are contributing factors in the collision.

Sheriff Steve Hall said, “Reckless and careless driving costs too many lives, and this crash also very nearly cost the lives of one of our deputies and a member of his family. When you get behind the wheel, you are entering into a social contract; you take on a responsibility to everyone else on the road. This crash is a sobering reminder that the choices drivers make in a matter of seconds can have life-altering consequences for many; our prayers are with the families of those who died.”

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Collision Reconstruction Unit has assumed the investigation. Anyone with information about the events leading up to this collision is asked to contact Sergeant Shawn Shelko at 301-475-4200, ext. 8147, or by email at shawn.shelko@stmaryscountymd.gov.

Tipsters can also submit tips anonymously:

• Text 847411: start your message with “SMCSO”, add a space, and then your tip.
• Online: Submit a tip through the Sheriff’s Office website at www.FirstSheriff.com/tips.
• App: Send a tip directly through the SMCSO app. Download the free app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• Phone: For those who prefer to make a phone call, tips can also be shared through the Crime Solvers line at 301-475-3333.

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.

CDS Violation: 26-18064
On February 23, 2026, Deputy Morgal conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at the intersection of Rt. 4 North and Lower Pindell Road, for aggressive driving and expired registration tags. Upon making contact with the driver, Amanda Marie Dilda, 38, of Waldorf, deputies observed controlled dangerous substance (CDS) paraphernalia in plain view. Dilda informed deputies that she was in possession of a pocketknife. Further investigation resulted in the recovery of numerous items of CDS paraphernalia containing suspected CDS residue, a black digital scale, empty cannabis packaging bags, and a concealed butterfly knife. Dilda was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with Concealing a Dangerous Weapon, CDS: Possession-Not Cannabis, and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

CDS Violation: 26-19641
On February 27, 2026, DFC Hill initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for an equipment violation and erratic driving, including traveling well below the posted speed limit along N. Solomons Island Road and Church St. in Prince Frederick. The vehicle failed to stop and accelerated at a high rate of speed. The driver failed to stop at multiple red traffic signals, proceeded through intersections against traffic signals, crossed double yellow lines, entered oncoming lanes of traffic, and reached speeds exceeding 70 miles per hour in posted 30- and 45-mile-per-hour zones. While attempting to evade deputies, the vehicle struck a curb within a traffic circle, then collided with a small tree and a fire hydrant before re-entering the roadway. Deputies ultimately conducted a PIT maneuver near the intersection of Prince Frederick Blvd. and Braschers Blvd., successfully disabling the vehicle. Deputies made contact with the driver, identified as Chad Edwin Jenkins, 35, of Washington, D.C. Deputies detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from Jenkins, and his speech was slurred and incoherent. An adult female passenger and three juvenile passengers were also inside the vehicle. The juveniles were transported to a local hospital for evaluation. A search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of two digital scales containing suspected cocaine residue, as well as alcoholic beverages and CDS paraphernalia. Jenkins was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with Kidnapping, False Imprisonment, Neglect of a Minor, Reckless Endangerment, CDS: Possession – Not Cannabis, CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia, Intoxicated Endangerment, Obstructing and Hindering, Resisting Arrest, Negligent Driving, Reckless Driving, and several additional related charges.

CDS Violation: 26-19399
On February 27, 2026, at approximately 10:16 a.m., DFC Campbell conducted a traffic stop for an obstructed license plate near N. Solomons Island Road and Stoakley Road in Prince Frederick. Contact was made with the driver, Debrah Ann Lawrence, 50, of Lothian, and the passenger, Chelsea Lynn Lawrence, 31, of Lothian. During the investigation, a consent search of the vehicle was conducted. Deputies located a small metal tin containing burnt copper wire commonly used to smoke crack cocaine, a metal push rod with suspected crack cocaine residue, two small white rock-like substances suspected to be crack cocaine, and a clear plastic container containing suspected crack cocaine. Deputies also recovered a Maryland registration plate that was confirmed to have been stolen through the Anne Arundel County Police Department. Chelsea admitted the paraphernalia belonged to her and acknowledged the burnt copper wire was used to smoke crack cocaine. Both subjects were transported to the Calvert County Detention Center. During the intake process, additional items were discovered in Chelsea’s pants pocket, including an improvised glass smoking device containing white powder residue, a folded paper containing a light brown powdery substance suspected to be heroin, and an electronic smoking device (vape). Debrah Lawrence was charged with CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia, CDS: Possession – Not Cannabis, and Theft: $100 to Under $1,500. Chelsea Lawrence was charged with CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia, CDS: Possession – Not Cannabis, and Possession of Contraband in a Place of Confinement.

CDS Violation: 26-19434

On February 27, 2026, at approximately 12:11 p.m., DFC Huy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a registration violation in the area of N. Solomons Island Road and Aspen Woods in Sunderland. During the stop, S/DFC Idol conducted a K-9 scan of the vehicle, and K-9 Benji alerted to the odor of narcotics. While speaking with the occupants of the vehicle, passenger Tarvio Lavey Jenkins, 45, of Sunderland, admitted to having cocaine in his pants. A search of Jenkins’ person revealed a small clear plastic bag concealed containing a white powdery substance. Jenkins was placed under arrest and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center, where he was charged with CDS: Possession – Not Cannabis.

Damaged Property: 26-17882
On February 23, 2026, Cpl. Callison responded to Smithville United Methodist Church Cemetery, located at 3289 Smithville Drive in Dunkirk, for a report of damaged property. Investigation revealed that an unknown vehicle drove through the cemetery grounds, causing significant damage. A headstone was broken off at ground level, and deep tire tracks and ruts were observed throughout the cemetery property. The estimated damage to the headstone is $5,000, with an additional $2,000 in landscaping damage, for a total estimated loss of $7,000. This case remains under investigation.

Damaged Property: 26-17881
On February 23, 2026, at 2:05 p.m., DFC McCourt responded to the 11100 block of Little Cove Point Road in Lusby for a reported hit-and-run. A complainant advised he heard a loud crash and observed a white SUV, leaving the area at a high rate of speed. Investigation revealed the vehicle struck a residence, causing significant exterior and interior wall damage. Deputies identified the driver as Frank L. Berry, Jr., 66, of Callaway, who was operating the vehicle while making a DoorDash delivery. Berry stated he failed to place the vehicle in park, causing it to roll into the home. Berry was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with Failure to Stop After Unattended Vehicle/Property Damage Accident.

Trespassing: 26-19557
On February 27, 2026, DFC T. Bowen responded to Walmart, located at 150 N. Solomons Island Road in Prince Frederick, for a reported trespassing complaint. Upon arrival, the complainant advised that Evan Michael Franklin, 27 of no fixed address, had previously been issued an indefinite trespass notice from the property. Franklin was placed under arrest and transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with Trespassing: Private Property.

Weapons Violation: 26-19613
On February 27, 2026, at approximately 9:43 p.m., Deputy McIntosh conducted a traffic stop in the area of Brickhouse Road and Chaney Road in Dunkirk for a traffic violation and expired registration. Contact was made with the driver, Jesse James Herberson, 34, of Dunkirk. While speaking with Herberson, deputies asked multiple times if there were any weapons inside the vehicle. Herberson initially responded, “not that I know of,” before later advising he had two large knives in his pockets. Deputy Morgal observed the barrel and handguard of a firearm in plain view. The firearm, identified as a Mossberg International 715T .22 caliber AR-style pistol, was recovered from the vehicle. The firearm contained one round in the chamber and 11 rounds in the magazine, and deputies observed that parts of the firearm appeared to have been altered. Herberson was charged with Loaded Handgun on Person, Handgun on Person, Loaded Handgun in Vehicle, and Handgun in Vehicle.

NAS Patuxent River Announces Staggered Departure due to Weather, Sets Mission Essential Personnel Only by 2 p.m. March 16, 2026

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – NAS Patuxent River has authorized a staggered departure by zone March 16, 2026 due to forecasted inclement weather. NAS Patuxent River will institute an operating status of Restricted Access for All but Mission Essential Personnel from 2 p.m. Monday March 16, 2026 to 12 a.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2026 due to forecasted weather conditions. This applies to NAS Patuxent River, Webster Outlying Field, and Navy Recreation Center Solomons.

All gates will open at NAS Patuxent River and Webster Outlying Field from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. March 16 to facilitate outbound traffic. Pax River Gates 2 and 3 will close at 2 p.m. March 16, and Gate 1 will be open to Mission Essential Only from 2 p.m. March 16 to 12 a.m. March 17, 2026.

Know Your Zone
NAS Patuxent River will initiate its staggered departure by zone.

NAS Pax River Zones 1 and 2: depart NAS Pax River beginning 12 p.m. March 16

NAS Pax River Zones 3 and 4: depart NAS Pax River beginning 12:30 p.m. March 16 

All gates at NAS Patuxent River will open for outbound staggered departure beginning at 12 p.m. March 16.

Civil service employees designated non-critical may request unscheduled leave if departing prior to their staggered departure time. Those with approved telework agreements are authorized to telework. Admin leave will be granted for the hours after staggered departure time. Check with your command for specific guidance.

LA PLATA, MD— Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Monday, March 9, 2026, a Charles County jury found Scott Anthony Goldsmith, 55, guilty of the Second-Degree Murder of Timothy Louis Portzen and the First-Degree Assault of a second victim.

On October 3, 2023, officers with Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to a Waldorf residence for the report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the surviving victim, who reported that she had been stabbed in the neck and had a visible wound extending from her right shoulder to her back. The victim was flown to a hospital for treatment and, thankfully, survived her injuries.

Officers also located victim Timothy Louis Portzen in a bedroom suffering from multiple stab wounds to the chest. Emergency Medical Services attempted lifesaving measures, but Portzen was pronounced deceased at the scene.

An investigation revealed that during the early morning hours of October 3, 2023, Goldsmith arrived at the victims’ residence and was greeted by the surviving victim. Goldsmith demanded to see the victim’s boyfriend, who was not at the residence, and Portzen. Goldsmith pushed past the victim and stabbed her in the neck. Goldsmith then proceeded to Portzen’s bedroom, where he stabbed Portzen nine times. The surviving victim retreated to her bedroom and heard the sound of a struggle before Goldsmith left the residence.

Goldsmith was later apprehended, and while incarcerated, admitted to the murder. He also admitted to discarding the knife that was used during the attack. Investigators additionally discovered the victim’s blood on a tire that Goldsmith had punctured following the murder.

A sentencing date has been scheduled for May 14, 2026. Goldsmith faces 65 years in prison.

On March 9, Charles County Sheriff’s officers arrested Louis Delano Bowles, III, age 25, of Waldorf, in connection with possession of child pornography and distribution of child pornography after he was indicted by a Charles County Grand Jury in late February.

The investigation was initiated after detectives from the Special Victims Unit received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about an unknown suspect who uploaded child pornography at an unknown address in Charles County. The arrest followed a year-long investigation involving multiple subpoenas, cell phone data, and forensic examinations. The uploads were sporadic and the images were uploaded over the course of several months.  

Detectives obtained a search warrant for Bowles’ residence on Randall Drive in White Plains where numerous electronic devices were recovered as well as a small quantity of psilocybin mushrooms. Detectives and digital forensics investigators conducted an extensive forensic review of the recovered devices and records, which revealed hundreds of images, including numerous pictures, videos, and messages containing child pornography. As a result of the investigation, Bowles was charged with 20 counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of promoting/distributing child pornography.

Detectives also learned Bowles had been a coach of track and football at Maurice McDonough High School from 2022-2025. Based on the recovered evidence, which consisted of images of toddlers and young adolescents, there is no indication Bowles targeted high school-aged students. Charles County Public Schools were notified and took immediate steps prohibiting Bowles from being on school property.

Anyone who may have had contact with Bowles that appeared to be inappropriate is urged to contact Detective Garner at the Charles County Sheriff’s Office at (301) 609-6488. On March 11, the court released Bowles from the Charles County Detention Center on electronic monitoring. 

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office will conduct saturation patrols during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, March 17, to target impaired driving, speeding and other dangerous traffic violations.

Additional deputies will be assigned to major travel routes and communities across St. Mary’s County during one of the year’s busiest times for gatherings and celebrations. Deputies will maintain a visible and proactive presence to deter dangerous driving and help prevent serious crashes.

Drivers planning to celebrate are encouraged to arrange a sober ride home by designating a driver, using a rideshare service, or arranging other transportation before festivities begin.

Driving under the influence can result in an arrest, fines, license suspension, and jail time.

Anyone who observes a suspected impaired driver is encouraged to call 911. For non-emergency concerns, contact the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office at 301-475-8008.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Public Schools will host Rising Freshman

Orientation Night at all three high schools on Wednesday, June 03, 2026. The events provide an opportunity for rising ninth graders and their families to get an overview of high school graduation requirements, learn about extracurricular opportunities, meet school staff and administration, and more. The Rising Freshman Orientation Nights will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3rd, at Chopticon High School, Great Mills High School, and Leonardtown High School.

Families are encouraged to attend the high school their rising 9th-grader will be attending. For more information, visit www.smcps.org/RFON. Additional questions can be directed to the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at 301-475-5511, extension 32133, or email classof2030@smcps.org.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) will be constructing a new roundabout at the intersection of Pegg Road and Westbury Boulevard.

The project is scheduled to begin on or about Tuesday, March 17, 2026, with completion in approximately 60 days, weather permitting. A traffic control plan will be implemented for the duration of the road and sidewalk construction. The Westbury Boulevard West southern entrance will be temporarily closed during a portion of the construction. Ingress/egress will remain available at the Westbury Boulevard West northern most entrance.

Message boards and signage will be deployed in the area prior to and during the project to serve as a reminder. Motorists are advised to use caution and follow signage. Please remain alert to work crews, changing traffic patterns, and equipment and consider alternate travel routes to avoid delays in traffic.

Questions may be directed to Donald Bean with DPW&T at 301-475-4200, ext. 3520.

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

WALDORF, Md. — A 26-year-old man was killed in a shooting Wednesday evening along Davis Road in Waldorf, prompting a large law enforcement response to the area.

Approximately 6:46 p.m. on March 11, 2026, multiple callers reported hearing gunfire near the 2200 block of Davis Road. One caller reported a man lying on the ground, while another told dispatch that children had seen someone shooting toward a nearby home.

Deputies with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded as firefighters and EMS staged at Berry Elementary School until the area was secured.

Once the scene was deemed safe, emergency personnel located the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the chest, abdomen, and left leg. Life-saving measures were attempted, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Witnesses reported that a suspect armed with a long gun ran from the area shortly after the shooting. Another caller reported a large black SUV, possibly a Chevrolet Tahoe with heavily tinted windows and a tinted tag cover, leaving the area at a high rate of speed toward the schools along Davis Road.

The identity of the victim has not yet been released, and no arrests have been announced as the investigation continues. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Charles County Sheriff’s Office.

(PIKESVILLE, MD) – Maryland State Police are urging motorists to avoid aggressive, distracted and impaired driving throughout St. Patrick’s Day weekend.

Maryland State Troopers from all 23 barracks, including the State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort (SPIDRE) team, will focus on aggressive, distracted and impaired driving while conducting increased saturation patrols along roadways where impaired driving-related crashes often occur. Enforcement efforts are bolstered by funds from the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office.

Among the planned initiatives from Friday, March 13, through Tuesday, March 17, include:

• Eastern Region: Troopers from the Berlin, Centreville, Easton, Princess Anne and Salisbury barracks will focus enforcement efforts on major corridors, including routes 301 and 50.
• Central Region: Troopers from the College Park, Forestville, Golden Ring, Rockville, Waterloo and Westminster barracks will conduct high-visibility enforcement efforts on interstates 495 and 270, and routes 50, 5 and 301. Additionally, the Westminster Barrack will combine enforcement efforts with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department and the Westminster City Police Department.
• Western Region: Troopers from the Cumberland, Frederick, Hagerstown and McHenry barracks will focus crash reduction and DUI enforcement efforts on major corridors, including interstates 70 and 81 and routes 40 and 65.
• Northern Region: Troopers from the Bel Air, JFK Memorial Highway and North East barracks will conduct DUI enforcement along areas with high concentrations of impaired-related crashes.
• Southern Region: Troopers from the Annapolis, Glen Burnie, La Plata, Leonardtown and Prince Frederick barracks will patrol along major routes, including 295 and Interstate 695.

If you are attending a St. Patrick’s Day event:

• Designate a sober driver before going out and 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 911 if you see someone who you believe is driving impaired.
  • Always buckle up.
  • Remain alert. Do not text or use a cellphone that is not hands-free.

If you are hosting a St. Patrick’s Day event:
• Remember that you can be held liable if someone you served alcohol to is involved in an impaired driving crash.
• Serve plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Ensure sober drivers or alternative modes of transportation are set up in advance for guests who are planning to drink alcoholic beverages.
• Have contact information for local taxi companies readily available.
• Take away the keys from anyone who is thinking about driving impaired.

As you celebrate, please remember to drive safely and responsibly by avoiding impaired, aggressive and distracted driving.

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – March 11, 2026 – The Calvert County Board of Elections is accepting applications from registered voters interested in serving as election judges for the 2026 primary and general elections.

Election judges play a critical role in ensuring fair and accessible elections for all voters. All party affiliations are welcome to apply. Judges receive a minimum of $250 for each day worked, including each day of early voting or on Election Day.

Attendance at a training class is mandatory as a condition of appointment in accordance with Maryland election law. Election judges will be paid $50 to attend the required training class in addition to their election pay. Payment is typically issued six to eight weeks following each election.

Registered voters interested in working as an election judge must be able to clearly speak, read and write in English and have a basic level of comfort using computers. Individuals may request an application by calling the Board of Elections office at 410-535-2214, ext. 4, or by completing the online Election Judge Application at www.calvertcountymd.gov/159/Election-Judges.

The Calvert County Board of Elections conducts all federal, state and local elections in accordance with Maryland election law. The election board is committed to ensuring fair, accurate and accessible elections for all eligible voters in Calvert County through voter education, election administration and community outreach.

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

[Wednesday, March 11]  On Tuesday, March 10, Wes Adams, County Attorney, presented proposed legislation to the Charles County Commissioners to establish a framework for collective bargaining for certain county government employees. The bill outlines how eligible employees may organize and be represented by a labor organization to negotiate wages, hours, and working conditions. It also establishes procedures for employee representation elections, outlines the responsibilities of both the county and employee organizations during negotiations, and defines the scope of issues that may be included in collective bargaining agreements. The legislation sets guidelines for dispute resolution, including mediation if negotiations reach an impasse, and clarifies administrative roles to support the process. The proposal is intended to establish a clear, structured process for labor negotiations while maintaining the county’s ability to manage operations and services. Jacob Dyer, Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services, presented the potential fiscal impact if an additional union was created. Commissioners voted unanimously to introduce the bill and scheduled a public hearing for May 12, 2026, at 6 p.m.

Briefings

• Cathy Reisinger, Deputy Director and Ray Shumaker, Chief of Codes, Permits, and Inspection Services, Department of Planning and Growth Management; Anthony Adesina, Business Retention and Expansion Manager, Department of Economic Development; and Kathy Guzman, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce presented an update to the Charles County Commissioners on the work of the Small Business Permitting Work Group (SBPWG). They presented recommendations to refine the permitting process for businesses in the county seeking a Use and Occupancy for an existing structure. The presentation highlighted the group’s efforts to review current permitting procedures, identify challenges faced by business owners, and develop strategies to improve the permitting experience.

Key recommendations focused on improving outreach and education for permit applicants, real estate agents and design professionals; creating a business permitting webpage; and requiring business owner involvement in the permitting process. Additionally, the workgroup recommended a Small Business Permitting Navigator position be created to act as a liaison between business owners and the County and other reviewing agencies. These recommendations are intended to help business owners navigate the regulations and permit requirements while reducing obstacles or delays in opening their businesses.

• Yolanda Wilson, President of the College of Southern Maryland, presented the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) State of the College Update to the Charles County Commissioners, highlighting the college’s role in providing affordable higher education, workforce training, and community partnerships across Southern Maryland. The presentation included an overview of student enrollment trends and recent accomplishments. It also highlighted new and expanded academic and workforce programs, as well as partnerships with local employers and government agencies. College leaders discussed efforts to prepare students for in-demand careers in fields such as healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. Additional initiatives that support student success were also highlighted, including scholarships, transfer agreements with four-year universities, and programs that connect students with local job opportunities. The update emphasized the college’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality education while strengthening the regional workforce and supporting economic development in Charles County and the surrounding region.

Legislative Update

Danielle Mitchell, Acting Deputy County Attorney, updated commissioners on the 2026 Maryland General Assembly. Commissioners were informed that HB 1493, titled Charles County – Student Bus Transportation Providers – Provider Displacement (SB 574), which would require the Charles County Board of Education to provide advance notice of changes to school bus contracts, was being withdrawn. Senate Bill 953/House Bill 1493, which would enact rent stabilization measures for residents 65 years of age and older, is scheduled for public hearings in the Senate on March 11 and the House on March 12.

Approval Items

Commissioners approved:

• A Final Purchase and Sale Agreement of Lot One of the Hughesville Industrial Park Well Site and Waterline Extension.
• A letter of support for the Charles County Resilience Authority for the Popes Creek Waterfront Park Living Shoreline Construction Project.
• Letters of support for Fiscal Year 2027 Congressional Earmarks for:
  • Charles Soil Conservation District Agricultural and Environmental Resource & Education Facility
  • Charles County Projects and Initiatives
  •  

[Wednesday, March 11]  On Tuesday, March 10, Wes Adams, County Attorney, presented proposed legislation to the Charles County Commissioners to establish a framework for collective bargaining for certain county government employees. The bill outlines how eligible employees may organize and be represented by a labor organization to negotiate wages, hours, and working conditions. It also establishes procedures for employee representation elections, outlines the responsibilities of both the county and employee organizations during negotiations, and defines the scope of issues that may be included in collective bargaining agreements. The legislation sets guidelines for dispute resolution, including mediation if negotiations reach an impasse, and clarifies administrative roles to support the process. The proposal is intended to establish a clear, structured process for labor negotiations while maintaining the county’s ability to manage operations and services. Jacob Dyer, Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services, presented the potential fiscal impact if an additional union was created. Commissioners voted unanimously to introduce the bill and scheduled a public hearing for May 12, 2026, at 6 p.m.

Briefings

• Cathy Reisinger, Deputy Director and Ray Shumaker, Chief of Codes, Permits, and Inspection Services, Department of Planning and Growth Management; Anthony Adesina, Business Retention and Expansion Manager, Department of Economic Development; and Kathy Guzman, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce presented an update to the Charles County Commissioners on the work of the Small Business Permitting Work Group (SBPWG). They presented recommendations to refine the permitting process for businesses in the county seeking a Use and Occupancy for an existing structure. The presentation highlighted the group’s efforts to review current permitting procedures, identify challenges faced by business owners, and develop strategies to improve the permitting experience.

Key recommendations focused on improving outreach and education for permit applicants, real estate agents and design professionals; creating a business permitting webpage; and requiring business owner involvement in the permitting process. Additionally, the workgroup recommended a Small Business Permitting Navigator position be created to act as a liaison between business owners and the County and other reviewing agencies. These recommendations are intended to help business owners navigate the regulations and permit requirements while reducing obstacles or delays in opening their businesses.

• Yolanda Wilson, President of the College of Southern Maryland, presented the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) State of the College Update to the Charles County Commissioners, highlighting the college’s role in providing affordable higher education, workforce training, and community partnerships across Southern Maryland. The presentation included an overview of student enrollment trends and recent accomplishments. It also highlighted new and expanded academic and workforce programs, as well as partnerships with local employers and government agencies. College leaders discussed efforts to prepare students for in-demand careers in fields such as healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. Additional initiatives that support student success were also highlighted, including scholarships, transfer agreements with four-year universities, and programs that connect students with local job opportunities. The update emphasized the college’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality education while strengthening the regional workforce and supporting economic development in Charles County and the surrounding region.

Legislative Update

Danielle Mitchell, Acting Deputy County Attorney, updated commissioners on the 2026 Maryland General Assembly. Commissioners were informed that HB 1493, titled Charles County – Student Bus Transportation Providers – Provider Displacement (SB 574), which would require the Charles County Board of Education to provide advance notice of changes to school bus contracts, was being withdrawn. Senate Bill 953/House Bill 1493, which would enact rent stabilization measures for residents 65 years of age and older, is scheduled for public hearings in the Senate on March 11 and the House on March 12.

Approval Items

Commissioners approved:

• A Final Purchase and Sale Agreement of Lot One of the Hughesville Industrial Park Well Site and Waterline Extension.
• A letter of support for the Charles County Resilience Authority for the Popes Creek Waterfront Park Living Shoreline Construction Project.
• Letters of support for Fiscal Year 2027 Congressional Earmarks for:
  • Charles Soil Conservation District Agricultural and Environmental Resource & Education Facility
  • Charles County Projects and Initiatives
  •  

Baltimore, MD – The Maryland Public Service Commission will hold two virtual public hearings to receive public input on Washington Gas Light's proposal to increase its gas distribution rates. The hearings will be held Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 6 p.m. and Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 6 p.m. The utility’s customers and other stakeholders are welcome to attend one or both hearings.

To participate, attendees should email kimberly.schock@maryland.gov by 12 noon on Friday, March 20 for the first hearing and by 12 noon on Friday, April 3 for the second hearing. Attendees will receive a link for the virtual meeting. A recording will also be posted to the Commission’s YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/@MarylandPSC

Washington Gas provides natural gas retail sales and delivery service to nearly 520,000 Maryland customers in Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Montgomery, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties. In December 2025, the company applied to increase its annual revenues by $82.5 million, with an incremental increase of $67.1 million after the inclusion of the company’s Strategic Infrastructure Development and Enhancement (STRIDE) revenue requirements. Washington Gas says its proposed rate design would result in an approximate 5.3% increase in the total bill for the average residential customer.

Written comments may be submitted electronically through the Commission’s website, in the Public Comments Dropbox: https://www.pscmaryland.com/online-services/file-a-public-comment/ First-time users of the portal will need to register and then can submit their comments in Case No. 9849.

Comments may also be sent by mail (by June 1, 2026) and should be addressed to:

Andrew S. Johnston, Executive Secretary

Maryland Public Service Commission

William Donald Schaefer Tower, 16^th Floor

6 St. Paul Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Evidentiary hearings in this case are scheduled to begin May 18, 2026 with a Commission decision by late July.

###

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

As part of the consent agenda, the Commissioners authorized a letter of support for the St. Mary’s County Historical Society’s application to the Maryland Historical Trust’s Historic Preservation Capital Grant Program.

The CSMC then presented a proclamation recognizing Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

For their main agenda item, the Commissioners approved the amendment to the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to allow Use Type 28 (Day Care, Non-Medical) in the Resource Conservation Area Overlay District.

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

• Reviewed future CSMC meeting agendas.
• Received a presentation from the Department of Land Use and Growth Management on the Calvert – St. Mary’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (C-SMMPO) and a proposed boundary expansion.
• Approved the FY2027 Gun Violence Reduction Grant application on behalf of the Office of the State's Attorney.
• Approved the FY2026 St. Mary’s Transit System (STS) Capital Grant award.
• Approved the FAA agreement returning expiring entitlement funds as requested by the Washington Airports District Office.
• Approved the FY2027 Maryland Department of Transportation Priority Letter.
• Adopted the resolution to pay the tipping fees for up to 100 tons of waste disposal for Christmas in April.
• Approved the employment contract for the EMS Chief for St. Mary’s County Government

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

The CSMC wrapped their business meeting with Commissioner Time. The CSMC reconvened at 1:30 p.m. for a Budget Work Session and at 6:30 p.m. for a Public Hearing on the Excise Tax.

The next CSMC Meeting will be on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 9 a.m. in the CSMC Meeting Room, on the 1^st floor of the Chesapeake Building, located at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. There will also be a Budget Work Session that afternoon at 1:30 p.m. CSMC decisions and related documents are available on the SMCG website, by clicking Board Documents from the home page. Meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live on TV Channel 95 or at www.youtube.com/@StMarysCoGov.

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

On Monday, March 9, at approximately 9:30 p.m., deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office heard gunfire while conducting proactive patrol operations in the Lexington Park area and immediately responded to Bunker Hill Drive.

Upon arrival, deputies located a red Chevrolet Equinox with the passenger-side window broken out. Deputies attempted to speak with the driver; however, the driver fled the area, and deputies pursued.

During the pursuit, deputies observed the driver throw an object from the vehicle. The item was recovered and identified as a loaded .223-caliber, semi-automatic short-barreled rifle (SBR) with a high-capacity magazine.

Deputies continued the pursuit until the driver stopped the SUV in front of a residence, where he was taken into custody without further incident.

During the investigation, deputies located several .223-caliber shell casings on Bunker Hill Drive. No injuries were reported.

The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was identified as Vanecleus Quntya Alexander, 38, of Lexington Park. Alexander was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown and charged with eight counts, including:

• Wear/carry/transport a loaded handgun on their person
• Wear/carry/transport a handgun on person
• Wear/carry/knowingly transport a loaded handgun in a vehicle on public roads
• Wear/carry/knowingly transport a handgun in a vehicle on public roads
• Possession of a regulated firearm after having been convicted of a felony
• Possession of ammunition after being prohibited
• Knowingly possessing a regulated firearm after being convicted of a disqualifying crime
• Reckless endangerment

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Deputy First Class Preston Dixon at 301-475-4200, ext. 8168, or by email at Preston.Dixon@stmaryscountymd.gov.

Tipsters can also submit tips anonymously:

• Text 847411: start your message with “SMCSO”, add a space, and then your tip.
• Online: Submit a tip through the Sheriff’s Office website at www.FirstSheriff.com/tips.
• App: Send a tip directly through the SMCSO app. Download the free app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• Phone: For those who prefer to make a phone call, tips can also be shared through the Crime Solvers line at 301-475-3333.

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.

Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a stabbing that occurred Tuesday at Great Mills High School.

At approximately 12:15 p.m., School Resource Officer Corporal Gerard Muschette requested an ambulance for a 19-year-old male suffering from a single stab wound to the torso. The victim was flown from the scene to an area hospital with injuries that appear to be non-life-threatening.

An immediate investigation was initiated, and a 17-year-old male suspect was taken into custody without incident. The student was charged as an adult with assault, first- and second-degree, and possession of a folding pocketknife on school grounds.

Law enforcement agencies are prohibited from publicly identifying juveniles due to legal protections that safeguard their identities throughout the judicial process.

Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division have assumed the case. Anyone who has not yet given a statement is asked to contact Detective Helen Deitrich at 301-475-4200, ext. 8066, or by email at Helen.Deitrich@stmaryscountymd.gov.

Tipsters can also submit tips anonymously:

• Text 847411: start your message with “SMCSO”, add a space, and then your tip.
• Online: Submit a tip through the Sheriff’s Office website at www.FirstSheriff.com/tips.
• App: Send a tip directly through the SMCSO app. Download the free app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• Phone: For those who prefer to make a phone call, tips can also be shared through the Crime Solvers line at 301-475-3333.

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

LEONARDTOWN, MD – Yesterday afternoon, an incident involving two students occurred in a boy’s bathroom at Great Mills High School. The altercation ended with one student walking out of the bathroom with a visible injury. He was escorted by several other students to the nurse’s office, where it was confirmed that he had been stabbed in the lower chest, just beneath his pectoral muscle. The victim stated that he was stabbed with a knife and identified the individual responsible.

The school was placed in a secure hold while the matter was being investigated. The suspect was located and taken into custody by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, and the weapon was recovered. The hold was released once it was confirmed by the St. Mary’s Sheriff’s Office that it was safe to do so.

Emergency services were called at 12:15 PM, and out of an abundance of caution, EMTs decided to airlift the student to Children’s Hospital for further medical care. Medevac landed on the baseball field at 12:53 PM, and the student’s guardian was present during this process.

The situation is being investigated by the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from Great Mills High School Administration and Safety and Security personnel. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Department has issued alerts and updates on its social media sites throughout the investigation. Links to those sites can be found on their Media Page. Families of GMHS students were sent a letter by Principal Dothard informing them of the incident and summarizing supports available for students today.

The Calvert County Department of Parks & Recreation (CCPR) invites community members to help design a new playground at Cove Point Park during a special “Design Day” on Wednesday, March 18, from 5:30-8 p.m., at Chesapeake Hills Golf Course, located at 11352 H.G. Trueman Road in Lusby. Food will be provided.

CCPR is partnering with KABOOM!, a national nonprofit organization that has helped communities build and improve play spaces for more than 25 years, along with local partners to replace the existing playground at the rear of Cove Point Park, located at 750 Cove Point Road in Lusby. The current playground has reached the end of its lifespan and is due for replacement. The new playground will provide an updated, environmentally friendly play space for local families. Community members are encouraged to complete the KABOOM! “Design Vision Survey” in advance of Design Day. The survey will help tailor the Design Day presentation, gather ideas from those unable to attend and inform the final playground design. The survey will close at the end of Design Day on March 18.

During the event, children will begin at 5:30 p.m. by drawing what they would love to see in their dream playground. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., adults will have the opportunity to share ideas, take on leadership roles and sign up for committees to help with the playground build scheduled for May 19-21.

Following the event, KABOOM! will work with a playground vendor and CCPR to finalize the design based on community input. Residents interested in volunteering are encouraged to sign up through the volunteer registration site; children attending the event should be registered in advance.

Constellation Energy is the financial partner in the playground rebuild, along with several community partners, including The Wills Group, Scheibel Construction, CalvertHealth, Chick Fil A First Colony and the Mark Frisco Team.

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

Following an investigation into an alleged child pornography complaint, detectives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division served an arrest warrant on Terry Joe Hahn, 44, of Hollywood, Maryland, on Monday, March 9, 2026.

On Feb. 22, deputies responded after receiving a tip about the possible existence of pornographic images of children on Hahn’s phone. Through a forensic investigation, detectives determined that multiple pornographic images of juveniles of varying ages were located on the device.

Hahn was taken into custody without incident and charged with two counts of possession of child pornography.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Allison Mattera at 301-475-4200, ext. 8124, or by email at Allison.Mattera@stmaryscountymd.gov.

Tipsters can also submit tips anonymously:

• Text 847411: start your message with “SMCSO”, add a space, and then your tip.
• Online: Submit a tip through the Sheriff’s Office website at www.FirstSheriff.com/tips.
• App: Send a tip directly through the SMCSO app. Download the free app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• Phone: For those who prefer to make a phone call, tips can also be shared through the Crime Solvers line at 301-475-3333.

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.

As we look forward to celebrating the Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) Class of 2026, the Show Place Arena implemented several changes impact all four 2026 graduations. These changes are driven by the Show Place Arena’s commitment to making the ceremonies more memorable and to ensure that all attendees can comfortably celebrate this significant milestone. The changes are as follows:

• All patrons must have a ticket to enter the arena. All seating is General Admission.
• Scanned photocopies or pictures of tickets will not be accepted. 
• No one will be permitted to re-enter for any reason; should a patron leave the arena.
• ADA seating is located around the arena with general admission ticketing. The banquet rooms will be utilized for ADA overflow if necessary.
• Only clear bags are permitted into the facility.
• The Show Place Arena utilizes Enhanced Weapons Detection Systems (EWDS) at all entrances (Lobby, North Tunnel, South Tunnel and side entrances). All patrons, graduates, staff and volunteers must enter the building through the EWDS and will be scanned with a metal detecting wand if necessary.

To support these changes, doors will open 30 minutes earlier to allow for the time needed to implement the additional safety precautions.  Doors will open at 1:00PM for 2:30PM graduation ceremonies. Doors will open at 6:00PM for 7:30PM graduation ceremonies. A location will be identified near the main entrance to the facility, to be used by CCPS staff members from the school and district to address any ticketing issues.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation as CCPS works with the Show Place Arena to ensure that all graduates have wonderful commencements during this momentous occasion.

Should you have any questions, please reach out to your school principal. 

Buying local is easy with an abundance of fresh food from Calvert County’s farmers, agribusinesses and watermen. Patrons can find local produce, meat, bedding plants (vegetables and herbs) and a cornucopia of other offerings.

The Calvert County Farmers Market Association is seeking vendors for its Prince Frederick and Dunkirk markets this season. These are “producers-only” markets, meaning all vegetables, fruits, herbs, tree nuts, meats, flowers, plants and other products sold at the markets must be grown or produced by a local farmer or vendor.

For those interested in becoming a vendor at the markets, visit www.CalvertAg.com/FarmersMarketVendor. Applications can be submitted throughout the farmers market season.

For more information on Calvert County’s agricultural community and other updates, visit www.CalvertAg.com or contact the Calvert County Department of Economic Development at 410-535-4583 or email info@choosecalvert.com.

Farmers Market Association markets will be held on the following schedule:

· Tuesdays in Prince Frederick at CalvertHealth Medical Center back parking lot, 130 Hospital Road, from 2-5:30 p.m. April 28 through Nov. 24, 2026.

· Thursdays in Dunkirk at the entrance of Dunkirk District Park, 10750 Southern Maryland Blvd., from 2:30-5:30 p.m. May 21 through Sept. 3, 2026.

· Saturdays in North Beach at the North Beach Senior Center parking lot, 9010 Chesapeake Ave., from 8-11:30 a.m. April 18 through Oct. 31, 2026.

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

LEONARDTOWN, MD – The Historic Preservation Commission is seeking nominations for outstanding achievements in Historic Preservation in St. Mary’s County. These awards, first established in 1999, recognize groups, individuals, and projects that further the aims of historic preservation in St. Mary’s County.

Recipients will be awarded in three categories:

Preservation Project Award: This award recognizes excellence in the preservation and restoration of historic buildings, interpretation of architectural features in new construction, and reuse of historic structures.

Preservation Service Award: This award recognizes outstanding achievement in and support for furthering the aims of historic preservation in St. Mary’s County, including education, research, development, planning advocacy, and community leadership.

Lifetime Achievement Award: This award is given to recipients who have dedicated many years to historic preservation and made an impact to preservation efforts in St. Mary’s County.

All nominated projects must be located in St. Mary’s County and must have been completed between January to December 2025.

The deadline for submitting nominations is 5 p.m. on April 16, 2026. To nominate deserving groups or individuals, please complete the nomination form available at: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/HPCawards.

The Historic Preservation Commission will review all nominations and select the award winners. Awards will be presented by the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County in May 2026.

Learn more about the Historic Preservation Commission at: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/HPC.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County residents who wish to request a change to their property's proposed land use designation as part of the St. Mary’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan update may now submit a formal request through St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Land Use & Growth Management (LUGM).

The St. Mary’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan will serve as the County’s long-range planning document, guiding land use decisions through 2050 and helping ensure our community grows responsibly while preserving our rural character, natural resources, and quality of life. Over the past year, the community has been invited to share their thoughts and ideas about the future of St. Mary’s County as part of this planning process. In February 2026, the County released the draft St. Mary’s 2050 Plan, which is now available for public review and comment.

A key component of the plan is the Land Use Map, which identifies where growth, redevelopment, and preservation are anticipated throughout the County. The draft St. Mary’s 2050 Plan proposes simplifying land use classifications from 23 categories to nine.

Community members can review the proposed land use designation for their property on the County website at: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/GIS:

1. Click Interactive County Map, to open the GIS Map
2. Locate your property (enter the address in the search bar)
3. In the Map Layers box, scroll down to find the Zoning and Other Regulatory section
4. Click the arrow next to Zoning and Other Regulatory to expand this section
5. Scroll down and select Land Use (Proposed 2050)
6. Click the Legend (list icon on the right) to view each of the land use categories and associated color codes

If a property owner believes a different designation is more appropriate, they may submit a request for consideration, using the form available at: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/LUDrequest. In general, a property’s Land Use designation could be changed if the requested designation is consistent with the Land Use designation of surrounding properties.

Requests must be submitted by 5 p.m. on March 31, 2026. Residents may submit requests in person, by mail, or via email.

Please note that a land use designation guides long-term planning but does not change a property’s zoning. Any requests for future zoning changes will be considered through a separate process, at a later time.

Additionally, properties within the Lexington Park Development District are not currently eligible for land use designation change requests.

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

About St. Mary’s 2050

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

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by bringing home your own lucky charm. The Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter is offering $17 adoptions for all cats and dogs to qualified adopters during their Fur-Leaf Clover Adoption Event, from Tuesday, March 10, through Tuesday, March 17.

Whether you’re a longtime pet owner or a first-time adopter, the Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter is dedicated to making the adoption process a joyful and rewarding experience. Find your lucky fur-leaf clover by visiting the shelter Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information on the adoption process, visit www.CalvertCountyAnimalShelter.com/Adoption.

To schedule an intake appointment, call 410-535-7387. The shelter is located at 5055 Hallowing Point Road in Prince Frederick. For more information about adopting from the Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter visit www.CalvertCountyAnimalShelter.com. Visit the Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter on Instagram at @calvertcountyanimalshelter and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyAnimalShelter.

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

Knees were bouncing with anxious jitters and hearts were racing as students waited for their turn to approach the microphone in the middle of Piccowaxen Middle School’s gym Wednesday evening for the 48th annual Charles County Spelling Bee.

The top spellers from eight Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) middle schools were represented by a team of no more than three students. Students from county private schools and a home school co-op also participated.

In the end, the Final 4 spellers were seventh graders returning 2025 Spelling Bee champion Aruuke Rayeva of Archbishop Neale School (ANS), Sebastian Miciano of Milton M. Somers Middle School, Ava Warburton of Southern Maryland Christian Academy (SMCA) and eighth grader Ethan Atanga of Matthew Henson Middle School.

Atanga clenched the number one spot in this year’s competition. With this being his first year doing the Spelling Bee his confidence was even higher when he took home first place. “It feels great,” he said. “I was confident the whole time. I just had to give it my all.”

“I thank everyone who has helped me and my coaches who have helped me to be great off the court as well,” Atanga said.

“I am incredibly proud of Ethan. It’s just the beginning of what he can accomplish,” Claudia Bellony-Atanga, his mom, said. “I know he will represent his school [and county] well.”

Atanga will represent Charles County in the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee. The competition takes place in late May near Washington, D.C.  

At the local level, ANS, coached by Laura Schreyer, took home a plaque for earning the most points in the March 4 competition with Atanga receiving a $1,000 check from Bee sponsor Educational Systems Federal Credit Union and a trophy for being the top speller. The remaining finalists — Miciano, Rayeva and Warburton — each received a trophy. The Charles County Spelling Bee is sponsored by CCPS, the credit union and SMECO.

Students compete in school-level spelling bees to advance to the county contest. The team members and coaches for each school that competed are listed below.

Theodore G. Davis Middle School — Caesar Keith, Avery Samuel and Taryn Stills. Coached by Delishia Davis.

Glymont Middle School — Montez Fiore, Evan Story and Ariah Washington. Coached by Shannon Elder.

John Hanson Middle School — Jordan Lewis and Victor Sagastume Diaz. Coached by Kimberle Johnson.

Matthew Henson Middle School — Atanga, Skylar Cureton and Ryan Ordonez. Coached by Debby Holder.

Mattawoman Middle School — Kalu Girum, Owen Kanhonou and Anshu Shrestha. Coached by Chris Rubenstahl.

Piccowaxen Middle School — Charlotte Fenton, Olivia Hays and William Pouring. Coached by Amber Sullivan.

Milton M. Somers Middle School ­­–– Jan Margaux Magauay, Miciano and Myka Rizor. Coached by Valerie Amend.

Benjamin Stoddert Middle School — Aidan Brock, Toni Cannon and Caleb Curry. Coached by Taylor Covington.

ANS — Rayeva, Eben Schlereth and George Shipley IV. Coached by Schreyer.

Grace Lutheran School — Braxton Armour, Marlie Charles and Dilan Sinclair. Coached by Susaye Smith-Weir.

Neighborhood Creative Arts Center Homeschool Co-op — Chloe Mobley and Eze Onodugo. Coached by Georgia Bonney.

Southern Maryland Christian Academy — Maya Carter, Oliva Namyst and Warburton. Coached by Lanaya Ramsey.

St. Peter’s School — Duke Costello, Elizabeth James and Julianna Pinola. Coached by Coach Amanda Cordova-Ross.

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – March 5, 2026 – The Calvert County Department of Public Works, Solid Waste Division has implemented a self-service kiosk at Appeal Landfill. This new feature aims to streamline operations for Calvert County residents and visitors, reduce wait times and enhance the customer experience at the landfill.

With the new system, Calvert County residents will use an interactive touch screen kiosk upon arrival and follow a step-by-step process:

· Check-in: Upon arrival, scan your driver’s license and select the material you are disposing of using the interactive screen.

· Receive a QR ticket: The system will generate a ticket with a unique QR code and hold number.

· Inbound scale: Proceed to the inbound scale and call in to the scale house via intercom mounted on yellow pedestal prior to the gate lift arm. At this time, your vehicle’s weight is automatically recorded, the material type is verified by the scale clerk and linked to your QR code.

· Load confirmation: A scale clerk will confirm the load type, direct the customer to the proper dumping area and open the gate for entry.

· Dispose of materials: After being directed, proceed to dump your materials.

· Outbound scale and payment: Unless directed otherwise at the scale house, return to the outbound scale, where the system finalizes your billing.

Out-of-county customers or those with out-of-county identification must scan their QR code to confirm their transaction and amount due. All customers have the option to pay by cash, check or use the outbound unattended payment system equipped with chip readers or tap-to-pay for credit and with debit card transactions.

This upgraded system is designed to create a more efficient and secure process for managing waste disposal while reducing congestion and wait times at the landfill.

The Appeal Landfill is located at 401 Sweetwater Road in Lusby. For more information about landfill operations and services visit www.calvertcountymd.gov/1753/Locations-Hours-Fees.

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

Larval striped bass appeared to have enough to eat in 2023 and 2024

Cladocerans, or water fleas, from the stomach contents of a larval striped bass, viewed under a microscope. Shannon Moorhead/DNR

The availability of tiny plankton that larval striped bass eat during their first weeks of life does not appear to be a leading factor for the recent poor spawning success of the fish in Maryland, according to a new study by scientists at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

The findings suggest that one leading theory about the poor spawning success of striped bass—that larval striped bass have missed important blooms of zooplankton to feed on—is not to blame for the consecutive years of low numbers of juvenile striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay since 2019.

The study, published late December in the journal Marine and Coastal Fisheries, analyzed stomach contents of weeks-old striped bass in the Choptank River from 2023 and 2024 and compared them to historical data on larval striped bass diets in the Choptank in the 1980s. While these two recent years had poor year classes, meaning spawning female striped bass produced low number of juveniles in those years, the 1980s dataset included a full range of year-class outcomes.

They found that the young striped bass had enough to eat in 2023 and 2024, with plankton buffets available at similar levels to high spawning years.

“When we got done, basically a strong year class like the one in the Choptank River in 1989 didn’t really look different from 2023 or 2024 in terms of feeding,” DNR fisheries biologist Jim Uphoff, the lead author of the study, said. DNR biologists Shannon Moorhead, Alexis Park, Carrie Hoover, Marisa Ponte, and Jeffrey Horne were also authors on the study.

Previously, scientists had wondered if a “mismatch” of the timing of zooplankton blooms and larval striped bass looking for their first meal could be a major cause of recent low year-class success. By largely ruling out that “match-mismatch hypothesis” as a leading driver of recent poor spawning success, the study helps biologists home in on the most likely reason for the low recruitment.

To collect the feeding data on the larval striped bass, the biologists pulled a large plankton net through several sites on the Choptank River in the weeks after known striped bass spawning. Bringing jars of preserved river water collected from the nets back to the lab, they sifted through a layer of fine organic matter in pans to find the larval striped bass and white perch, only between 5 and 10 millimeters long. The two species share a nursery, eat the same zooplankton, and closely resemble each other, requiring individual identification under a microscope.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources biologist Marisa Ponte deploys a plankton net in the Choptank River. Joe Zimmermann/DNR

The DNR team used dissecting needles and microscopes to analyze the stomach contents of the larval fish. They also digitized historical data from larval surveys on the Choptank River in the 1980s.

After hatching, larval striped bass first consume their yolk sac and then find their first meal in the zooplankton that swim in the water column. They mainly eat copepods (microscopic, antennaed crustaceans that inspired the Plankton character in “SpongeBob SquarePants”) or cladocerans, commonly called water fleas.

They found that striped bass larvae had a high amount of copepods to eat in 2023 and 2024, as well as a lot of cladocerans in 2024. White perch followed similar patterns.

Plankton feeding levels were variable in the years of the 1980s, but the study found feeding was not closely correlated with the results of the juvenile index from the young-of-year survey, DNR’s longstanding survey used to measure the year class success of striped bass and other Bay fish.

Years with large amounts of juveniles, like 1989, had similar availability of zooplankton to years with poor recruitment, like 2024. Uphoff said successful year classes appear to thrive based on an adequate amount of zooplankton coinciding with several other factors that hit in their favor. Moorhead recorded a presentation on the findings from the research for the American Fisheries Society meeting last year. 

The study also found that the abundance of striped bass larvae sized 8-10 millimeters matched up closely to the abundance found in the older juveniles of the young-of-year survey, suggesting that the success of the year class was already largely determined before the fish’s third week of life, when they are smaller than a grain of rice. 

Uphoff described the spawning strategy of striped bass as a gambler’s bet—with a slight increase in temperature, they go all in. “In enough cases, the timing is bad, and that doesn’t work,” he said. “But every once in a while, they have a big year class.” With a shortened spawning season, it may be harder to hit it right.

“The amount of eggs is okay and the feeding larvae are okay, so now you’re looking at something in between,” Uphoff said. “The big drivers are water flow and temperature. More and more, it’s looking like a temperature issue here, related to climate change. By process of elimination, that’s the next place to look.”

A previous study authored by Uphoff found that the presence of striped bass eggs in spawning areas in recent years appears to be high enough to support good recruitment. Another study, by DNR biologist Angela Giuliano, found that the striped bass spawning season is shortening as early spring water temperatures are rising in the Bay.

By seeming to rule out the early feeding period as a deciding factor for year-class success, this recent zooplankton study suggests that the shortened spawning period is when striped bass are struggling.

“This study is another important contribution to striped bass research by our fisheries biologists at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources,” said DNR Assistant Secretary of Aquatic Resources Kate Charbonneau. “Our scientists have brought us another step closer to understanding the ongoing low juvenile recruitment of striped bass. DNR is a science-based agency, and research like this is important for guiding our management decisions.” 

DNR biologists have emphasized the need to enforce protective regulations for adult striped bass in order to maintain a healthy breeding population. When the environmental conditions are right, a good stock of spawners could bring a large year class into the Chesapeake.

By Joe Zimmermann, science writer with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

[Thursday, March 5]  On Tuesday, March 3, Wes Adams, County Attorney, presented legislation to the Charles County Commissioners to formally establish an independent Office of the Inspector General. The bill creates an office responsible for investigating allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, and inefficiency in county operations, as well as among contractors and entities receiving county funds. The Inspector General would be appointed by an Inspector General Citizen Advisory Board, serve a fixed term, and have authority to access county records, issue subpoenas, conduct investigations, and publish reports to ensure transparency. The legislation outlines qualifications, reporting requirements, and protections to maintain the office’s independence. The Commissioners unanimously approved the bill and scheduled a public hearing for May 5, 2026.

Briefings

• Terrah Dews, Associate County Attorney, presented legislation to update compensation provisions for members of the Animal Matters Hearing Board. The bill removes the requirement that board members serve without pay, allowing the County to provide compensation in accordance with the Charles County Compensation Commission's recommendations. The change is intended to recognize the time and expertise contributed by board members and to support the continued effective operation of the Animal Matters Hearing Board. The Commissioners voted to introduce the bill and scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

• Joel Binkley, Planning Supervisor, Devin Parker, Planner I, Tony Felts, Assistant Chief of Planning, and Charles Rice, Planning Director, presented a zoning text amendment to the Charles County Commissioners to update local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), smaller secondary living units on the same property as a primary home, as part of the county’s effort to expand housing options and comply with new Maryland state law requiring ADU authorization by October 1, 2026. The proposal would clarify and modernize ADU regulations by permitting attached and detached units where single-family detached homes are allowed, adjusting maximum size limits to either 1,000 square feet or 75 % of the primary dwelling (whichever is smaller), eliminating separate storage requirements for detached units, removing off-street parking requirements, and setting clear limits on height and bedrooms while still meeting health department sewer and septic rules. Internal ADUs would also be allowed in townhouses with separate entrances, subject to specific design standards. The Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the request to hold a public hearing with the Planning Commission on March 16, 2026.

• Joel Binkley, Planning Supervisor; Mark Thompson, Chief of Commercial Development; Dina Barclay, Director of Community Services; and Jacob Dyer, Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services, presented the 2026 Affordable Housing PILOT Projects update, outlining four proposed Waldorf developments that would create 439 affordable housing units and significantly reduce the county’s affordable housing shortfall. All projects met the program’s minimum requirements, including long-term affordability, income-restricted units, location in Priority Funding Areas, and consistency with the Comprehensive Plan. Applications also earned bonus points for exceeding baseline criteria through deeper affordability levels, extended affordability terms, supportive services, sustainable design features, enhanced amenities, proximity to public transit, and locations within the Waldorf Urban Redevelopment Corridor. Commissioners voted to advance Eagle Point Phase 1, Lenville Crossing, and Pine Way Village projects at a public hearing on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

• Charles Rice, Planning Director, Tony Felts, Assistant Chief of Planning, and Jason Groth, Director, Department of Planning and Growth Management, presented a proposed zoning text amendment to the Charles County Commissioners that would update local zoning rules to specifically allow and regulate retail sales establishments larger than 100,000 square feet in certain mixed-use and urban development areas. The amendment would revise the zoning code to clarify that large retail uses are permitted with conditions in the Mixed-Use and Transit-Oriented Development zones. The ZTA would also permit such uses in the Urban Center zone.  The ZTA would also remove the existing requirement that such stores be multistory and establish updated parking requirements at one space per 250 square feet of retail space, while reducing parking requirements for other retail uses. The proposal stems from a request on January 27, 2026, by Commissioner Dr. Amanda Stewart for a code update to support retail growth and better align parking standards with current needs. Commissioners approved staff to begin the public process of the amendment.

Charles County Boards and Commissions Annual Update

Commissioners heard briefings on the activities of the following county boards and commissions:

• Planning Commission
• Board of Appeals
• Board of License Commissioners (Liquor Board)
• Tax Assessment Appeal Board

Legislative Update

Representatives from bus contractors and the Charles County Board of Education visited the commissioners to speak on Senate Bill 574, which would require the Charles County Board of Education to provide 10 years' notice before displacing a contracted bus company from service. The commissioners were provided with a copy of the bill, with proposed amendments to reduce the time to notify from 10 to 6 years and to pay the remaining balance on buses purchased or financed prior to the date of written notice. The board reached consensus to provide a letter expressing their concerns about the bill.

Danielle Mitchell, Acting Deputy County Administrator, stated that hearings were also held on Senate Bills 573 and 575.

Approval Items

Commissioners approved:

• A Budget Transfer Request of $361,140  to pay the invoice received from the State Department of Assessments & Taxation (SDAT).  The County is now required to reimburse the State of Maryland for 90% of the costs of administering certain programs in SDAT.  This year’s invoice exceeded expectations due to a state billing error from a prior year.
• An award recommendation to Nationwide for Deferred Compensation Program services for employees.
• A Standard Operating Procedure delegating authorities for change orders.
• A letter of support for directed congressional spending for the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center. The letter would support the Nuclear Medicine Modernization Initiative at the Medical Center.
• A letter to the Maryland Department of Transportation outlining the county’s transportation priorities for Fiscal Year 2027.

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – March 5, 2026 – Calvert County Government invites citizens to take advantage of a surplus furniture sale.

Following the relocation of county employees to the County Administration Building, surplus office furniture from the former Main Street offices in Prince Frederick is now available for purchase. The sale will run through Friday, March 20 and is by appointment only.

All items are sold as-is and purchasers are responsible for loading and removing all furniture. County employees are prohibited from assisting with loading or removal of purchased items.

For questions or to schedule an appointment, contact David Fox at 443-532-2416.

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

LEONARDTOWN, MD – Superintendent of Schools, Dr. J. Scott Smith, announces the 2025-2026 operating calendar adjustments made by the Board of Education at its meeting on March 4, 2026, as follows: 

Monday, April 6, 2026 (Easter Monday) will be a school day due to an inclement weather make-up day 

The calendar for the Chesapeake Public Charter School will be adjusted as follows: 

Friday, March 13, 2026 (Professional Development/Responsibilities) will be a school day with a two-hour early dismissal due to an inclement weather make-up day

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 will be the last day for 10-month staff (change from original calendar)  

Tuesday, June 30, 2026 will be the last day for 11-month staff (change from original calendar) 

To view the amended school system calendar, visit our website at www.smcps.org/calendar.

For more information, call (301) 475-5511, ext 34105. 

[Thursday, March 5] The County Administrator wishes to remind residents of changes to operating schedules for March. All offices, facilities, and services not listed will be operating at their normal hours.

Friday, March 20 (Eid al-Fitr)

• All Charles County Government offices and the Charles County Animal Care Center in Hughesville will be closed.
• All senior centers and the Nanjemoy Community Center will be closed.
• The following county facilities will remain open on a normal schedule:

• All school-based community centers
• All indoor pools
• Port Tobacco Recreation Center
• Elite Gymnastics & Recreation Center

• Waldorf Senior and Recreational Center is open for recreational activities only.
• The Charles County Landfill, all Recycling Centers, and the Piney Church Road Mulch Facility will be open during regular hours of operation. Curbside recycling will run as scheduled.

Operating status for other County affiliated agencies:

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

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

Through this initiative, SMCHD will receive additional technology and data expertise to improve how the department manages and uses information to solve community health problems. Strong, well-organized data and technology systems help local officials identify emerging health issues quickly, respond effectively, and make sound, evidence-based decisions.

As part of the program, the CDC Foundation will provide to SMCHD during the project period:

• A full-time Data Modernization Senior Advisor
• A full-time Systems Architect
• Access to a Data Engineer as needed to support technical projects

Planned efforts include strengthening data governance and enhancing information security. The Health Department will also build the infrastructure for a data warehouse, allowing information from different topics to be brought together in one place to support timely decision-making for complex issues.

Since launching in 2024, the Workforce Acceleration Initiative has supported jurisdictions nationwide with systems improvement plans, data governance projects, automation upgrades, data warehouse development, and improvements that make data more usable and efficient. Many of these projects, which might otherwise take several years, are being completed in 12–24 months.

“Public health moves at the speed of data,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “If our data and technology systems are slow or siloed, our public health response is too. This initiative will help us modernize how we work so we can detect issues earlier, respond faster, and serve our community better. It’s about building the infrastructure we need for the future of public health and a thriving community.”

The CDC Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization leveraging private and public funds to support the work of public health agencies nationwide. Through partnerships like WAI, the Foundation helps communities build modern tools to improve health protection and emergency response.

For more information about WAI, visit cdcfoundation.org/programs/workforceacceleration.

Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman joined Governor Wes Moore and Treasurer Dereck Davis today for a meeting of the Board of Public Works. 

During the meeting, the Board of Public Works approved more than $204 million in state spending supporting projects and initiatives across Maryland. 

In all, the Board approved 93 items representing a total state expenditure of $204,604,283.39. This includes grant agreements supporting community projects, small business participation in state contracting, and workforce development initiatives. 

During her remarks, Comptroller Lierman underscored her call for the Trump Administration to reimburse Marylanders for tariffs that were imposed by the federal government and later ruled unconstitutional by the United States Supreme Court. “We should be clear. These tariffs are taxes,” said Comptroller Lierman. “They are taxes paid by Maryland families, businesses, and nonprofits who now have to navigate unpredictable cost breaks that thin margins and threaten livelihoods. Marylanders deserve better. Americans deserve better.”  The Comptroller noted that Marylanders have absorbed billions of dollars in additional costs due to these tariffs and reiterated that they deserve leaders who demand accountability when their constituents are harmed. 

The approvals included grant agreements for 27 recipients supporting 27 projects located in 11 counties and Baltimore City, totaling $27,689,000. 

The Board also approved several contracts supporting Maryland’s small businesses and workforce programs, including items awarded to certified small business enterprises and minority business enterprises, as well as funding for an Employment Works Program provider. 

In total, today’s approvals included:

• Grant agreements for 27 recipients for 27 projects located in 11 counties and Baltimore City with a total value of $27,689,000. 
• Five items awarding $4,217,788.60 to certified small business primes.
• One item awarding $239,117.60 to a certified minority business enterprise prime.
• One item awarding $1,121,511.31 to an Employment Works Program provider.
• Seven items awarded with established participation goals for minority business enterprises.
• One item awarded with an established participation goal for veteran-owned small business enterprises. 

Meeting documents for today’s meeting can be found HERE. 

The next meeting of the Board of Public Works will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. 

Due to inclement weather, schools were closed on Monday, February 23, 2026. In accordance with the provisions outlined in our approved school calendar, the following adjustments have been made:

Student Calendar Update

• Thursday, June 11, 2026, becomes a full student day
• Friday, June 12, 2026, will serve as the student makeup day
  • This will be a two-hour early dismissal for all students.
  • Elementary school B Day
  • Middle school B Day

Staff Calendar Update

• Friday, June 12, 2026, will be a two-hour early dismissal for Teacher Work Time
• Monday, June 15, 2026, will be the final teacher workday for the school year.

The updated school calendar is available using the following link: 2025-2026 District School Year Calendar.

Thank you for your flexibility and continued partnership as we work to ensure all instructional requirements are met.

LA PLATA, MD— Tony Covington, State’s Attorney for Charles County, announced that on Monday, March 2, 2026, Charles County Circuit Court Judge William R. Greer, Jr. sentenced Bryce Caleb Timothy Brown, 22, of Waldorf, to 40 years in prison for the Second-Degree Murder of Gloristine Pinkney, as well as Theft: $25,000 to under $100,000, Fourth-Degree Burglary, and Theft: $1,500 to Under $25,000. Upon release, Brown will be on supervised probation for a period of five years. If he violates the terms of his probation, he faces an additional 18 years in prison.

A Charles County jury found Brown guilty of the above-listed charges on December 16, 2025.

On July 2, 2023, officers with Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a burglary in progress at the Lowe’s store in Waldorf. Upon arrival, officers spoke with store employees and managers working the overnight shift who reported hearing loud banging noises. Officers also observed damage to the store’s roll-up doors and security gates.

Officers then responded to a nearby Home Depot, where employees reported hearing a loud scream. At that location, officers discovered the body of victim Pinkney partially pinned beneath a forklift. Pinkney was declared deceased at the scene.

An investigation revealed that Brown, who was employed by Lowe’s at the time, stole a forklift from the fenced in rear lot of the store and rammed it through the business’ rear gates and roll-up door. Brown then drove the forklift out of the Lowe’s and into the parking lot of Home Depot, where he rammed it into a parked car. The victim, who was unknown to Brown and had been asleep in the vehicle, exited the car and attempted to flee. However, Brown followed her and struck her with the forklift, running her over.

After the incident, Brown fled the scene in the victim’s car. He used her credit card to purchase gas and traveled to Washington, D.C. and Virginia before returning to his Waldorf residence, where he was later apprehended.

During the course of the investigation, Brown was developed as the suspect through witnesses and surveillance video. The rear gate used to enter the Lowe’s was processed and swabbed for DNA, which was consistent with Brown’s DNA. Additionally, Brown’s fingerprints were found on the victim’s vehicle, and the vehicle’s keys were located inside of Brown’s residence along with a pair of shorts that had the victim’s blood on it.

At sentencing, Assistant State’s Attorney Jonathan Beattie, asking for a 50-year sentence, stated that what happened was “a tragic loss of life in the most horrendous way possible.”

Before sentencing him to 40 years in prison, the Honorable Judge Greer told Brown, “This is a terrible situation; it affects your family and Ms. Pinkney’s family. Your family will get to see you and talk to you, but Ms. Pinkney’s family will not. It’s sad all the way around.” He furthered, “it’s clear there was a mental health issue, but it’s not clear that what happened was a result of that. I can’t overlook how horrendous that action was.”

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 Developmental Disability Awareness Month, Women’s History Month, the 54^th Anniversary of the National Senior Nutrition Program, and National Social Work Month.

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

• Reviewed future CSMC meeting agendas.
• Approved the FY2027 Victims of Crime Act Grant application on behalf of the Office of the State's Attorney.
• Approved the 2025 eligibility lists for the volunteer fire & rescue Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP). 
• Approved the FY2026 budget amendment to realign funds due to salary savings.

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

The CSMC wrapped their business meeting with Commissioner Time and reconvened at 1:30 p.m. for a Budget Work Session.

The next CSMC Meeting will be on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 9 a.m. in the CSMC Meeting Room, on the 1^st floor of the Chesapeake Building, located at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown. There will also be a Budget Work Session that afternoon at 1:30 p.m. and a Public Hearing that evening at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live on TV Channel 95 or at www.youtube.com/@StMarysCoGov.

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

The Charles County Sheriff's Office is launching Project Y.O.U. – Youth Outreach Unified – a new pilot program starting this April as part of the Sheriff’s Youth Engagement Unit. Project Y.O.U. will bring together police officers and CCSO employees to work with local youth after school, twice a week, focusing on life skills, academic support, leadership, fitness, and hands-on activities that help teens build confidence and make smart choices.

The program was made possible through the hard work and dedication of the officers assigned to the Youth Engagement Unit. They studied a similar program in Kansas City, Kansas, to learn best practices, designed an outreach vehicle for community events, and created informational videos and graphics to introduce Project Y.O.U. to local families. Their research, creativity, and enthusiasm have been key to bringing this pilot program to life.

“We are invested in our youth and in this community,” said Sheriff Troy D. Berry. “Project Y.O.U. gives our youth an opportunity to grow, learn, and lead. Thanks to the officers who researched, planned, and created this program, and with the support of Charles County Parks and Recreation, we’re ready to launch the pilot and look forward to expanding it in the future.”

This pilot session will be limited to 30 participants based on eligibility and on a first-come, first-served basis. After evaluating the first session, the goal is to expand the program to serve more youth in the community.

Project Y.O.U. is one of several youth initiatives offered by the Sheriff’s Office, alongside after-school mentoring, the Youth Advisory Council, the School Resource Officer program, Teen Court, and summer camps.

Important Facts:
Program Begins: April 7, 2026, and ends May 27, 2026 
Location: Waldorf Senior and Recreational Center, 90 Post Office Road, Waldorf, MD
Days: Tuesdays & Wednesdays
Time: 4 pm – 7 pm
A meal is provided for each youth participant.

Eligibility
Must be a Charles County resident
Ages 12–17

Registration Information
Registration closes: March 23 at 3 pm
Parents/guardians will be notified of acceptance status by March 26 at 3 pm.
MANDATORY parent/ child attendance on APRIL 7 for program orientation

To complete the Project Y.O.U. registration, please visit the Charles County Sheriff’s Office website at https://www.ccso.us/project-y-o-u/. For questions, please email youthengagement@ccso.us.

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – Communities surrounding Naval Air Station Patuxent River are advised that a nighttime noise-generating testing events are scheduled to take place March 4, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Pilots at NAS PAX will be conducting Field Carrier Landing Practices (FCLPs) with a tiltrotor aircraft. FCLPs are simulated carrier landings conducted to prepare the pilot to land safely on an aircraft carrier.  The practices consist of series of touch-and-go maneuvers, called “bounces.” Residents may notice increased noise levels due to these operations.

As with all operations, NAS Patuxent River takes precautions to lessen the impact of testing activities on the community. For more information, call 1-866-819-9028. To view all current NAS PAX noise advisories please click the following link: https://www.cnic.navy.mil/PaxRiverNoise.

Burglary: 26-15520
On February 16, 2026, at approximately 3:24 p.m., DFC Grierson responded to the 12000 block of Susan Lane in Lusby for a reported burglary in progress. The complainant reported that an unknown male forcibly entered the residence without consent and ran down a hallway while acting erratically. Cpl. Shrawder located and detained the suspect, identified as Kese Eman Lyles, 44, of Great Mills. A search incident to arrest revealed a burnt glass pipe containing a copper/brass mesh filter, consistent with CDS paraphernalia. Lyles was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with Burglary – 4th Degree, Trespassing on Private Property, and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

CDS Violation: 26-15374
On February 16, 2026, at approximately 1:12 a.m., DFC Hill responded to the Prince Frederick Post Office, located at 35 Duke Street in Prince Frederick, for a report of individuals inside the lobby after hours. Upon arrival, DFC Hill observed two individuals sleeping in the lobby. The individuals were identified as Matthew Leo Greening, 37, of no fixed address, and Brandon McNeil Robinson, 19, of no fixed address. Further investigation revealed that both individuals had previously been trespassed indefinitely from the property. A search incident to arrest revealed that Greening was in possession of a glass smoking device containing cocaine residue. Greening and Robinson were transported to the Calvert County Detention Center. Both were charged with Trespassing on Public Agency Property After Hours. Greening was additionally charged with CDS: Possession – Not Cannabis and CDS: Possession of Paraphernalia.

Disorderly Conduct: 26-16021
On February 17, 2026, at approximately 10:33 p.m., deputies responded to the 3400 block of King Drive in Dunkirk, for the report of a disorderly subject following a disturbance at a residence. Upon arrival, deputies learned that a physical altercation had occurred during a party where alcohol was being consumed. During the investigation, deputies made contact with Eric Steven Straughan, 18, of Huntingtown, who was observed displaying signs of intoxication and detected the odor of marijuana emitting from his person. Straughn became disorderly, yelling profanities and threats in the residential neighborhood and attempting to push past deputies after being given multiple lawful commands to stop. Due to his intoxicated state and continued disruptive behavior, he was placed under arrest. Straughan resisted by tensing up and attempting to pull away before being secured in handcuffs. A search incident to arrest revealed suspected marijuana, marijuana vape devices, and alcohol in his possession. Straughan was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with Disorderly Conduct, Intoxicated Endangerment, Resisting/Interfering with Arrest, and Failure to Obey a Reasonable/Lawful Order.

Obstructing Justice: 26-17080
On February 20, 2026, at approximately 3:18 p.m., DFC Crum initiated a traffic stop along Rt. 4 and Auto Drive and Prince Frederick, for a seatbelt violation. The driver refused to provide his driver’s license and vehicle registration and became argumentative and non-compliant. Due to officer safety concerns and the driver’s continued refusal to obey lawful commands, he was ordered multiple times to exit the vehicle. The driver refused and resisted attempts to exit the vehicle. The driver was ultimately removed from the vehicle and placed in handcuffs after continuing to disregard lawful commands and making movements toward his waistband area. The driver was identified as Syeve Armon Ashton Stenson, 32, of Huntingtown. Stenson was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with Failure to Obey a Lawful Order and Obstructing and Hindering.

Theft: 26-16309
On February 18, 2026, Master Deputy Locke responded to the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office District 1 office located at 10500 Southern Maryland Blvd in Dunkirk, for a reported theft. The complainant advised that while stopped at a traffic light on Hospital Road in Prince Frederick, an unknown suspect approached the victim’s vehicle. During a verbal argument regarding traffic lanes, the suspect allegedly flicked a lit cigarette onto the victim, made threats, and reached inside the vehicle and stole the victim’s Apple iPhone. The suspect then fled the scene. Shortly afterward, deputies received a crash notification from the stolen iPhone, which indicated the device had been thrown from the suspect’s vehicle. A separate citizen also called to report a traffic complaint/road rage incident that corroborated the victim’s account. The incident was further observed on nearby traffic cameras. Cpl. Evans later located the victim’s phone and returned it undamaged. The investigation is ongoing.

Theft: 26-17134
On February 20, 2026, DFC Lee responded to the 3800 block of 5th Street in North Beach, for the reported theft. The complainant advised an unknown suspect(s) stole the victim’s registration plate. The estimated value of stolen property is $100.00.

Trespassing: 26-15718
On February 17, 2026, at approximately 5:40 a.m., DFC Grierson responded to the 12900 block of Pine Lane in Lusby for a reported burglary in progress. The complainant advised that an unknown male suspect opened a secured screen door and began banging on the front door of the residence. The homeowner confronted the suspect, later identified as Bradley Shane Krolczyk, 53, of Lusby, who then ran back to a vehicle parked in front of the residence. The responding deputy recognized Krolczyk from a prior encounter on February 16. After repeatedly banging on the front door, Krolczyk allegedly attempted to enter two vehicles parked on the property. Deputies determined there was no evidence he had permission or authority to enter the residence or either vehicle. A search of Krolczyk’s person incident to arrest revealed CDS paraphernalia. Deputies also detected a strong odor of alcohol emitting from his person. Krolczyk was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center and charged with: Rogue and Vagabond, Intoxicated Endangerment, Intoxicated Public Disturbance, Disorderly Conduct, and Trespassing: Private Property.
 

LEONARDTOWN, MD (March 3, 2026) – The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce that Deputy Jordan Wagner and his K-9 partner Groot recently completed a six-week K-9 handler training program. This intensive, multi-week training includes classroom instruction and hands-on skills exercises designed to build a cohesive team between the handler and the dog.

Groot is a two-year-old Czech Shepherd trained in narcotics detection, tracking, and evidence/article searches. Czech Shepherds are known for their intelligence and generally have a protective and loyal temperament, making them excellent dogs for police work.

Following the successful completion of the training, Deputy Wagner and Groot are now on patrol duty.

“Deputy Wagner and Groot represent a significant addition, and the first of planned expansions, to our K-9 program,” said Sheriff Steve Hall. “Their training and professionalism strengthen our capabilities and enhance our ability to proactively combat crime, remove dangerous drugs from our streets, and support public safety.”

K-9 Groot is one of several specialized service dogs that assist the Sheriff’s Office in criminal investigations and public safety operations, providing essential support in locating suspects and evidence, detecting illegal drugs, and tracking people.

The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) is now offering rapid respiratory testing at its School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs), giving families faster answers during cold and flu season.

The SBHCs have added a new testing platform that can detect more than 14 common respiratory viruses and bacteria, with results available in about 15 minutes. Testing is available at both SBHC locations – at Margaret Brent Middle School and Spring Ridge Middle School.

“Rapid results mean families don’t have to wait days to know what’s going on,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “We can treat the illness faster, stop it from spreading, and give families peace of mind.”

SBHCs coordinate with each patient’s regular primary care doctor to ensure care is continuous, helping families avoid missed work or school while keeping all health care providers informed. By expanding rapid testing and care coordination, SMCHD can reduce wait times, respond quickly to outbreaks, and make it easier for families to get the right care when they need it.

Appointments at the SBHCs are open to all St. Mary’s County residents – not just students at the host schools. In addition to same-day sick visits, the SBHCs provide preventive care such as annual checkups and sports physicals, as well as ongoing care for chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit sbhc.smchd.org.

 State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced today that Zahlir Daylin Gantt, 23, of Lexington Park, Maryland, was convicted of first-degree murder for his role in the fatal shooting of a 23-year-old victim that occurred on February 26, 2024.

After a four-day bench trial in the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court, Gantt was convicted of the following offenses:

• First-degree murder (maximum penalty of LIFE in prison);
• Second-degree murder (maximum penalty of 40 years in prison);
• Conspiracy to commit first-degree murder (maximum penalty of LIFE in prison);
• Use of firearm in the commission of a crime of violence (maximum penalty of 20 years in prison); and
• Regulated firearm illegal possession by a disqualified person (maximum penalty of 5 years in prison).

“This verdict delivers accountability and shows that prosecutors and investigators will continue to stand together in seeking justice for victims and their families. I would like to thank the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office’s crime analysts and technicians, who worked tirelessly to accumulate and analyze the voluminous amount of evidence in this case,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “Our community deserves safety. Our office’s commitment to prosecuting violent crime remains steadfast, especially when it results in the precious loss of life.”

Gantt will continue to be held without bond pending a sentencing hearing where he faces a maximum penalty of LIFE plus 65 years in prison.

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

Detective Warren Forinash of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office was the lead investigator.

The Honorable Joseph Stanalonis presided over the case.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – Clean out your barn, basement, garage, and other home storage areas in preparation for Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day!

St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) will offer Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. Andrews Landfill, located at 44837 St. Andrews Church Road in California. This event provides the opportunity for residents to safely dispose of potentially toxic or dangerous materials.

Hazardous waste items accepted for collection include acids, ammonia, bleach, cleaners, fuels, gas/oil mixtures, gasoline, household and lawn pesticides, mercury thermometers, photography chemicals, pool chemicals, solvents, wood preservatives, paint thinners and alkyd (oil-based) paint. Unacceptable items include ammunition, asbestos, explosive materials, latex paint*, medical waste, pharmaceuticals, radioactive materials, and picric acid. *Latex paint can be hardened by adding a paint hardener; once it is completely hardened, it may be disposed of at any Convenience Center or at the St. Mary’s County Landfill.

For more information, please visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov/dpw or contact DPW&T at (301) 475-4200, ext. 3550.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Government’s Museum Division will not host the annual Maryland Day mainland ceremony and event in 2026 due to construction of a new St. Clement’s Island Museum facility. This longstanding tradition will return in 2027 at the new, modernized museum building.

On Maryland Day 2026, the annual Mass on St. Clement’s Island will still take place, commemorating the first Catholic Mass in the English New World. The commemorative Mass will be held on the island at 10 a.m. Community members are invited to attend, with water taxi service beginning at 9 a.m. and return trips provided following the Mass.

Maryland Day celebrates the first landing of the colonists on St. Clement’s Island – a significant chapter in the history of the island, St. Mary’s County, and the State of Maryland.

The Museum Division looks forward to welcoming the community back in 2027 to celebrate Maryland Day in the new facility.

For questions or more information, please call St. Clement’s Island Museum at (301) 769-2222.

For more information on museum hours of operation, programs, events, admission prices, and more, follow our museums on Facebook at:

• St. Clement’s Island Museum: Facebook.com/SCIMuseum
• Old Jail Museum & Visitor Center: Facebook.com/TheOldJailMuseum
• Piney Point Lighthouse Museum: Facebook.com/1836Light
• Drayden African American Schoolhouse:Facebook.com/DraydenSchool

About the St. Mary’s County Museum Division

The St. Mary’s County Museum Division was established by the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County to collect, preserve, research, and interpret the historic sites and artifacts which illustrate the natural and cultural histories of St. Mary’s County and the Potomac River. These sites include St. Clement’s Island Museum, Piney Point Lighthouse Museum, the Old Jail Museum, and the Drayden African American Schoolhouse. With this as its charter, the Museum Division serves as a resource, liaison, and community advocate for all St. Mary’s County public and private cultural assets. For more information, please visit: museums.stmarysmd.com.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (March 2, 2026) – Deputies with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Lexington Park man on Sunday, March 1, following a traffic stop that led to the recovery of suspected heroin, drug paraphernalia, and cash.

While conducting proactive patrol operations along Great Mills Road, deputies observed a vehicle fail to stop properly at a traffic light and initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle accelerated away, and during the brief pursuit, a deputy observed the driver discard a plastic bag from the vehicle. The vehicle stopped a short time later, and the driver was taken into custody without further incident.

Deputies recovered the discarded plastic bag, which contained suspected heroin. A search of the vehicle and driver resulted in the recovery of suspected controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia and nearly $5,000 in cash.

The driver and sole occupant, Jamal Kedrick Demetrius Davis, 29, of Lexington Park, was charged with possession of heroin, possession with intent to distribute, destroying, altering or concealing physical evidence, and possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to use.

Davis was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Leonardtown.

LEONARDTOWN, MD – St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) will be making roadway improvements on Wildewood Parkway beginning from Smoke Hill Road extending to White Elm Court. This project will include storm drain culvert replacement across the intersection of Smoke Hill Road and across Wildewood Parkway.

The project is scheduled to begin on or about Monday, March 9, 2026, with completion in approximately 15 days, weather permitting. A traffic control plan will be implemented for the duration of the project. Lane closures will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Message boards and signage will be deployed in the area prior to and during the project to serve as a reminder. Motorists are advised to use caution and follow signage. Please remain alert to work crews, changing traffic patterns, and equipment and consider alternate travel routes to avoid delays in traffic.

Questions may be directed to Donald Bean with DPW&T at 301-475-4200, ext. 3520.

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

First Responders Locate Downed Aircraft in Hollywood

At approximately 9:04 a.m. Saturday morning, multiple calls were received by 911 reporting a possible airplane crash in the Hollywood area.

At approximately 10:21 a.m., first responders located the aircraft in a wooded area of Hollywood.

There is no known public safety threat at this time.

The Maryland State Police will assume the investigation into the incident.